Good Morning from storm recovering Prince Edward Island,
Old man winter arrived to remind us that we shouldn’t get too snug or smug and take all our comforts for granted.
With over 40,000 thousand homes and businesses without power on Prince Edward Island this past Wednesday and part of Thursday, the reminder was delivered.
Did you receive the message?
Comfort is a box. Time to make the box bigger.
"Advice is like the snow. The softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon and the deeper it sinks into the mind.” - Samuel Taylor Coleridge
This morning, I write this at 6 am sitting in a Starbucks having a breakfast tea and watching the video below.
William Cromartie is a BART station agent who finds meaning through the simple act of saying hello.
His story hits home for me on a number of levels.
I hope you enjoy the video.
Every year I have the honour of meeting thousands of people from all over the world, some hug me and I them, some shake my hand and I theirs, some write me and me them.
As a shopkeep, it is funny the things I notice.
Storytime.
In mid-summer, while in full stride and bounding towards the front of our building.
I noticed a mom and her two children with three ice cream cones, all different flavours.
Smiles were present and joy was evident.
I was in a rush but had the instinct to say, “welcome, be sure to take the children down to see our miniature donkey Cisco”.
The mother and I locked eyes for two seconds while she replied, “yes, thank we are on our way there now”.
Leaving them to be on their way I remember thinking while still in full stride up the stairs to the shop, what a genuine and alive person she seemed to be.
Once in the building, I realized a full minute later, “hey that was Sophie Trudeau”.
Television personality, activist, mother, and wife to Canada’s Prime Minister, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau discusses in the following interview her battle with eating disorders, why nature and art play such a huge role in her life, and what unites us as people.
While driving to Halifax yesterday, we listened to the interview and it reminded me of the chance encounter this summer.
Shane Parrish of Ottawa, an ex-spy has created Farnham Street and The Knowledge Project Podcast. His interview is worth listening to, if you do not have the time to do so, the transcript is here as well.
Authenticity, Kindness, and Self Love: My Conversation with Sophie Grégoire Trudeau
Before I go, I wish to take care of our business.
Check out our new line of Natural Candy. I love this photo of our friend's son reaching into the candy jar while the photo shoot was going on.
While sitting in Starbucks, I put on my noise cancelling headphones and listened to a playlist of Choral music.
These classical vocal compositions bring a sense of peace. Listen here.
Hope you have a great weekend!
With love from Halifax today,
Bruce
p.s.
A lady lost her handbag at the mall. An honest young lad found it and returned it to her.
Looking in her purse, she said, "Hmm, that's funny. When I lost my bag, there was a $20 bill in it. Now there are twenty $1 bills."
The boy replied, "That IS funny. The last time I found a lady's purse, she didn't have any change for a reward."
Comments
MURDOCK MORRISON said:
Hi Bruce -glad we left our cottage in Cavendish before this snow storm but the picture taken was wonderful and a nice reminder that soft snow can be just the beginning of big things yet to come. All of your excerpts that you put in your blog are great for us to ponder and read on the next time I am relaxing with my cocoa and crackers/cheese – which one will I tackle first-the video, Sophie , classical music or the natural candy -lots of fun and thanks Bruce – Murdock-PS – if we don’t get back to you sooner, Connie and I wish you and your family a Christmas filled with love, joy and good health.
December 06, 2018
Sharon Lapointe said:
Look forward to your blogs. I have met you twice, 1st visit was when you were planning your Hospice, the 2nd time it was up and running. Was so happy to hear one of your dreams came true. I imagine you have had more than that one came true.
Your friend from Woodstock, ON
December 05, 2018
Val LaBore said:
My husband and I had a chance to visit your restaurant while on a tour from our cruise ship. Afterwards, while tasting some of the jams you had for sale in the shop, my husband, after tasting the Wild Blueberry, said WE HAVE TO ORDER THESE GIFT SETS FOR MY GIFTS TO MY FELLOW EMPLOYEES FOR XMAS.
After getting information on how it could be shipped home to the US, and after arriving home, we ordered 33 gift sets, plus of course a couple jars for ourselves. The taste of the Wild Blueberry brings back beautiful memories of your lovely town, and generous welcome you gave us on our arrival.
Thank you for welcoming us to PEI. I love reliving it on your blog.
Val & Howard
December 05, 2018
Jean Staben said:
I had the good fortune, just recently, to visit our son in Houston, Texas and I stayed in a rather large inn. One evening an elderly black gentleman was coming down the hallway in the opposite direction of me, asked if I could help him find the lobby, which I did. He was so grateful. The next morning I encountered and elderly black lady in the same hallway and same problem. She was having a hard time getting around with her walker, so naturally, I helped her out too. As it happened, she was the wife of the gentleman I helped out the night before. They so grateful for the assistance and their smiles said it all.
December 04, 2018
Martha Sanford said:
Bruce,
We came to your store & restaurant from a cruise ship on a bus. We were from the Bay Area, for many years, my husband was born in San Francisco & we loved the BART employee video!
Loved the last joke also!
Keep warm & keep up your wonderful Blog!
Martha & Gary
from WARM La Quinta, CA
December 04, 2018
Carol-Ann Finlan said:
I look forward to reading your blog – always interesting. I wish I had known about Cisco when I was there in October. I would love to have seen Cisco. :) So cool having Sophie Grégoire Trudeau and her children at your business. I am a huge admirer of Mme. Grégoire Trudeau.
Merry Christmas to you & your and all the best for the New Year!!
December 04, 2018
Cindy Wohl said:
Loved the video of the BART agent. How many smiles has he brought to people.
Merry Christmas to you and your family family and your store family.
December 02, 2018
Paula Mueda said:
Loved the video about the BART agent William Cromartie, especially since I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. I have never seen him in action, but hope to some day! Blessings to you and your family as we approach this holy season.
December 02, 2018
John Malone said:
Bruce you make us fell welcome the same way as the Agent. Merry Christmas my friend from Mollie and John
December 01, 2018
Allison LeBlanc said:
Hi Bruce, Happy December 1!
This past September we took our guests up to see your beautiful store but we were blown over by the gorgeous garden! The respite cottage is such a lovely and compassionate idea for you to share with others. Having lost my brother to brain cancer we were all touched that you had thought to create a haven for those who could use rest from the battle. We missed the donkey but will bring our grandson out to visit when we open the cottage and to see the butterfly house too!
Meanwhile I plan to share some PEI goodness with friends and family here in Ottawa this Christmas by giving conserves and other delicious goodies from your lovely selection.
Blessings of the Season
Allison & Doug LeBlanc
Bluejay Cottage
Albany, PEI
December 01, 2018
Elaine Rhode said:
Thanks Bruce, I so enjoy your blog and you are so right there is nothing like being able to connect with people. Happy Holidays to you and your. Elaine
December 01, 2018
Sue said:
Thanks again Bruce for an insightful blog. Loved the video and it’s message! You truly do walk the walk as you greet people around your shop. Just one of the many things I love about visiting there so much.
December 01, 2018
Doreen said:
Bruce, I really look forward to your weekly blog – provides me with a smile or two, things to ponder, excellent recommendations for music and reading! Thank you, dear friend, for all of these! Your gift box program is a grand idea – sure wish I was the recipient of some of those tasties! I greatly enjoyed your Food Island ‘commercials’. Wishing you and Shirley a blessed, happy Christmas season.
My thought for today is a reminder to all ~ Greet people with authenticity – a fake hello or smile can be spotted by those most in need of the real thing – and they are ones who need that greeting more than anyone!
December 01, 2018