It is better to give - unless no one wants to receive it!

A few years ago, our Captain was unemployed and we were struggling to make ends meet. We were feeling pretty low.


One of the coldest snaps was whipping through these parts for a few nights - some of the coldest on record. So the family and I visited a thrift store to buy some old blankets to distribute to any unlucky souls we found without a warm bed. Surely that would raise our spirits.


We drove to an overpass of our local highway - I had often seen a few homeless gathering under that bridge. We had hand warmers, blankets, and gloves to hand out.


We took the exit ramp off the highway and stopped at the traffic light. My first mate rolled down the window and called out to the freezing strangers "Would you like a blanket?".


The loud traffic noise was too much and all the strangers could respond was "WHAT??". Just then the light turned green and we drove off to circle around again. After a few minutes, we were again back to the red light. "WOULD YOU LIKE A BLANKET???". One of the homeless gentlemen trotted over with his hand up to his ear as if to say "can't hear you". Our light turned green - we were off again.


After a fourth time of screaming out the window with only a confused response, we finally threw two blankets and warmers out the window and sped off.


We drove around to find two more homeless who refused our blankets.  It was getting very late and we were all very hungry. We had one more blanket and the Captain ordered "We will not eat until the last blanket has been given away".


We must have driven for over two hours - until finally, on a sidewalk downtown, we saw a gentleman laying flat on his back. We drove around trying to find a place to park with no luck - finally the Captain ordered his first mate to drive around the block while he jumped ship to give the blanket to the gentleman. 


The Captain ran off into the darkness as the steam from a street grate obscured our view. When we drove back around to rendezvous , the Captain ran out of the steamy fog and jumped into our vehicle - his mood having soured. 


It seems the homeless gentleman was a passed out drunk. So he threw the blanket over him and left him. I asked "did you tuck it under him so it wouldn't blow off?" 


  "Yes!" he sarcastically replied, "and I sang him a lullaby!!".


OK - so this night did not leave us feeling warm and fuzzy. And we all drove home hungry and irritable. 


But since then, we have shared that story with many friends. And we've laughed harder each time we tell it. And the most important part is: our kids have asked to do it again. Now I'm sure that if they remembered how they felt that night - they certainly would not ask! 


But its how we REMEMBER events, that make all the difference. Now it is remembered as one of the funniest nights we have ever had together. And, truth be told, if every thing had gone right that night - the good feeling may have lasted a day or two. But nothing to blog about!


There is something to be said for one bad night - finding the funny parts and sharing the memory of it can make many ordinary nights... awesome!

This borders on braggin' - and that is certainly not my intent. 


But I wanted to share a little joy with you. I stood in line behind an older couple the other day. After checking out, the gentleman noticed a harmonica by the register. He regretted not seeing it sooner and, as the cashier was bagging their items,  regaled me with stories of how his father could make a harmonica "talk". 


I suggested he buy it and give it a shot. He briefly considered it, but, like we all do, thought of every reason why he shouldn't and followed his wife out the door.


 As I handed my purchases to the cashier, I decided to throw that harmonica in there. As soon as she rang it up, I threw it to one of my crew members and he hastily chased down the gentleman and handed it to him. 


There were a thousand reasons why I shouldn't have done that, but sometimes you just have to give in to a whim and not think about it.


 So in your travels, if you see an elderly gentleman making a harmonica talk - make sure you stop and listen. And give in to those positive whims!

Did I ever tell you how much I love people?? I mean, really, really enjoy them?


It's a good thing since some of my best crew are people. 


I recently met Elaine and Josh - at the Grist Mill Gifts store on St George Street in St Augustine. Elaine has had that store for 27 years! One day I'll have to ask if she'll sit down with me and regale me with stories about everyone she's met. 


Down the street I found Mik and Chris Medley - two brothers who own a great shop called Surf Culture! I've often thought about learning how to surf - maybe, just maybe. Actually kite boarding would be cool. Hmmmm...