A friend and I were talking about how we sometimes have good intentions to show people how much we care about them, but too many times we let the moment pass. Fortunately, as we try to regain our equilibrium since Kathie left this world, friends and family have not let moments pass. It is amazing how people react in times of tragedy. I keep thinking of the line in one of my favorite movies, Starman, when Jeff Bridges says, "people are at their best when things are at their worst". The people in our lives have somehow known exactly what to do and when to do it. BBQ, Ribs, pound cake, brownies, muffins, and pie appeared when 25 people were suddenly coming for dinner. Late one night a breakfast casserole, ready to bake in the morning, arrived. Pizza was delivered when it was what everyone needed. Ham biscuits and pimiento cheese were on David's mind and soon appeared. Flowers, calls, visits, personal stories, and some very sweet notes have lifted our spirits every day. Carol made Fruited Chicken Salad more than one time for more than one household. Friends invited us to get away to the beach for a few days. Everything has been just what we needed, just when we needed it.
Months ago, we had planned a trip with friends to Asheville to see The Temptations. Since our 50th birthdays, we have made it a priority to see several concerts every year. We have seen some great ones, including Chicago, Van Morrison, Elton John and Billy Joel, James Taylor and Carole King. We had been looking forward to The Temptations and they did not disappoint us. They put on a great show on the South Terrace of the Biltmore House.
The weather was beautiful for an outdoor concert and the panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains is always breathtaking. We have seen several concerts at the Biltmore estate and it is one of our favorite venues. The show was vintage Temptations with Otis Williams being the lone original, but all five singers dressed in black tuxedos, belted out their part of the melody or harmony and danced the trademark steps. The choreography was great and the theme of the show was all about Love. Participation was encouraged throughout the show with calls from the stage for women to stand and sing or for men to stand and sing; or for everyone to sing together. Everyone in the audience knew most of the words to most every song. It is impossible to listen to Temptations music and not dance. Some people stood up to dance, some moved to the back of the audience to dance. Alot of people danced sitting in their chairs; shoulders moving, heads bobbing, hands clapping and feet tapping.
At one point, Otis Williams cajoled all the men to stand and sing to their lady. Then he said he always noticed a few men who didn't want to participate. He wanted everyone to participate. Otis turned and said to his singers, "boys, it's time for us to start selling from the book of little things. So Otis starting telling the men what was in the book of little things - giving her a rose, serving breakfast in bed, looking her in the eyes and singing to her. Magically, I think every single man stood up and started singing just like Otis told them to. They did not let that moment pass.
The Temptations gave the entire audience a sweet reminder that just giving a little bit of yourself is the best way to show someone you love them. Friends and family have opened up the book of little things for us lately. So, thank you.
Carol's Fruited Chicken Salad
4 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
1 15 oz can pineapple chunks, drained
1 11 oz can mandarin oranges sections, drained
1 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup grapes, halved
1/2 cup green pepper, chopped
2 Tbsp grated onion
1 cup mayo (she says she never uses this much!)
1 Tbsp mustard
8 servings
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