WE are celebrating the last Sunday in the first half of the year. I celebrated Father’s Day with fathers from all walks of life. ‘The Remember We Care Organization’ hosted a lovely brunch, and they invited fathers from the Holy Rosary Church and the senior homes around town.

The selection of music set the tone and the guys were singing and shaking to the music. Can you imagine the memories that were surfacing? They organised a wonderful programme that included a dance, songs and comedy by Jumbie Jones that entertained the appreciative audience. I was impressed by a spoken word piece by Donald Gunraj, who was seated at my table. The use of words and the rhythm were in sync. Donald shared his desire to publish his many poems one day, and I promised to assist him in achieving his goal.

The food was delicious and I think it was not only the ingredients but the love that was deposited from Dacia Blackmore and team. I observed how enthusiastic they were about making this day special. Keon was a pro at barbequing the chicken and I already booked him for my next barbeque. I played Bingo after 35 years and it was fun. The first guy that won was excited to have an additional hamper added to the one that everyone got.
I admire when a group of people decide to raise funds to make a difference where it is most needed.

It certainly was a weekend with lots of food, but the event I am referring to was much more than the food. Dining with Eagles was an event I hosted for the ladies who grew through my personal development programmes.

The eagle is my favourite bird, and I am fortunate to experience these ladies soaring to greater heights amidst the challenges. The eagle is the only bird that loves the storm. When clouds gather, the eagles get excited. The eagle uses the wings of the storm to rise and is pushed up higher. The eagle uses the pressure of the raging storm to soar over the clouds and glide.

When an eagle sees prey- even a rodent from a distance, he narrows his focus on it and sets out to get it. No matter the obstacle, the eagle will not move his focus from the prey until he grabs it. This lesson teaches us to have a vision and remain focused no matter what the obstacle is and you will succeed.

The highlight of the weekend was the training for Business Dining Etiquette. At this weekend’s event, the ladies were encouraged to dress out of their comfort zone, and they did not disappoint. We had a cocktail hour before dinner for the ladies to get to know each other. They met virtually during the programmes, but many were meeting in person for the first time. I love my friend Phillipa Morrish for many reasons, and one is her willingness to share her knowledge. She dropped some valuable nuggets that the ladies appreciated.

Tips on etiquette
I am sure you must have heard some advice to enter the room with confidence, even if you are late. The old adage “you’ll never have a second chance to make a first impression” applies to business dining as well.

Other good lessons to remember include: Eat something before going to a business lunch or dinner. Never go hungry, or inadvertently, you may give the wrong impression. Discuss business matters before or after dining. Do not do so during the meal unless you are the guest and the host initiates such a conversation. Never take away “doggie bags” from a business meal. You may do so at social functions, but skip the temptation even if you ate very little.

Do hold your beverage in your left hand. This prevents a cold handshake from having to move your beverage glass from your right to left hand.
Try to avoid eating and drinking at the same time, as one hand should be free for meeting and greeting. Either rest the beverage or snack on a table, but do not hold both at the same time while meeting others.

Never take anything from a platter and place it directly into your mouth; regardless of how bite-sized it might be on the platter. Take a napkin or saucer on which to place your hors d’oeuvres before eating. Do limit your reach to one or two pieces; even if it is your favourite snack.

Table etiquette
The first course was soup and I shared just a few tips she shared and you will have to enroll in the course for the entire training. If I am having soup, as the first course, my soup spoon would be on the right side of the table knife. If a small fork is in the soup spoon,that is an indicator that some sort of seafood cocktail would be served before the soup course.
A mild lemon sorbet might be served before the soup course if the first course is a shrimp cocktail. This is called a palate cleanser. Soup served in a two- handled cup can be drunk from the cup. Soup served in a bowl should never be lifted off the table.

These teachings can prevent you from embarrassing yourself and build your confidence. The ladies were also sharing with each how much they enjoyed applying the information immediately.

I am sure the readers found this content useful. Big thank you to Phillipa and Esan (Hardball) for capturing these invaluable life experiences. We have several programmes available for your development, and I challenge you to stop procrastinating and join us on this growth vehicle. If you WhatsApp (684-8129) between 16:00hrs on Sunday to 16:00hrs on Monday, you will only be required to pay 50 percent as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.