Thursday, September 5, 2002

Off to the Dried Plum Festival!!

Dear Lost Souls,
Unfortunately, I will out of town this Friday Evening and will be unable to host Cocktail Hour. The reason is that since I did not make it to Burning Man, I have decided to go Burning Man one better. That is right! I am going to the Dried Plum Festival in Yuba City. The Yuba City Dried Plum festival is viewed by many as the type of cutting edge cultural event that Burning Man used to be before it got so popular. Please note that "prunes" is no longer PC. "Dried Plums" is the correct term. I am sure I will have lots of crazy stories to share when I return. 'Til next time!

Yours,
Greg

Thursday, August 29, 2002

Come As You Are - Labor Day Weekend!!


Dear Lost Souls
Christ!!! It is already Labor Day Weekend! Where did the summer go? But, fret not . . . Cocktail Hour is on for this Friday Night and you are invited to stop by to morn summer's passing . . . which really isn't so bad since fall is really the nicest time of year in the East Bay. And besides, the lighting of the bricks is just around the corner. Personally, I will be mourning all the shit I lost at Dolge's bachelor party. Anyway, please feel free to stop by for a quickie on route to your distraction of choice or to linger indefinitely.

Yours,
Greg

Thursday, August 22, 2002

CAYA; Solid Ground and Protected Harbors


Dear 'Las Soles'
A drab and dreary Thursday indeed. But, fret not for Friday evening hangs patiently on the horizon with promises of bright smiles on friendly faces in cozy digs. Persevere my bonny shipmates, solid ground is sited and your protected harbor awaits.

Yeeeees, Cocktail Hour is on for tomorrow night and you and yours are invited to recreate in the highest quality of company at your local Haberdashery. Cocktails will be served at 7:30pm. Please feel free to stop by for a momentary pause on route to your evening's distraction of choice or to settle in for a prolonged exploration of the evening's trivial pursuits. Remote wishes and toasts of solidarity are always appreciated.

Yours,
Greg

Thursday, August 15, 2002

No Cocktail Hour - Dalai Lama Instructions

Dear Lost Souls,
Unfortunately there will be no Cocktail hour this week. The responsibilities of this arduous life require me to spend the weekend recreating far from the Bay. But Cocktail Hour will be back in full swing next Friday. Good luck out there in that big bad world!

Yours,
Greg

PS: In compensation for this weeks absence, I offer these pearls of wisdom:

Instructions for Life in the new millennium from the Dalai Lama:
1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve
2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three Rs: Respect for self, respect for others, responsibility for all your actions.
4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
7. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to> correct it.
8. Spend some time alone every day.
9. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.
12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.
15. Be gentle with the earth.
16. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.
17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon

Thursday, August 8, 2002

CAYA; Refuge from the Heat

Dear Lost Souls,
Burn Ye in the fires of August's pitiless wrath? Dost though long for the shaded redemption of a familiar oasis? Wondereth thou how people spoke Old English with a straight face? Come escapeth the heat this Friday evening in the cool splendor of the Haberdashery's familiar foliage.

Yeees . . . cocktail hour is on for this Friday night and you are invited to come escape the heat with a quenching liquid elixir and refreshing spiritual pause. Heavy thoughts are as welcome as heavy coats and the cool breeze of eccentricity is encouraged.

 Cocktails will be served starting at 7:30pm. Please feel free to stop by for a quickie or to linger indefinitely.

 Yours,
Greg

Wednesday, July 31, 2002

Come As You Are, Sweet Baby Ray


Dear Lost Souls,
Following our recent hiatus, the Haberdashery is proud to announce a visit from our cherished friend, Sweet Baby Ray. Those of you that have had the pleasure, know that Baby Ray always adds an unequaled flavor to our humble gatherings. This Friday evening's gathering promises to be no exception. Please stop by to sample his unique style and panache.

Yes, friends, Cocktail Hour is on for this Friday. Our usual brand of alchemy and fellowship will commence around 7:30pm at 2107 Hearst Avenue. The barbecue will be all fired up, so feel free to throw in your own style of flesh or fowl. Whether we are your first stop or your last, your first resort or your last, your presence will be our honor and inspiration. As always, please feel free to stop by for a quickie . . . or linger indefinitely.

Yours,
Greg

Thursday, July 11, 2002

Summer Hiatus


Dear Lost Souls,
I deeply apologize for my conspicuous silence over the last few weeks. To alleviate any of your concerns, I want you to know that I have been keeping myself thoroughly entertained. Continuing in this vein, I will be leaving for The Great White North for ten days starting tomorrow. As a result, Friday night cocktail hour will take a short summer hiatus for the next two Fridays. I invite any of you take the ball and host a Cocktail Hour while I am away. After all, there is no "I" in Haberdashery. I promise a gathering of at least moderate excess on August 2nd. Mark your calender. Maybe I'll whip up some Ludifisk for the occasion

Yours,
Greg