Saturday, April 21, 2012


Serendipity -- a happy accident, pleasant surprise or finding something good or useful without looking for it. How many times has this happened to you? Not large, life changing events, but instead something that lifts your spirits?


Yesterday I had two such moments. The first came as I walked by a commercial booth set up at a plant sale. The brightly colored sunglasses caught my eye so I stopped to have a closer look. Wayfarer-style sunglasses in lime green, bright yellow and turquoise. The man asked if I’d like a pair and I said it would be difficult to decide which color I wanted. “No problem, take one of each. They’re free!” And so I did.
Free sunglasses in lime green, bright yellow and turquoise (brighter than it shows in the picture)
I love sunglasses and have multiple pairs and these colorful little numbers will be so much fun to wear. That was my first serendipitous moment.

The second came when I walked into a hair salon for a quick bangs trim and discovered that the woman who cut and colored my hair several years ago is once more working in that shop. After we both did a double-take and hugged each other, I learned she’s back in the area and will be working there. She’s the best; haven’t liked my haircuts and color since she moved away. Now this really made my day.

 I believe good things often happen when we are not seeking them out. There used to be an old saying that went something like this: “He/she will never find a wife/husband became he/she is looking too hard.” That saying might apply to many situations in our lives.

People, especially along the Gulf Coast of the United States, sometimes refer to such a “gift” as  a lagniappe, although the true meaning of that word is a small gift given to a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase  -- such as a 13th doughnut when buying a dozen.

So whatever those moments were, the two events made my steps lighter yesterday.

What about you? Do you have serendipitous moments? Do you think we strive too hard to make things happen and if we would just relax and forget about it, good things will come? Interesting thoughts. I’d like yours.  

6 comments:

  1. Ooh, this is interesting because I have just been talking to my Sister about "signs". We both grew up looking for signs in everything in a fairly superstitious way. Good signs or bad signs. And I have finally decided that there are no signs, just what we put on top of reality! And so, yes, when we just relax and stay open, good things have a tendancy to show up.

    But free sunglasses? Score!

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    1. Yes, we ultimately are responsible for our own happiness and making the most of each day! Staying positive is the key, don't you think? (The sunglasses are funky enough to be really cute!

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  2. Serendipity. How funny, that this word is the topic of your post.
    While on our way to the MIL´s on Friday, we were discussing the word with my husband, as it is not commonly used in everyday English, not in Finland at least.
    It is quite near a Finnish saying, meaning stroke of luck, yet not the same.
    Reading blogs is educative. Every now and then, I have to look a word up, and hope, that I´ll remember it next time, when I see it.
    The English language, just as any other, has changed since my school days.
    And as an answer to your question: No, no moments of serendipity lately.

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    1. I just love the sound of the word "serendipity." So magical sounding. I too think blogs are educational. I learn so much from others!

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  3. You didn't tell me the story behind the yellow sunglasses when I saw you wearing them on Sat - matching your jacket of course. As usual whether free or expensive, you always look so "together".

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  4. And now my secret is out! All I need with the yellow rain slicker and sunglasses are yellow plastic boots!

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