Building Friendship – Red Tent Living

Not Excluded, Not Included

By: redtentwomen February 13, 2020February 12, 2020

Day to Day, relationshipsactive inclusion, Bethany Cabell, Building Friendship, children with anxiety, Compassion, Friendship, Intentional Parenting, Kids with Mental Illness, Lasting Friendship, Parenting, raising boys7 Comments

The musical score danced in my ears as I remained in the theater seat, soaking in every last note. Salty tears reflected my state of being over the previous two hours while I sat watching Little Women. My thoughts diverted as my mother’s friend approached me. Her smile preceded her question.

You Don’t Know How It Feels To Be Me

By: redtentwomen May 14, 2018May 14, 2018

Day to Day, relationshipsBeing Known, belonging, Bethany Cabell, Building Friendship, Kids with Mental Illness, Parenting8 Comments

There is a pocket resting deep within my chest wall, adjacent to my heart. I’m certain it has always been a part of me. Years ago, I became more aware of its presence in my body as the weight became more than I could bear. It seems as if there is a fistula connecting my…

Christmas Courage

By: redtentwomen December 20, 2017December 20, 2017

Day to Day, relationshipsAdvent, Building Friendship, Christmas and holiday season, Holiday Budgeting, Holiday Busyness, Katy Johnson12 Comments

Out the window, tiny flakes hang suspended in the air before rushing to the earth with a strong gust of wind. I watch the process repeat over and over again, my heartbeat getting caught up in the swirling rhythm outside.

Crossing the Bridge

By: redtentwomen June 30, 2017June 29, 2017

Day to Day, relationshipsAttunement, Building Friendship, Female Friendships, Neglect, Tracy Johnson23 Comments

I could barely understand her in between the heaving sobs and the words tumbling out quickly, but I did catch enough to know she was alone and feeling unseen and unwanted.

Unexpected Surprises For An Evening Of Exquisite Grace

By: redtentwomen March 31, 2017March 30, 2017

Red Tent Dinnerantique perfume bottles, Building Friendship, Ellen Oelsen, Friendship Renewed, Miracles, Red Tent Dinner3 Comments

When I planned to host a Red Tent Dinner in March, I wondered and prayed about who to invite. Names and faces of women came to mind over time and as they did I jotted their names on an invitation list.

Red Tent Dinner: Can I come?

By: redtentwomen November 1, 2016November 1, 2016

Red Tent DinnerAgainst All Grain, Allergen Sensitive Dinner Parties, Bethany Cabell, Building Friendship, Building Relationship, Danielle Walker, Dinner Party, Hostessing, Inclusion, Outside the Office, Red Tent Dinners, Savoring Food13 Comments

“Hoping your day unfolds smoothly and that your dinner tonight is lovely and all you are hoping it will be.”

Red Tent Dinner: Taking a Risk on Second Chances

By: redtentwomen September 22, 2016September 21, 2016

Red Tent DinnerBuilding Friendship, Dinner Party, Easy Dinner Parties, Hostessing, Katy Johnson, Red Tent Dinners, Richard Rohr, Savoring Food, Second Chances, Spring Sweet, T.S. Eliot6 Comments

I read the email over again, seeking to ensure it said exactly what I meant. Asking felt so risky. This whole dinner felt risky. Why had I agreed to this?

Red Tent Dinner: An Evening at the Lake

By: redtentwomen August 30, 2016August 30, 2016

Red Tent DinnerBuilding Friendship, Dinner Party, Easy Dinner Parties, Hostessing, Mary Jane Hamilton, Red Tent Dinners, Savoring Food2 Comments

Lake Michigan provided the beautiful backdrop for my first Red Tent Dinner. I invited 7 ladies to gather on my patio to savor the goodness of wine and salads. Each one brought their favorite salad to share and I provided my signature chocolate chip cookies. There is nothing like women, salads and cookies to make…