Good Morning Darlings!

My life is truly wonderful. I have an amazing husband, two adorable dogs, friends that fill my heart, a lovely, cozy home and a soft bed on which to lay my sleepy head each night.

Wait, you do, too? How marvelous! But it’s not something we think about each day, is it? I have never had much adversity to overcome, my middle class upbringing was pretty much like living in Mayberry and my loving parents kept me safe and warm, buying me anything I needed, including cute clothes and the newest styles of shoes. I received a car at 16, went to college and never pondered where my next meal is coming from. I married a man who loves me without fail and always shows it.

It’s astonishing to think that my reality is someone else’s dream. A dream that has been thwarted again and again by abuse, by poverty, by unrealized ambition.

Last September, I attended a fun party hosted by my fabulous friend, Tammie, who writes Talking With Tami. The party was to fete the lovely Lori Louis of Mocha Moon, whose handbag company gives back to woman and children in shelters. If that’s not enough, the bags are to DIE for! Love them. And I just love Lori, who is one of the dearest women I have ever met. The party was a blast and I loved meeting everyone.

Fast forward to a month or so ago. Lori contacted me to see if I wanted to teach an etiquette class at The Atlanta Mission. I jumped at the opportunity. Even though I am still scared to death to speak in front of a group (really? me? yes, me), I couldn’t wait to talk about my favorite subject.

My darling friend Tammie was also a speaker, along with Megha from Hire Humanity and Emma from Fanbolt. Also there filming a segment was the lovely Karyn Greer from 11 Alive, Atlanta’s NBC affiliate.

I chose a bright green dress to celebrate spring for my speaking engagement. There are way too many black clothes in my closet and I am trying to branch out. I feel happier wearing colors.

There were approximately 80 women there to listen to the four of us speak. Emma and Tammie were first. With their backgrounds interviewing celebrities, they were a crowd favorite as they discussed who they have met in travels.

Megah spoke next about social media and how it affects your life in the workplace. Brilliant.

And then, it was my turn. I spoke about table settings, rsvps, technology at the table and introductions. A Q&A session followed. I was thrilled to answer so many great questions. And then, it was over, so quickly.

Who learned the most that day? It was me. The warm, reception from these women, their thirst for knowledge and the openness of everyone we met was overwhelming. I left with a full heart and a longing to return to share more.

Because what I received was far more than what I gave.

Touch a life today. You will be surprised at how much you receive.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Diana Ross – Reach Out And Touch Somebody’s Hand