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Calgary, cold, courage, Diana Schwenk, Homelessness, joy, poverty, tattered coat, winter, wisdom
“Wisdom often lurks beneath a tattered coat.” ~ Caecilius Statius
It was a bitterly cold winter day.
The kind of day where I just wanted to stay in bed.
But it was a work day so I got my coffee, showered and dressed in layers – lots of layers!
I reluctantly went outside to start my car.
It took a couple of tries.
I was shivering and chilled to the bone.
I cursed the morning and muttered something about hating winter.
A few moments later I headed to work.
Once parked, I got out and began to walk the one block to my office.
I planned to walk fast, so as to spend the least amount of time outdoors.
But my path was blocked by a homeless man coming toward me.
He was struggling to push his shopping cart through the snow.
“Move!” I silently screamed.
As if in response, the man threw his hands into the air, turned his face up to the sky and said, “Isn’t it glorious?”
“Isn’t what glorious?” I snapped with irritation.
“The sun,” he replied.
It’s all about attitude
Have you ever been freed of petty grumblings by an unlikely messenger?
Isn’t it glorious?
talktodiana 
So true…how often do I complain about something so trivial as the weather…good reminder to stay positive and have a good attitude in all circumstances. Bless you! Patty
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bless you too Patty!
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p.s will remember this story for a really cold winter day. Ahh, who am I kidding, my attitude definetly needs a check before the winter hits…so first heavy and grey rainy day it is:D. Have a great week!
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You have one of the best attitudes I have ever come across!
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thanx. right back at you though. ;D
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Such a great message (smiling). Yup, attitude really matters. Haha, but so much easier said than done (in my case). ;P
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in my case too! I pretty much blog to lecture myself 🙂
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haha. same here. ;P You would think “walk the talk” aka blog, would keep me on check. But nope. But I love it anyway, because I get to meet folks like you and get inspired on a grey, windy, rainy day.
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Great thought for an attitude adjustment! I must go attempt this now on my gloomy day! 🙂
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applying it is always the toughest part for me! 🙂
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Yep….but you inspired me and I went outside and planted mums before the rain arrived! so THANKS! 🙂
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It is when things like this happen that we are both taken back and surprised but it is these things that make us appreciate life so much more………..
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Yes they sure do. Thank you Joanne. xo
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Wow! I love that. Many years ago, when my son was a baby, a very old man asked me for help at the grocery store. We were in the same aisle, and he needed to find something. He seemed lonely, and we ended up exchanging numbers. Over the next few years, we had him over many times to meet our friends, have dinner, just get out of the facility where he lived. Toward the end… we’d drop by and bring him food. This man was an unexpected blessing to me until his death… and I’ve missed him so much. Mr. Franklin. Sometimes photos of him with our children pop up on the computer and all those memories come flooding back. And to think it was just a chance encounter at the grocery store!
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Wow, that’s awesome…sounds like a future post, maybe? hmmmm?
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Brr I am not looking forward to walking the kids to school in the snow, but it is so pretty. It is glorious, for an hour or so.
Was this last winter? surely you don’t have snow already?!
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It was a few years ago. But we do have snow already but nowhere as cold as that day. Today was -5c which about which is about 11f!
I miss summer!
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omg that is so cold. that is about as cold as it ever gets here. I am not a winter person either. 😦
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I have a dream… that lands me on a tropical beach where I will start a business of some sort and build community. 🙂
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Oh yes that sounds nice. Dan and I have a dream of living 6 months a year on the island of madeira when the kids are grown. We go there in feb and hope to buy a holiday home to start renting it out and getting it paid for so its ready for us.. I dream of a sea view..
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sounds heavenly, hope it works out for you.
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I will let you know via the blog of course lol
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I have learned much about being happy from people who have the least. Your story is yet another, that teaches us it’s not is the glass half full or half empty, it’s how we see the world. So thanks for sharing.
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Thanks for reading it Keith, it’s always good to see you here.
Yes those with the least seem to know the things that are the most important. Could it be because there are not a lot of other things to distract them from the important things?
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hope he made you smile
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yes and think! 🙂
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Ah, a day so cold that the snow crunches beneath your feet and your breaths make clouds, but the sun shines brightly in an empty blue sky… yes, glorious indeed! A day that makes you know you’re alive!!
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A nice way to look at it…I’m trying to get there but I really hate winter!!
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You kind of live in the wrong country for a winter hater! (Does Canada own any islands in the south pacific?)
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Haha! No kidding eh? If Canada did own any islands, I would immediately apply for a job at its embassy!
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Yes it is glorious…..
I did a side job with a company in downtown Cleveland and often did the work late at night. There was a steam vent near there ( where warm air in the subway vented to the sidewalk ). This was a preferred place for the homeless to put their sleeping bags.
I would usually give the guy a five or ten dollar bill and hopefully they would get some food. ( optimistic but not realistic ) — So one day I come out and there is the usual bedraggled fellow there and I hand him a five spot. Out of nowhere another homeless guy appears and they start fighting over the money. I no longer help out pan handlers.
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yeah, it’s a tough call. I do sometimes and other times I don’t…Just have to give for the right reason when I do and not give for the same reason when I don’t…having worked for an organization that cared for the homeless for 20 years…this is something I’ve been asked about many times…you just go with your gut…and yes some will drink or use and some will eat food just like the rest of us. Thanks for stopping by – missed you!
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of course now you have to battle for the last word ( smile )
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of course!
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🙂 Another beautiful post. Yes, I think of the many homeless I pass on the street whenever we have exceptionally bitter days, and I’m wishing for summer.
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Thank you my dear. I have a lot to be grateful for even though I don’t live in a tropical paradise. 😉
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Ah, those chance encounters that bring everything back to normal, huh? 🙂
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Yes…normal…or perhaps perspective…thanks for stopping by Brigitte, always love seeing you here.
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Absolutely! And good for you for noticing. Many of us would still go about our day with the attitude and miss the opportunity to have our perspective shifted. Great story. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks J! He sure put me in my place that day! It’s starting to get colder and snowier here now and pretty soon we will be right in the thick of winter’s icy grasp. I do not like winter much, but am grateful for my warm bed, home, etc…
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What an inspirational post… just when things need a pick-me-up it can happen in the most unexpected way… love this post…
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Thank Bull Dog! I remember feeling small and petty that day…for a while…and then I felt enlightened and my attitude changed, at least for a bit! 🙂
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I love it – and it’s so true – glass half empty or full – all attitude. Nice post for a day where I had to get up early and wanted to sleep in.
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Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks, as always, for stopping in!
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Yes it is. Glorious!
Thank you for this glorious story to start my day — between you and Jim, the day is shining!
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You’re welcome and thank you for your glorious comment! Who’s Jim? 🙂
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