“What’s occurring?” is an expression regularly used in one of my favourite TV shows, which finally ended this Christmas.
Gavin and Stacey was one of those shows where you cared about everybody. When discussing the show with people, you realised that the characters’ names were on the tip of their tongues, and each person had their own favourite.
This is the sign of a good storyline created by great writers who have developed fully rounded characters. People you care about, as opposed to cardboard characters you see in lots of movies and TV programmes.
Of course, none of the above would be possible without a cast of actors who could put flesh on the bones of each person.
I would have liked to have attended one of their house parties on the show. They were great events full of music, laughter and bonhomie!
The Irish House party:
When I listen to Irish people discussing their childhood, they all remember the house parties where everyone sang and played a musical instrument, even if it was just the humble comb with some paper wrapped around it.
These were times when, as they would say now, we had nothing, but managed to enjoy ourselves from time to time.
All that was needed was an excuse: the afters of a wedding, a funeral, friends and family up for the match, a christening. We just want to get together to provide some short-term relief from the Ireland of our past.
It would appear now that “we’re a great little country”, but we need to be careful not to forget who we are and where we came from.
When did you last have a group at your home for an evening of fun and music?
The event I’m talking about does not need to be a significant, costly event which requires a lot of time and effort.
Why not have some friends and relatives over for a beer, wine, and snacks.
With just a plate of sandwiches or very dodge pizzas, (Tayto cheese and onion constitutes a snack), tell some stories, perhaps sing a few songs, recite your favourite poem or reminisce about family and friends.
Now, I hear the objection: we can’t drink and drive, and of course, you can’t.
But you could hop in a taxi, the cost would still be less than an indifferent meal in a pub or restaurant, which provides little or no interaction or stimulating conversation.
Come on, take the plunge!
Tell people what’s occurring and have a good time for yourself and those you who have not seen in an age.
By Executive Coach Andrew Keogh of Aristo.ie
