Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Joy in Service: Day 13 (and a shop update)

So - I've been waiting to try out something that one of you do - buy flowers at the grocery store then give them to a random person on your way out. At the counter I looked around to see who else was in line, there were a couple of good candidates - an elderly woman caught my eye.
photo by on Matthew Kang  flickr
But by the time I was done they were gone and the parking lot was empty. My son and I stood there for a minute. Then a woman came out and headed to her car. She had a very hurried and stressed out look on her face so I sort of followed her, walked up and said, "these are for you, Merry Christmas." And I walked off. I think maybe I freaked her out. I had fun anyway.

Next time I think I need to say something else - like, "you look like you could use some cheering up." Even better, I should keep some cards that say something in the way of explanation.... and "pay it forward." Any ideas?

Holly Berries, 5"x7" by Lyric Kinard
And - after spending two straight days filling out stacks and stacks of paperwork for a proposal to teach in Houston next year at the International Quilt Festival. Stacks. And stacks..... I've taken a minute to add two new watercolors to my Etsy shop.
Glory of Trees, 5"x7" by Lyric Kinard

5 comments:

Unknown said...

I like your new watercolors. They have all looked great. I did a small bit of service today. I spent the evening baking for my children. My daughter wanted to take treats to school tomorrow, but had to go to choir practice so I finished baking her cupcakes. My son's birthday is tomorrow, so I made treats for him to take to school. It puts a smile on their faces when I do these little things for them.

Lyric said...

Thanks for your kind words - and for your kindness.
My kids are always so surprised when I do little things like that for them.... probably because I hardly ever do. They even make their own birthday cakes. Then again - at least for teh birthday cakes - they like doing it and decorating it themselves. Their friends are horrified.

I think I might follow your example and do a little something similar!

Sandy said...

But I think I like the idea of them making their own cakes. you are teaching them the same sort of thing you are teaching us here...do it for others.
Over here there is a sort of custom to take cakes/donuts, whatever to share into your place of work on your birthday. young children usually take in a bag of sweets to share...the teacher or the child passes them out as the children leave.

I am making Christmas tree shaped serviettes(napkins) for presents. I am making some for neighbours, too. Usually they only get a card.
Sandy in the UK

quiltndj said...

Great post. Why not just tell the person that you are having a great day and want to share it with them.

I love your new work, especially the colors in the leaves.

I read your description of your children making their own birthday cake. I think that is a great tradition. Our children created the menu for their BD. There were some wild meals!

HollyM said...

Your watercolor cards are beautiful.
Wow, I love the things you have been doing. I'm so unimaginative I'm just going to have to try one of your ideas. I like the idea of a little card though to explain so maybe the person would be inspired to pay it forward.