The perfect place for a perfect bouquet......
....of Zinnias, one of my favorites!
I love going to the farmers market and I had the chance to go to Greenwood's Farmers Market Saturday morning. As I was pulling into the parking lot, my eyes were scanning the booths to see if my favorite farmers were there when I happened to see this little girl, about age 9 or 10, approach a lady walking by. I heard her ask the lady if she would be interested in her last bouquet of flowers. The lady wasn't interested and walked on by without as much as looking up at the little girl. The little girl looked so disappointed.
This made me remember the times my girls sold lemonade on the sidewalk, from the lemonade stand their granddaddy built them. Lemonade selling was a serious business, back in the day. My oldest daughter would take the phone and phone book out to the lemonade stand and cold call people (she was only allowed to call family and friends) to come buy some of their lemonade. I don't know where she got that idea, but I'm pretty sure she would make a great telemarketer. HaHa!
Back at the farmers market, I parked my car and grabbed my veggie bag and proceeded across the parking lot. The little girl spotted me and ran around her table and to meet me and asked, "Ma'am, would you like to buy my last bouquet of flowers for $4.00 so I can go home"?
Well, my hearts strings did a little strum right there at the farmers market. How in the world could I say no to this sweet little girl? I wouldn't, of course.
I said, "Well, yes, I would love a bouquet of flowers. Oh and they are zinnias, one of my favorites". She was so happy. I pulled out my money and handed it to her and then I asked, without thinking really, "Would you mind if I left them sitting here on your table until I check out the vegetables inside"? And, just as she looked up at me with those big brown doe-like eyes that was desperately wanting to say no, I remembered that she wanted to go home. I said, "Oh that's right you want to go home. I'll just take them to my car". She had placed the flowers in a tall plastic cup full of water. I asked if she didn't want to keep her cup and she said, "No, they are for you to put in your cup holder in the car". Sweet and thoughtful.....
After placing the flowers in my cup holder, she and her mother met me as I proceeded back across the parking lot to purchase some fruits and vegetables. She looked at me and smiled and said, "Thank you, ma'am". My heart melted as I basked in the blessing of that sweet little girl's smile.
Laurie
