It wasn't until a couple of years ago that I became familiar with the Dr. Seuss book "Oh! The Places You'll Go." (I must have been the only college graduate in the country that didn't receive that as one of my graduation gifts.)
My first experience with this was with another agent in my office. She works as a buyer's agent for another agent, and he gave her that book for Christmas. She was a little disappointed, because the year before he had given her a beautiful gold bracelet. But with the economy and real estate down, I guess a $9.00 book was all he could afford that year. But she was less than thrilled. Then I came across the idea of it again last summer during Vacation Bible School. But added on the end of this popular title was "And the People You Can Help."
This book title came to mind to me this weekend as I stumbled around Raleigh with my family. Although we didn't leave town, we went several different places and the people that I met...Oh!
My first stop was North Hills on Friday afternoon. I was headed to Harris Teeter, and since it was such a beautiful day out, I decided to stop at Starbucks for an iced coffee and a little break. While in Starbucks, I struck up a conversation with a young girl (now that I am in my 40's, all 20 somethings are young girls). She was distraught that all the cards with the code to the free music download from Starbucks website were gone. She kept asking if the barista didn't have just one or two more lying around.
Then I remembered that I had one such card in my purse. I had picked it up the day before, and hadn't used it yet. I took mine out and offered it to her. She was like a kid at Christmas!
My lesson learned here was about the power of music. What was trivial to me was a huge deal to this young girl. I hope she enjoys the song, and remembers to hit Starbucks on Tuesday when the new cards come out.
As I walked back to my car, I met Jimmy Carter. No, it's not the famous ex-peanut farmer, ex-president, founder of Habitat for Humanity Jimmy Carter, but 50 something, Raleigh resident, artist in training Jimmy Carter. He was stitting by the large fountain across from Certain Things, painting a street scene. We struck up a conversation, and I learned that he had not always been an artist.
When Jimmy turned 50, he decided to try something new, so he started taking art classes. That was two years ago, and he is now getting ready for the Plein Air Art Festival that will be held at North Hills in June. He said that he had always had an interest and decided that now was a great time to start. His work will be on display during the festival and be available for sale during the silent auction the last day of the festival.
My lesson learned here was that you are never too old to try something new and different. Jimmy would have turned 50 anyway, so now he is a 50 something artist. And a good one I can add. See my photo blog at www.MidtownPhotoBlog.com to meet him.
Saturday morning too us to the gym. It seems that every time I am there, I see this person. He's not the hunky, beefcake type that you see at 5:30 each day, trying his best to try to look cool while working out. This young man is about 90 years young. I got a chance to talk with him while working out this past weekend, and what a story he has.
He goes to the gym at least six days a week, and tries to go everyday if he can. He doesn't drive any more, due to his eyes failing, so one of his three children take him. All three were there that morning. He told me that five years ago he had to use a walker to get around, and was always tired. So he decided to join the gym.
Through weight training and some cardo, he has been able to ditch his walker, and has tons of energy. He works out to not only save his body but his mind. He's a perfect example of not growing old gracefully, but fighting it every step of the way.
The lesson learned here was that if you take care of your body, it will take care of you. Exercise, eat right, and maybe at 90 you will still be going strong.
We went to Shelly Lake on Sunday for a picnic lunch and to let the kids play. As I pushed Holly on the swing I started talking with a mom with a two month old in a stroller. She also had a one year old, a five year old, a nine year old and an eleven year old! WHEW! But as her children played on the swings and the slides, she sat on the bench, relaxed, not worried about a thing. Even when one fell off the swing, she told them to get up, shake it off and get back on.
Lesson learned here, having two kids is nothing when you have five to chase after. I am going to try to not get so worked up when one of mine falls down. Shake it off and get back up and get going.
My point of all of this is that you don't have to go far to meet interesting people, discover new things, and learn more about life's lessons. It's all around you if you just look.
You can always see more about what is happening around Raleigh and Midtown at my photo blog at www.RaleighMidtownBlog.com and also at my Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/MidtownRealtor. Please click the like button if you want to keep up with what's happening in the area and with what is happening in real estate.
Have a great Monday!
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