Monday, 22 September 2014

Paying it forward.

There have been a lot of stories in the news lately about paying it forward. Things like Star Bucks and Chick-Fil-a, and here in Canada we have the same thing happen at Tim Hortons. 

I'm a big believer in paying it forward. Maybe not in a "news worthy" kind of way...but in small ways, that normally only involve me and someone unknown or little known to me. 

You see I've been very blessed in this life. I have a wonderful husband and amazing children, I have a roof over my head and food on the table. I know that sounds trite, but I really believe that. Everything else is icing on the cake so to say.  

Why am I talking about this? 
My pay it forward philosophy is part of my business life too. See, every time I am given something I have vowed to do something or give something back. It may not be right away, but it's always in my mind. I look for ways I can give back. Sometimes it's through local auctions or simply dropping something off at a local charity. Something that is not money. Something I have to put effort into. It's just something I do. 

I'm not trying to pat myself on the back, nor am I looking for accolades. I am however looking for ideas. 

See this cute bench/stool?

I went to my booth yesterday and this was in my space. Sometimes people shop and change their minds, and just dump things in the nearest booth. No big deal, I wanted to see where it belonged and was going to return it to it's proper booth. But see the paper on there? That is a note, and it was addressed to me. 
The note says "Dear Titia (that's my actual name, I'm not actually called Crafty in Canada to those that know me..shocking I know..lol) Please take me home and make me beautiful" "free from Gail" 
I laughed as I've talked to her a couple of times and never dreamed she would just give me something as special as this. 
I felt honoured. Really. 

So now I have this. And as much as I would love to keep it, I want to do something with it. 
Make it over of course. Tighten it up (it's a bit loose) paint it and recover it. 
But then what? 
Should I place it back in her booth and let her profit from it?
Or should I take it to someone else in need. 


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7 comments:

  1. Michele M./ Finch Rest22 September 2014 at 21:50

    WOW. first of all you have an amazing way with words. This was a very thoughtful and smartly written post.

    And, second - you are so special. You know God only wants us to appreciate things - and I feel you certainly do just that.'

    Now, you have asked a very question. What would I do....hrm.......wow, that's a toughie, isn't it?

    I honestly don't know!

    I'd make it over, for sure. And I would be tempted to sneak it back to her booth and see what happens. She will flip because you know it will be fabulous.....perhaps she will share the profits with you......then you can do whatever you want with them.....perhaps she will ask you to lunch, which would be awesome to become better friends......perhaps she will want to donate it - though you are both in the business to make a living, so maybe not but would be nice if you let HER decide after that.....surely she won't let you redo something and not reap something from it, as you will be putting in a LOT of efforts.

    Any way you look at it in will be an awesome before/after post, yes? And how is THAT a bad plan????????? Hahaha.

    Good luck in your decisions on this. I anxiously look forward to hearing what you do.


    ♥

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    Replies
    1. T. Emrich22 September 2014 at 22:22

      You are to sweet :) And yes, I will be doing another post on this, when I figure it all out :)

      Delete
  2. NanaDiana22 September 2014 at 23:41

    Oh- That's a tough call. Maybe as you are working on the restoration of it something will come to you and you will KNOW just where it is supposed to go. It is going to be a gorgeous piece. It looks to me like a bench that belonged to a church organ. xo Diana

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    Replies
    1. T. Emrich23 September 2014 at 06:49

      It does, but this is tiny compared to a bench from a church organ. This is more the size of a foot stool. :)

      Delete
  3. Helen's Decor23 September 2014 at 21:03

    OK, if you love antiques and the one, who gave it to you knew that...I'd consider it a well thought out and lovely gift. For example, you could choose to enjoy it as a vanity seat for yourself in your bath and that would honor your friend just to know! Hope you will drop by my blog...I'm next to you on Elizabeth and Co. Hope you share your decision with us.
    Helen
    P.S. You gave me an idea of what I need to do to pass on an unexpected gift from a stranger!

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  4. Anonymous26 September 2014 at 20:27

    Sell it and give the money to the humane society.

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    Replies
    1. T. Emrich26 September 2014 at 21:45

      wonderful Idea...but I think Diabetes is the way I'm going to go. :)

      Delete

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