A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 1,500 times in 2014. If it were a cable car, it would take about 25 trips to carry that many people.
In-between Saturday buses, a stranger complimented me on my smile.
Two of my twenty-something year-old children and I were on our way to the movie theatre, to see Big Hero 6. This woman got off the bus too and approached me as we waited to cross the street for our transfer.
“It’s nice to see someone smiling on the bus,” she started, “..rather than people with those contrary-looking expressions.”
“Oh.. thank you.”
“I just wanted to tell you that.”
“Um… thanks.”
The exact wording of our full conversation escapes me. I do recall commenting on something I once learned that if you force, encourage yourself to smile more often, you are less likely to be feeling down. One likely appears more attractive too :o)
As an afterthought, I am not concerned about being engaged in conversation by a stranger in transit. I am struggling to recall what exactly I may have been smiling about!
Was it due to being out with a couple of my favourite people?
Was it due to joyful anticipation of a birthday girl’s wish to see an animated movie?
Was I just happy to get out for fresh air and socializing after two days of quiet, relaxing family festivities?
It’s funny but a phrase from a certain pop song keeps bopping around in the eclectic space between my ears.
As I explore deep subjects and expel bad memories, I look forward to the moments when I can balance things out with the occasional involuntary smile.
I have been introduced to some interesting and extraordinary women over the past couple of months.
Our French conversation group consists of many artistic and philanthropic women who wish to expand their French language skills. Some want to improve due to Federal Government job security (a-hem) requirements. Some wish to communicate better with in-laws, grandchildren and other relatives. I am familiar with the latter.
I enjoy our weekly gatherings – mais Mon Dieu! – one is lucky to get in a few words if the “taking turns” concept is followed. The discussions eventually detour down the road of culinary delights. à chacun son goût
This week’s session skirted around religion, mutated bible interpretations, and language politics. Thank goodness one member jumped the queue (and my turn to share) in order to change the subject, to describe an extraordinary woman named Anita Moorjani. Anita is a former cancer patient and near-death survivor. She came out of her coma with some very wise words based on simple advice.
Another inspiring survivor is Allison Woyiwada, co-author and subject of the book “Allison’s Brain“. It was her love of music that brought Allison out of her muddled world.
I can relate to what happens to people who encounter near-death experiences, and the wisdom, the lessons they share after resurfacing.
Sometimes we get bogged down in the day-to-day survival, raising a family and making ends meet over the years that we forget some of that simple advice.
Sometimes it takes one or two extraordinary individuals to make us marvel at the ability of our bodies and minds to overcome hurdles, to beat the odds and embrace a new love for life.
I think that if you are able to create new life and nurture it successfully, you’re pretty damned amazing. If you are able to create art work, things of beauty, you’re pretty awesome too.
Who is your inspiration? Qui est votre source d’inspiration ?
Deep Blonde Thoughts 