Jun 04 2008
Come-As-You-Are Party
Hey, Brillig here. I’m thrilled to have my awesome neighbor and dear friend (a rare combination indeed) Charrette as today’s guest-blogger. I dragged her into the bloggy world kicking and screaming (well… not exactly) about a month ago and I now only wish she’d started sooner!!!!
—————-
I have the inimitable Brillig to thank for my own unexpected entry into the blogosphere. She is a dear friend made dearer through blogging. I loved reading hers so much I forwarded countless links to unsuspecting friends: “Read this! You’ll never be the same.” or “Here’s somebody who GETS it.” or “Here’s some laughter therapy you’ll enjoy.” After awhile I couldn’t resist trying my own hand at a post or two, and now I’m completely hooked! For a little over a month now I’ve been writing over at my own little blog, Divergent Pathways.
Thank you, Brillig-the Great, for this opportunity to try my hand on a big-girl site. 
Come-As-You-Are Party
My little brother, when he was a teenager, was so concerned about his physical appearance that he literally WOULD NOT ANSWER THE PHONE without combing his hair first! (Ludicrous, but true.) For some reason we have this deep-seated need to show ourselves in public just a little better than we really are, masking our authentic (read: better) selves behind some artificially projected persona.
A generation or two ago, Come-As-You-Are parties were a popular fad. Hosts invited guests to arrive at the appointed time and place dressed exactly as they were when they received the invitation (usually by phone). So if your hair was in rollers, you had pink furry slippers on and green cold cream all over your face — that’s how you came to the party. I’m sure it was meant to be an ice-breaker of sorts. Hosts would go out of their way to reach guests at inopportune moments. And it could have been hilarious for those who had the guts to show up dripping wet, having just stepped out of the shower, wearing nothing but a towel; or in their cheesy bowling-league uniform, sweating after a workout, or whatever. A low-brow masquerade party. But my guess is the novelty soon wore off because few people had the guts to show up “as they really are”.
So my idea is this: Link here*, leave a brief comment, and post on your own blog a “come as you are” snap-shot that totally captures some aspect of your personality. The only rules are: No private anatomy pix, please, (eew!) and no sprucing-up before you shoot. Resist the urge to alter reality for a better public impression, and just find a little pile of clutter, or some sticky fingerprints, a bad hair day or some other instant snapshot that somehow captures a piece of the real you. My guess is it will endear you to us forever.
Ready. Aim. Shoot!
*Brillig interjects: Link back to Charrette, as she is the mastermind behind this idea! I will, however, throw in a Mr. Linky here so that you can all see at a glance who’s playing too. You know how I adore a good Mr. Linky…
I kind of cheated but I JUST did this meme that was pretty much the same thing so I just linked to that. It’s really all in the name of laziness and if that’s not a snapshot of me…
Wow, this is such a great idea! How come I’ve never heard of this type of parties before ?
This is a wonderful way to meet people as they are and see whether or not they have a sense of humor. Too many fake, stuck up folks around imo ….
Well, I’m doing the Blog Blast for Peace today so while I do like this concept, I’ll post a picture, the linkage and fill in Mr. Linky for the day that I’m posting here.
Brillig, can I send you a pic and have you put it up on anonymous soapiness or something, since my blog is private?
Love the idea!
I love this idea…but I’ll have to look for a picture and see what I can come up with.
This is beyond brilliant Charette! I’m going to participate as soon as I find some batteries for my camera!
I’m not brave enough to post a pic of myself on a good day, much less spur of the moment! I’ll see if I can work up the courage though.
I had heard of ‘come as you are” parties, but I didn’t know exactly how they worked.
This is a fun idea, however, due to the fact that my technical advisor (12 year old son) is at scouts right now, and I have no clue how to get photos from the camera to the computer without his help, I won’t be able to post any photos.
But if I could show you my kitchen you would see that it’s sparkling clean! There are no dirty dishes in the sink, because they have all been put in the dishwasher. That spaghetti sauce I spilled on the stove earlier isn’t there, and that strange sticky spot in front of the refrigerator has been mopped up. My kids shoes and backpacks are not all over the floor, and the mail from the last three days is not still sitting on the kitchen counter.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. ;0)
GREAT idea, but I might have to hold off for a bit, just because I’m having an insane weak and have other posts to post. Nice to “meet” you!
I had never heard of this kind of party but it sounds absolutely hilarious. Thanks for the giggles. Great guest post.
I would usually be fine if people were to just drop in and stay in the kitchen or living room, but the basement? GULP This is where I lose credibility and people realize what a nice facade I have created. Does anyone know a good laundress?