4 posts from 2008

Roadside

It’s all about the experience, a little luck and a matter of good timing.

I love finding bargains. I don’t mean cheap things. I mean good quality products at prices that are simply too good to ignore, let alone walk away from.

Happily, I’ve had quite a few such occasions. I’ve purchased brand new, name brand items, at major retail stores, at prices that are far lower than anyone can sell them out of the trunk of their car. And I get full guarantee, return-ability and most of all, peace of mind. I sleep at nights.

Let me share this one with you.

While Christmas shopping last year, and as I’m about to leave the mall with bags in hand, wallet drained and credit cards max’d to their limits; out of the corner of my eye, I spot a coat in a store window. Great coat. Great colour and style. Lots of pockets, zipp out lining, detachable hood. The complete package.

Now that would make a terrific “one more present to open”, don’t you think.

But hey, I’ve spent all my money, I’m broke, I doubt if my cards would even allow for another purchase. But, what a great gift that would be. I went inside to take a closer look. $279.99, but wait, it’s on sale, for today only, marked down special, $50.00 off, for just $229.99. Not bad. It’s beginning to look even better.

A clerk appeared seemingly out of nowhere. “Sir”, she said. “did you know that all items in this section are reduced by 30%”. Now let me see, 30% off, that’s about $160.00, plus tax. Hmm! Oh, what to do.

“And by the way Sir, did you get your Scratch & Win Ticket”. “You could save some more money on your purchases”. Now, she has my attention. Could this be yet another lucky day of bargain hunting in the big smoke.

Needless to say, I took the coat, there really was never any question in my mind, even from the start. It’s the absolute perfect Christmas present for a young man of his age.

While at the counter, checking out my newfound bargain, the clerk asked me to scratch my ticket. WOW! 50% Off. Hallelujah, what a surprise deal this is working out to be. I left the store with a big grin on my face, feeling totally satisfied with myself, my decision, the whole experience, especially since the bottom line came to only $92.77, tax included.

I think I did really well, and once again, it was a matter of good timing, a little luck and being in the right place, at the absolute right time.

The best part of this story; the reaction I got when my grandson opened the box and saw the coat. He couldn’t get the smile off his face. Once he put it on, he never took it off again. Perfect! 

...and my reward, priceless!

Sun 'n Shadows

I’m celebrating a personal milestone, so to speak!

About nine years ago, a set of circumstances made me decide to park my car and become a pedestrian. It changed my life. Now I walk everywhere, do everything on foot. Rain or shine, hot or cold. No matter, I walk, each and every day of the year.

And frankly, I love it.

I love the outdoors, the fresh air, the people I encounter. I love sunshine and long walks, especially on summer evenings, down by the river, with my lady.

The other day, I thought I should calculate just how far I've walked over the years. Once I got the numbers in place, I was simply amazed with the results. I couldn't believe it; I even double-checked my Excel calculation, just to make sure.

I've actually walked a distance equivalent to once around this planet, at the equator. That's 24,902 miles, or 40,076 km, for the metric crowd.

I still can’t believe it.

For me, there are many benefits to walking, aside from the physical aspect. Walking becomes a state of mind, a very pleasant, relaxed frame of mind. I find it peaceful, it allows me to stop and smell the roses, gives me time to think.

One of the greatest benefits, I find, is the opportunity to encounter people, briefly share a moment with a stranger, while on transit or walking along a busy downtown street. It’s these random chance encounters that I cherish most, because you never know what new and exciting momentary adventure, lies just ahead.

Being a hobbyist photographer, with camera as a constant companion, walking offers me a chance to take lots of pictures. Since I can stop virtually anytime to capture something of interest, and since a good portion of my daily routine takes me through parkland en route to and from public transit, I get plenty of opportunity to snap off a few, on occasion, even before the work day begins.

I can truly say that being a pedestrian is one of the greatest experiences in my life and certainly the best thing I’ve ever done, for myself.

Thanks for sharing this milestone. Perhaps we’ll meet along the way.

Afternoon Encounter

It’s all about that special lady in my life. 

When it comes to finding a soul mate for life, I truly lucked out. My love is the perfect lady, companion, friend and partner. It's been more than twenty-three years, can you believe it.

We haven't always been together, and even now, we live 100 miles apart. I live in the city, she lives in a wonderful little town full of friendly people, smiling faces, unlocked doors and some of the finest restaurants to be found anywhere. We get together as often as possible and truly enjoy our time. We have private times, fun times, special times, each and every time.

Some call this insane. We call it amazing.

Frankly, I love that little town. I love the serenity, the peace, the beauty, all around. When I’m there, people greet me, strangers strike up a conversation, passersby say hello. Neighbors even know my name. I’m not used to that, it doesn’t happen in the city where I’ve lived for more than fifty years. It’s the perfect place for my lady, it reflects in her everyday attitude and outlook on life.

Throughout the years, she's been my favorite model, my main subject of interest. In my collection, you'll find many pictures of her, taken over the years, in every situation. She is my ongoing project in progress, my most precious souvenir in life and a constant, never ending source of inspiration.

Now tell me if I didn't luck out, eh!

Dolly's First Christmas

In retrospect of the holiday season, some random ramblings, encounters and observations, for your consideration.

Christmas was wonderful and for some reason, I got into the festive spirit earlier than usual. Normally, for me, it starts a day or so before, but this time ‘round, almost a week sooner. It must have been the sounds of holiday carols, being played in stores and shopping malls everywhere, beginning sometime early November, that inspired me.

Nah! Probably not.

As much as I like music, frankly, Christmas tunes in November, that’s way too soon for me. Never the less, whatever it was that gave me inspiration, thanks, I had a wonderful Christmas with family, friends and loved ones, and that is what I believe to be the purpose of the holidays and certainly, the most wonderful way for me to celebrate the festive season.

And my Christmas shopping, once again a breeze. I had a great time. It was a blast.

As in past years, I waited for the first major winter snowstorm to hit the big smoke. With a sound game plan in mind and a freshly printed gift list in hand, I get it done, in record time and simply have a ball, doing it.

What most consider treachery, I find to be yet another fantastic opportunity for new adventure.

During a major snowstorm, there is nobody in the mall. The stores are empty. Everyone is safely tucked away at home, watching a movie, not wanting to leave the house, let alone drive, on a day like this. Store clerks, customer service reps, sales people are bored to tears and can’t wait for someone, anyone to walk through the door, just to break the monotony, and see a new face.

I get smiled at, courteously attended to, enthusiastically spoken with. I get all the help I need and have an opportunity to meet some very nice, very friendly people, along the way, people that I would otherwise never have a chance to encounter. Everyone is so eager to help me find the things I’m looking for, it takes no time, to get it all done.

Once again, that was the game plan, and once again, success! Here’s to everyone that made it an amazingly memorable Christmas 2007 shopping experience, for me.

Thank you. It was a pleasure being served.

…and how was your Christmas.