Tuesday, December 13, 2011

The joy of giving

Scarves at Silk Market, Beijing
When I was in China, I wanted to bring back souvenirs for myself and my friends, and these silk scarves fit the bill perfectly. I think I must have bought, during my six excursions to China, hundreds of different scarves. They were made of silk or pashmina, mostly. (Some were nylon; I bought some pretty ones and gave all the nylon ones away.) I love the feeling of silk. To dress up my outfits at work, I would tie one of these around my neck and make a simple sweater or blouse look much dressier. If you buy several of them at a time, the cost is less than two or three dollars for each one. In China, the shop owners always quote you a very high number at first and bargain down to a fraction of the original asking price.

Dozens of these scarves have been languishing in my closet for years now. I realized recently that they had not been touched since I quit working, so I got out the trusty ironing board and pressed them, wrapped them in tissue paper, sealed the gifts with Christmas stickers, and headed out on the bus this morning.

The two ladies who serve me my latte at the coffee shop got the first of them, and they were both pleased and excited, wrapping them around their necks, looking at themselves in the mirror, obviously happy to have received them. I couldn't believe that giving such a small thing could make so many people happy! Then I went to the Y, and the woman who gives me my towel was the next recipient. She opened it and told me I made her day. By this time the smiles I had left behind me had me grinning, too.

After my workout, I headed over to the Community Food Co-op for some items to make a nice stew of ratatouille. One of my favorite counter helpers got the next one, and she was so thrilled she came around the counter and hugged me, telling me it was the perfect color (it was!) and matched what she was wearing. She asked me to tie it for her, which I did. You would have thought each gift was actually worth more than a few dollars, considering how much enjoyment everyone involved has received.
The ratatouille is now simmering on the stove, looking and smelling good, so the whole experience of today has made me definitely feel part of the 2011 Christmas spirit. In fact, I've had so much fun I'm going to rummage around and see what ELSE I can pass along. What can I rescue from the dreariness of disuse and transform into the joy of giving? I do hope your day is a good one.
:-)

29 comments:

  1. Reading this just has me smiling Ear-to-Ear!! you've made a mark and I'm so glad you took that picture of all those scarves together!! Lead- On!!

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  2. This makes my heart sing! I love your sense of giving and your idea of reusing is perfect. I can well imagine how happy you made these people. Way to inspire!

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  3. What a great way to celebrate the season. I love your idea. It was so thoughtful of you and in the end you received as much from it as the receivers of your beautiful scarves.

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  4. that is awesome...you know you made their day...they are beautiful..yeah i got a big grin too...

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  5. What a WONDERFUL idea, DJan! I can just see the smiles on those women' faces. I hope I can find bargains when I visit China. Thanks for the suggestion.

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  6. Great idea, great woman for thinking and doing it! Happy Holidays!

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  7. What a great idea! You're helping all of us get into the spirit.

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  8. This is wonderful! From your idea of giving the scarves away to those you selected to give them to, it's all just beautiful!
    And that stew looks great too!

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  9. What a wonderfully warm and kind person you are DJan. So thoughtful to "Make Special", everyone's day as you did. What a great way to celebrate the true gift of giving and holiday spirit.
    I love the scarves in the photo - so colourful and beautiful.
    You are indeed generous and my Jack likes you too :)

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  10. What a lovely, lovely post. I can just imagine the unexpected joy you brought into other people's lives today. And to mine reading about it. Thank you so much. The ratatouie looked really good to.

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  11. Outstanding! .... a few more of this sort of post might get my Christmas mojo back...

    I have lots of stuff from my closed shop just sitting in storage chests... boo hiss on me.

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  12. This was just a wonderful idea that brought much joy to others. How cool.

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  13. What a super way to give things away and receive the positive reactions! It will not only make your day but your Christmas.

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  14. I agree with Teresa--this made my heart sing, too!! You really made their day! Now that is truly the Christmas spirit! Spread the love!! :):):)

    You made my day, too. ;)

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  15. I think some happiness just came out of my computer screen!

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  16. One of the best stories I have heard this Christmas Season! Thanks! I am starting to feel a bit Christmasy now:)

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  17. Good for you! Also, I'm at the age where the space left behind feels like a gift to ME. What a great idea. I don't suppose anyone wants used underpants?

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  18. What a wonderful post DJan, I had a big smile as I read your story. You have demonstrated to us the true Christmas spirit. A gift doesn't have to be elaborate or expensive to bring joy. You brightened the day for these ladies and got smiles and happiness in return.

    Your ratatouille looks delicious!

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  19. Oh yum....that ratatouille looks so very yummy. And the scarves? You seemed to have skipped over me [kidding] I didn't receive one. Oh you and me both, I LOVE the feel of silk!!!

    ATCHAFALAYA SWAMP PHOTOS is my link for today. Hope you can find time to visit with me.

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  20. What a lovely day you've had. Isn't it just wonderful when you give something to someone and they like it and appreciate it? I love that about Christmas. The scarves look so pretty, who could not like them?

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  21. Fabulous idea, the scarves! I love looking at them, and have a few, but I only know one way to tie them.

    Let's hear it for regifting!

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  22. You are such a loving soul. You epitomize the spirit of Christmas and obviously brighten the day for the recipients of your gifts.
    Bless your dear heart!

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  23. DJan, I love this post! I was smiling throughout, just picturing the faces of those who received your unexpected gift. There's nothing quite like the gift of something beautiful, and it doesn't matter if it has been worn or used. When things are beautiful the sight of them opens up a little place in our hearts.

    Thanks for sharing your gifts of the season. You've made me think about what I can give away that someone else would love.

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  24. What a great thing to do. The scarves made so many people happy-- And they are gorgeous too!
    Merry Christmas,
    xo jj

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  25. How wonderful of you to spread such loving, good cheer to everyone. I wore scarves on the mainland, but I guess it's too hot over here. I used to love how a scarf would dress up whatever you were wearing.

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  26. What a great story! You're so creative and generous. It is a good season for showing our appreciation of people in our lives. Good idea.

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  27. This is truly the spirit of Christmas as it is meant to be.

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  28. What a wonderful idea DJan! I can imagine the surprise and joy those ladies felt on receiving something like that out of the blue! I can imagine them telling their grandchildren the scarf's stories many years down the line.
    You are, as always, an inspiration! :o)

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