Thursday, November 10, 2011

It's Nice To Be Nice

I was in the grocery store the other morning very early, it was just me and the food stockers it was so early.   I happened to be in the bakery section were a man was arranging a pumpkin and wine display.  He was very apologetic for blocking the aisle with three huge wine barrels.  I replied "no problem," I left my cart and navigated the obstacle course on foot to get to the peanut butter.
20080925-being-nice.jpg
I frequently make small talk with strangers, just being nice, and today was no different.  My kids frequently ask me, "mom do you know that person?" as I tend to start conversations with people I don't know, no I don't know them, just me being friendly.  I said "hello" to the wine guy setting up the pumpkin and wine display (at the time I didn't know he was a wine distributor). During our quick conversation I asked him where he got the wine barrels from and if I could buy one?  He explained that he worked for a local winery and yes they sold them at the winery.  I thanked him for the info., tucked it away for a future "project," and wished him a great day.  As I was leaving he waved me over and asked if I wanted one?  I thought he was trying to save me a trip to the winery to buy one, but no he was asking if I wanted one for FREE. 
He even loaded it in the car for me. 
Cool! 


Getting it out of the car and in to the backyard by myself was fun. 
Can I count that as my workout for the day?


I love it! 

I have NO IDEA what I should do with it?


 Got any ideas?
I would love to hear them!

This wouldn't have happened if I hadn't stopped to say "hello."  Has just being your friendly self ever come back to you in ways you never expected? 
I'd love to hear your story.
It's nice to be nice.
Thanks for checking it out.

14 comments:

  1. That's so awesome Shannon! Can't wait to see what you do with it!

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  2. I have no idea what you should do with it - but it reminds me of the time I was interested in sparkly life-sized penguins that were part of store display and they gave them to me.

    I was all "Cool! I have life-sized sparkly penguins!"

    Er... NOW what do I do with them? :)

    FYI: I incorporated them in my outdoor Christmas display the following winter and they were promptly stolen.

    P.S. Yes, it's nice to be nice!

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  3. That is awesome Shannon!! It IS nice to be nice, and sometimes it totally pays!! hmmm...not sure what I'd do with the barrel yet, beyond making it a side table or something. I can't wait to see what you do!! I have always thought it'd be cool to have one of those; maybe because I'm a southern girl and grew up eating at Cracker Barrel where they use them as little tables out on their front porch next to the rocking chairs. :)

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  4. Love it! It would make a great bar table. Wine enthusiast sells them in their catalog, if want to see a picture. It does pay to be nice!!

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  5. Aww, that's so nice :)

    I agree, that it's nice to be nice. I believe that most people are nice, but become so busy they forget their manners.

    They make great planters. Cut it in half, you have two.

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  6. A pub table! vintage stools/chairs that coordinate but don't quite match... Oh, I can see it now..

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  7. I'm so like you!! I talk to so many people when I'm out!! lol!!! It definitely makes running errands enjoyable!!

    The first time I made the connection between just being nice and having it payoff was about 20 years ago. I used to plan events for our office and that month it was going to see Phantom up in LA. I was chatting with the box office and the person at first told me they couldn't get our group in on area that I requested...and then a few minutes later, we had the seats! I don't really know what happened but it seemed like I had just been given a huge favor! And, we all got to see Phantom from the second row!!

    I had tucked this post from Centsational Girl away....http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2011/06/wine-barrels-in-home-decor/

    I don't run across wine barrels as you do, but it just stuck in my head!! I think it was for you! :)

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  8. Shannon, that's awesome! It is great to be nice! I have been dreaming of doing the impossible, making a Restoration Hardware light from a wine barrel. I don't know how I would do it, but I'd love to give it a try! I don't know if you've seen them? But they are made from wine barrels. Good luck and I can't wait to see what you come up with!
    Debbie

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  9. can't wait to see what you come up with. know it will be fab, wonderful, creative and crafty...just like you.
    keep us posted and get on it, will ya?

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  10. my vote is the 6 arm wine barrel chandy...if anyone is asking me, which I realize they aren't. but that is my take, anyway. love ya, girl.

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  11. It would look great as a table, depending on the height..end table, entryway table, console (with or without glass on top)..also depends on the width - looks large. It is a conversation piece. Clean it up but I would not paint it just yet..you are lucky! I love pieces like that. You could also use it to store throws, extra blankets rolled up in the family room or bedroom.

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  12. I not only *love* that you now have an awesome wine barrel for a project, but I love the meaning behind the story! I couldn't agree more about just being nice...I've also discovered that a lot more people are nice if you are nice to them first...(c:

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  13. OOOO! so cool. I have no idea what to do with it but I love that story:)

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  14. Good Karma comes back huh!? Such a neat barrel! I can see you putting it in the corner at Thanksgiving with the pies/sweets on it! :)

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