Ann Taylor

In last week's post Serendipity I wrote about finding some wonderful new clothes. Then Saturday on my way to work, I stopped by another thrift store. They were having a 50% off everything sale, and for $24 I found three tops, a skirt, and a hoodie with matching pants. So that means for a total of $50 I pretty much have an amazing new wardrobe.

I noticed that three items I purchased on Saturday and one item from last week had Ann Taylor labels in them. What is up with that? Who is Ann Taylor, and why is she giving me all these clothes?

Susan

Serendipity

I am in need of some clothes, and lately I have been getting some great things at good prices. It is a tough time of year to fit clothes shopping in the budget, but I really am in need. Today I felt that I should go to Old Navy. The closest one is about twenty-five minutes away, in an area I don't normally frequent. I on purpose did not overthink it. I just did it. So off I went. I tried on some things at Old Navy, but didn't buy anything there. Then on the way home I spotted a new Goodwill store. Its windows were painted with pictures of Christmas trees and sparkly ornaments and poinsettias. Inside it was big and clean and well organized. It even had dressing rooms. I love thrift stores and secondhand shops and such. A lot of what is in my clothes closet and some of the furnishings in my home are used things that have found a new life with me.

For a total of $24, I got a pair of jeans, two tops and the most awesome skirt with butterflies on it. How cool is that? So it seems to me that the reason I went to Old Navy was not to buy clothes at Old Navy, but to run across this wonderful store that wasn't there last time I was in that neighborhood. The clerk told me it had opened last month.

Serendipity! A happy accident. An unexpected surprise as I was doing something else. Or not, if you happen to be one of those people who believe that nothing is accidental or coincidental. Kind of like you're just walking along, and all of a sudden here is this beautiful butterfly that lights near you for just a few seconds. Or how about a skirt covered in butterflies? Butterflies that don't flit away. Butterflies that stay. This makes me very happy.

Susan

Depth

Both my sons played sports as they were growing up. It took me to a new world, one I hadn't known before. Back then the kids were allowed to bounce the soccer ball off their heads, a practice which has stopped because of the risk of concussions. I remember the first time I saw it, I thought "How terrible..." but I am nothing if not supportive, so I kept my concerns about his brain to myself. (His brain is fine.) I am proud to tell you I know the difference between a perfect game and a no-hitter. I can appreciate a team having a deep bench. "They have a lot of depth," I will say, nodding my head wisely. When it comes to sports, I know things.

Depth. Our human relationships have depth. I have this theory that each person who comes into our lives does so for at least two reasons. For example, she might be your next door neighbor. He may be another dad on the school field trip. Those are the obvious reasons. But there is always a second reason the person crossed your path. It could be that you become ill, and that neighbor's father is a retired surgeon who gives you invaluable guidance and advice.  It could be that you would love to work for a certain company and that dad in your child's class knows someone doing the recruiting there. Networking. You know people who know people.

Now the people in our more intimate circle likely are there for more than just two reasons. I think it's a minimum of two. Hopefully our closest relationships are the deepest.

Last night my friend and I were talking about her career and a direction she might like to go. I mentioned the names of some of her clients and shared with her my theory. "Who knows why these people are in your life?" I asked.

My theory is just my theory. It has no science behind it. But it is rather interesting that this morning, my friend forwarded an email to me. It was from one of the clients I named last night, and it had a suggestion about something that just might prove to be a real bonus to her career. The client sent it at 10:35 last night, right around the time she and I were having this conversation. Interesting, no?

Susan