It was 1981 and we had agreed to receive the advance promotional team for “Up With People” for a 2-week stay. Their assignment was to coordinate everything for the show which included promotion and making sure all of the stage arrangements were made in advance of the touring groups arrival. The team would stay in our home and work out from there. Although this was somewhat new for both of us we were both looking forward to the boys stay.

Up With People is made up of teens and young adults that come from all over the world to gain experience putting on musical performances. The shows are uplifting, very well done and usually sponsored by groups like our Kiwanis Club. The young adults got experience traveling and singing on stage and local families got the pleasure of seeing a great show and entertaining the kids in their homes.

Hans and Eric were from Holland and Boston respectfully and were definitely high energy young men. This was their first assignment as the “Advance Team” and they were anxious to make sure that all preparations were complete before the troop arrived. They met with the manager of the civic auditorium, the coordinator/committee chairman from our Kiwanis Club and local printers to get fliers posted around the community. The boys were clearly well trained and they took their positions seriously.

In the evenings we would have a nice dinner and then chat about where they were from and what they enjoyed doing till the boys turned in early since they had a lot to do each day.

Hans approached my wife one evening and asked if there were any places where they could have a nice evening out dancing and enjoying the town. I had played in a local band for years at a very nice dinner club in southern California that was owned by a local attorney that was definitely the right type of crowd. We suggested the Tam O’Shanter and even offered the boys to use our car.

On Saturday evening they both dressed and prepared for their night out and at about 9 PM left on their way. Eric was pretty much “ho hum” about the evening but Hans was visibly excited. We both figured him for quite a “ladies man”.

My wife and I settled in front of the TV and watched a movie till about 11 PM and then turned it. It had been a long week and she was 6 months pregnant and so getting through the movie itself was a chore before she fell asleep on my shoulder.

The next morning, I got up early to start preparing breakfast. It was around 9 AM by the time everyone arose and as the boys wandered out from their room both of us could tell that Hans was not a happy camper. As he sat at the table drinking his coffee he was not his usual bubbly-self. In fact, he didn’t say one word. Finally I asked how the evening went last night. Eric said he enjoyed the club, danced a bit and thought the band was really good. Hans said nothing. Finally I asked Hans directly why he was not saying anything. He blurted out “I don’t understand American women. I didn’t get to dance once last night. They all turned me down,” he said. “In my country I am thought to be quite a catch but over here nothing!”

Bev asked Hans what happened and he proceeded to share that he would look the room over and find some ladies he wanted to dance with and then approach them asking “would like to enjoy me on the dance floor?” Say what? “Would you like to enjoy me on the dance floor?” Bev pointed out that he might want to change his approach by saying “Would you like to join me on the dance floor?” After explaining the difference, the four of us howled for a good 30 minutes. We laughed so hard we were so exhausted we all went back to bed for another hour or two and the following week we only had to look at each other and we lost it.

The show was great but the memory of that morning has never left us.

Jeff Gustafson and MyHATT, An international dinner club concept where people get to know people one bite at a time…thank you to The Daily Buzz and my entire MyHATT contributing staff for the educational content for world culture, the history, world traditions, the international menus for this family activity…
http://www.myhatt.com

Don’t you just love the word “tranquil.” Certain words seem to resonate with a feeling of pure contentment. Other words that come to mind are serene, calm, silence, reflective, and peaceful. It makes sense that when we think and say these words that the tranquil feeling will become a part of who we are.

Try this:
For the whole day today, concentrate only on words or phrases that bring this sense of tranquility. Make your own list. Put the list in a word file so that you can refer to it. Write it down on a plain piece of white paper with a bright blue sharpie (or a color that you like). Tape it on your refrigerator, or put it in your wallet. Or write out a couple of lists and scatter them all over-your bathroom mirror, your car, and your coffee table.

Once your mind is filled with thoughts of tranquility, begin to associate these thoughts with real world situations. What kind of images come up when you you think of the word tranquil? Here are a few that come up for me:

* A beautiful lake with two swans quietly enjoying their surroundings.

* A mother holding her baby as he coos and giggles.

* Having a picnic in the country, just you and your sweetie, under a big beautiful shade tree.

While you are practicing your tranquil thoughts come up with your own tranquil images. Do not stop at ordinary situations. Use your imagination to take you to the extraordinary.

For example:

* You are are on a path in an enchanted forest. The branches of the trees surrounding you sweep down to create a welcoming gesture. As you walk along, there is a gentle wind with the scent of lavender that creates a wonderful healing effect.

* You have the ability to fly. As you glide over valleys, rolling hills, rivers, and communities you feel one with the power of the universe. Your loving essence moves around and through you on your travels, dispensing inspirational energy wherever you go.

* You are magically brought to a large castle in a mysterious place. You are taken to an overstuffed chair in front of a roaring fire. Your host looks strangely familiar. She has a calm and sweet demeanor which instantly puts you at ease. Then one by one she leads your loved ones in (those passed). Your host sits them down opposite you in an equally comfy chair, and you commence to share your deepest feelings with each other.

This type of exercise requires that you take time for yourself. It is easy to keep to busy schedules without pausing to give thought to silly games like this. And if rushing around has worked for you, and you can honestly say you are supremely content with your high paced life - by all means, rush away.

But if you could use a little more calm or an extra dose of serenity to round out your day - stop, breathe, and reflect. Think tranquil-inducing thoughts. Exercise your imagination and dream. Allow yourself to be swept away. Your activities will still be there when you return to the material world.

Most likely you will return to them with a renewed spirit. You will tackle them with the intention of a positive spirit spreading love rather than the anxious intensity that would otherwise accompany your tasks.

Life is meant to be fun. Reflect on this. Go inside yourself (our inner source) where your high frequency energies conspire to supply you with all the creativity you need. Inspired, tranquil action is yours if you simply take the time to access your guidance.

Copyright 2007/Avenstar Enterprises, Inc

Kim McGinnis is a freelance writer and entrepreneur. Visit her at her most recent blog, Be Like Nature: http://www.belikenature.com

If you are looking for inspirational items to create a sense of serenity in your home (inside and out) visit Kim at her beautiful website, A Zen Gift http://azengift.com

To find out about Magical Fireflies, an absolutely unique & magical product, go to Kim’s very popular site http://www.magicalfireflies.com