This is totally hilarious! I don’t know if this is a joke or real but either way. It was reported that someone at My Rebecca’s church prayed, “Please let them be glamorous.” A plea to the higher powers on our behalf as we prepare for Austin and the film festival. This is always a problem for Vashonites, presenting ourselves properly to the mainland. Haha.

Also, a friend had a question yesterday. It was quite innocent and to the point but it kind of opened up a little world for me and I thought that it was worth exploring. Of course, there is always the disclaimer that the following is the world according to Felipe. Of course.

The question is, “What do you serve at tapas?”. Well, what would that be generally around here: olives (black and green), cheese, celery, bread (baguette is sexy) or crackers. That would be the basics. I like tomato, salami, peppers, green onions in addition, when available. When Catherine y Dana grace our environs they like some sort of pickle and the incomparable quince jelly. Our Cynthia adds lox. Our Jennifer adds an egg or chicken salad maybe.

Also, have to hydrate after a day’s walk or a day’s whatever. Water is handy, so is a red and white wine, nothing fancy which would confuse us. Beer is good for some who prefer that. When it’s hot I like a wine cooler made with an Italian soda and white wine.

Well, those are the bricks that make the wall but really the most important part of this to remember is that this is a celebration. This is the mortar. We all did our best at our day’s work and here we are gathered to enjoy each other and compare notes on the time since we saw each other last. Was that yesterday, last week, last year? Tapaing up with people can make sense of things that occured for you that were ackward or unfinished. Ah.

So, in that vein of tapa time being a celebration, the overall situation should be celebratory. Ambience is totally important whether it is a fancy place or the side of the road. How do we present this toast in the best possible way. Is it welcoming? Is it uncomplicated? Is it good to all the senses? Is it isolated from the hustle and bustle? Is our blood pressure going down? Is it that sanctuary that we need?

Yes, and not to mention the toast, the clinking of glasses, the wish, the prayer for one another. Maybe we say it in a couple of different languages, so much the better. This is when I realize that I/we are part of the bigger picture. Here we are huddled by the side of the road perhaps but we need to realize that this little ceremony admits us to something bigger.

Consider that anyone could show up for tapas with you. This is not a cult, a private club but an impromptu gathering that will be different tomorrow. Some different food, some different drink, some different folks, some different problems and some different joys will be there tomorrow. It is not a recipe or formula but a …

Always good, love, Felipe.