Apparently, this week it is about laughs.  I am working on infecting everyone with a little more smiling.  So, today I had another interesting encounter.  I must be putting off some type of weird pheromone.  I will have to keep an eye on that.  So, today, I was walking out of my building, and as I passed a few people we did a little dance trying to navigate around each other.  It was funny, and wouldn’t you know it, I was tickled.  I laughed and we gave our goodbyes.  Someone else happened to witness this innocent dance, and my show of teeth seemed to promote his need to comment on my grin.

He said, “You sure do smile a lot.”

I replied, “Glad you noticed, I think it might be contagious.”

He seemed to frown at that thought.  Then he looked at me thoughtfully.

“You look a little familiar,” he said, with his head slightly tilted to the side, “Were you in the service in this area?”

“I was about two hours away,” I replied.

We seemed to get in step with each other, me heading for my short morning break, and him for adventures unknown.  He stopped and looked at me as if he were attempting to birth something profound.  He began rattling off a list of names.  I admit some sounded familiar, but I just wanted to know where this was going.

With him, tucked under his arm was a blue book.  He held it like a prized possession. 

Finally, he said, “You know, I think your smile is contagious, and you should continue to spread it,” he said.

“Well, thank you for that.  If we smile a little more, life seems a little brighter.  Might not be the best at every moment, but we have to start somewhere,” I commented.

“That’s exactly what this book I am reading says,” he responded, holding up the book as if it would corroborate his statement.

“I may have to get me a copy.  If you speak what you wish for into existence, in a matter of time, with the right amount of effort, you will get what you seek.”

“I like that.  Well, you have a good day miss.”

Even the shortest conversations present meaningful encounters.  By lunchtime, I was ready to stretch my legs and grab some grub.  I went out to a food truck (which shall remain nameless… for now).  I will say that it was some good ole’ Carolina pulled-pork, brisket, and more.  Well, I was so excited about that sandwich.  There was a table set up with condiments, napkins, and, of course, barbeque sauce and Carolina pulled pork seasoning.  I was so excited for that vinegar-based goodness that I strong-armed the bottle.  Yes, it exploded everywhere.  And wouldn’t you know it, I laughed.  The owner was so embarrassed.  I thought it was on me (which, let’s be realistic, it was).  Apparently, the tops for the sauces were switched, but he wasn’t laughing.  His female co-worker laughed with me.  I smelled like vinegar for the rest of the day.  I will tell you this, as I walked back towards my work area, I got them a few customers.  As is the custom, a guy walked by saying, “Man, I might need to get over there.  Everyone coming from over there is laughing or smiling.  I want in on that.”  So, don’t get so wrapped around the wheel about the insignificant things.  No one was hurt due to my vinegar-based explosion.  If nothing else, it inspired this.  My theme for this week has been bringing out the smiles.

Keep on pushing,

Visionary Trailblazin’