The other day, I was driving through a rural neighborhood when I noticed an elderly woman. And by elderly, I mean truly frail—hunched over, shuffling along as she struggled to pull one of those wheeled carts.
"Is she okay?" I wondered. This was one of those moments where I had a choice: keep driving or stop to help. I decided to stop (even though STRANGER DANGER immediately flashed through my mind).
I rolled down the passenger window, leaned over, and cautiously asked, "Ma'am, can I help you?" Her eyes widened in surprise, and for a second, I thought I might have scared her. (Nice one, Lisa, great way to freak out a sweet little old lady.) But before I could second-guess myself, she opened the door faster than I could say, "Wait, maybe not!" and climbed right in.
"Yes!" she said enthusiastically. "Could you take me to Walmart, please?"
So, there I was, about to embark on this unexpected adventure.
Before we even started, I blurted out, "My name is Lisa. You're not going to hurt me, are you?" It was my first time picking up a stranger off the side of the road, after all.
She laughed and replied, "Oh no, honey." That’s when I knew this was going to be an experience to remember.
As we drove, she explained that someone had promised her a ride but never showed up. After waiting for an hour, she decided to walk the mile and a half herself. Then she told me about her bedridden son in the hospital and how much she wanted to visit him.
She kept sharing bits of her life story while giving directions—“Turn right,” she’d say, pointing left. It was both endearing and amusing.
Before I knew it, we were at Walmart. Part of me wished I could spend the whole day with her, listening to her stories and making sure she was okay. But I had work to do, and, well, we were strangers—sort of.
As she got out, I waved and wished her a blessed day. Driving away, I couldn’t help but think: that could’ve been my grandma, your grandma, someone’s mom or sister.
For just a little while, I had the privilege of taking care of her, and for that, I’m grateful.
Did you know that potato chips, one of the world's most beloved snacks, originated from an act of frustration? The story dates back to 1853 in Saratoga Springs, New York, at Moon Lake House, where George Crum, a talented chef of African American and Native American heritage, was gaining fame for his culinary expertise.
One day, a demanding customer criticized Crum’s fries, calling them too thick and soggy. Determined to make a point, Crum sliced the potatoes paper-thin, fried them to a crisp, and added plenty of salt. To his surprise, the customer loved them, and soon everyone wanted a taste of Crum’s "Saratoga fries."
Interestingly, George Crum never patented his creation or profited significantly from it. Instead, his potato chips became a regional favorite, eventually spreading far beyond New York and evolving into the global snack we enjoy today. Crum continued his career at Moon Lake House before opening his own restaurant, where his fries drew the rich and famous.
Crum’s contribution to culinary history serves as a reminder that even small, unexpected actions can leave a lasting legacy. So, the next time you savor a chip, remember the ingenious chef who transformed a complaint into a timeless classic over 170 years ago. George Crum's legacy lives on with every bite.
*Can you sense the photograph? The cold has a crisp scent, the pines's scent is strong and cleansing.🌲 The cold is invigorating and refreshing without the icy cut of wind gusts. The silence is not empty... it is full of peace and solitude, and purity.❄️
“There is a special kind of person in this world who is often misunderstood. These people tend to be the loners, the free spirits, the innocent lovers. They see the world for all they can – and should be – although the world rarely sees them.
They are the old souls, the dreamers, the people in tune with life, so intuitive of emotions that they frighten us. They frighten us not because of who they are, but because of who we are not, what we lack.
Ancient souls reach depths we cannot understand. They have a connection with God, with the Universe, with Nature, and that's why they are the people who will change the world.
We often feel inferior, as if we have to strive to stay remotely close to their level, to be worthy of their love.
It takes a confident person to love an old soul. But it's worth it. It will change your life.
They are romantic, they are loyal, they help us grow, they are not materialistic, they understand the deep connections in life, they are grateful, they are examples of bravery.
They walk the most painful roads of this life, and yet somehow they find the courage to smile. Of being selfless. Support others. Loving an old soul and being loved by it is a gift from the Universe!”