Lost & Found

There are probably very few of us, if any at all, who have never misplaced an object of significant monetary or sentimental value. It's happened before, hasn't it? Upon realizing that item is gone, panic ensues! We run around, opening drawers, checking coat pockets, bags and the trash can two or three times over, just to make sure we didn't overlook it. If luck is on our side, it might still be sitting untouched on the restaurant table where we got distracted by stories and smiles with friends. It could be underneath a seat in the car or hidden among toys and color crayons. Yet, all too often inanimate objects win the never-ending game of hide and seek.

I have been a careless owner of many things that never found their way home. I've lost a couple iPods abroad. My favorite Star Wars tee-shirt went missing in a hostel, and misplaced faith in others resulted in the disappearance of a notebook with content that cannot be replicated. The list of misplaced belongings goes on, and the worldly effects recovered by others sadly fall under the verbal clause "finders keepers" and you know the rest... (losers weepers)

Very seldom do the circumstances occur in the opposite fashion. When they do, it becomes a moment of excitement; it feels like a slight victory. As if somehow karma gifted you with the possession of another. The wide smile across your face says it all, "Is this really as wonderful as it seems!" and you continue to inspect the item; turning it over, opening and closing it. Does the object in your hands present you with the moral dilemma: keep it, leave it, or find the owner?

A little over a week ago I was on my way to my typical coffee spot when I cruised past something on the road. Circling back around I picked up a cell phone that had been danced upon by the rubber soles of an asphalt warrior. There was no one around to lay claim to it. With a nearly dead battery and a cracked screen I questioned whether I should leave it or try to revive it. I decided I'd bring it with me and found that my Kindle charger was compatible with the phone.  I plugged it in and several minutes later the tiny device sputtered back to life; like someone revived by a defibrillator, taking a breath after coming inches from death. Messages began popping up one after another without end. I could finally attempt to locate the owner. 'Hey sis, call me,' one said. I figured that was a safe bet and placed the call. Two, three, four rings later and a kind female voice picks up.
"Hello, Summer," she says.
Before continued, I interjected, "Hi, my name is Janelle. I found this phone in the road last night and I'm just trying to locate the owner. When I turned the phone on, I saw you called her sister. So I thought to give this a try."
"Oh my, you are so sweet. This is her sister-in-law. She has the worst luck with phones. She must have dropped it last night when she was at her auntie's house. I'll try to get a hold of her," she replied.
"Perfect," I said, "and if she wants to meet up have her call this number and I'll keep it with me. Great talking to you!"
"You too! Thank you!" and she hung up.

A couple hours later the phone rang, I answered, "Hello this is Janelle."
"Hi, this is Summer! My sister said you found my phone!"
"I did! I have it with me at the Denver Bicycle Cafe on 17th and Lafayette. I can meet you somewhere, but I'm on my bike," I said.
"Thank you so much," she exclaimed. "I'd love to come get it from you. I can be there in an hour if you plan on staying a while. I can't believe you're doing this! I'm really sorry I don't have any money to give you as a reward."
"Oh, please! Don't even worry about it. I don't want anything, I'm just glad I can help. I'll be here for quite a while. See you when you get here!" I said.
We exchanged descriptions of ourselves and hung up.

 As promised, Summer arrived an hour later wearing an unmistakable expression of gratitude and excitement on her face. We greeted one another with a handshake and I told her how I'd come across her phone. I returned it to her, with a cracked screen and partially charged battery.
"Poor phone, I can't hardly keep track of these things! I have something for you too," she said. With an outstretched arm she handed me a thank you card.
I received the card and said, "I don't know if you're interested, but I actually have an extra phone I'm not using. If you want it, it's yours."
"You're serious?" she asked.
"Of course! I only need one phone! Just give me a call if you want to pick it up sometime this week."
I smiled, wished her luck and we said our farewells. When she left, I had a unique feeling overcome me. A connection made with a simple stranger left me in awe that two people who'd never met could both feel joy from such an ordinary occurrence.

When I returned to my chair inside, I opened the card and read this message:

 Janelle, 

Thank you for your simple act of kindness! It may not mean anything to you, but it means the world to me that there are people in the world that genuinely care for mankind. I know all in all, a cell phone is immaterial and can be replaced. However, It relieves me to know someone took the time and made an attempt to find the owner! 

Thank you, 

Summer 

The message inside of the card is worth more than any reward I could ever receive from her.
Days later, I received a call from Summer... she wasn't inquiring about the phone I offered, but instead wondering if I would accept a lunch date on her as thanks for my deed. I am still in awe that something this simple could allow a deep acquaintance or friendship to germinate.
I find that in life, there are events or tasks that are not necessarily convenient, but in the time it takes to go out of our way to accomplish whatever we set out to do, we are rewarded by the experiences we choose to assume responsibility over.
City life is wonderful!

(If you're looking for a feel good song after a feel good story: listen to Wallet by Regina Spektor)

New faces, new places

Greetings from Denver, Colorado! I moved to the Mile-High city on the 1st of November; the last few weeks have been spent settling in, up-packing, and job hunting. At a young age I began hearing the phrase "Change is inevitable and constant". Adulthood has confirmed this truth that I failed to comprehend in my youth. The ability to experience life as it evolves can be overwhelming but ultimately it is a gift; simply because we are alive. 

Expectations in relation to the unknown are dangerous ideas. In situations where possibilities are without limitation, an expectation may serve as the base line of comparison for rating how pleasant or disagreeable the outcome is. This is true of many things; encounters with strangers, acquaintances, those we know well, and even our environment. 

As a small town girl, I threw myself into the little-big city head first. My nearest family members over 12 hours away, and an excessively short list of one friend in the area; I was virtually anonymous. I was excessively cautious for many days after arriving. I walked around with my newly purchased knife hidden in my pocket, fingers tightly wrapped around the grooved handle as I made my way from place to place. I tried to beat the sunset home and didn't venture out after the stars made their appearance. Quite strange behavior for someone not lacking street smarts or situational awareness, after living and traveling abroad for the the last three years. The winter months make days shorter and the nights longer and I was forced to remind myself that expectations can be savage thoughts. 

Once the mild paranoia was put to rest, I employed the Laws of Attraction, as explained by Louis Hay (author of The Secret) in these words, "The law of attraction is that our thinking creates and brings to us whatever we think about", putting all negativity aside, reinstating a positive mental outlook and a belief that what is good will find its way to me. 

In the following days, I allowed myself to explore my new neighborhood even after the sun had set. I found a cozy coffee shop called the Denver Bicycle Cafe, a yoga studio where I now  practice called the Samadhi Center for Yoga & Meditation, and a vegetarian restaurant called Watercourse Foods... just a few blocks away from my apartment! The atmosphere in each place as great the services offered and the company was even better. At each location, fear of rejection no longer existed and apprehensions were gradually erased. Each day spent learning several new names, getting to know individuals, their interest and unique styles is rewarding because as the list of acquaintances and new friends grows, I am becoming a part of my environment instead of a mere onlooker who desires the company of others. 

My new mentality continued to improve experiences as the as days turned into weeks. 
Here is a handful of my Denver happiness: 

November 14- On this day I entered the world 22 years ago. I decided I wanted it to be a day of gift giving and not of gift receiving. As the laws of attraction would have it ,this desire became a reality. 

I was sitting on a bench in the shopping outlet of Downtown Denver, deciding what to do with my day when a blind man walked closer. "Hello, how's it going," I said. 

He turned my direction and said, "Well, I am trying to find a hat store that I visited a few years before with caps of all kinds, but I don't remember where it is. Are you familiar with the area?" 

I replied, "I just moved here, actually, but I'm sure we can find it. There is a directory over here. I'll take a look and see where it is." 

We walked several paces and found that the hat store was on the other side of the road.  

"I'm actually headed that way," I said, "I'll go with you, if you'd like."

"Oh, thank you! I'd appreciate that," he said with a smile on his face. 

In the next five minutes, he shared that he had once been a journalist and I told him that I am pursuing a career in writing. As we ascended the escalator, I asked him if he had any advice for an aspiring writer. We rounded the corner, nearing his destination and he said, "Follow your dreams and don't ever let anyone tell you you can't achieve them." 

Outside the hat store he said thank you and wished me luck. I turned around and although he couldn't see it, I was the one wearing  a smile. That isolated event fulfilled my birthday goal and made me feel like Amélie!  

November 22- The holiday season seems to be officially marked by the arrival of Thanksgiving; breaking bread and (over) indulging with immediate and extended family. People tend to become more introspective and verbalize their appreciation for life, health and relationships. 

As a newcomer to the city, I was unsure of how I'd spend the day giving thanks without relatives nearby. Yet again, an answer came.

I met a friend at Watercourse Foods on my first visit, who invited me to an "Orphan's Thanksgiving". I'd never heard of anything like it before, but the name alone peaked my interest. Excited to see what it was all about, I agreed to join him. 

That evening, I found myself in a home full of 13 delightful people; some knew each other and many who were meeting for the first time. The aroma of dishes prepared and cooked to perfection filled the room. The sound of abundant conversation and laughter echoed throughout the house. When the last timer went off, plates were filled and we sat in a circle discussing how great everything was, trading stories, and taking turns sharing what we were thankful for. 

It occurred to me in that moment that the term 'family' is not limited to those we share DNA with or those that have married into the family. The word is a reflection of togetherness, unity and caring. Family is both chosen for us and selected by us. 

Experiences like these now find me daily. Instead of being overwhelmed by tasks of the transition that seem too large to handle, I continue to receive the reality I seek. We are all met with change and challenges in this life. It is up to us to decide how to approach situations, to speak to each person we meet with kindness and impartiality. There is much to be learned about the world and of ourselves; we can only do so if we step beyond our comfort zones to be pioneers of our own lives. Each person's path and purpose is different. We much challenge ourselves and hold one another accountable to do so. 

City life has opened my mind and my eyes in ways I never knew possible! I hope that this week you can find a way to challenge yourself! Go beyond your comfort zone; even in the simplest of ways. Ask yourself what area you'd like to improve in. Conversation, understanding, listening?  If any of you discover something new or find pleasure in any situation (small or large) and would like to share, please feel free to comment below or e-mail!  

Best, 

Janelle

A New Vision; Open Minds Welcome!

Hello Readers, 

Welcome. In the last several months, I have been thinking of a way to improve my blog content and define a solid purpose of intent for my writings. There were days that I really wanted to sit down and say something worth reading... yet the more I tried to make this happen, I only digressed from the task. A few weeks ago I finally realized that blogging must be frequent, purposeful and directed at a specific topic or idea. So, I began to dialogue with other blogger's, some I've known for years and others I've recently met,  and as I did so the writer's block began to slowly dissipate. The product of the thoughts that followed resulted in a breakthrough! 

The joys and challenges of the last four years abroad have allowed me to explore and interact with many people all over the world. Throughout my travels, I began to better understand the importance of communication and social interaction. I made many attempts to navigate foreign countries without any knowledge of their mother tongue or the customs and courtesies of the local peoples with great difficulty. We rely on non-verbal expression and gestures to interact with one another; using various sounds and languages to communicate with those around us. The international language of smiling is not helpful when your intent is to ask for directions, order food, or determine the price of a bus fare. Reflecting on encounters with strangers who helped me along the way and the lessons learned by stepping outside of my comfort zone, brought me closer to identifying what moves me to continue to seek out more of these experiences. What is it that drives me to place myself in situations of unpredictable outcomes? Curiosity. 

As a writer, I find that "why" is a recurring question as I observe and (over)analyze situations. My largest inspiration for writing anything and everything that flows from my mind to these fingertips is a product of experiences, questions, and ideas. I realize that communication is a multifaceted topic with many sub-categories, but there are a great many questions that we have all asked ourselves, and others, in an attempt to understand those around us. 

With this new-found direction, I hope to expand on various ways we express ourselves and interact with others; art, music, language, discussions with strangers, friends, and ourselves included. I invite you to follow me on this unique journey of observing, questioning and idea sharing in a place where we can interact as individuals among the masses. The Utopian concept of harmony is likely to never be felt throughout the world, but each person can improve his/her immediate surroundings by increasing social consciousness, embracing/ tolerating diversity, and working to eliminate negativity and troublesome behaviors within our own lives. 

As this project grows and evolves, I hope that you will tune in and send any suggestions, ideas or comments you may have at will! Welcome to 'The Corduroy Commons'.

Best, 

Janelle