Homecoming Feels Like Coming Home

Homecoming at Ole Miss this weekend felt like coming home, though my only official tie to the state is my son, Gar, who is a student.  What a remarkable student body and alumni group!  Ten acres of  side by side open air tents were most hospitable to friends, strangers and opposing team fans.

What a great tribute to the whole community, that Oxford demonstrated in so many ways, what true Southern Hospitality means.  I'm grateful to have experienced graciousness above competitiveness, enthusiastic friends by association, and thousands of genteel, fun-loving Southerners who made me feel at home.

Entertaining

There are a million different ways to entertain family, friends and neighbors. Though we each have our preferences, there is only one inviolable rule - we must welcome guests in a way that makes them and us feel comfortable.
  
I hear of so many parties that might have been, but for hesitant hosts.  Many averted parties are the result of would-be hosts who don't have time to plan ahead to create the "perfect" party.  The perfect party is one filled with good friends and lots of laughter.  The invitations, food, beverages, style and setting take a backseat to being together.  We've had a terrific time at many spontaneous gatherings as well as those that were planned well in advance. 

Entertaining doubles our pleasure.  We get to enjoy the event and the memories that are created.

Ps and Qs

It seems like I've always known that minding my Ps and Qs means to act graciously.  However, this is a common term that I only explored recently.  Whether we attribute the origin to "pints and quarts" or to the typeset letters, we are reminded to watch what we are doing.  I was intrigued to learn that one possible origin was an English bartender's charge to watch how many pints and quarts a customer might consume.  Another possibility is the attention to detail required to discern the difference in the letters "p" and "q" in proofreading typeset material.

I'd like to offer another possibility - Presentation and Questions.  Continuing the theme of acting graciously, consider all elements of presenting ourselves.  Are we prepared, professional, prompt, presentable, positive, precise?  As for questions - are we prepared and willing to address them, and eager to solicit additional queries?  Our ability to present information and address questions in settings large and intimate ultimately determines how others judge our mastery of Ps and Qs.

Gracious Celebrity

Many years ago Edgar and I were visiting with Rice University alumni at a popular destination, Kay's Lounge. All the Rice alums knew one another, and I was delighted to get to know Edgar's friends and classmates.  As I was introduced to an athletic, friendly young man, I unknowingly asked the question, "Did you play football for Rice?" (Unbeknownst to me, he played in the NFL.)

He graciously answered, "Yes, he did."

Only because of the grief I later received from others who were present, did I realize that a sports celebrity had chosen to be an ordinary guy that evening.  He chose not to embarrass me for my lack of recognition.

My only conversation with NFL quarterback, Tommy Kramer, was a million years ago, in instantaneous communication time.  However, with all the posturing that generally occurs with celebrities, all these years later, I still applaud Tommy Kramer's graciousness.

Friendly People Are Everywhere

We often think of small towns as having the friendliest people on earth. And they do have remarkably friendly residents. I had the privilege of growing up in a small town where almost everyone knew everyone else.

But huge cities like Houston have wonderfully friendly folks, too. I've often said that there are only three degrees of separation in Houston.

I was thrilled today when my lovely Mother remarked that she was delighted to see how polite and accommodating everyone coming in and out of my very busy neighborhood post office was. And she had the chance to observe many comings and goings as I waited in a Saturday line to post a birthday greeting for our precious daughter.

I'm so very thankful to encounter gracious people wherever I am.