I just have to share with you my weekend...
Started out pretty ordinary.
My kids and I, waiting around for the husband to assume childcaring detail after working til lunch time, so I could begin my big adventure.
Eventually he arrived and after a few quick housekeeping issues were sorted out, I exited for a weekend at my friend, Grace Maiolo's home.
For those who have been reading the Women Can International Inc newsletter, you will know that Grace was Women Can International Inc's February Woman of Influence Award recipient. Having stayed overnight in her home, I can verify that this woman is truly amazing!
Let me describe my overnight stay with Grace (pictured above) so that you can really appreciate the woman and the wonderful opportunity that it was for me.
Firstly, Grace's day begins at 3:30am, when she gets up and goes to the shop to cut up the meat for the day. She then serves in the butcher shop until 3:30pm on a good day or 5pm on a normal day. This is a routine she has maintained 7 days a week for over 30 years. When asked how many hours she sleeps, she said, "A couple of hours of good sleep does me." When I asked her, "Don't you get tired?" She responded, "Not until I sit down."
Now you have to understand that I have seen this lady in action. She can cater for a crowd of over 90 people, as she did for the 6PR Offle Afternoon and not sit down once the whole day! She just goes and goes and goes and is so passionate about making the people around her feel wonderful.
Back to the weekend. She finished work at 3:30pm and rushed home, grabbed a quick shower and when I arrived at 4:15pm, she had the appearance of simple stress-free elegance and you would have no idea she's been cutting up carcases and working in a butcher's shop all day. Further, the table is laid especially for me, the house has been prepared for me and she has taken particular care to make sure that my every need has been catered for! Not only that, she concentrated her whole focus on me and making me feel special, wanted and very loved. Her broad grin and welcoming hug made me feel like I'd come home to a long lost friend and i just knew from the moment I walked in the front door that I was in for a huge treat because of the warmth and generosity of the woman. It's almost like a physical embrace - I've never met anyone who has the gift of hospitality as strong as Grace does. Nothing is a problem for Grace. Her positivity is uplifting.
The beautiful wood table we dined at!
Her home, an elegant house with a lot of beautiful Jarrah woodwork, is filled with strong wooden furniture. The central furniture piece is the large wooden dining table that seats 10 and has seen countless dinner party guests have their fill of her fine fare. A very solidly built table, as I sat down I wondered what stories it would tell of the many dinners and diners Grace has hosted.
Her kitchen, Grace's favourite room in the house, is well stocked and there is everything a woman needs for entertaining within easy grasp. Check out my quick snaps of the table she had laid just for me (above) and of her pantry that she uses for her entertaining ware! (below)
Grace's Pantry - Stocked for entertaining!
As the evening progresses, we are joined by her partner, Anthony. I am treated to a hot spa, a massage, gifts on the bedside table waiting for me (a box of chocolates and a gift box of sweet smelling body treats), the softest bathrobe imaginable is hung in the cupboard for me to don, with matching slip on slippers. Glasses of the finest champagne are served generously throughout the evening and more food than I could eat.
A simple entree, Grace style!
After all the fun and festivity, I retreat to the solitude of the upstairs guest room, which incidentally is as good, if not better, better than a 5 star luxury hotel room. In the suite upstairs there is a toilet, sink, fridge, pantry, sideboard with my favourite lollies, kettle, coffee cups, dining table, large screen television, classical music pumping out of a stereo, then in the bedroom there is a lounge suite, dressing table with beautiful lamp, wooden cupboard, and a king size bed, with a beautiful rich red and gold duvet, complete with white towels beautifully folded, with a face washer on top! Even thte toilet paper in the ensuite was folded back, hotel style.
Overall, a wonderful overnight jaunt, not to mention we cooked up some business
ventures together which are VERY exciting!
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