BiMonthly blog challenge accepted with an occasional jaunt to the Banana Bar Challenge. |
Being a long time resident in a small community, I think the perception of those I encounter is often preconceived as I addressed in my blog, Big Fish in a Small Pond. I am usually greeted with welcome and respect which I have come to expect. What has surprised me is that this can and does extend outside my small world. Approximately, every 6 weeks, I visit for about a week at a time, my son and family in southern California. Sometimes while I am visiting I go to a nail salon relatively close to his home for a pedicure. I often take my daughter in law and/or granddaughters for a salon day. No appointment necessary, the shop is operated by small, lovely, Vietnamese women chattering away in a language of which I have no understanding. It is always busy with from 6 to 8 operators on the job at all times. I've gotten to know most of these ladies over the last few years I have been going there. They are each unique with fascinating stories to tell Whenever I walk through the door I am greeted by name, "you been gone long time", "come sit, we'll be right with you" even though there are others already waiting. I believe it is true, Asian cultures have more respect for age than some cultures and I am old, and I do spend a lot of money in their shop when I visit. But the shop is always busy and they have regulars that spend a lot of money there too. I'm not fooling myself that I am anyone special, but they treat me like a VIP. They seem to genuinely like me. My daughter in law says whenever she goes without me, they always ask when will I be back. I love the hot rock foot massage by C.C., very therapeutic, she has magic in her hands. Bottom line, I believe that how you treat others, boomerangs back to you. the welcome smile in the ripples of the pond is my reflection ~~jvg |