198 Marbles
Last night I had a few people over for dinner. I was uncharacteristically prepared because I did all my prep work so I could just relax and enjoy my friends. I was a regular Martha Stewart, fully dressed and ready to greet my company. I was particularly proud of a Coconut Cream Pie that I made for the first time. It looked amazing and I was so excited to try it that I mentioned it twice during dinner.
After dinner as I was pulling the pie from the fridge, somehow it slid from my hands and landed upside down on the kitchen tiles. My niece was there with me in the kitchen and she started howling with laughter. My running partner saw the action as well and said, “That was my favorite part of the whole night!” “Favorite part? What am I going to do for dessert now?” They both answered, “Flip it over and serve it up.” I vehemently opposed their idea for several reasons – firstly it was way past the three-second rule. Secondly, while I had just mopped the floor and felt fairly sure that the rest of the guests would share my conspirators’ joviality over the situation - two of the guests were European (German and Austrian) and I didn’t think they’d appreciate the humor of a Coconut Upside Down Pie (they probably wouldn’t have the history of black and white comedies where the cream pie always landed on someone’s face). Thirdly, while I was sure that the human immune system was capable of surviving anything my semi-clean floor would throw at it, grit and pie don’t mix. Lastly, it was embarrassing. The pie was the “perfect” conclusion to a “perfect” meal. What would Martha do? (She’d probably have a backup pie prepared just in case.)
As my two cohorts set about flipping the pie right side up while disposing of the parts that were in direct contact with the floor, I had fits of laughter coupled with bouts of admonishing them for attempting such a feat. I re-toasted coconut to sprinkle on top, and when it was done, it was almost presentable (in a Laurel and Hardy kind of way). The two of them were giddy conspirators when they served up the pie. It was remarkably delicious.
My running partner is part of an improv troupe, juicing humor out of every moment on stage. I don’t think Martha could do improv because she’s all about the preparation but sometimes life requires improvisation. When I went to bed last night, it was the upside down pie that made me smile. My running partner was right - it was the best part of the night.
Impromptu is defined as prompted by the occasion rather than being planned in advance. Impromptu moments can make you feel the magic of life and living. What would it take for you to feel more comfortable with improvisation?
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