Catherine Holloway's Blog

As the weeks approach, each of us will find ourselves as a host or a guest. Either part is simply grand in its own right. If you need assistance in either part, phone me and I will gladly assist you in this role. 216-292-8888

How odd it is for me, a music lover and the special gift it brings to shout out...TURN OFF THE MUSIC!  That is because, there is a special time that a parent gets to parents. That time is in the car.  I have witnessed for several years now that when my students and other students in general are picked from school, sporting events and other social events.

It takes me back a minute or two when I receive a thank you note. Not that I don't get them but they are rare these days. As I walk to my mailbox, pull out the daily mail to see that I am honored with the sweet smell of freshly delivered snail mail. The hard pressed stamps from the post office and the hand written address addressed to me..I get as excited as a school girl.

Etiquette classes are now forming at the following location, Dillard's Beachwood Place, Great Northern, Summit Mall; as well as Westlake Recreation, and Highland Recreation Center. To obtain information on the six week programs, please send me an email through my contact tab. Classes are for 6 weeks, co-ed and very hands on.

We are settling into winter, and I am reminded of the wonderful hospitality my family received over holiday break. We traveled to our nations capital for a week. I was so impressed by the high level of standards in regards to manners. Everywhere we went, the tour guides, the restaurant staff, the hotel staff, the retail staff were amazing.

I know, you read the title right...Black Friday and Cyper Monday Kindness. I was one of the brave souls that ventured out on the day after Thanksgiving. And to my wonderful surprise, I was witness to well behaved shoppers.  Other, like me, said the word "excuse me", "pardon me", "thank you" and "please".

The other day, while I was waiting for the light to change, I started to count how many drivers were on the phone, how many did not turn on their blinkers and how many honk at other drivers for not turning on red. I realized how many bad drivers there are out there. 

This season always reminds me of the importance of the basic skills we use almost everyday. With the events of returning back to school, whether locally or long distance, meeting new teachers, classmates, roommates, teammates and parents - we must start with what I love about manners - meeting new people.

I'm teaching several community education courses over the next few weeks. Register soon!
English Rose and Black Tie at Westlake is upcoming.
These courses are

• fun
• educational
• for all ages