The pondering of people

Recently, as we sat along the side of the road, working on our van, there was a bit of time to "people watch".  It was storming, wet, cold and dark.  We didn't mind, the van issue was caused by wet, slushy roads, we knew what to do and had the basics to get it done.  We were in a metro area, and knew roughly where we were, but not exactly which town we were in and couldn't see a gas station.  Those things weren't a problem, but did make it a little more interesting wondering if we would be miserable before the fix could be completed. 

We hear so much about the cynical nature of people lately.  "No one stops to help anyone anymore" or "they always just drive on by".   Being in a metro area, we surely expected to sit and just watch people drive by.  We quickly realized that we were in an area that is mostly immigrants and it was a very busy corner.  It took maybe 10 minutes for the first car to stop.  The young man was smiling and eager to help, even though his English was difficult to understand.  He offered to give us a jump.  I had to politely inform him we were fine, but he was glad to offer.  He went on his way and it was a short time later when the second one stopped.  It was a couple of young ladies in their silk head coverings and sandals.  They offered help as well.  I assured them we were good, they were free to go.  They insisted they could help.  I just couldn't imagine how in 6 inches of wet fluffy snow that they could help, but they were eager to reach out to us.  I sent them on their way, showed them we had the tools and a flashlight, and they smiled and obliged.  It wasn't long before another stopped and again offered help.  It was pretty amazing that we were there for about an hour and had 4 people stop.   

I can't help but to wonder what sparked this train of good will.  Was it their background?  Did someone help them and they wanted to return the kindness?  Did they feel bad for us because of the cold weather?  Was it just human nature and empathy?    Or was it just because humanity isn't as bad as most people like to think?  I don't care.  I know that total strangers were willing to help.  I admit, I did laugh a bit when I asked hubby if the ones who offered really could have helped since they all offered a jump while we were sitting there with our lights on quite strongly, but their skills weren't the point.  It was their heart.  And they all shared a little piece of it with us.  What a refreshing thing to see!

Random pictures from the camera ghost

And the winner is.......

Jenny from  http://www.lifekidsandthepursuitofsanity.com/  !  After a week long absence due to family needs, I can finally get back here to announce that she was the lucky winner of the Lilla Rose flexi clip!  Congrats, Jenny!  Your clip is on the way!

Lilla Rose Giveaway UPDATE!

Many of the new styles that were released today on this sale have sold out in record time.  That is just confirmation that they are well received!  The company has heard our requests and you will NOT miss out.  They are allowing us to back order any of the items that are currently sold out on this sale.  You have to order today to get the special pricing though, so hurry if you want one! 

Remember, all orders placed today are eligible for the giveaway! 

Have you ever had one of those days?

Where the dog is demanding attention....
The littlest one in the house just isn't settling in well and finding trouble at every turn...
The weather is just disagreeable for the big plans you'd like to make...
The messes around you won't clean themselves...
The ones in the house who needed a nap didn't take one...
The bedtime seemed to disappear in all of the busy-ness of the day...
And you just want to snuggle up by a warm fire with a good book and disappear???

Nah, me neither ;)  BUT, if I did.... I might be found with a nice warm cup of coffee too...how about you?

Look for more posts today with the Lilla Rose specials going on!  They are one day only, so this is big news.  The discounts may not seem like much, but they add up fast.

Lilla Rose special!

As you may have noticed from the various page options at the top of the blog, I have a couple of great businesses that I truly love!  I am thrilled to share this one day special with all of my friends.  Should you choose to order on the 18th TOMORROW, not today!), comment here or send me an email and let me know you saw the special on this blog.  After the day is complete, I will hold a drawing for one lucky customer to receive another clip, FREE!  This will be a single item from my personal inventory and is only available through Stacy Erickson, Independent Consultant.  If you already have a consultant, please contact them and see if they have any personal specials running at this time.  Being a newbie to giveaways, we will handle this one the old fashioned way and draw out of a hat.  Now, you are wondering where to shop, right?  Find me at www.lillarose.biz/stacyerickson

Even better?!  There is another clip on sale at the same time!

Thank you,
The Mom

Funky art found on my adventures....

After visiting the sod houses in southern Minnesota, my friends and I continued on to their destination in Missouri.  I had a day to myself while they were occupied with family obligations.  It was raining that day and some wicked weather moved through the little town of Stanberry.  I got to enjoy a restaurant that focused on local foods, studied some maps at their amazing little library, and then found the welding shop on my way to the farm.  Apparently, the welder is also a bit of an artist.  None of the works are for sale I am told, but purely for the enjoyment of those who can appreciate alternative art.  I didn't dare get out of the van for fear of ruining my camera in the rain, but the pictures turned out well enough for me.  This is definitely whimsical!

The Mom