Last night, I had the absolute privilege of going to one of the best parties known to man, until the next one the host throws, that is. One of my friends, Kendra Clement, and her friend Diana (whose last name I never got, but who is an absolute joy) threw a Celtic themed party to celebrate the Summer solstice, and with it, new beginnings. They encouraged everyone to dress up as Irish peasants and to bring 5 dollars to donate and food to share. Having been to a couple of Kendra's parties before, I knew a little of what to expect. Music, food, encouragement of self-expression, laughter, and a story. And let me tell you, I wasn't disappointed. The food was excellent, everyone was dressed in varying versions of Irish peasants, as well as varying Irish accents (including my own, which sounds more Scottish than Irish, but hey, I tried). The house was decorated beautifully, with one room having twinkle lights, flowers, and a small tree, looking, for all intents and purposes, like an enchanted forest. Many were wearing crowns made with leaves, and it felt at times like being at the Renaissance Festival.
The evening started off with everyone sitting in a circle, listening to a few people play the drum, and encouraged to clap, sing, and/or dance as the mood struck us. We were all a little shy at first, but soon everyone was clapping along, and many were getting up to dance. They even brought out some ribbons for us to twirl around as we danced!
We then went into the Enchanted Forest room, which I was informed was really known as the Fairy Room, where we talked about the Summer Solstice and what it means, and new beginnings. We spoke of the importance of staying positive throughout all the changes in our lives, of being open to new experiences, and of realizing that every day is an opportunity to start anew. Three "fairies" then came flitting into the room, and gave the youngest person there (an adorable baby named Olivia) their blessings. She was blessed with color, courage, and the ability to make her life what she will. I needn't say how absolutely magical (see what I did there?) it was.
Dinner was next, a delightful buffet of shepherd's pie, 2 types of bread and dip, potato chips, cauldron cakes, watermelon, and all other sorts of deliciousness. I was worried at first that there might not be enough for everyone there, but we actually had leftovers! Everyone really stepped up their food game :)
Kendra and Diana had asked 4 people to give speeches on varying topics during dinner, and I'm very humbled to say that I was one of the lucky few. One lovely lass sang a song of her own creation on love, another used ballroom dancing as a metaphor for unity, and another encouraged us to think back to the last time we laughed so hard our stomachs hurt, and to look for the joy in life everyday. I was honored to give a speech on new beginnings and becoming the hero of your own story, which speech I will publish in a different post if you would like to read it.
Now, not to alarm anyone, but we did have a bit of a skirmish occur. Right after dinner, one of the men came running in, shouting about a band of men with masks and swords coming right towards us! The menfolk, as is only right, went off to gather their weapons and prepare to defend us, while the ladyfolk went into the front room to sing and console each other about the upcoming battle. But lo! Two masked men with swords appeared partway through our songs, and whisked away two of our ladies! Horrified, we called our menfolk, and we all marched off to battle to the beat of the drums to reclaim our stolen kin. We found them, tied up and with a sword to their throats, on top of a rock overlooking a pool of water. Bravely, our men snuck up behind the masked villains and began a battle to save our women! We all shouted and played our drums till the battle was o'er, and the masked men had fallen to their fate in the water. Unmasking them, we discovered that the masked men were no strangers to us, but were in fact our town historian and local drunkard! They quickly explained that they had become fearful that, in this time of peace in our land, heroes were no more, and had conducted this experiment to see if any would step up to the role of mighty heroes! Humbled, they asked for the ladies forgiveness, which was given on condition that the story be recorded as a lesson to be taught to future generations, and we all Huzza'd! and went on our merry way back to the festivities.
The rest of the evening was spent learning a reel, as well as a game closely resembling Duck Duck Goose, but for adults. We also had the pleasure of having a lady present who knew how to Irish dance, and taught us a basic dance. And might I just say, Irish dancing is not as easy as it looks.
After all that merriment, we had a sobering announcement. We learned what our money donations for the evening were really for. The money was being donated to help build homes for families in Nigeria, and not only that, but the families are given chickens, and sewing machines along with sewing lessons, to start them off in their new lives. It was a very touching and humbling moment, as we all looked around at the beautiful home we were in, with its carpet and air conditioning and sturdy walls.
The night then concluded with many a musical number from the guests. We enjoyed hearing about two cat salesmen and their woes, as well as their triumph at adopting a new cat. There was a Shakespeare ballad from Twelfth Night, original songs on the piano and guitar, covers of songs, arrangements, sing-alongs, and much enjoyment, The talent that was gathered together that night was unspeakably beautiful and unique, everyone displaying not only the wonderful talents blessed to them, but also the unique and personal way they used them. Not one act sounded like another, yet they were all equally wonderful and enjoyable, and I truly loved hearing and seeing everyone using their talents. I can never thank Kendra and Diana enough for that precious gift.
All in all, it was one of the best spent evenings of my life, and I am beyond grateful that I was invited to such a lovely event, and that everyone there was kind and willing to be open and vulnerable and silly together, even though many of us were meeting that night for the first time. If you are ever invited to a strange-seeming party by someone with the surname of Clement, I suggest you go. And I suggest you open your heart to all the wonderful experiences and people you will find there. You don't have to dress up or be musically talented in any way to enjoy it; you just have to be there, and be open to new experiences. I had a truly wonderful time, despite my offending about 5 different countries at once with my attempt at an Irish accent, and learned so much about myself and about how I believe the world should be. This is my prayer for all of you; that you are kind, that you know you are blessed with so much more than you can even comprehend right now, that you are loved, and that you are capable of anything and everything you set your heart and mind to. All it takes is one step. May the best day of your past, be the worst day of your future.
--Laura
P.S. I'll be posting the speech I gave at the party in another post, so keep an eye out for it if you'd like to give it a read!
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