Tea Party Faux-Pas
Parties have never been my forte, since I’m always scared to death of saying something stupid or embarrassing myself by doing something terribly clumsy, like tripping over the host’s dog or small child. Absurd to contemplate aloud, but perfectly plausible in the moment. Smaller misgivings like poor manners occupy my mind endlessly as well, for what if I offend someone by putting my elbows on the table? Slurping soup? Chewing loudly? Luckily, when in the company of good friends, all these minor sins are forgiven or overlooked out of kindness.
For those who aren’t exactly social butterflies, like myself, I would definitely suggest starting slow in a comfortable setting like this. That’s why I’m such a huge advocate for informal gatherings for just a few hours; Tea parties are really underrated for this sort of occasion, if you ask me. Don’t think that this route is for you? Well, I was a bit skeptical at first, but how beautifully such an arrangement worked out for a cozy group of friends just the other day.
Enjoying each other’s company without a worry in the world, this is how parties should always be. Yammering away about whatever came to mind first, no subject was taboo in this circle, and not a hurt feeling was to be found. For an hour or so things progressed swimmingly like this, but then I noticed Mr. Mouse growing impatient, his eyes straying towards the luscious pie before him more and more often. Berries glistening in the sun, tender crust begging to be cut, it could arouse the appetite of even the most modest eater, and clearly it had caught this hungry rodent’s attention. Soon his voice dropped out of the conversation altogether, and before I knew it…
Mr. Mouse had forked the pie.
Shoveling in one giant, dripping mouthful of fruit and pastry, an awkward silence ensued, as the rest of us looked on in surprise. A tense moment passed… And we all burst into raucous laughter at our companion’s new berry-based face paint. Smeared all around his lips, he looked like a clown with poor make-up skills, but he was happy as could be despite his ridiculous appearance. Thankful to have friends unafraid to be themselves, what would have been an atrocious faux-pas elsewhere became harmless entertainment between the four of us.
If only family members were that forgiving, too!
[Pattern for all three critters was modified from a cat toy pattern found here.]
Carol said,
June 29, 2007 at 9:41 am
Just found your blog while looking for crocheted beads - “what a tangled web…”. I love your knitted and crocheted foods and other goodies. Thanks for being so generous as to share all your patterns.
Patricia Scarpin said,
June 29, 2007 at 12:35 pm
You are gifted, sweetie - these are so lovely!
I would have forked the pie, too. ;)
veggiegirl said,
June 29, 2007 at 1:36 pm
I just discovered your blog, while browsing through the product review section at godairyfree.org - your photography and various cooking and sewing skills are incredible!! I too write product reviews (currently I contribute some reviews for http://iateapie.net) and have just started my own blog. I hope you will stop by, if you get the chance. I’ve already added your blog to my list of favorites to visit!! I look forward to reading more posts in the future.
Alisa said,
June 29, 2007 at 6:23 pm
I nearly lost it when mr. mouse forked the pie!
teeni said,
June 29, 2007 at 9:02 pm
Yes, that was too funny. I love the tiny little fork too. How did you ever find that? It is perfect for the mouse.
Hilari said,
June 30, 2007 at 12:23 am
That’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen!!!! Fork some more pie, Mr Mouse!!
Celine said,
June 30, 2007 at 1:34 am
even my cats are staring at the screen, completely mesmerized.
Clare said,
June 30, 2007 at 5:07 am
This post made me smile so much. Love the little mouse and pie.
~Sue-Leigh said,
July 4, 2007 at 9:30 am
aww, I LOVE the mousie!
merrimerri said,
July 4, 2007 at 6:59 pm
good for Mr Mouse.! Manners be D*****!!
LOL!
harmonia said,
July 8, 2007 at 11:30 pm
Very cute!!!!
ashley said,
July 15, 2007 at 12:47 pm
the little animals you make are so cute! these ones and the other ones you’ve knitted like the bunny with the carrot. you are quite talented. :)
Nikki said,
January 26, 2008 at 5:04 pm
I’m glad Mr. Mouse forked that pie and I’m glad he found himself in friendly association! I just found your blog and I’ll be visiting often. You are brilliantly talented and charming. Thanks for sharing!