Beautiful Brunch

This morning I was taken as the guest of a friend to a International Women's Brunch hosted annually at the home of a wonderful woman named Helene who lives outside Düsseldorf. I'd never met the hostess, or any of the 30 or so women gathered, aside from my friend Patricia, who invited me. The brunch was spectacular. Not only because Helene's home and garden are magnificent, or because the array of gourmet food was incredible, but because the diversity of women assembled was so interesting and inspiring.

When we arrived, we found six or seven tables arranged around the luscious gardens, each lovingly set and decorated with linens, flowers, and candles. I can't imagine how long our hostess had worked to prepare it all, including the fabulous food she made herself (assorted salads, platters of meats, fish, and cheese, scrambled and boiled eggs, baskets of breads, jars of jams, several cakes...!) Helene and some helpers served champagne, juice, coffee, etc and allowed us time to introduce ourselves to one another and chat before we sat down to eat and talk some more. Many of the women knew each other, some for more than 20 years, but a few, like me, were newly invited and a little lost. But everyone was warm and friendly and in no time I felt quite comfortable. Helene herself was a gracious, generous hostess who ensured each guest felt welcome and at home.

As a toast, Helene spoke briefly but eloquently about how important it was to her to provide a place where women from around the world, representing many different countries, languages, and cultures, could meet and get to know one another, sharing stories and learning to appreciate our diversity as well as our common loves and struggles - in order to promote tolerance and acceptance. It was a beautiful greeting.

The nations represented were truly diverse. Women invited today came from Brazil, Kenya, Austria, Turkey, Japan, England, Venezuela, the US, and many other countries. I was so honored to be included. While many of the women are engaged in charitable work, the breakfast was not a fundraiser or a recruitment tool, it was simply a celebration. And it was simply beautiful. I'm reminded of how fortunate I am.


PS - Another successful 10K completed at the lake tonight - in precisely the same time as Tuesday :)