An escapist genre of films and books exist that beckons us all to embrace slow living. Some examples include A Year in Provence and Under the Tuscan Sun. Invariably in these movies there is an American or a Brit who runs into the veritable mental mud that is the life in the unchanging rural regions of France or Italy. A Good Year with Russell Crowe stands are the archetypal film of this genre. When one goes back to the life of good bread, good cheeses and good wine, how can life be anything but wonderful? Too simplistic, but the films are filled with pretty people and pretty scenery.
But every now and then you get to have a meal, you find a way to grab a few hours and share a moment with people you care about. When done right you find yourself there in the wonderful scene where the agitated and pushy Brit or American understands it all, bucolic enlightenment.
Last night I had dinner with a handful of friends at one of their houses. These were good friends, long time friends and the time we spent together was very much akin to the inevitable dining scene in those movies. It comes at about the hour forty minute mark of each of these films and involves a meal where people are eating hearty food, there is ambient light from candles or torches and the music is like an additional dinner guest. Last night was spot on for the concept of taking time to be with people you value and listening, and talking and enjoying the evening.
I am about to hit a wall with my upcoming surgery that is going to slow me immensely. Hopefully when I come out the other side I will be much more able to appreciate a slowing pace of life. We will see.
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