Why I Avoid Pretension At All Costs

Hello folks, let’s chat… It was a dressy white tablecloth event. A formal dining area beautifully decorated and adorned with chandeliers, impeccably mannered servers tending to well-dressed guests– the whole nine yards. For me, it made the moment that much better.

While I do try to act like I have enough sense to come in out of the rain when I get invited to places like this– especially if I’m the speaker, and I was– I refuse to put on any airs. I can mix and mingle with anybody but pretention is a kill-joy and I do love me a good laugh. It’s been my experience that even the swanky events deliver, maybe even more so.

I was finishing a delicious salad at the head table when I noticed the woman opposite me enjoying a small bowl of soup. I mentioned that it looked good. She agreed that it was delicious.

“I’m not sure if it’s an etouffee or what,” she offered. “I didn’t order it. The waiter just set it in front of me.” She shrugged her shoulders. “I guess because he noticed I wasn’t eating salad.”

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With that, the other diners chimed in. “It looks like a seafood bisque,” someone said. We all nodded. And that’s when I noticed that a

second bowl had been placed to my immediate left, but that seat was still empty. My suggestion that the rest of us take our spoons and have a taste test was met with hearty appreciation. I was reaching for the bowl when the waiter returned with our dinner plates, the prerequisite chicken breasts with veggies.

“Excuse me, sir.” My new friend addressed the waiter. “Can you tell me what type of soup this is?”

The man hesitated. “Well,” he said. “That’s not soup, ma’am. That’s sauce for the chicken.”

To her great credit, when Soup Girl realized she was knocking out everybody’s gravy, she laughed as loud any of us.

As I’ve so often said, “Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves. They will never cease to be amused.” You can quote me on that.

Hugs, Shellie

Comments

  • Mike n @lanta
    October 6, 2014

    My family loves to have a good time even at their own expense & have even been found to find humor at a funeral.
    My oldest daughter told me that at her wedding shower all the ladies were sitting around talking quiet like, sipping their punch & it was all quite boring. Enter my 3 of my sisters & a cousin all loud & carrying on. Carla said she was so happy to see them cause that was when the fun started. Knowing my sisters I have no doubt.

    Bless you Shellie,
    M n @

  • Laura Damaske
    October 5, 2014

    Shellie,
    When I was little, I was amazed at how funny things look when reflected in a spoon and also discovered the same principle is true when you look at yourself in a bathtub faucet. I showed that to my children (who are now 33 & 36) and to my
    twin 5-year old grandchildren. They think it’s hysterical.
    If you look at the picture of the silverware on your opening page, look at the image that is in the spoon. Now you know, when things are reflected in a spoon, the image is actually upside down.
    I was just wondering what is that reflected in the spoon? Let me know if you figure it out.
    Looking forward to see you in Tyler!

  • Aileen
    October 5, 2014

    Oh Lord! That would probably have been me! I’m glad everyone had a great sense of humor about it. Great story!

  • ale
    October 5, 2014

    I was thinking “finger bowl” but in the south I should ‘ve known it would be gravy! Funny story. Love your works! Hugs and I hope you have a glorious day with the Lord today!

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