From a Dud to a Diamond
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My friend Kirby and I set out for an afternoon at the movies and a lovely meal–our regular date with one another. We’ve been at this for a couple of years now and we look forward to it. We’re both movie buffs and find it fun to watch a flick and then have time to talk about it afterwards. So far so good–until a recent Saturday.
We handed over our money for tickets, and with a snack and cups of water in hand, we settled into our favorite seats.
We survived the previews of coming attractions and waited for the main attraction to begin. About twenty minutes into the film Kirby looked at me. I looked at her and we knew we had picked a dud, even though Rotten Tomatoes had given it a 93% rating.
I let out a sigh. Kirby let out a sigh. Should we or shouldn’t we? Leave, that is.
“Let’s ask for a refund,” I suggested. “But we need to move quickly or they may turn us down for waiting too long.”
We hustled out the door and down the stairs to the refreshments counter. We expressed our disappointment in the film. The gal behind the counter agreed with us but she had to clear it with the manager before giving our money back.
He appeared with a smile and offered us each a complimentary movie card for a future flick. That suited us just fine since we’d be back soon enough, hoping for a better show next time.
We left in a happy frame of mind, took a walk down the city mall, and settled on lunch at a classy restaurant. YUM! What delicious salads we had.
Afterwards we drove home ready to try again another time. The next day I received an email from Kirby saying she had fun no matter what. I did too.
I wrote back. “We sure know how to turn a dud into a diamond.” She agreed.
This incident, not of any significance in the scheme of things, did show me that I do not have to let disappointment get the best of me. I am always in charge of my attitude and when I focus it on gratitude–for my good friend, a walk on a beautiful sunny day, a wonderful meal, and a conversation we both enjoyed–well, how blessed I am, regardless of circumstances.
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”
~ G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936), English writer, journalist and Christian apologist.
Perfect way to “make lemonade out of lemons”. I rarely go to the movies any more for that very reason. Not many pass my “acceptable” test. 🙂
My favorite thing to do is walk in the redwoods and talk to people from all over the country and often the world. Today it was people from PA, WI, MI, AZ, WA and Denmark. Interesting conversation is the best way to spend an afternoon. Love your
writings as usual. Karen.
Thank you, Etta Mae. I really like your way of passing an afternoon. You brought smiles to others and made some new friends.
So good, Karen. What a reminder that we have what I call, “Cadillac problems” and if we just remember that, the times we DO have with each other are all gifts. Great job on turning it around for both of you!
Thanks, Heidi. I know you are very accomplished at turning duds into diamonds, as well.
I agree 100%. Several years ago I was vacuuming all rooms in my house and I kept telling myself I did not want to vacuum that morning, and I sure felt like complaining. All at once I thought: “okay, Margaret, change your attitude, express more gratitude”. I did! I started by thanking God I had a house to clean, a new sweeper to use and the health to do it! I shared this thought with the leader of an older group of women at the church and she liked it so well she asked permission to use it as their motto!! They did.
You and your special friend sound like one I had during my youth and even thru our married life. ( our husbands put up with us and our giggling) We had fun just “doing nothing” just as long as we were together.
Love today’s theme: A Dud to a Diamond! Thanks. Love and happy movie going, Margaret
Thanks, Margaret. I’m glad you had a special friend too–one whose company you enjoyed no matter what.
Good reminder, Karen, that disappointments can turn to good. Thanks.
Thanks, Carol. Your life is certainly a shining example of that. Love you.