The Party’s Over

I wonder what it is that drives people to unselfishly make an extraordinary effort for others.  It is a characteristic that is not shared by all.  I am not referring to the effort made for a positive outcome for oneself.  I am talking about the effort made to be enjoyed by others.

I was invited to lunch last Sunday.  I use the word lunch loosely as the lunch began at 2:30 and concluded well after 7:00 pm.  It was hosted by the renowned chef, restaurateur, and owner of Boulevard Restaurant in San Francisco.  Nancy and I became friends many years ago when I bought an auction item at an event held by Billy Shore founder of Share Our Strength.  Nancy and four chefs came to my home to cook a meal for ten guests.  It was an amazing evening.

 For this afternoon event, she had invited about 20 friends to her fabulous home in Sonoma.  It was a beautiful summer afternoon.  A pleasant breeze and mild temps for July.  The food and preparation were spectacular and were enough to feed an additional gathering.  The guests were all accomplished and interesting people.

 What struck me was the number of people required to put on such an event.  I stopped counting at 6, I am sure there were more.  Since I am usually the one doing the dishes, I was particularly cognizant that this all needed to be cleaned up.  That is my point --- After all of the greetings, interesting conversation, conception, and execution of Michelin class food -- it all goes away.  By 9:00 pm there is no indication that anything had occurred just three hours before.  It is like a concert.  within minutes of the final current call, the roadies have put away the instruments, the equipment, and the stage is empty.  In that very same fashion this lunch required all the prep and help of a good concert….and then — “Turn out the lights -- The party’s over --They say that all --- Good things must end --- Turn out the lights – The party’s over” --- Willie Nelson

 In truth that is exactly what happens.  All of this desire, energy, and work goes into creating an amazing event that just as suddenly is concluded.  More amazing is there is no indication that it ever happened.  What I am marveling at is the special type of person that creates these events.  I am left with the memories of great conversations, meeting new people, and the pride of being included.  However, it is the host that is truly special.  Restaurants create this play every night.  Every night it is a new event for the people that arrive but it is the creators that give it that energy of newness. Each evening, just like the party, it is all wiped away and ready for the evening. A shout out to the special people who provide the memories and clean up after…

Thank you Nancy for an extraordinary moment to be remembered…