from shirley's cottage

Smile-You’re on Candid Camera

Remember that television program with Allen Funt? No matter what predicament the unsuspecting person was in, he or she ended up smiling.
We don’t have to be on Candid Camera to exercise a few smile muscles.
I don’t know. It seems I have come across some crab apples lately. I haven’t seen a whole lot of smiling.
There are a few who always look you in the eye and flash a smile: Terry, Abby, Nikki, at the Pig. You can also catch a smile or two early morning at the bakery.
I appreciate the service at my bank, and the care and attention at my doctor’s office. But, lately, they have been in the minority.
For example, the other day I stopped at a store that shall remain nameless. I was in a hurry and only had a few items. The check-out person was talking to several other employees, while I tapped my foot, waiting for attention.
I got no eye contact, not even "have a nice day". She couldn’t wait to get back to her conversation. I admit I left with a scowl instead of a smile.
I saw more scowls than smiles at Wal-mart and Target. In fact, the customer service girl at Target was downright rude. I asked for my package back, and didn’t smile either as I was leaving the store.
I was tired of buying into someone else’s bad mood. I thought to myself that I am going to make an effort to smile and "kill ‘em with kindness". If I don’t get a response, oh, well, I tried.
.
A smile, eye contact, being pleasant, means a lot more than we know. And it doesn’t cost a thing.
For example, I recently visited a friend in the hospital. She was very ill, and depressed. A hefty woman wearing a bright pink smock came into the room. She was smiling with her whole face, especially her eyes. She asked my friend how she was feeling. I got the smile, too, and the offer of a cup of coffee.
She was not a nurse, CNA, or doctor. She was the lady who served the meals. It was the first time that day I saw my friend smile. I was smiling, too. She made a difference.
One of the year-round walkers on the lake road waves and smiles at everyone. It becomes contagions.
Now, I’m not telling you or anyone they have to smile and be pleasant. You don’t have to be kind. Go ahead and be a crab apple if you want.. Just don’t wait on me. I may have to kill you with kindness and a smile.
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Like the last words of an old song says "Life is still worthwhile, of you-Just Smile.
Try it. You may like it. I do.
If you like beef, the recipe this week should make you smile. Or at least you will after you have a taste of this delicious roast from Spike O’Dell’s recipes on WGN radio.
Coke Roast
you will need:
3 pound chuck roast
salt and pepper to taste
carrots, potatoes, and onions
1 package dry onion soup mix
1 can each cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup
1 cup water
1 Coke
Salt and pepper roast and sear in frying pan on all sides
put in Dutch oven or slow cooker
add vegetables
Bake at 350 degrees in Dutch oven or in slow cooker
3 ½ to 4 hours (less time in oven)
Enjoy.