Pleasing

Perhaps I’m not older than you. Maybe there are still bloggers out there and readers who remember the old days.

It started with violin, then piano and ballet. My mother said that ballet would not allow me to walk like a “truck driver.” I also had to balance an Encylopedia Brittanica on my head while walking across the room, and learn what fork and spoon went with what course even if we never had those courses at home.

Of course I was eager to cook and my training started about age seven. Home reading about table manners et al continued until I was twelve. We were too late to be Hippies so were young wanna-be’s who got a guitar and sang PP&M songs.

I love PP&M to this day and mourn the loss of Mary. My strict Germanic upbringing led me to respect my elders and treat my friends and classmates as I would like to be treated.

While not on a religious path, I believe I have the attributes of a good person who respects others and is a help mate in life on many levels.

When our children become our friends as youngsters, that is not a good thing. They need parents and parenting. They need boundaries and knowing that you care about them enough to provide for their safety, even though they don’t want interference at the time.

They don’t need to walk with a book on their head but with head held high and shoulders strong. Get good grades, go to college and pursue something you love.

I was always taught to please everyone by my demeanor, and taking care of everyone whether it be an introduction or a perfect meal.

A chili cookoff awaits and I care about the cameraderie, not the contest.