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109788
by toogie 31 Aug 2016 ( edited Sep 10'16 23:25 )
+47

Good day Cuties!<br /><br />

As some of you like the stories I tell, uh um, the experiences I have-lol- I thought I would tell you about yesterday, while I am 'resting'.<br /><br />
As some of you know, my daughter Marsha just purchased her first embroidery machine. She didn't even have a working sewing machine, so I told her dad, I wanted to buy her one.<br /><br />
She is really going 'whole hog' and she also bought her a Brother serger. It was in the store that my story starts.We met the nicest woman, while shopping.<br /><br />
She saw Marsha had a 24" x 36" cutting mat and she stopped to talk to us. She told Marsha that if she wanted one to cover her whole table, she could get one at Joann's for about $10 more. Although to go to a Joann's we would have to drive another hour, so Marsha bought the one she had.<br /><br />
I know most of you probably know, how you meet women like this, with a common interest. The lady also saw the serger and asked Marsha if she had ever had one, to which Marsha said no. The lady told her she was going to love it!<br /><br />
I said you must sew and she said she did. I asked what she liked to make and she said children's clothing, quilts, what have you. She asked what we were making and we said we didn't know, whatever crosses our mind and when it does we'll be ready! Marsha told her I had lot-s-s-s of fabric. She told Marsha she used to have lots-s-s too and just now, is starting to build her stash back up. <br /><br />
Anyway, the lady said she used to live two states over. She said her children had married and all moved away. She said when he husband died, her children wanted her to sell and move, by one of them.<br /><br />
She said although her husband had died over 20 years ago, she could never bring herself to sell her home. She knew she was getting older but he had built it himself, on the 28 acres they had and she had raised her family there. I told her it has to be hard 'letting go'. She said it was.<br /><br />
She told us one month she had an extremely high electric bill and had called the company, to send someone out to see why. The serviceman came and checked the meter, then came in to say, well you are using it. You have this and that running, etc. She said she didn't have anymore running than the month before, but what can you do. So he left. She left right after, as she was coming here, to visit her daughter.<br /><br />
She said about 15 minutes after she left, she got a phone call from a neighbor, that asked her where she was. She said, I'm just turning onto the turnpike, headed to visit my daughter. They told her to turn around, her house was on fire! She thought they were joking, as she had just left, they said they wished they were, but no.<br /><br />
By the time she got turned around and home, the same electric man was there cutting off the electricity to the house, while she watched her roof cave in. She said she believed this was God's way, telling her to move on. I said yes, He knew you couldn't ever 'let go'.<br /><br />
She said she had had a beauty shop on one end of the house and a sewing room close by. She said, if there was a lull in between appointments, she would go sew. She had even made wedding dresses. She said she wasn't really able anymore to stand long days, on her feet doing hair. <br /><br />
She has moved here, by the daughter and loves it here. She said the move was good for her and she knew it was in His plans for her. BUT she told her daughter she had to DO something, not so much for the income, but she was used to talking to the public, seeing people daily. Her daughter & SIL have a business and she said she comes in for a few hours each day, to 'help out.'<br /><br />
Wasn't this a nice story with a happy ending? We never know who we will encounter during the day. Although I was tired, and so was Marsha, we took time to 'visit' with this nice lady. It made me feel good to meet her and I think she enjoyed meeting and talking to us. You never know, when just taking the time to listen to someone, may just make their day a little more special and yours too.<br /><br />
Well, I hope you enjoyed reading about our encounter with Wilma. <br /><br />
Toogie
I added the link about 'Gloria' Avery and I met, about 5 years ago.

1 links:
[1] http://www.cuteembroidery.com/8420494.html
www.cuteembroidery.com
Comments (20)
66927
by graceandham 31 Aug 2016
+9
Great that she got to tell her story to someone who would listen with fresh ears. I know you affirmed something powerful in her or for her and maybe she did the same for you. I don't believe in chance or "happenstance", do you Toogie?
3 comments
by toogie 31 Aug 2016
I think when we are put in a certain place, at a certain time, its for a reason. I enjoyed her sharing this with us and I think it helped her to tell it. Maybe we just have that 'inviting' look-lol
by sbott54 01 Sep 2016
Im sure you look approachable. Your picture shows a happy and cheerful person. Love shines bright!
by toogie 01 Sep 2016
How nice of you ! I really just try to treat people like I would like to be treated or try to put myself in their place/ shoes.
318555
by dragonflyer 31 Aug 2016
+8
What a wonderful story and outcome...
1 comment
by toogie 31 Aug 2016
Yes, its one of those feel good stories. Maybe she wasn't listening/hearing what God wanted her to do, but He sure made it plain with that fire. While it might have been her 'burning bush' I still felt a pang, for her losing everything. I can't say, but maybe the only way for her to start a new life, was to be rid of all the old life. She did seem happy, talking about her life now.
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by sbott54 01 Sep 2016
+8
Thanks for your relating this story. I feel like the lady you met because with my isolation (have to be careful around people because of kidney transplant). When I'm at any store I practically talk anyone's ear off. Who'll listen. I'm like her--I'm used to lots of people through work, church, and hobbies. I'm not one to sit around. When I say you all are my lifeline--it's true. Hugs all around through the Web to you!
1 comment
by toogie 01 Sep 2016
Hugs back to ya! This lady said the few hours she is working at the family business, even at her age. She can still work circles around their younger regular help,
173695
by cfidl 01 Sep 2016
+7
That is so cool, and you can tell a story. Thanks.
1 comment
by toogie 01 Sep 2016
Thanks I used to want to be a writer. I love to write but just can' t type as fast as I think-lol
10494
by twee 01 Sep 2016
+7
Often the best thing we do is give a listening ear. You and Marsha were angels, helping this sweet lady as she makes a major adjustment in her life. I too am facing what she faced. Moving from our home of 40+ years. I love it here, but the yard is sooooooooooooooo large. And, we need to be closer to our children. SO, if it is in Gods plan we will leave our beloved home and start another chapter in our lives. So many changes. Living in China for three years, downsizing and moving, what will be next?
1 comment
by toogie 01 Sep 2016
Are you going to, or leaving from, China? I am thinking you live in China now, but I could be wrong.This world is so large, if in China now, where next?
Yes, life is full of changes, some easy, some not so. I do wish you the best, wherever you are going. I can't think of leaving and I've been here for years, too. I know I wouldn't be able to keep this place up by myself, though. We mowed about 2 1/2 acres here.
234507
by pennifold 01 Sep 2016
+6
I agree with you 100% Toogie, I believe you were an Angel to that lady. It's always great to listen to another person's story, for we all have a story to tell. Thanks for sharing your day with us. Love Chris
1 comment
by toogie 01 Sep 2016
I know how good I felt to meet her, so I hope it helped her.
4443
by Barbaric 01 Sep 2016
+5
A beautiful story, the right people, in the right place, at the right time.
1 comment
by toogie 01 Sep 2016
Exactly my thinking, thanks.
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by 02kar 01 Sep 2016
+4
I love hearing people's stories and everyone has a story. What a privilege to meet this incredible lady and thanks for sharing. BTW, check out Joann's on the internet. You might be able to get a lot of what Marsha needs without driving the long distance. And Amazon also sells some sewing items.
1 comment
by toogie 01 Sep 2016
Marsha does order online and I have passed on a few links for items, Bev and others keep us up on,'where to buy.' She made an ITH bag on my machine. Since getting hers, she stitched out a design off her built in and wanted me to pick one to do too. Then we stitched a name on tee shirts for her neighbor that loaned her the first machine. She is on her way!
6122
by rsloan 01 Sep 2016
+4
What a beautiful story you shared with us. And blessings to Marsha as see begins her sewing adventures.
1 comment
by toogie 01 Sep 2016
Marsha had to go to the ER so no sewing, anything right now. I think she will always have trouble, since she fell down with that extension ladder. Since I mentioned her, maybe you can say a prayer for her,too.
2049
by Zinobia 01 Sep 2016
+4
Thanks for sharing the story Toogie. It was nice to read cuties response and comments. <br /><br />
<br /><br />
Am a homebody and so love this platform where I can be with cuties from around the world without having to dress up, drive or go anywhere to meet at proper time of day. <br /><br />
<br /><br />
Happy to be here with you all lovely ladies.<br /><br />
Hugs to all
1 comment
by toogie 01 Sep 2016
Yes, it is! You are right about not having to look your best. I am still in my gown, of course, no makeup either but don't try to picture that-lol
158718
by jrob 01 Sep 2016
+5
And here I thought I couldn't love you anymore......
1 comment
by toogie 01 Sep 2016
So nice to hear and feel that you are loved..........'ya gonna make me cry
96286
by dailylaundry 01 Sep 2016
+4
You are amazing!! I wish I could meet with you in a fabric store or anywhere for that matter!!! Hugs to you and your daughter!!! Laura*
4 comments
by toogie 01 Sep 2016
Wouldn't that be wonderful to meet! I just love meeting people like this.
When my daughter worked at Pediatric Therapy through the hospital, our Hancock Fabrics was back to back with the therapy clinic. You had to go through the halls of a sleep center, if you didn't want to drive around. One day, when I took Avery for therapy to the clinic, I pushed her through the sleep center and we went to Hancocks. It saved me from loading & unloading her wheelchair.
Anyway, we were at the cutting table and started talking with a woman there. She asked if Avery was mine. I said she was my granddaughter, that we had just left therapy where her mom works, on the opposite side of the building. I told her Avery was having surgery a week from then.
The lady said she used to work at an institution, for children like Avery, but had retired. I asked her if she remembered someone we knew worked there and I think she did. As we were waiting in line for our fabric to be cut, we talked about our sewing and Avery. The lady made the pillowcase dresses, bows, etc. She said she would give them to the little girls at church. I told her some of the things I make and the prayer quilts we do.
So we have our fabrics cut, while we talk and we check out and go to leave. We walked out together and the lady said, if I didn't mind she would like to walk through with us and maybe meet my daughter. I said that would be fine, as long as she wasn't in with a patient.
Well, she met Ashley and she said I had told her Avery was having surgery the next week. Ashley said yes, and told her the last day she would work, before taking off for the surgery. After that, she left. Ashley asked me how I knew her. I said I didn't, we just met at the fabric table.
Ashley, is quiet and can't understand how I can meet anybody like this.
Well the next week on Ashley's last day to work, the lady shows up with pillowcase dresses, even a bought long sleeve turtleneck, bows, and a large, tied butterfly fleece blanket for Avery! When my daughter found her voice,-lol- she asked to pay the lady for all of it. The woman wouldn't hear of it.
I went in that sore a lot. When we were talking, the woman said she lived in that town. I never met her before, nor since. You would think I would have run into her again at the fabric store. I asked the girls that worked there about her, but no one remembered her. I just found it strange and would liked to have met her again, at least to thank her for being such an 'angel' to our baby girl.
by dailylaundry 01 Sep 2016
The kindness of looking someone in the eye and having a sweet conversation with. And to think you have never met her again!! She knows how much you appreciate her gifts for Avery!!! Thanks for sharing!! You are an angel too!!
by gerryb 01 Sep 2016
She just may have been a real angel! Never know. But love your experience!
by toogie 01 Sep 2016
You never know................
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by joansatx 01 Sep 2016
+3
I'm so glad you are in this world!
1 comment
by toogie 01 Sep 2016
Thank you, I take it you liked my 'story', or me!
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by bevintex 01 Sep 2016
+2
I love reading of your adventures. It goes to show there is still so much good in the world. I'll keep on reading "Toogie's Tales"
1 comment
by toogie 01 Sep 2016
And I'll keep telling them, if encouraged!
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by gerryb 01 Sep 2016
+3
So neat! And there you have a new friend!!!
1 comment
by toogie 01 Sep 2016
Yes, I do. I told my daughter the lady I bought my 5x7 from, still emails me. You can never have too many friends!
59631
by hightechgrammy 01 Sep 2016
+4
Toogie, you are so nice and friendly!
1 comment
by toogie 01 Sep 2016
I guess it just comes naturally!-lol-I really do hope to meet her again.
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by asterixsew 01 Sep 2016
+5
Toogie I love your stories. You have a brilliant way with words to please keep on writing for us
1 comment
by toogie 01 Sep 2016
ha ha-you may be sorry you ever said that!-lol-
Have you completed the move, into that new sewing room, in the new house?
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by lucy12345 01 Sep 2016
+3
Wonderful, you have made my day as well as the lady!!!
1 comment
by toogie 01 Sep 2016
Too happy to oblige! Hope you have many more good days!
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by katydid 02 Sep 2016
+2
My boyfriend is so bad to talk to strangers , but I guess he makes many people have their day also. I am afraid people will think he is senile. There are a lot of seniors that gather at Wendy's, a fast food place, for lunch. He loves to join them. He meets his new best friend every few weeks. He often brings them out to his property for the grand tour of the airport. He lives on a private grass strip airport. I often worry that he is setting himself up for a home invasion, but God has blessed him his whole life. Kay
1 comment
by toogie 02 Sep 2016
Maybe you think I'm senile, to talk to someone I don't know. So far, I haven't brought anyone home with me.-lol- I just think its a sad life, to never speak to anyone. My husband was a stranger, at one time. How would any of us get to know someone, if we never spoke?.........I don't think I would go so far as to bring someone to my home, until I really got to know them, so you may have a good reason to worry there.
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by Patricia103 10 Sep 2016
+1
Toogie, I love chatting with folk in the store. Met a lovely lady looking at white tea yesterday. We had a lovely, lively discussion on teas while her hubby stood there holding their trolley. We parted with neither of us buying any tea. Then we smiled and nodded at each other as we past in other aisles. It made the shop feel so so friendly.
As I cannot recognise folk due to an eyesight problem, I doubt I will ever 'see' her again.
1 comment
by toogie 13 Sep 2016
It was a good meeting and made your day, and maybe hers too, so that's the important thing.