Catherine Holloway's Blog

In my formal classes, we have been focused on the dining etiquette section. There is much joy and delight in teaching these wonderful habits and behaviors. Each dining item has a wonderful story associated with them. But what I find so sad, is the students tell me they don't eat at the table with their families.

This past weekend, I was the recipient of receiving an email, that I am sure the sender did not mean to say what she wrote.  At least I have to think that, being the Pollyanna I am.  It was a sharp reminder that each of us in our business and personal lives have to follow the rules of email etiquette. I was shocked by what she was trying to say.

The month of February is a special month for so many reason. I think it is the breakthrough month to Spring. Love the idea of sunshine, flowers and beautiful green leaves again. It's the month we focus on preventing heart disease, especially for women and the month of reeducating ourselves on the wonderful contributions from African Americans and how they have made our lives so much easier.

Winter blues is what is the norm in Ohio at this time. But I was energized with the joy of youth during the month of January. I have the pleasure to work with high school students from around Northeast Ohio where the spark of energy and good manners was running rapid. No blues here! We were all seeing green as our engines were in go mode.

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".