Monday, January 28, 2013

The ‘Unexpected’!

I went to the Thrift Store this morning…which was not unexpected!

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And I found a few treasures….I can always find something!

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But it didn’t take me long and after 20 minutes of browsing, I was ready to get in line.

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The LINE….most unexpected!

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There were about 8 people in front of me and the line started stretching to the back of the store.

SO…I DID the unexpected! I got out of line, walked up to the lady at the register and asked her if she would like me to help her by bagging the purchases.

And she said YES!

The line kept coming for ONE HOUR! I wrapped and bagged and boxed until almost noon.

And then I retrieved my little basket of goodies from behind the counter, paid for them and sat in my car and called my hubby. I was POOPED! I praised the lady at the register and the other volunteer that brought up more bags and boxes. And they thanked me profusely!

So that was a new Thrift Store experience and one I won’t forget. Those ladies at the Thrift store work HARD and not everyone is patient and kind.

Do you ever do the unexpected?

65 comments:

Leave It To Davis said...

That was so thoughtful and kind of you!!!! I am surprised they didn't give you a discount on your merchandise for your labor...but then, you probably would have refused it. :)

Linda @ A La Carte said...

That was so nice of you! They do work hard and when the lines are long and they wrap up the breakable sometimes folks get antsy in the line. I think that was so nice of you! Cute finds also!
hugs, Linda

Art From The heart said...

How nice of you.
I do things like that to.
A very elderly lady at the grocery store didn't have enought money for all her groceries. I paid the extra and she was just thrilled,me too !
Hugs

cucki said...

Aww you so sweet :)
I do things like that too...
Love for you x

cucki said...

Aww you so sweet :)
I do things like that too...
Love for you x

Della said...

That was a very sweet an unexpected thing to do! But you are like that, doing sweet and unexpected things :) I love doing sweet things for people too, like holding doors, and helping people find things...it's what I do, too! Hugs my sweet friend!

Elizabeth said...

I do and it always makes me feel so good!

Trace4J said...

How sweet friend.
I have done the unexpected, but have also wished later I did over a missed opportunity too.
You go girl.
Woolie hugs
Trace

Ricki Treleaven said...

Aw! You'e such a sweet soul. :D

Kathy Ellen said...

You gave the most wonderful gift of all to all of those customers, patience and kindness, mingled with caring for those hard working ladies in the Thrift Store. You touched many lives today, and they may never be the same. A lovely way to extend the unexpected gift of kindness and generosity from the heart.

Bless You!

Anonymous said...

what a sweet heart you are, that was such a lovely thing to do.

PatC - All is Bright said...

So people can learn by you! You are one special lady!

Sweet hugs
Pat

Barbara F. said...

You are a sweetie, Diane, I have helped serve food and sold raffle tickets at events where I was a guest. Never tried it in a store. I would have thought they'd give you your items for free? ;-) xo

Unknown said...

Well, I wasn't expecting you to say that, I started laughing out loud....you are so sweet, I should have expected it though! :-)
xoxo
Dorothy

Cameron said...

Aren't you sweet?! I bet that Lady had a much better day because of your kindness! Wow, who woulda thought an hour?!

Cute finds, too....love the basket and childrens books :)

Maureen Wyatt said...

Your example may have spurred those in the line to do an act of kindness themselves. You never know how far the ripple effect goes when you take the time to spread some love! Well done!

Musings from Kim K. said...

There's nothing better than "paying it forward". You really did make a difference on lots of people today. Good for you!!

Shabby Brocante, Karen said...

You found cute goodies and....you are amazing!!
Karen

Kim@Snug Harbor said...

You always find such cute little treasures. And you were a sweetheart to help - I imagine that was fun and something the ladies there will talk about for some time.

Happy@Home said...

Wow Diane, what a kind thing you did. How wonderful it would be if more people had your attitude rather than standing in line b****ing about the situation.
Cute finds, BTW.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

You are so sweet to do that! It's too bad there aren't more people like you. Life would be so much more pleasant.
And, yes, I've done things similar to that...makes one feel so good to help out. You found some cute things, too!

GardenOfDaisies said...

You are absolutely the nicest person on the face of the planet! What a wonderful thing you did today to help those gals.

Anonymous said...

How nice of you to offer to help. The thrift store I go to is part of a church, so they always seem to have a lot of volunteers to help. However, the last time I was there, I noticed they didn't seem to have very much good stuff to give away. It just so happened my family had gone throught the house to get rid of stuff we didn't need anymore. I was happy to drop it off at the store, and they seemed even more thrilled to have some new things in stock.

I have to admit I'm always envious of what I see other people can find. I'm rarely luck to find so many nice things at any thrifty store I visit. I like your basket and the cute little figurine.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

is this something you have done before? or just something you wish to do to help out? that was so sweet & i know meant the world to them. so kind of you ... a great way to pass it on. pay it forward as they say... ( :

Susie said...

You are the best!!!! How very kind of you. I try to treat the cashiers nicely, cause you never know how their day is going. Sometimes just one person being kind can make someone's day.xoxo,Susie

Terra said...

You helping the clerk at the thrift store was sweet enough for Valentine's Day. Well done.

Chasity said...

What a great example to the others in the store!

NanaDiana said...

You are a gem! I do the unexpected once in a while- I love how it throws people off balance when you do the unexpected- xo Diana

Anonymous said...

Wow!! What a blessing you are!! God Bless.

Heirloom treasures said...

Sometimes but never that :) great finds. Love the little statue. Well that's your good turn for the week. :)

Marina said...

Diane, you are my hero! What a generous contribution! I am sure those ladies were grateful for your help. You are such a kind person! Big Southern hugs to you, my friend! :)

Vee said...

What a sweetie you are! No, I have never volunteered to bag any items other than my own. I love that little lidded basket. I also like the juice glasses.

Martha said...

So funny that you told this story today. I am always so tempted to just hop behind the counter and help out when I'm in a busy place. Most places they would think I was nuts but I could see it happening and being appreciated in a thrift store. Looks like you got some great stuff besides :)

Unknown said...

You're such a doll. Very sweet story and I guess we do take our volunteers for granted. I try to do good, but I think I need to try harder. :D

20 North Ora said...

What a nice gesture! Those people work so hard and so many customers are so impatient and rude. Thanks for being a helper.

Judy

Susan said...

Well that was very nice of you to offer to help! And you did it for a long time! WOWSERS.

Loved your treasures. The first little knick knack is adorable. I would definitely have bought that one! Ha!

Thanks for sharing and thanks so much for stopping by my blog and commenting, too! Susan

cynthia lee designs said...

What a sweet thing to do. Those ladies will remember your kindness forever.
hugs,
Cindy

Perfectly Printed said...

Oh my gosh!! Love all of your finds! Yesterday I was at a large rummage sale and saw the book Katie the Kitten.... I had not seen this book before and before I could grab it someone else did! My youngest daughter is 22, adores cats, especially her cat Stella and her name is Katie! I am now on the hunt for this book!

Chris

annie said...

what a blessing, how good of you, and very kind! love the little basket, it looks like a purse, maybe? have a great week!

joyh82 said...

That was so kind and sweet of you and I am sure they really appreciated it too. What cute treasures you found as well.

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

You're such a sweetheart to help out like that. I know they appreciated it just like all the other customers in line. Love those books.

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

You get the gold star, girl!

Kelley~

CRAFTY STITCHERS said...

I am sure they were thrilled with the help. That sounds like one busy thrift shop, enjoy your purchases and this warm weather.

valerietilsten59.blogspot.com said...

A very nice experience for you. I am sure the ladies appreciated it.
How amazing that such nice things are given away.
I see sometimes that you get some nice bargains.. i love the little pick nick basket.
Something different.
val

DearHelenHartman said...

Good for you! An offer to help is always the right move. And look how the thrifting universe rewarded you!

Unknown said...

Awwwwww, that was such a sweet thing for you to do and I'm sure not out of character for you at all! Love your new finds!
}}Hugs{{
Vicky

RURAL said...

Diane, what a kind and unexpected thing to do..I bet they will be talking about the wonderful customer who pitched in for days.

Jen

Chatty Crone said...

I like the items you got there - especially the basket. But I LOVE _- LOVE - LOVE how you do a random act of kindness!!!!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

Wonderful way to pay it forward. I'm sure the cashier appreciated your generous help:)
~Lori

Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking said...

What a blessed and awesome thing for you to do!!

Unknown said...

That was so sweet of you. And I bet they were so thankful that you helped them out.

Hugs~

The Boston Lady said...

Now you have unexpectedly inspired a whole bunch of us to do the same next time! Ann

Introverted Art said...

You are my hero!

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

Great treasures and so sweet of you to help! I'm sure they loved having you there...part time job in your future?
Blessings,
Cindy

Gaby Bee said...

How kind of you. I bet the ladies appreciated it:) You are one special lady!

Have a lovely week!

Cheers,
Gaby

Unknown said...

Bless your heart what a lovely thing to do. People are always rushing around and never seem to stop and think you did a wonderful thing to today TIME costs nothing really at the end of the day. I have just found your lovely blog and i will pop back again soon. Lovely buys by the way to. Best wishes, dee x

Susan said...

It's those unexpected gestures in life that leave us speechless and makes our heart sing--you're an angel to help out and I know it was well appreciated by all, XOXO

Robyn said...

That was a very kind and charitable thing to do!.. We need more people like you in the world.. I too do the unexpected in ways such as this at times too. My husband is coming along slowly in this area but coming along nevertheless. I love your find :)
Robyn

Susan Marlene said...

Greetings! I smiled at your deliberate act of kindness! I'm sure those ladies were impressed and quite encouraged! I take the cart back to the inside of the grocery store some times and I had a young man thank me and say he had never seen anyone do that. I figure those carts have to be such a task to lug back to the store. If I can relieve those cart pushers a little I want to do so! Have an exceptional day!

RoseMary said...

I bag at that food store alot, for other people, and sometimes they are not sure what to do. LOL

Unknown said...

That was so sweet of you dear Diane,
Love all of your finds a special the little basket and books.
Have a beautiful day =*

Donald E. Allen said...

Your gift to the Thrift Store was the most precious of all. You gave your time. You are a wonderful spirit, God bless you.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Diane, how sweet and thoughtful of you! I know those ladies were so happy you showed up when they were probably feeling very overwhelmed. Did they give you a discount on your purchases? You got some great treasures. Love that little basket. Have a great weekend. laurie

J said...

What a sweet. lovely act of kindness you did. The only thing close that I have done is to ALWAYS be extra nice to clerks. Kind of my way of making up for the rude people they deal with every day. After having read your post, I am going to be on the look-out for doing more, though!

BECKY said...

Diane, you are such a fabulous lady!! 'nuff said! :D