I was blown away by the comments yesterday about what you would do if you won the lottery, what incredible, generous, stunning thoughts you shared. The people you would help, the causes you would support. So many first thoughts that were so selfless.
And there I was, all depressed because I have no money, pounding away at my book so that someday at the end of the rainbow someone will pay me, and buying lottery tickets. (I didn’t win.) And there you were, with all your sweet, awesome, amazing comments about the selfless, generous things you would do if you won. Which reminded me that, hello, I’m not the only person in the world who needs money, and hello, I’m NOT THE ONLY PERSON IN THE WORLD. And that I’m really pretty lucky.
I wish I could highlight all the beautiful comments, but then I would just be repeating all the comments–and you can read them here–but this one from Carol especially touched me.
A woman in front of me in the grocery line was $40 short on a very large grocery bill. She was really stressed about what to put back, her kids were getting whiney and she was getting teary trying to put back, and I just said “will you let me help you pay this” and she cried and I cried and the grocery checker cried and that was the best thing ever and no I didnt have an extra $40. It was totaly spontaneous and the Universe just worked it out. Maybe I would hang out in grocery stores and just do that.
Sobbbbbb!!! No matter what we see on the news every day, we live in a wonderful world with wonderful people. And the most wonderful people in the world are the ones who have no money. The best things in life are free.
So, since I didn’t win the lottery this time, I’m going to spend the weekend with this stunningly ridiculous and ridiculously stunning girl. For free.
I was trying to take her picture, but she wanted me to answer her question first. No picture unless she had an answer!
“Okay, okay,” I said. “What’s your question? Now let me take your picture!”
“You know those tiny airplane bathrooms? What happens to the poop? Where does it go?”
I have no idea why this question was so pressing or why it even entered her mind. She’s like that. Inscrutable.
And beautiful.
And when I took enough pictures, I confessed, “I don’t know where the poop goes. And that is too an answer!”
And she said, “Go to your room.”
She cracks me up. For free.
What do you get to enjoy this weekend for free?
Kim A. says:
Carol did an amazing, beautiful thing. Blessings to her and to everyone.
Many years ago, when I was in my early 20s, I was quite down and out (unknowingly clinically depressed, though that’s another story) and spending a winter collecting what was at the time municipal welfare. My winter boots had holes in them and I had no money for a new pair. A friend of mine, who went to a prayer group on a regular basis, asked for a pair of boots for her friend (i.e. me). When the session broke up and everyone was leaving, one person gave her $5 toward my boots and another gave her $35 toward my boots. I took that $40 with deep gratitude and humility and also some shame and bought a new pair of winter boots that kept my feet dry.
I have *never* forgotten that kindness of strangers. And while I am still broke most of the time, struggling to make ends meet from paycheque to paycheque and racking up credit card debt, I know I am deeply blessed and very, very lucky.
This weekend I have errands to run, which won’t be free, but if the weather is good on Monday, I might get out and take pics (long weekend for us in Canada), which is therapy of sorts for me, a true joy. And being entertained by my cats is always free!
Have a lovely weekend, everyone.
-Kim
On May 17, 2008 at 5:55 am
liz in NY says:
I get to have the most delightful weekend with our grandaughter’s Norah and Jillian. They are four and two and an absolute blast!! We are going to make playdough, play outside,help Nana plant flowers,OH the things we can do are endless.I will take lots of pictures and we will laugh and laugh and then laugh some more. I am blessed!!
On May 17, 2008 at 7:19 am
Heidi says:
What a great gift she gave that woman! For several years I was a ‘welfare worker’ – in other words you came to see me for public assistance. So many of the woman that had been workers for years were so corse and judgmental – rude… so many of the clients hated to come in and talk to them. I never understood why they felt so differant from the person sitting across the desk from them? A set of circumstances, beyond most of thier control, could send any of us in a downward spiral and we could be sitting in that place instead. I remember a young mother came in one morning, 3 kids in tow, her husband had gotten hurt working for a friend for cash and now was unable to work. She had a part-time job and very few working skills that would have allowed her to get a good paying job. She sat down and started to explain what had happened and I just listened. At the end of her story, she just stared at me and started to cry….. I could understand that she was upset, but when I asked her what I could do to help she cried harder.. Then I thought, what have I said to upset this poor gal. I asked her, she got up came around the desk and hugged me sobbing and saying that no one ever just listens. She left that day feeling better and able to handle more only because someone listened to her – not because of the $$ or other assistance – just because I was kind to her. Why is it that so many people dont try to see other’s points of view and that we feel we have the right to judge?
I guess what I am saying is – we dont need the lottery (but it would be nice :rockon: ) to help others. Simple human kindness goes a LONG LONG LONG ways. 🙂
GREAT JOB ON HELPING THAT LADY OUT CAROL!!!! That is what God put us here for. 🙂
Sorry to hijack your comments this morning Sue! Can I still come over to vist your blog????
On May 17, 2008 at 7:21 am
Heidi says:
OH YEAH this was about entertainment that is free – I get free boquets of dandelions about 3 times a day from my 3 year old – cuz the next ones are so much prettier he says. 🙂
On May 17, 2008 at 7:23 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
Heidi, well, of course! I love hearing your, and everyone’s, stories! I know some people visit and don’t read the comments–and they are missing the best part!
On May 17, 2008 at 7:27 am
Ann from Montana says:
I’m a firm believer that God puts us places for a reason and puts others in places for us…wonderful to read all the comments yesterday!
Today, for free – I’ve already done one of my favorite things…it is 20 minutes until sunrise but the Continentel Divide sits to my east, but the sky is light with pre-dawn and I’ve been out with my dog watching the light, listening to the birds and sipping my coffee.
It is also grocery shopping day which I happen to love doing, time to mow the grass for the first time – not so much something I love, but it always feels good to get it done and then sit on the porch with a cool drink and admire…not that I have a “lawn” – it is more of a woodsy grassy, weedy but green patch…
Happy Saturday to you Suzanne and Princess!
On May 17, 2008 at 7:33 am
Kathryn says:
This morning, we are heading out to get some potting soil, then going over to my mother’s house to pot up her summer plants, and work in her flower garden. She is making us lunch, which will be wonderful because the asparagus is in! You know, Himself and I have traveled all over the place, and there is just nothing nicer than hearing. “The asparagus is in!” We have had such a rainy, cold Spring that it seemed as if it would never happen. We will spend the day working in her flowers, and just talking about nothing in particular. I have finished mounting another ninely gajillion old family photos, and part of the day will be sitting with Mother writing down who these people are, and their connection with the family. She has so many pictures, and I know most of them, but some are tricky. Sometime during the day, we will get a phone call from the GrandGirlies that are always interesting! At seven and five, their worlds are still so new that their stories are just always filled with awe and wonder. Have a fun day in your world, and thank you for letting me see a little bit of it!
On May 17, 2008 at 8:03 am
Robin G. says:
I get to have dinner with my father in law and discuss whether or not The Wookiee and I should try to buy this house we really want.
Simple blessings: a father in law who likes me, a father in law I like, a parent figure whose opinion I completely trust, being in a position to even discuss the possibility of buying a house, dinner, family, love.
It’s important to remember how rare and special those things are.
On May 17, 2008 at 8:31 am
rebecca says:
Hahahahaaaa!!!!! That’s awesome.
I got to spend some time with my parents. This really doesn’t sound like a big deal, I’m sure, but it’s been a long time since I’ve gotten to hang out with just my Mom, Dad, Brother and myself.
On May 17, 2008 at 9:11 am
Treasia says:
What beautiful stories so many have shared about themselves. It makes my heart feel good to know there is much kindness left in this world.
My weekend of free is consisting of helping my Princess get ready for Junior Prom tonight. Taking many many pictures and going to prom for the first thirty minutes of fun.
On May 17, 2008 at 9:22 am
becki says:
On occasional Friday nights, we go out for Whataburgers(we live in Texas). When my husband and I first started this tradition, we were starving grad students, so it was a big treat.
Then we graduated, got jobs, car payments, a mortgage, and more mouths to feed (pets and our Princess). But we remembered where it was we came from, and kept up the tradition. On some of those Friday nights now, there is a homeless man who sits underneath some trees near the Whataburger we go to. My husband always asks him if he’s eaten, and gets him the same thing. Why do we do this?
Because one time when we were starving students in Lubbock, I was at the United grocery store and saw a lemon meringue pie in the bakery. I only had about $20, not enough to get the pie and what we really needed. I told the clerk, “next time”. I checked out and put my groceries in the car. As I had my back to the parking lot, I got tapped on the shoulder. One of my professors had seen me debating the pie. He had already chosen a pie for his family, and decided he’d choke on it if I didn’t have one also. So he grabbed one and paid for it (leaving a cart full of groceries—I had seen him shopping) and brought it out to me. A simple gesture, but one I never forgot.
On May 17, 2008 at 9:30 am
Jyl says:
I get my whole family for free this weekend. And my sister and her family for part of it. And we get to play cards (and hopefully I get to win). We always have a blast together. And we will cook and eat and just hang out.
On May 17, 2008 at 9:35 am
Connie says:
:snoopy: Happy Happy, Joy Joy!!!We sold our rent house and today I get to make a list of the things I want for my backyard. We are going to build a porch and patio and a swingset and lots of plants for landscaping. I can’t wait for it to be finished. Then I shall sautee fresh asparagus from my granddaughters garden to enjoy with steaks and baked potatoes. Then this evening I shall sit in my comfy chair and read a good book and drink hot tea.
On May 17, 2008 at 9:36 am
Cara says:
This morning my husband and I woke up without an alarm, looked at each other, said “we have absolutely no plans for today” and grinned like fools. It has been that long since we had a day completely to ourselves. We’re currently lazing over coffee, talking about taking the dog to the park and wondering if we’ll get up the motivation to take the kayak out. Perfect.
On May 17, 2008 at 9:50 am
Becky says:
We’re going strawberry picking at the local strawberry farm. Not free.
But we will be taking some of them to my in-laws for our weekly Saturday night card game. We have a lot of fun.
On May 17, 2008 at 10:14 am
annie says:
It is truly a blessing to be able to give something to someone that they need. We have become a jaded society, looking out for #1 seems to be the high priority for a lot of people. The women in the grocery store will never forget the circumstances, whether she was the receiver or giver (in someway they were a little of each.) I challenge everyone to be a “giver” this weekend, and not just with money!
On May 17, 2008 at 11:18 am
Jill S. says:
My kids!
And your kid? LOVE HER.
On May 17, 2008 at 11:42 am
Remudamom says:
Wow, what a story.
I’m getting ready to host 45 friends for Memorial Day weekend. It’s going to be a blast!
On May 17, 2008 at 11:48 am
Sue says:
I am taking my wonderful and beautiful children to the Memorial Day parade in our town. Hopefully we won’t freeze as the high for the day is supposed to be 54! BRRRRRRRR! We’re gonna clap for everyone and catch some candy!
Sue
On May 17, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Sue says:
Forgot to add–work in our garden and hope freeze is over!
On May 17, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Tori Lennox says:
When I lived in Memphis, lo these many years ago, and struggling to make ends meet, my coworkers bought me a bunch of groceries from Sam’s Club. I was so grateful.
On May 17, 2008 at 12:18 pm
jodi says:
I get to enjoy SUNSHINE…and around these parts..that is saying something.
On May 17, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Carolyn says:
I read an article once that talked about random acts of kindness. I took it to heart and when my sister and I were headed across the Bay Bridge, at the toll plaza, I noticed a woman behind us with a bunch of kids in her car. I told the toll booth employee that I wanted to pay the toll for the lady behind us. I asked that she just tell her, “Your toll has been paid. Have a nice day.” The look on that lady’s face said it all. My sister and I felt wonderful the rest of the day. It just takes a little to mean a lot.
What I get to enjoy this weekend for free? Enjoying commenting on people’s posts and the use of free wireless internet to do it. My landlord has me hooked to his wireless service so that I can enjoy the laptop that my dear brother gave me. Both are true princes in my heart. Carolyn xxoo
On May 17, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Jeanette Fields says:
I get to follow my Frontier Man around and I get to enjoy the view -for free! I also get a nice walk with my Little Miss down our country road while smelling that pure air -for free! Later I plan to finish reading “World Without End” while swinging from my hammock… all for free!
The best things are ALWAYS free!
On May 17, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Estella says:
What a generous thing Carol did!
My husband helped a neighbor cut wood for next winter and the gentleman is tasking us to dinner tonight. I don’t have to cook and we don’t have to pay!
On May 17, 2008 at 2:47 pm
catslady says:
So many touching stories. It’s like that movie Pay it Forward – Haley Joel Osment stars in this drama about a kid whose philosophy of life is that the world would be a better place if everyone tried to pay it forward by helping a stranger, and by that stranger in turn helping another.
Tonight my daughter and her fiance come in from out of town for more wedding planning and tomorrow my niece’s 7th child is being baptized.
Oh and tell Princess that I would guess “it” goes into a holding tank until they land and it can be emptied. Otherwise it would be raining poop from the sky :fan: I think they use to dump it over the oceans :drowning: but I hope they don’t do that anymore.
On May 17, 2008 at 3:42 pm
wkf says:
The life I created. Not just my child, but my whole life. My husband, we don’t see eye to eye on a lot of things only the things that really matter. The rest is just lively debate. Yes My child. (One of the things we see on.) My critters. Today I was following a surrogate mama hen around. I found a little chick that hatched out a LOT later than the others and his mama had already gotten offof her nest. There I was in the yard trying to figure out what to do with this little chick(it was still wet). I seriously considered sticking it in my bra until it dried out. Then I thought my husband wouldn’t see on that one!!
Then I remembered the other young hen trying to set. the older hens kept running her off. SUre enough she was on her nest and I took that youngin and stuffed it under her. Boy was she surpried! And I named it HOPE. I hoped it made it. And it did!! :flying:
On May 17, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Jennifer Robin says:
It’s almost 90 degrees here today, and I am going to enjoy a swing in the hammock under the fir trees. A breeze will cool me as I lay there gazing at my perfect view of Mt Rainier!
On May 17, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Lora says:
Today I went to the Strawberry Festival with my 70 year old friend R—-. I moved here in November last year and didn’t know a soul and the minute she walked in my kitchen and said “Welcome to the neighborhood!” we have been friends. She has shown me around and introduced me to lots of people. A really kind lady. Next week she is having an operation and I will be there for her.
Everyone is right…..life is not about money!
The best things in life really are free.
The Dali Lama said something that has always stuck with me.
“My true religion is kindness.”
I think if everyone thought that we would never have a war.
On May 17, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Melissa's Cozy Teacup says:
I got a hug from my ten year old nephew and I got to see him dressed up like Indiana Jones. My nephew is a cutie and a ham!
On May 17, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Susan says:
I’m playing with my cats and reading your blog! :thumbsup:
On May 17, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Melanie says:
I got to see my cousin marry a wonderful girl today, she’s originally from China. Her surrogate parents (a couple she lived with when she moved to the U.S.) gave her away today, as her parents were unable to make the trip. However, during the reception we all listened to an audio recording of her parents, sending a message in Chinese (then later translated to English) to their daughter. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. The weather was perfect. It was just a great day!
On May 17, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Kathy In UT says:
I got to go to the Gardeners Market with 4 little girls (2 in a stroller), forget where I parked and get a sunburn looking for my van. Then, I got to work in my garden with my husband and kids. I got to spray them with a hose and get wet hugs. All for free.
On May 17, 2008 at 11:28 pm
Fannie M Wiggins says:
The beautiful ladies who visit here are so wonderful. God bless all of you. I feel so fortunate to be in the same blog with all of you. :heart: In my life, it’s never been about money, but the joy of giving and receiving. I got to spend the whole day doing absolutely nothing. I did my weekly day at my Church’s Thrift Store, did my shopping, went out to dinner and all my other errands yesterday so I would be FREE today. :shimmy: I have read, watched the All-star race and munched on junk food all for free. What a treat. Everyone have a great week-end and tell Princess she gets prettier daily. :hug: to all.
On May 17, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Amy Addison says:
1 <3 Princess. She’s a hoot. You two make a good team.
Uh, did you go to your room?
On May 18, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Donna says:
That Princess cracks me up and yes, she IS beautiful!
I got to enjoy the wild rabbit for free, in our backyard, morning and night, this weekend and for free got to enjoy a tree frog in my Honeysuckle and for free I got to be entertained watching my Petey bird talking in complete sentences and laughing (yes, he has four laughs at least that crack us up) at the critters outside…watching him enjoy outside. I got to enjoy for free, seeing a Baltimore Oriole too…and the park, ect.
On May 18, 2008 at 2:59 pm