Why I Chickened Out About Starting a Salon

I actually had to look back in the blog archive to see if I've posted about why I didn't start a salon yet. I've already written this post so many times in my head apparently.

So remember when I thought of having a thoughtful place to discuss current events and big ideas over finger sandwiches and wine? Yeah, that's not going to happen.

I beat myself up about it for months. "Why don't you just do it, already!"
I've forgiven myself for not following through on something yet again.*

The main reason: I don't want to alienate my friends.

I have been slapped on the wrist for bringing Obamacare up at a picnic.
I've induced cricket-silence from a group of people over a race debate.
I have, in one lifetime, condemned and condoned nearly every religion.
I've snapped at my boss for suggesting we arm teachers with guns.
I've waffled on what I think about taxes and government programs.
I've admitted I can't tell the difference between bourbon and scotch.

See? I embarrass myself so freakin' frequently that I don't need to have people over for herbal tea and scones every Tuesday to prove that I am fallibly human.

And for anyone who was looking forward to watching me socially burn myself down having a thoughtful discussion, let's get coffee! One on one! You can film it, but you must obscure my face and voice!

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*Try it. Go ahead right now and forgive yourself for something that you can't take back. Go ahead. You'll feel better.

Hosting A Salon

Does that sound as pretentious as I think it does?

I've been a part of some groups in the past that are all now defunct. Book clubs, Bible studies, service organizations. I always find good friends that way and it's one way I acclimate to a new city whenever I move.

I'm not planning on moving anytime soon, but some of my friends are or have already. Or their having babies. Or their diving into other groups I can't/won't join (hello marathon preppers!). I find myself craving the intellectual and emotional connection with peers that comes from regular, structured interaction.

So I've toyed with the idea of hosting a regular salon.

Salon: a gathering of people under the roof of an inspiring host, held partly to amuse one another and partly to refine the taste and increase the knowledge of the participants through conversation.

I'd make dinner for people once a month or once a quarter (seasonal dinners sound fun to me). I'd have vegan options and wheat-free options and low-sugar options for all diets. Think big pot of vegetable soup with toppings to personalize. Think soup kitchen for the vocal, educated, opinionated non-homeless.*

We'd either email the topic ahead of time or have a few news articles out on the table or a youtube video cued up to start the conversation. We'd have ground rules to make sure no one got too heated:

via

Or we could make sure that all insults are dished out Martin Luther style.

And over paninis and crudite, we'd discuss music and current events and historical trends!

Or we'd end up inciting a riot, alienating our friends and having to freeze-n-heat 20 lbs of vegetable soup. 

Thoughts?

*Dear Lord this is pretentious!