In SARK’s Toy Chest, there are many shining, brightly colored toys.  Today I’d like to talk about “Invite Someone Dangerous to Tea – Who have you wanted to meet, but haven’t yet?”

One thing I love about SARK’s toys is that they are expandable and customizable.  They are easy to infuse with your own magic.

You can use this simple tool with people you’d like to meet, but also potential bosses or dates.  Perhaps a troublesome mother-in-law, a much-missed, passed-on relative, an ideal candidate.  Since it’s in your head (or on paper) it can be anyone you please.  You can add other facets to it, if you like, by setting it in some exotic location, or having it last into cocktail time, as I did.

My first experience with “Invite Someone Dangerous to Tea” was in “SARK’s Journal and Play! Book.”  I pull this delightful book out whenever I feel a need for colorful expression. (Bet I can’t go through one post about SARK and not use the word “delightful” at least once.)

One day I decided to have Johnny Depp to tea ~  I’m going to serve a good Earl Grey.  (With some Amaretto aside for a kick, if he chooses.)  I’ll set out some fresh fruit and biscotti.  Maybe a selection of Pepperidge Farm cookies.  There must be music playing.  The Beatles, I think, or George Harrison’s, “All Things Must Pass.”  We shall sit inside, in high backed, comfortable chairs, with lovely views and perhaps breezes now and then.

He is warm and gracious at our meeting.  I start by asking after his children, to put him at ease. That I have not invited him here for anything nefarious. We can talk of the beautiful mother of his children and his wonderful life.  I compliment him on his amazing career and body of work.

I want to know about his music. (He is a musician, though little is said of it.)  What does he like?  Would he play a little guitar for me?   And sing?   The discussion will easily spill into writing.  (He once said he’d like to be a writer.)  We will find some unusual things we have in common.  Like our birthdays.

Time passes quickly and I’m glad I have a bottle of my favorite Bohemian Highway, Cabernet Sauvignon nearby.  We graduate to glasses of wine and pretzels to nibble.  The talk gets more intense, sparkled by more laughter.

All too soon he sighs and says he’s had a great time, but he has to go.  He asks me for a piece of paper, so he can leave his e-mail address. He wants to stay in touch.  He wants to read my book.  He thanks me several times, kisses my forehead and then disappears into the ever-encroaching night

Wow!  I loved that.  He doesn’t feel so dangerous, anymore.

Play with this toy at your pleasure.  It can bring endless hours of fun and growth!