Make a Stranger Smile

The other day I was feeling blue and went to do some retail therapy at Costco, as there is nothing like buying toilet paper in bulk to make you happy, right?

Well, they’ve rearranged the store since I was there last and so I walked around a bit more and a bit more confused than usual which wasn’t helping my ‘therapy.’ I did, however, spy the eco-friendly laundry detergent (that is now up front) and worked my way to it. I was pleased to have found an item on my list. Just then a lady who had passed me, turned, and said … ‘I like your shirt. Did you get that recently?’

I have to admit, I was a bit caught off guard. It was a very out of the blue comment. My green shirt was a year or so old from Patagonia and in my mind nothing too special. It’s more of an “every day” shirt and very commonplace to my wardrobe. Now, however, it is a very special shirt that will make me smile again and again as I remember the lady’s comment.

What a great thing to do – give a perfect stranger a compliment. So, say something nice to someone you don't know today. And, also someone you do know. It leaves a lasting impression.

I didn’t need the retail therapy after that but I did need the items on my list and eventually found them all. A successful outing on several fronts.

My Two Cents ... Grocery Cart Courtesy

Why is it so hard for people to return a grocery cart to the store or easier yet to the corrals created for convenience in the parking lot?

It’s like littering but luckily for the world grocery stores have added to their employees job descriptions “collect carts scattered all over the lot rain or shine.” (I’m sure it’s right above miscellaneous duties as assigned). I know jobs are scarce but really, the store is just going to pass that cost of time and labor onto the customer one way or another. I’d rather have them invest in a recycling program, support a local event or something more beneficial then picking up after lazy people.

Also, if you are such a person, how can you expect your children to put their toys away if you show them one can just leave the shopping cart willy-nilly in the parking lot? It baffles my mind. It’s not like one just walked up a hill barefoot in a blizzard in search of food and can’t make it one more step before expiring. If you’re ill and that’s the best you can do with the cart that’s one thing but than you really shouldn’t be shopping alone, now should you? And if you are ill, well, we must have a ton of sick people out there. Have you seen parking lots? I'm just saying, it’s pathetic. Take the extra steps and call it exercise if you have to.

My two cents … Watch out, the car scratch & dent gremlins will get you and your pretty car too! It’s a parking lot karma thing.

Oct. 31 Brings Lots of Fun

Tonight is the night

For fun and for fright

The moonlight we see appear

Lots of little people linger near

Our smiling pumpkins there sit

With candles, they are brightly lit

To our front door comes to pass

Goblins, ghost, and oh, some kind of scary mass

There goes a monkey, a lion, a cute little mouse

The doorbell keeps ringing, right here at our house

There are treats and there are tricks

We will have to fight them all off with candy sticks!

These crafty little beings are way out of sight

After all, tonight is Halloween night!

Happy Halloween!

A Fine Fall Vintage ….

A Fine Friday Fall Vintage …. Do you remember that euphoric feeling from school when you finished taking your exams before a break? Wasn’t that such a great feeling of accomplishment? You could toss your notes, throw out the ‘to do’ lists and go celebrate (what you hoped was) a job well done. I love that sensation. It’s a great feeling for a Friday, a Friday like today with the crisp smell of fall in the air and it’s time to party with friends! It surely would be a fine vintage to keep on the shelf. Go find it and uncork it. After all, it is FRIDAY!

Day One ...

Day One: Playing near the diving board ... bounce, bounce ...

I'm a virgin blogger. I've seen blogs. I've read blogs. I know people who are bloggers. I'm jumping in ... here goes. Cannonball!

SPLASH!

(Did anyone see? Like a tree falling in the woods ...)