The Finer Things in Life | #MyFridayStory No. 299

As the sun slides behind the ocean horizon, the owner of the sleek three-decked super-yacht orders the captain to drop anchor. All 100 guests at her little shindig dressed according to the “all-white” theme. Laughter and friendly chatter float into the warm early evening air. Anchored 100 meters off from her privately owned Caribbean island, her guests marvel as the day’s azure blue sky meets the nighttime hues, showing off their collective beauty.

The mixed aromas of sizzling steaks wrestle with the reek of Cuban cigars, each trying to dominate your olfactory glands. Sipping on French champagne from the Waterford long-stem flutes, the whispering voice of Jan Blomqvist drifts in the sensory melee. You look up, and there on the ship’s top deck is Jan in the DJ box.

Many years ago, when I worked at a large corporate organisation, I was invited to join a cigar club. It comprised a small group of men and women in management. We would get together at company functions and conferences to appreciate smoking a fine cigar together. Someone suggested we start meeting at restaurants chosen by each member. At one such event, I remember one member telling other members that rounds of Stilton cheese had arrived at Thrupps Centre and to hurry before they are all sold out.

At these luncheons, we indulged in drinking exquisite wines paired with a gastronomic feast and finished off sipping on an imported Cognac, while smoking a cigar. Word got out about our little gang and the fun we were having. Everyone wanted in, even non-smokers! When word reached the CEO’s office, we were ordered to disband our “elitist group”. It was fun in the beginning but it evolved. It became less about cigars and more about appreciating the finer things in life.

After a serious injury from a vehicle accident and a 26-day stay in the hospital, a close friend and his family offered to take care of me for a while. I knew even while he was asking my answer is, “Yes!” I didn’t need to think about it because the offer was from a place of sincere care and love. My first stay was for a full week and I’ve already been back for a weekend!

“My” room upstairs, like the entire house, is tastefully decorated by his creative wife and opens onto the balcony. The sun cheerfully shines in through the windows behind my bed facing east, bringing in the new day. The different chirps, tweets and warbles coming from the tailored garden outside add to the country charm. The Italian matriarch of this home insists on serving good coffee and even better food. As young adults, the Daughter and Son are balanced individuals that adhere to strong values and principles rarely seen today. They too waited on my every need.

The hospitality and love I experienced on my stays are treasured.

Everyone deserves to experience the finer things in life. Things like strong friendships, close family, the laughter of children, a wood fire on a cold night, a dog's joyful greeting and a cat’s happy purr. The smell of wet grass and the breathtaking sight of the Milky Way across the night sky. These are the finer things in life. For me, a slab of my favourite chocolate, a cup of coffee and a good book could be three of the finest things in life right there!

Less “things” and more spending time with the people we love are the finer things in life, wouldn’t you say?

Have an awesome weekend and please remember to be generous! ??

As always, thanks for reading ??

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