Party Down.

I am not a party person. I show up for my friends, but the superficial exchanges and energy needed to pop from person to person is just a lot and I vastly prefer one-on-one intimate conversations.

That used to be my line, anyway.

That was before I found my tribe.

To be honest I am borrowing other people’s tribes. My friends are a scattered group who mostly don’t show up to group fun, or anything in person very often. Everyone is spread out, and beat tired.

Some new people I am getting to know like to throw parties, so parties it is.

I am going to explain to you non-party lovers why parties are actually worthwhile and worth learning to enjoy.

If you do it right, you will meet people. If you don’t want to meet people then stay away from parties but if you are looking for new friends or hobbies attend all the parties you can and talk to people.

So far by attending parties I have found people to start making music with. The Sunnyslope Collective’s Deepa and Rachel and now Sam are party finds from Cindy as are Tanveer and Scott and Luna the Starseeker from Justin. Good people!!! Plus let’s not forget Nico from Deepa who is my trainer and coach. I haven’t blogged about it but this year I went from 168-148 pounds of burning love and built some muscle all because……I said yes to a party, met Deepa and accepted her Nico Protopappas recommendation. I would say I am winning at life and the reason is….parties! There’s also Gil the photographer and Trader Joe afficianado and Elspeth with her beautiful presence and people who make the effort. There is a real sense of community.

I also have found a way to make my house a home by having a party. My 60th birthday at my house was the most indulgent party imaginable. The Sunnyslope Collective played and then two bands I hired to serenade me into my golden years entertained us all. Nothing like having Sass n’Harmony and Jimbo Scott with Yesterdayś Biscuits play just for you! Some of the people who made a point of coming touched my heart and surprised me. I was also surprised by others who didn’t make it but I assume the reason besides busy lives is – parties can feel intimidating. They missed a really good one and when one person apologized to me for not showing up all I could think in my head was that he missed a really good party!!! Poor him!

Right now ME – miss ¨I don’t really like parties¨ – I´m planning another – this time an intimate campfire acoustic music party with soup and bread and spiced cider and….love. (Hit me up if you want an invite). I´m also doing the food for another party – one that is now a series of parties because the first two were so succeessful that the attendees demanded more – Go Besito!

Consider this a public service announcement to go to parties! Also remember something else – talk to people wherever you go and tell them what you´re into. From all I can tell two things are true – the world is becoming a lonelier place and….we need people and community. So get out there and make it happen.