The email I just sent out. In case you didn't get it and should have (it was not intentional, just tired...):
This June 6, I am going to host the first of what I hope becomes a continuing series of salons. This first one will be at my house at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, June 6.
What is a salon?
A salon is a gathering of people under the roof of an inspiring host, partly to amuse one another and partly to refine their taste and increase their knowledge through conversation. These gatherings often consciously following Horace's definition of the aims of poetry, "either to please or to educate" ("aut delectare aut prodesse est"). [from Wikipedia]
I have taken the idea from blog friends of mine in Vermont, who have hosted them during the long winter months for several years now. They bring in a guest speaker of some sort, listen, ask questions, talk, and share food and drink. Topics range from practical (cheesemaking, shepherding) to political to philosophical (death and dying, a recorder & flute concert, etc).
Not every gathering will interest every person, and some gatherings may draw folks for that time only and without obligation to continue. Those who wish to be a part, and who wish to host or have an idea, are welcome. Those who wish to only come once or twice are also welcome.
This June, I have invited my pastor, Fr. John Vien, to speak about his recent mission trip to Sacre Coeur Hospital in Milot, Haiti, after the devastating earthquake this winter. I have been listening to him speak about his experiences during homilies since his return and his words have stayed with me. He was the first speaker I thought of when my friend Ann and I started considering this idea.
If you would like to come and listen and talk and be together, please consider June 6. Let me know if you plan to attend so I can gauge how many chairs I might need, and how much chocolate.
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6 comments:
I am so glad you're doing this! I wish I could come! We only had three salons this winter, January-March, but they were wonderful. My only problem, as hostess, has been to figure out how many people will actually show up. This wouldn't be a problem if I had a REAL salon--a 1/4 acre living room, say--but there are always more people interested than I have room for, so it's hard when people I invite take it casually and don't come. But on the whole, so far, it's been good. So good luck to you and Fr. Vien, and let us know how it goes.
I wish I could come. Are you going to serve the Burboun slushes??? Good for a hot night, I'm sure. Heck, good for anytime, right?
If, for some reason, circumstances change and I'm in St. Louis on June 6, count me in.
I'm glad you started with a definition of a "salon" as to me it's usually the place where I get my hair cut!
I so wish I could come. I love this idea.
What a great idea. Have fun and get educated!
sounds like a wonderful idea - i like the thought of different 'themes'.
Have a blast! If I lived near you, I would definitely attend!
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