sometimes best party unplanned sort that's kind party ended having year's when modest collection people activities morphed into true party proportions visit from parents planned arrival sister-in-law nephew everything else about evening took life best sort turned that variety friends were around with nothing really planned gladly absorbed them into food everyone brought snacky foods ended with quite nice spread plenty vodka mixed drinks eventually sent someone beer non-cocktail types adults were content meander through variety conversation topics taking turns playing tender disc jockey holding friends ultra-mellow baby eight kids played took goofy photos each other created puppets puppet show their activities were punctuated regular stops dining room snacks fewer expectations bring more good times from host's perspective think i've finger what's nice about party that just happens rather than kind that planned yourself hook there expectations guilt don't think through every last detail then kick yourself forgetting something don't concoct perfect guests then feel responsible orchestrating conversations activities although sure there other people could have invited over realized were having real party just couldn't spend time dwelling that feeling just happened happened allowing everyone accept what simply glad that were bringing year together alone light previous post striving less intentional thinking this non-party party first unintentional even though party technically started thanks some great comments shared readers i've been reflecting even more this idea being less intentional here follow thoughts i've comment previous post barb chamberlain brought serendipity which says likes think things that happen those attention word serendipity always made giggle sentiment barb's definition exactly what mind writing that post another reader jodi mentioned being open comment together being open paying attention perfectly describe what want more myself this year believe there's something bigger going around that instincts nudgings god's spirit whatever want call this phenomenon usually more spot-on than logic intellect another reader blackwasp brought word contrived into conversation there thin-line important distinction between intentional contrived wrote exactly contrived what when hard reach specific outcome doesn't matter whether planning ideal party seeking followers twitter writing blog post finding perfect house church attend outcome same when hard make something happen think should happen results leave frustrated disappointed finally think most life about finding balance which requires knowing yourself know that personally spend much time trying orchestrate plan things which only prevents from going with flow experiencing surprises also sets disappointment self-criticism when things don't that's just sure though that there people there could stand more focused planning details know i've been saying going less intentional going more intentional when gets down about opening letting think strive balance doing more things that maybe don't come naturally 