Squeezers welcome!

Today, my palate craved a peach. The neighborhood fruit market has a “ripe” sense of humor. Little handwritten signs are set around the peach table. “You can squeeze the peaches if I can squeeze your head. Da!” “Hey, don’t squeeze my peaches. Understand?” I chuckled as I spotted a nice Georgia peach. I gently clasped the fuzzy fruit to test its squeeze-ability. It passed the test! Now, where’s the cream?

--By Ron Cooper

Hugs for all!

Today, I was in a hurry to get home. But the driver in front of me was taking her sweet time making her turn. I tooted the horn impatiently, muttering under my breath. Then I noticed her license plate: “Hug-em.” I thought, “How cute and cuddly!”  Silently, I thanked her for reminding me there are good people out there spreading cheer. Thanks, Hug-em!

--By Ron Cooper

Oh, those blueberries!

Today, I met a spry old gentleman at the grocery deli counter. Waiting his turn, he said, “Got more time than money!” I let him in ahead of me, and he nodded his thanks. Eyes twinkling, he looked at me and boasted heartily, “Just turned 90. It’s the blueberries!” We both smiled wide and I exclaimed, “So that’s your secret!” He nodded and walked away, a spring in his step. Pass the blueberries!

--By Ron Cooper

Smiles all around

Today, the McDonald’s manager smiled as she told me an uplifting story. Seems that a drive-through customer decided to pay for the next patron’s order. The ripple effect was astounding. Five more customers paid it forward before the generous string of kindness ran its course. That made me smile. Two smiles are better than one! 

--Ron Cooper

Whistle!

I love the song, “Whistle while you work!” from Disney. But I don’t find too many workers who whistle, much less hum. The workplace often seems so glum. So when I saw the worker at the grocery store whistle as he stacked bread on the shelf, I grew heartened. He seemed so happy. It rubbed off. I’m readying my lips right now for a good old whistle!

--By Ron Cooper

Double dose of affection

Today, a tall young man waited to be served at an optometrist’s office. His preschool-aged son ran headlong toward dad, grabbing one leg tightly. The top of the boy’s head did not even reach dad’s knee. Then I saw the youngster run to his mom, burying his head in her loving hands. Affection—two for the price of one!

--Ron Cooper

Family hop

Today at a busy intersection a family waited to cross safely. The baby was bundled up in the carriage, the toddler secure on his leash. As they entered the crosswalk, I saw something tied to the mother's back flapping in the brisk wind. A backpack? Nope, it was a giant stuffed frog. Moving fast, the whole family seemed to have a hop in their step!

--By Ron Cooper