Souper Bowl Fun Day

Keep it simple, and take it slow

Growing up rural meant that socializing was a big deal. We didn’t have the internet, we didn’t have TV. We had chores and animals, some family, and a lot of community in a very small one. When you don’t see people on a daily basis, you appreciate the times you do. Every gathering, every shared meal, and every visitor was an event. It taught me that hospitality isn’t just about food—it’s about making people feel welcome and valued.

One of the many tasks of ranch life is feeding the crew, especially when neighboring cowboys come to lend a hand. Feeding these men is an art — one my mother and I take very seriously. And by "art," I really mean managing the “hurry-up-and-wait, cross-your-fingers, look-at-the-horizon-they’re-coming” kind of chaos. Timing is everything!

Priya Parker, in The Art of Gathering, emphasizes the importance of intention in bringing people together. It’s not just about feeding them; it’s about creating a meaningful experience. On the ranch, meals weren’t just about sustenance; they were about connection. Whether it was a branding crew or a holiday gathering, meals became a way to foster relationships and strengthen bonds. That philosophy has stuck with me — I try to bring the same thoughtfulness to every meal I share with others, ensuring that people feel truly welcomed and part of something special.