Gracious Living, yes, that is what I am missing. Don't get me wrong...Miami has so much to offer. When it come to things to do, the city has more than its share, and that is not the point. The everyday life here is very hard, always rushing, little time for entertaining, visiting, or relaxing. Distances are appalling, it takes for ever to go anywhere, making daily commute a nightmare for most of the people in the city.
No laid-back lifestyle here, no matter what people tell you on the nightly news...the weather can be gorgeous half of the year and you would still struggle to have some time to enjoy it. For me, it's very simple...there is no gracious living in Miami.
You know what I mean, time to visit and sit with friends enjoying a cup of coffee or tea, time to really have a conversation, go for a leisurely walk at the end of the day or just enjoy the sunset. Today is Wednesday, I know, what's the point here...you'll say. There is one, believe me. Today is Wednesday, back in Curaçao my friends go together to play bridge. Everyone would get there early, one by one they'd arrive, smiling, greeting, sharing. The tables are ready, the spread on the side table, the coffee cups, a cake, a pie, some cookies.
There are the latest news to be shared, the good and not so good news about their lives, the birthdays, the weddings, the births. Nowadays the housekeeper, the high cost of things at the supermarket. It is so civilized! On this particular day, Vicki, one of my best friends is celebrating her birthday. We always do the Wednesday after the real date...how predictable and wonderful! There was cake, I'm sure, and greetings and someone had collected money and bought a gift card for her. Another would have something amusing to say and everyone would clap and things would only get better.
There would be playing and things to munch and drink along the way. When the bridge session is finished, there would be lunch, relaxed and familiar and delicious. Everyone would stay longer than usual, no reason to rush anywhere...this is where everyone is supposed to be. There would be good china, cutlery and glassware, a nice coffee and tea set and some good wine. Laughter and camaraderie and just plain fun...this is gracious living at its best!!! I so miss that!!!
No laid-back lifestyle here, no matter what people tell you on the nightly news...the weather can be gorgeous half of the year and you would still struggle to have some time to enjoy it. For me, it's very simple...there is no gracious living in Miami.
You know what I mean, time to visit and sit with friends enjoying a cup of coffee or tea, time to really have a conversation, go for a leisurely walk at the end of the day or just enjoy the sunset. Today is Wednesday, I know, what's the point here...you'll say. There is one, believe me. Today is Wednesday, back in Curaçao my friends go together to play bridge. Everyone would get there early, one by one they'd arrive, smiling, greeting, sharing. The tables are ready, the spread on the side table, the coffee cups, a cake, a pie, some cookies.
There are the latest news to be shared, the good and not so good news about their lives, the birthdays, the weddings, the births. Nowadays the housekeeper, the high cost of things at the supermarket. It is so civilized! On this particular day, Vicki, one of my best friends is celebrating her birthday. We always do the Wednesday after the real date...how predictable and wonderful! There was cake, I'm sure, and greetings and someone had collected money and bought a gift card for her. Another would have something amusing to say and everyone would clap and things would only get better.
There would be playing and things to munch and drink along the way. When the bridge session is finished, there would be lunch, relaxed and familiar and delicious. Everyone would stay longer than usual, no reason to rush anywhere...this is where everyone is supposed to be. There would be good china, cutlery and glassware, a nice coffee and tea set and some good wine. Laughter and camaraderie and just plain fun...this is gracious living at its best!!! I so miss that!!!
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