Vendor Writing

Children Say and Do the Darnedest Things

BY NORMA B., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

I’m flattered when children excitedly wave at me as they pass by! The only thing even better than that is when their parents allow them to actually roll down their window and talk to me.

Recently on two separate occasions occurring on the same day, both Ava and Audrey stopped to tell me they were going to or had just come from a party with friends from school.

One was at Altitude, the other was at a friends house, so what made it so special, apart from spending time with friends?

They were going to have bouncy houses!

Another impressive pair are TJ and his dad. When they stop by, TJ’s ALWAYS eager to show me the latest, greatest video game he’s playing.

On their most recent visit, they brought someone new along for the ride. I asked his name, but I didn’t understand what he said. TJ’s dad spoke up and said “Mr. Fat Cat.” I repeated it just to be sure I’d heard him correctly. He smiled and nodded yes.

Sadly, the light changed before I could find out just how he got such a unique nickname. I suppose that’s a story that’ll have to wait for another day.

On a particularly cold day, a young girl with the most beautiful blue eyes stopped and told me “ you should get in a car so you could stay warm.” I thanked her but said I wouldn’t be able to sell very many papers if I was sitting in a car.

Then she had another suggestion. Since I was outside walking on the side of the road, maybe I could look for her lost hair ribbon she’d thrown out the window.

I asked if it was nearby, and her mom quickly interrupted and said “oh no, she did that a while back on Elm Hill Pike.” I apologized and told the girl, “sorry, I only walk from the light to the hotel, it’s a short trip.”

After they left, I had an idea. In the strip mall where I sell the paper, there is a hair store, so I got her a package of hair ribbons in all different colors. The next time she came through, I gave them to her, and those pretty blue eyes lit up! Her reaction was priceless! So what did I get out of it? Though there was NO money, I think I’ve made a friend for life!

I’ll end this story with one of my favorites involving a child in my entire time of selling the paper.

I met Daniel when he was around 7 or 8 years old as he was walking with his dad to his martial arts class. He was SO cute in his crisp white GI! He stopped in front of my chair and asked, “ How old are you? ” His dad scolded him, saying, “ It’s inappropriate to ask a lady about her age.” I assured him it was ok, then proceeded to ask Daniel, “ How old do you think I am? ” His answer? 30!

At that point, I told his dad “this kid can come and see me ANYTIME! ” I then told Daniel I actually have a daughter who’s 30! His reaction? He just fell back into my chair!

He was even more shocked when I asked him about his best takedown move, saying if he were to show me to do it with dad because I’m old!

Now a pre-teen/teenager no longer walking to classes with his dad, but with a friend instead — who in fairness to him didn’t know me or understand what I was doing selling the paper — who

evidently said something unflattering about me. Daniel was quick to come to my defense and set him straight saying, “ Hey, don’t talk about Miss Norma like that. She’s cool! ”

Unfortunately, his friend didn’t listen and soon found himself on the ground in the grass in submission forced to tap out.

Daniel let him up only AFTER he apologized to me for what he said.

Afterward I told Daniel, an apology doesn’t mean as much when it doesn’t come willingly from the heart. He understood.

Though Daniel NEVER bought a paper, he respected me as a person, and showed it by his actions, which means far more than money!

Needless to say, I was sad when Phoenix MMA and Fitness (where he took classes) moved to Mt. Juliet.

A lot of those young men were nice to me, giving me protein bars and water, “to keep me healthy,” and I felt A LOT safer when they were around!

A couple of them even moved a giant boulder that had gotten knocked out of place and into the road.

I want to say a special thank you to ALL the parents, aunts, uncles, and others who allow your young ones to have these meaningful interactions with me. They mean SO much, and more important than that, you set a GREAT example of how you should treat others no matter what their station in life!

As for those who have the opposite reaction when their kids reach out to me, rolling the windows up, locking their doors, please stop and ask yourself: Is that how you’d want to be treated if you were in my place? Then act accordingly.

The Last Ride II

BY SHORTY R., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

Sitting on the side of the bed feeling and seeing the sun come in.

Praying that he’s made a beautiful day and be grateful that we can enjoy it together.

Let’s pray that we make ends meet daily and be grateful we have made it to see one again today.

When your feet quit dangling off the bed it's over.

Let's don’t forget where we come from or where we're going.

He has paved for us, not saying its over yet.

Been on this road for a while, Blessed and grateful the people I’ve met on my journey this far.

God bless you all for letting me be a part of this.

Raining Day

BY JUNE P., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

February 24, 2023. It's a rainy day. God says we need the rain. Guess we do. Make stuff grow and shine. But buddies Cheddar and Cheese don’t like it.He plays in it. She makes a noise and gets all wet and looks bad time. He does too.

But he love it I believe.

For me I don’t like it cold and wet. But I walking the rain when its warm always have. Guess he gets it from me.

Well I hope you all have a bless day. Stay dry if you can. Update for me. My CT scan come back last week, still cancer free.

Have a bless day everyone.For me I was bless when God woke me up this morning. We have an awesome God.

So come see me at Osborne Bi-Rites Grocery on Belmont and see me and get your new Contributor paper.