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Friday, August 26, 2011

Taming the Perfection Monster

We entertained family last night. This weekend is the family "Non-reunion" (so named because a certain someone avoids anything named reunion like the plague. He is totally fooled by the non-reunion renaming, lol) With family members from far away in town that we just couldn't wait to see, we invited them over for some special time together.
May I admit here that this time I was a little stressed? I didn't plan well and with no time to make things fancy I was feelin' cranky. We bloggers tend to do that I think. Make everything a production worthy of Cecil B DeMille with our cupcake flags and tablescapes and whoop-de-doo fancy touches. Truth be told, I love a reason to make things special. But putting that kind of pressure on ourselves can make us entertain less can't it? Does it make us anxious before the guests arrive? What's the deal with that? Because really, getting together with family and friends is about these....
 Laughter....
smiles...
 Enjoying tarts that leave a whipped cream kiss on your lips:)
Hugs after a satisfying meal.
 Gathering firewood with the littlest kids
So you can teach them at an early age how to start a fire...lol
The queen of hearts, she made some tarts, all on a summers day
The Knave of Hearts he stole the tarts and took them clean away.
It didn't take me long to take a look around and realize that high expectations and trying to make things "perfect" had nearly robbed me of the joy of just being with people I love.

We have promised ourselves to have people over more often. I am promising myself that I won't put so much pressure on myself to make everything perfect. 
Because what's more perfect than sharing love?

Thank you Victoria for taking most of these photos while I was busy:)



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22 comments:

  1. UnknownAugust 26, 2011 at 7:34 AM

    You are so right! I have really tried to ease up a little and just enjoy the beauty of the time spent with family and friends.

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  2. Penny from Enjoying The Simple ThingsAugust 26, 2011 at 7:43 AM

    Wonderful post Kathy. I know that over the years, I quite trying to make things perfect. It does put stress on you and make you cranky! Plus, your company can sense your stress and they quit having fun too.

    LOVE your pictures. They are so crisp and sharp!
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  3. KarenAugust 26, 2011 at 8:11 AM

    We all had a great time last night-makes me look forward even more to the *non* reunion on Saturday, so we can do it all again.

    You got some great shots of the kids. I haven't yet looked at my memory card to see what the girls shot-that ought to be fun.

    Thanks for having us all over last night. I appreciate you hosting all of us-it's one of those things that is such a great idea, but I would never think to set it up. I love that you not only think of it in time to do it, you actually follow through, too, and we all *always* have a lovely time.

    Love you!

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  4. KarenAugust 26, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    PS-when I saw your blog title on my sidebar, I was just sure you were going to say you were now at peace with your curtains. LOL

    So, see, your anxiety about the party didn't have any effect on your guests whatsoever. It had to be the curtains. Which I still say are fine. Let go of the perfectionism. ;-)

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  5. Kathleen GraceAugust 26, 2011 at 8:22 AM

    Oh Karen, if it were only that easy....lol.

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  6. GardenOfDaisiesAugust 26, 2011 at 9:13 AM

    I agree! The people are always more important than the place, or the food or decor. Keeping things simple allows you to enjoy the company of your loved ones.
    Love those tarts and the whipped cream faces!!

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  7. CindyAugust 26, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    I know what you mean. I get that way almost every time we have people over. Then I make some last minute trip to the store to buy new table cloths or drink glasses. I can drive myself crazy!

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  8. Lemon Lane StudioAugust 26, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    I can totally relate to this post. In the end, it's the relationships that matter. It all looks lovely though. ;0 Patty

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  9. Anita KehnAugust 26, 2011 at 12:35 PM

    I love love love this post. Sometimes the whoop-de-doo makes a party really special but for the most part it is all about sharing our love and that can be done very simply. I love the picture of the sweet lady with the whipped cream kiss!

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  10. ElizabethdAugust 26, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    Nothing could be more perfect than to share love with your family and friends.

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  11. bjAugust 26, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    You do have the sweetest spirit, dear Kathy....such a sweet heart, too.

    So glad you had such a good time. Your photos are wonderful..what camera do you use?

    Also, I am wanting to see that pergola up close and personal. It looks awesome and I am gathering photos so I can get Mr. Sweet started on one.:)) *shhhhhh I haven't told him yet.:)

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  12. A Gardner's CottageAugust 26, 2011 at 2:49 PM

    Hey Kathy,

    I had to giggle a bit! cuz, this post is sooooo me!!! I do love that you were able to enjoy your family ! Have a lovely week end.

    Nancy

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  13. Janet Metzger, ArtistAugust 26, 2011 at 3:04 PM

    Hey Kathy,

    Love it...you know I'm all about letting go of perfection!

    janet xox

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  14. K @ Aurora BlytheAugust 26, 2011 at 5:04 PM

    So true! I am the same way... and know I have missed some cool opportunities because I was too busy being wrapped up in making things perfect. Thanks for this post!

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  15. Blondie's JournalAugust 26, 2011 at 5:31 PM

    You said it so perfectly, Kathy. I used to fuss and fuss over my children's birthday parties and I missed out on all of their fun. I am a LOT more laid back now!

    XO,
    Jane

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  16. bee'nmeAugust 26, 2011 at 6:09 PM

    Well said friend - a good lesson indeed! Thank you for the sweet reminder...I've stressed my way through so many get-togethers...your words ring very true! Family blessings and smiles are more awesome than cupcake toppers :o)
    Hugs & Blessings,
    Becky

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  17. People Who Know Me Would Say:August 27, 2011 at 5:19 AM

    Nothing is more perfect than sharing love. A long time ago, a very wise woman told me that folks were coming over to see me and my family, not my house. I've learned to embrace that.

    Love these photos Kathy!

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  18. UnknownAugust 27, 2011 at 9:20 AM

    What a wonderful event. You are so blessed. Earl is superman, baking, wonderful with kids...you hit the jackpot when you married this wonderful man. Tell him I said so.

    Kathy, I love coming here, I always can feel the love pouring out from the photos and the words. You are so lovely.

    Karen

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  19. LalleeAugust 28, 2011 at 6:50 AM

    That's the constant challenge and lesson isn't it--to forget the fuss so we don't miss the fun? It looks like a really fun time was had, and you have a beautiful family to celebrate with.

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  20. PCovi August 30, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    Oh so it was her who took those adorable pictures! I was about to give you kudos! This could be a write-up in Country Living!
    I'm glad y'all had fun :)
    I hosted our non-reunion the saturday after Thanksgiving and it was laid-back and really so easy and fun.

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  21. koraleeAugust 30, 2011 at 10:31 PM

    Now that is a good lesson to be learned...I will have to remember this wisdom!
    xoxox

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  22. Sweet Cottage DreamsSeptember 12, 2011 at 11:32 AM

    Oh yes, I know about the stressers all to well after having family over on Saturday. It was a lot of work, but a lot of fun. I always say when it is all over, "Gosh, I didn't get to visit with everyone." Go figure, huh?

    xxoo
    Becky

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Thank you for taking the time to say hello :)