a pair of trainers and a bike

A few weeks ago I left my purse on a bus. I also needed some new trainers. I found a pair I liked but did not have the cash, I spoke with the sails assistant and she warned me that in a few days I might be too late. I made it back nearly a week later, and as I arrived she was putting a pair of trainers on the shelf. 'I was just thinking about you' she said. 'These are similar but £5 cheaper.
I have been praying that God will bless all the people who bless me at this time. Simple little things like this help me to remember how loved and precious I am to God. I asked her her name and we talked about the weather and how she likes to walk the hills around the area as many friends are away at uni. I suggested she tried cycling too and she told me that she would like a bike but would have to save up for one.
I was in two minds to give her my own bike. The following week a bloke from my Church was chatting about several bikes clogging up his shed.

I asked if I could have one for someone I wanted to bless.
That night I rode this bike home and deposited it at her shop.
The sales assistant on duty sent for someone of the same name but it wasn't her. This other young lady said 'Are you Mel? .. She said she had talked with you
about getting a bike'.

fleeced for chips with chicken curry.

Got chatting tonight with a friendly guy waiting for a bus. I fancied something hot after a night conversing in French. We talked about the obscene amount of food I had been given and agreed that I had been fleeced. He explained how he had lived in various parts of the UK and Netherlands but wondered why he had left Glasgow. We agreed that Glasgow holds the most open people in the UK. He told me of his experience of homelessness and recommended I visit the city mission, i agreed to try to get along soon before I skipped off to catch my bus.

listening ear

A friendly lady from my quilting workshop tells me about her disappointments in her failed marriage and her concern for an old colleague, John, who struggles with alcoholism.

4'' heels

I took the bus to Partick yesterday. I shared the journey both ways with a woman from South Wales, she told me how she too was crossing town but to meet a friend for coffee and that she moved to Glasgow 57 odd years ago. Matter of fact about life but also very active both mentally and physically for 80. She told me she goes swimming every morning at 6am. She used to sell shoes on Sauchiehall Street when you would buy things in specific shops. To this day she has many shoes in her collection. As we neared the city centre she informed me that she will be wearing 4'' heels to an upcoming wedding and regularly wears 4'' heels on outings in a 'car to bar' fashion. Remarkable woman, full of energy.

A new friend

Chap in a bright pink tee-shirt offers a smile in Clydebank shopping centre. We talk a bit about life in Glasgow, I offer to pray for his dad Alex and aunt Elizabeth both ill with cancer. I happen to run into him today on my way to supermarket. We catch up over coffee. A much needed meeting and encouragement for both of us.

Two Eccentric English girls

Resident of Glasgow for 30 years and yet still a very strong south-of-England accent, moved up here to join her boyfriend. Never left though appears to regret the decision.
Confessed to be Christian despite her initial comments about religion. After exchanging advice on buses and a common choice of undergraduate study (social sciences), she invites me to join her in a taxi the two opinionated and eccentric English girls discover a common ability to speak French before parting ways. I promise to pray for her as she nods me in the direction of my connecting bus stop.

Positive Thinking

Umbrella #1 went to a Veterinary Student from Colorado, after just 5 days in Britain this girl reminded me to take life less seriously. She's moved here for three years to specialise, her family are unlikely to visit until she graduates. #noraininGlasgow