A Scarf For Kathleen...
Walking around our neighborhood market the other day, list in hand, trolley filling with groceries, I was stopped by a friendly faced store clerk. She announced how much she loved the scarf I was wearing ( a lovely rich turquoise woven shawl from Mexico.) I smiled at her because over the last few years, this woman has come up to me on several occasions to tell me something sweet about how I look... I'm always a little surprised, because its a rare thing for "strangers" to say anything much, outside of talking about the weather whilst waiting in the check out line.. She went on to say "I always notice how nicely you dress and you wear such bright beautiful colors." I explained that I make an effort to wear bright colors because they make me feel better, especially when the weather is gloomy and grey (which is a lot - because hey folks, this IS the Seattle area!!!) Anyway, she told me she didn't have the "nerve to wear bright colors.." and her favorite color (much to her teenage daughter's horror) is brown. Well, I gave her a hug, because I know what its like to have teenage girls who might not always give you a thumbs up and high approval rating when it comes to "Mom's Fashion Sense"...
For the rest of the day, I reflected on the friendliness she'd shown me and how I felt truly touched by the kindness of her words and going out of her way to share these private observations.
Words are like that aren't they? They can be like magic, and powerful enough (even when coming from a total stranger) to lift our spirits, to move us closer, towards trusting one another... and it costs..., well,,,, nothing.., just a moment of our time, and a willingness to share ~ from the heart ~ the place where honesty dwells.
Now, when I have a kind thought about someone, I will remember to share.., I will drop these petals of kindness..., and you know what...? I feel happy just thinking about it...
The next day at the market, I asked another clerk for the name of the "friendly clerk in the health food section,"....(she knew right away who I was talking about.) it was ~ Kathleen...
So today, whilst browsing in a sweet little boutique in Portland, I came upon a beautiful scarf, that had Kathleen's name written on it - yes, it has brown in it, and pink and silvery cream...
When I get home, I will wrap it in bright colored tissue paper, and leave it at the market for Kathleen to find when she next comes to work... ~ I hope she likes it.
Its a small token for the huge gift of being touched by this angel.
P.S go to
http://www.dipityroad.com/ if you'd like to see more people finding beauty...
