(This post is going to be a serious one.)
After publishing my last post about having to miss out on Eddie Ross's thrift day at the Rose Bowl, I experienced one of the most kind and selfless emails anyone has ever sent me. A woman emailed explaining to me that she and her husband believe in random acts of kindness and she would like to pay my way to see Eddie.
When I read the email, I was in shock. No stranger has ever offered such a kind and generous gift to me. At first I immediately thought - I can't accept this, it's too much! Then I felt guilt, did my post come off as a pity party?
I didn't know what to do, how to respond. I consulted my husband, and an unbiased fellow blogger friend. They both told me this would make her happy, and to take this opportunity to pay it forward. I then emailed back my amazing anonymous giver and accepted and promised to take a thousand photos, write a very detailed post, and most importantly take this opportunity to be selfless myself. I thought - what a great opportunity to give give back to my readers. I am going to find something special at the flea market and give it away here on my blog, and dedicate it to selflessness.
This blog is full of trivial, pretty things, but the support and friends I have made with it has been overwhelming. Today it's taught me to be a better person, and I hope someday I can do the same to others as this amazing woman did to me.
So good news - I'll be seeing Eddie this Sunday! Of course, I'll post all about it!
1 day ago
Oh wow Bryn. I am so glad that I logged on to Reader to read your post before heading out for the day, because it just made my day. Just when you think there aren't any good people left- something like this graces your day. Thank you for sharing and I hope you have a BLAST with Eddie- you deserve it! And seriously, if anyone deserves this, it's you! Can't wait to see what you find!!
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing. It made my heart feel warm. I can't wait to see you pictures.
ReplyDeletethe thing is, if you cannot afford to buy something, why are you putting yourself in the position to be tempted? while flea markets offer great deals, it's only a great deal if you can afford it. now, i'm not making the assumption or statement that you can't pay for items in cash, it's just that you stated you could better use the $50 elsewhere. nothing wrong with taking up someone on their random act of kindness but don't loose sight of the original reason you canceled your outing.
ReplyDeleteRachel - oh trust me, that was what I was worrying about when deciding to accept the gift. I'm going to use the opportunity as a learning experience rather than a shopping experience... I figure each time I find something I want to buy I'll just take a picture about it and blog it. I'm bringing little cash with me, and I plan on finding something little (read: inexpensive) to buy for the blog give away, but by no means will it be extravagant.
ReplyDeleteBryn! how wonderful!
ReplyDeleteYou'll have a great time! I went to the shopping trip that he had in Atlanta. Eddie & Jaithan are the sweetest, nicest people you'll ever meet!
have fun!
I know I'm probably way out of the loop, but who is Eddie? Maybe I missed a post back wen about it, but I figured I would ask! Have fun though and I think it's amazing a stranger would do something so selfless and I'm sure she will be proud to read all about how much fun you had!
ReplyDeleteThis just made my day and got me to thinking about how I can pay it forward in this world.
ReplyDeleteHave fun on Sunday. Can't wait to see pictures of you and Eddie!
I can't believe he charges $50! Have you seen his etsy site? Laughably overpriced. I can't believe people are falling for that. Inflated ego.
ReplyDeleteBryn I am SO glad that someone is doing this for you- you deserve it after everything you've been through lately with Charlotte and all!! What a wonderful thing this woman has done for you and I can't wait to hear all about the trip! Say hi to Eddie for me (not like he knows who I am- haha!).
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome thing for her to do for you!! Thank you for sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteoh my gosh, that's so awesome! I can't wait to hear all about it!
ReplyDeleteBryn, this is such a great story and after the day I had today at work, this helps me maintain faith in mankind! I hope that you have a great time!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! And just because you are still going, doesn't mean it has to be a checkbook breaker of a day. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteThe blog world can be an amazing place! I'm so glad that you have such fabulous readers that would do this for you! I love those kinds! :)
ReplyDeleteHave a great time and as always, keep us posted!
Wow, that was so sweet! In a recent church service we had, the pastor was talking about how sometimes God chooses to bless us by working through people and somtimes we turn it down when we shouldn't... I'm glad you didn't turn this blessing down! Have fun with Eddie!
ReplyDeleteThat is incredibly sweet of her! Have a great time!!!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, that is the nicest thing I have ever heard! What a great pay if forward story for sure.
ReplyDeleteI cant wait to hear all about your trip with Eddie, I for one am jealous!
Take lots of pics, and I cant wait to see what you get- have fun!!
Can't wait to hear all about your day! I am sure the pictures will be stunning!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a lovely time, Bryn!
ReplyDeleteGood for you Bryn...and to the wonderful person that is doing this for her...Many blessings to you. The world is missing things like this..and it is these things that keep the blessing going..people can send chain emails all day saying "send this to 8 people and you will be blessed, if you dont watch out"...how about really paying it forward...offering a dollar when you see someone going through their purse searching knowing its not there..or you see someone getting gas and only getting $5 dollars worth...Uh...I am making myself tear up...I guess I just miss the "old days"...
ReplyDeletethat is amazing! People can be so kind- and you're right it is a great chance to learn from a pro. Hopefully you can pay it forward by teaching us some great tips you learn. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteHow nice! Have a wonderful time!
ReplyDeletewow, amazing! this post has given me hope, hope that there are still genuinely kind people out there. enjoy your day bryn!!
ReplyDeletego have a fun, guilt-free day! enjoy the blessing to the fullest!
ReplyDeleteI loved this post. It gave me motivation to do the same.. random act of kindness. :)
ReplyDeleteThats so nice! I don't think your post came across whiny at all! I think it was very responsible of you. Just pass the niceness along, and keep it going.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, honestly, I too am a little surprised he charges $50 to go shopping with him. Heck, I should start charging my friends, too!
He does have great taste, and I know you adore him and his style, so you should have a blast! Looking foward to the pictures.
Seriously, what a kind and thoughtful soul! With all the terrible things happening in this world, this, today, made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside! Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great thing she did. I love random acts of kindness.
ReplyDeleteThat was very kind of your reader... but somehow I can't help but feel that it's a little silly (and irresponsible) to spend $50 for the "privilege" of shopping when the country is in this current economic mess. I'm all for random acts of kindness, but there are so many things you can do with $50 that would actually benefit others. I hope that when you pay it forward you choose to do something that directly impacts someone else in an important way.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
ReplyDeleteI had to comment on your comment. I completely agree with you - in fact when I first got the email my immediate reaction was thinking "I'd much rather donate $50 to SPCA than accept it to go shopping, especially with what we've gone through with Charlotte". But I knew that my anonymous giver wanted me to have this to go to the market. I then thought that if I go, and purchase even only $20-$40 worth of items, then that is helping a local family that is selling items that they had laying around their house and will help them pay the bills in this terrible economy.
I appreciate the serious comments in this thread - it's great to have discussions like this!
See you there..people always amaze me..there are some nice ones out there!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, how amazing.
ReplyDeleteSee you there..people always amaze me..there are some nice ones out there!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, how amazing.
ReplyDeleteRachel - oh trust me, that was what I was worrying about when deciding to accept the gift. I'm going to use the opportunity as a learning experience rather than a shopping experience... I figure each time I find something I want to buy I'll just take a picture about it and blog it. I'm bringing little cash with me, and I plan on finding something little (read: inexpensive) to buy for the blog give away, but by no means will it be extravagant.
ReplyDelete