A back-to-basics of sorts

Dean Abbott's blog entries span practically the entire spectrum of topics to be blogged about. Okay, that's an exaggeration but the pieces he writes in Inspired by a True Story really are remarkably diverse, which is why it's become a regular read for me. Table Talk: Thoughts on Hospitality is a terrific post that got me thinking about the art of entertaining, which seems to be fast disappearing in today's world. Much is to be appreciated about being invited to a meal at someone's home; much, too, is to be learned about gracious entertaining and about being a good host/hostess. And much is lost when the art of entertaining is replaced by "entertaining" sans our parents' generation's refinement or by treating our guests to nights-out.




For some reason, reading the piece made me hanker for life away from the bustling city. I'm also reminded of my best friend who, along with her husband and two children, decided to move to Davao City (in the southern Philippines, about an hour's plane ride from Manila) and build their life there. Needless to say, there are trade-offs that come with the relocation, but based on her stories, the gains outweigh the losses, particularly as regards the upbringing of her kids in an environment that brings one closer to what are essential in life.