Beyond Teaching

I have a big work week, but my social schedule is the real deal. Despite having two classes to teach today I was able to squeeze in a lunch at Princess Borghese’s house with Russ, Ruth E. and Janie Cadbury. Ruth E. had told me that Kika (that’s the princess to you) had the most fabulous art collection. I was so excited to be invited to come see a teensy bit of her art at her lovely home. Her orchids were also a sight to behold.

Ruth E. was right. Each work was more spectacular than the next. I wish we had hours to look at it and hear about how Kika had discovered each artist. We had a lovely lunch in her dining room of pasta and salad. I had to fight the need for a nap to go back and teach class in the afternoon.

Thankfully after my afternoon class I was able to rest for an hour before we went to dinner with Lisa and Will Mathis. I met Lisa in my first beginner class I taught here and instantly adored her. She is not a big Mah Jongg player, which matters little to me, but I am so happy when I get to see here when I am teaching at Lyford or in Houston. I always know I am going to have the best time with her.

It was a great pleasure to get to know Will who greatly resembled my father in his hospitality. He ordered all the best things for dinner and was a delightful host. We bonded over our shared love of sweet n’ low. But it is Lisa who give me the most laughs and that feeling like I have known her all of my life, when in reality I have spent just a few days and just a few hours with her. Not sure she feels the same way, but one day she will be playing more Mah Jongg with me.