Conversation

[kingrat]

An item in mrsloane's journal prompted me to expound on conversation.

See, I like conversation. A weighty discussion of politics, or science, or health, or especially books is something I prize. So that's what I set up my parties to be. They are invititations to conversation. No loud music to talk over, food and drink provided (bring something if you want, but I don't want people stressing over their contributions and missing the fun), casual attire (go to a club to strut your stuff), no making out, no video games. I love party games, like Trivial Pursuit and Pictionary and Scattergories and Balderdash and Scruples. Games that induce conversation. Well... at least they have when I've played them at parties. If they induce fistfights at your parties, please let me know.

When I lived in Redmond (January 2000 to July 2001) I never really decorated my place. My friend Sara was over and told me I needed to do something with the place and that she was gonna help me do it. She never really followed through, but she asked me what I wanted the place to do. What theme did I want? I had to think about it. I could go with "a cool guy lives here" or "an intelligent guy lives here" but what I eventually thought of was "enjoy your conversation here." So we looked at how to arrange my furniture. Looked at what to put up. At the lighting. My place right now is all right for conversations, but it could be better. I need to get my computer and office stuff moved into the walk in closet. Then get another comfy chair and an end table on which to put a cup of tea. My entertainment center has doors I can close on the TV so no one is tempted to turn it on.

While the weather is still warm, another great option is to have everyone retire to the dock overlooking Lake Union. Watch the sun set and tell each other tall tales. Lots of room for people there.

Anyway, when I have an open invite party, please don't think you need to know me to show up. And you don't have to talk much either. Just hang out and find out that neither I nor my friends bite. At least not at my parties we don't. And just ease your way in if you feel comfortable. It's meant for people to get to know one another, unlike a club where one rarely has the opportunity to tell more than whether the people you meet are good looking or good dancers. And sometimes neither of those cause it's too dark or too crowded to dance.

Comments

same track?

[tantricasimela.livejournal.com]

The last month, I started an invite to 'coffee' with just a few ladies from the board. We are all a bit older, have different but not unusual things to talk about without massive distractions. So far its been a lot of fun and we look forward to it. I decided to call it "no excuse coffee" as in: doesn't matter how your dressed, if your stressed from work or life - there aren't too many acceptable excuses not to show up.

I really do wish we lived closer to town with the same lot, house and lake. My initial invite for a night to just enjoy a fire outside and relax is still open to anyone, but we still seem "too far" to drive to. It only takes about 25 minutes to get here but ?? I would like to join you sometime as its what I'm looking for as well.

A poker night is something I have always wanted to start for fun, but again, it seems too far and so many nights are getting booked up now - I'm hoping when fall sets in some people may re-think that. This home, the patio, the setting...it accomodates for where ever we want to set up with minimal distractions and comfy ok to oops! spilled on furniture. I want people to feel comfortable in our home even though there are some "formal" looking rooms.

Guess there is something in the air...

[freedomseeker7.livejournal.com]

Now THAT'S the way to have a get together! I like your style!

Block off the TV...provide a comfy and safe setting...a few munchies...and conversation! YOWZA! Imagine that! Actual conversation among people!

Indeed, the club environ makes getting to know people pretty tough. Half of the 'conversation' is lost to the mingling minds quanderings of lost words in half sentences, and the other half is lost to the oh so loud music. Fun stuff, but not conducive to relationships!

L

[oracle2c.livejournal.com]

Your place is very comfortable. I enjoyed pie night and visiting. I could live on your deck =)


Hey, you forgot about Twister *rolls eyes*

[kingrat]

I have Twister. Some day I'll bust it out for a party. I don't really like it as much cause it doesn't inspire conversation and girls play dirty. They'll elbow guys in the nads. Girls are mean.

[oracle2c.livejournal.com]

*arrgg* All is fair in love and war and twister.