I've been having a pretty ratty time lately (um, there is kind of some wierd pigeon menage a trois going on outside the window?! Good grief), but for whatever reason, perfect strangers have been very nice to me (except for the guy who failed to observe a give way sign yesterday afternoon and very nearly smashed into my new little red car ... and the woman who almost reversed into said little red vehicle in the car park today, but hey at least I got to try to the horn out, lol) and it's amazing how a few nice words from someone you don't even know can make you feel infinitely better (the pigeons are still at it, by the way).
Earlier this week I had to work late so I was lazy and stopped to order a takeaway pizza on my way home. While I was checking out the menu, the pizza cafe owner man came racing out and began to fawn over my outfit with a level of enthusiasm that I thought could never be exhibited by a straight man, but then he said "my wife would love an outfit like that for Christmas, where did you get it?" and grabbed an order pad to write the details down. Aw. And even though I was tired, hungry and frustrated, he made me all smiley and happy and I forgot how crap I was feeling. Similarly, today I was buying some peonies (after repeatedly walking past the florist and agonising over whether I could justify spending eighteen bucks on five blooms, but I kept thinking of the photographic possibilities and in the end they were too pretty to resist, so I caved in) and the florist lady asked me what I was up to, and was I going out today? I said nope, just buying the groceries and she said "well you look really nice in that dress" and cheered me up no end. And I thought, I am often too shy to pay compliments to people but really, it's such a small thing and if I can make someone feel even momentarily good (or at least better), then I should get over myself and just tell them what I think.
Anyway speaking of the peonies, they are so beautiful! ... I'm glad I bought them :) And there is plenty more where these came from, am just trying to pace myself with the posting.
Have a lovely weekend, everyone! I'm off to (try to) make some raspberry and lemon friands (wish me luck, lol).