Tags
200 words, community, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, happy, health, laughter, life, living in the moment
Laughter is the shortest distance between two people – Victor Borge
I decided on Friday that I should pick up some food at the local grocery store.
It was a good day to do so as they were calling for a bone-chilling -17c/1f on Saturday.
While waiting in line to pay for my groceries, I couldn’t help notice how quiet and somber everyone was.
The line seemed to be moving unusually slow. I started to get hot in my down-filled coat. It was brutal.
That is until Joshua the grocery bagger, a man in his early 20s; half his hair cut short, the other half a sweeping mane of flowing hair across his forehead, came flying in and announced, “Joshua to the rescue!”
I chuckled. “No surprise,” I said. “Your name means he saves, deliverer.”
“It does?”
“Yup. So go forth and live up to it!”
Several folks, including Joshua laughed. No longer somber, those of us in line were smiling and chatting with each other about the weather, about the new year, about whatever.
The line moved faster or maybe it just seemed that way…you know how time flies when you’re having fun?
~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~
The Presents of Presence said:
Diana, I love how you simply changed the entire mood AND taught them something! I bet everyone around you went home to say that Joshua means deliverer and he saves! You always make a difference in the positive wherever you go! ♥ You are special! xo
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you! I never pictured or thought about what people took away with them, or even then shared with others! ❤
Diana xo
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Jean said:
An excellent light joke during a frazzled snowy /very cold day, Diana!
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dianasschwenk said:
Why, thank you very much Jean! ❤
Diana xo
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markbialczak said:
It was Joshua and you, Diana, breaking the ice, figuratively and almost literally Not hard to believe, my friend. But it is hard to understand how this friendly young man got so far on his path without knowing what his name meant. Happy New Year, Diana. Stay warm. 🙂 ❤
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dianasschwenk said:
It is interesting that he did not know but even more interesting is the search I just did on your name Mark! Everything from warring and Hammer to polite and shining!
It also says:
SoulUrge Number: 1
People with this name have a deep inner desire to use their abilities in leadership, and to have personal independence. They would rather focus on large, important issues, and delegate the details.
Expression Number: 7
People with this name are excellent at analyzing, understanding, and learning. They tend to be mystics, philosophers, scholars, and teachers. Because they live so much in the mind, they tend to be quiet and introspective, and are usually introverts. When presented with issues, they will see the larger picture. Their solitary thoughtfulness and analysis of people and world events may make them seem aloof, and sometimes even melancholy.
http://www.sheknows.com/baby-names/name/mark
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markbialczak said:
Well, not exactly on this Mark all the way, Diana. I can be loud and outgoing. 🙂 Thank you for my analysis, my friend. I like it. ❤
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Gina's Professions for PEACE said:
I really love this post Diana! And I adore how your kind comment helped shift the energy of the people in that long lineup. Way to go sister, sharing your loving laughter all around. ❤
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Gina. I cannot help myself. I talk to almost everyone! ❤
Diana xo
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Healing Grief said:
Happy New Year lovely Diana! Love the story of Joshua. It reminds us to find the joy in life and live in the moment. 🙂 🙂 xx
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes it does – thank you Karen! ❤
Diana xo
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elizabeth2560 said:
What a fun way to end a mundane task of grocery shopping.
(As an aside, I decided last week that I do not like grocery shopping in chain-supermarkets and am going to make a conscious effort to spend my money at farmer’s markets and independent retailers).
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dianasschwenk said:
That’s a great idea Elizabeth – I do that as well when I can!
Diana xo
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elizabeth2560 said:
Just as an update because your post made me think, I shopped at the loacl ‘veggie shed’ (local food farmer’s market – come retail outlet for local produce) yesterday. It did make me feel happier and healthier, firstly because I was spending my money locally and contributing to the success of little people rather than big corporations and secondly because it was a ‘veggie shed’ I wasn’t tempted with not-so-healthy supermarket food. 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
A double header! Love when that happens!
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rachelcarrera said:
Aww, I bet you often make a lot of people feel better in an otherwise gloomy situation. 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
I try Rachel!
Diana xo
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bulldog said:
I love to talk to people in lines and also in lifts… many look at me as though I’m strange, but what the hell it don’t bother me… those that will…. will
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dianasschwenk said:
Bulldog, I can totally picture you talking to people in lines and on elevators! I’ve personally had mostly positive experiences talking to people bulldog. ❤
Diana xo
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Sheryl said:
It’s wonderful how you and Joshua transformed a somber check-out line into a happy one–and I bet that all of the people in that line ended up having a more pleasant day as a result of that brief exchange. I’m always conflicted about whether to talk with people in a check-out line or on a bus. This post makes me realize that those little interactions can be very positive.
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dianasschwenk said:
I know it made my day Sheryl!
I’m always talking to strangers, or they talk to me. Most times, it has been a positive experience. ❤
Diana xo
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joannerambling said:
Standing in a checkout line can be boring, but it does give one a chance to either think or ears-drop on conversations around them
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dianasschwenk said:
Or engage in fun conversations!
Diana xo
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Southern Sea Muse said:
The world needs more Joshuas! Happy New Year, Diana!
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dianasschwenk said:
Agreed!
Diana xo
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Jennifer's Journal said:
The world is a much better place when we allow our humanity to inspire others.
Just like you do, Diana!
Jennifer xo
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dianasschwenk said:
and you do – Jennifer! ❤
Diana xo
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Wyrd Smythe said:
Laughter and a moment of community! See what you started there? 😀
The name Joshua always makes me thing of the desert trees. Or that song about the Battle of Jericho. I think Elvis did a version of it?
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dianasschwenk said:
I love laughter and community!
I have no idea on the Elvis question Smitty or which song you are talking about. ❤
Diana xo
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Wyrd Smythe said:
U-toob to the rescue! 😀
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dianasschwenk said:
Cool! I’ve never heard it before!
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Wyrd Smythe said:
I also noticed a version by the amazing Mahalia Jackson:
(Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho is an old gospel tune.)
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dianasschwenk said:
Very cool!
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Alan A. Malizia: Contagious Optimism! Co-Author said:
Diana,
The world needs more Joshuas.
-Alan
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes. Definitely Alan!
Diana xo
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russtowne said:
Thank you for sharing the fun story, Diana.
Russ
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dianasschwenk said:
My pleasure Russ!
Diana xo
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Val Boyko said:
Shared laughter is one of the most satisfying moments there is!
Thank you for the reminder Diana 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
Laughter is like a healing balm Val – I cherish those moments. ❤
Diana xo
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Minuscule Moments said:
Diana what a gorgeous little snippet of your shopping morning. I imagine I would have giggled and chatted away with you and Joshua too.
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes, I can totally see that you would Kath! ❤
Diana xo
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Chatter Master said:
It appears Joshua did deliver you all. 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
So true Colleen! ❤
Diana xo
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cyclingrandma said:
Always a nice surprise when someone makes an unpleasant situation a bit easier– I try to talk to people in line– you never know who you’ll meet.
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes, that’s so true Lisa! I’ve have certainly met interesting people that way. ❤
Diana xo
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utesmile said:
Nice one, glad you brightened up the place with some laughter…
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Ute – Joshua opened the door to this with his exuberant sense of humour!
Diana xo
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Ann Koplow said:
Time flies when I visit here, Diana!
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dianasschwenk said:
Aww so sweet Ann, thank you!
Diana xo
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