Lost and Found and the late Queen Mother

Helen Tilston photo by Karin Altpeter

“You are as young as you feel. If you begin to feel the warmth of your soul, there will be a youthfulness in you that no one will be able to take away from you.”
― John O'Donohue, Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom 

Indian Rocks Beach Florida homes

I was feeling particularly energetic and decided to up my daily run on the beach from 3 to 5 miles.

Indian Rocks Beach Florida

Shore birds at Indian Rocks Beach, Florida

On my return, about 3 miles from home what should dart across my path in haste to the beach but a small poodle dog. (Indian Rocks Beach has a by-law which prohibits dogs from  the beach and imposes a fine of $140.)  She played in the waves as they lapped to shore and ran wildly. I called it and grabbed it and it nestled in my arms. I traced the steps of the dog to some beach-side homes.  I knocked on doors but to no avail nobody ever saw this dog before.  Weighing 16 lbs  I knew this would be a heavy load to carry home, so I asked somebody to drive me home.  After suspicious looks a drive home was secured. The dog had a collar and phone number and  the name Mitzi.  I fed her and she drank water.  My dog, Spice Girl welcomed her and seemed to feel Mitzi's distress.The phone number, a Chicago number, was, sadly, not in service.  We made several phone calls and finally as we were speaking to the Humane Society the owner of the dog was on the other line. We obtained the local phone number for the owners who were visiting from Chicago and both were sobbing and visibly distressed.  We returned Mitzi to their arms  and Spice Girl leaned out the window of the car and kissed Mitzi on the lips. It was the perfect ending.  I wonder how Mitzi would describe here five hour adventure.

Mitzi and Helen saying good-bye

Shortly afterward, the Post Woman knocked on my door and there was a parcel postmarked Royal Mail, from Penarth, U.K.
Yonks and enclosed within the most bautiful stamps including one of the late Queen Mother, who is wearing the same sapphire and diamond brooch she wore when I one time met her at St. James Palace
I shall frame it and it will join my photos of the Royal Family.  Thank you very much Dianne (Yonks).  Dianne writes beautifully and is one of my favourite blogs.

Fred Tilston, Helen Tilston and HRH The Queen Mother, wearing her sapphire and diamond brooch


Have you found anything valuable lately?

Kindness

"There is a kindness that dwells deep down in things; it presides everywhere, often in the places we least expect.
"The word kindness has a gentle sound that seems to echo the presence of compassionate goodness. When someone is kind to you, you feel understood and seen. There is no judgment or harsh perception directed toward you. Kindness has gracious eyes; it is not small-minded or competitive; it wants nothing back for itself. "
An Excerpt from To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings by John O'Donohue


On Saturday afternoon, I settled down with a cup of tea and was enjoying catching up on my favourite blogs. Zsa Zsa Bellagio's blog I have very recently started following.  I find her topics interesting and varied.


Imagine my surprise to find that I was her  featured post of today http://zsazsabellagio's blog

 

This was totally unexpected and I was impressed at how she  researched and found out so much about me.  I am most grateful for this honour Zsa Zsa.

I emailed Zsa Zsa to thank you. Her response was:- " I really try to feature all the wonderful ladies and artists and followers who participate in the blog! ( especially those like you- who take the time to comment and enjoy! 

Have you experienced kindness from an unexpected source?