BE AN ANGEL

Today is "Be an Angel Day." Celebrated annually on August 22, this is a day on which people around the world are encouraged to "do one small act of service for someone, be a blessing in someone's life." 

Here's a story about a man who was an angel to a woman and her daughters.

SWEET SIXTEEN

When Scott Friedman spoke at a National Speakers Association meeting, I was impressed.  While his message, "Using Humor for a Change," was hilarious and thought provoking, that wasn't what impressed me most. In fact, I can't remember much of what he said, although I know it was good.  Really, it was.

I was impressed by this man before he ever opened his mouth. Suzanne Vaughan, another motivational speaker, told this story while introducing him. 

Suzanne and Scott had known each other for years as fellow speakers. Suzanne was married with four children, two of them being teenage daughters.  Scott, an attractive bachelor, had become a good friend to the entire family.  When her oldest daughter, Becky, turned sixteen, Suzanne wanted to mark the milestone.  She turned to Scott for help.

"Becky's birthday is next week," Suzanne said. "I want to buy her sixteen pink roses. Would you deliver them to her at school and surprise her?" 

"Yes," Scott responded, "I would be happy to."

They made arrangements to meet at a convenience store near Becky's high school on the afternoon of her birthday.

At the appointed time, Suzanne arrived at the meeting place. Scott pulled in a few minutes later.  Suzanne got out of the car with the beautifully wrapped roses.  Scott got out of his car wearing a tuxedo -- with a pink cumber bund and a matching bowtie. 

"Wow!" she said.  "You look very handsome." 

Scott opened his trunk and pulled out his guitar, He said, "I wrote a song for her. Let me play it for you." 

In the parking lot of the 7-11 with one foot on the bumper of his flashy convertible, Scott sang the song he wrote for Becky. It was to the tune of "My Bonnie Lies over the Ocean."  Suzanne smiled, amazed her friend had put such time and effort in surprising Becky on this special day.

After they parted ways, Scott drove up the hill to the school.  He had to get past security guards, the principal, and into her last period honors English class.  Suzanne had cleared the way by telling the teacher to expect someone. 
 
Becky was totally surprised when Scott walked into the classroom. He sang the clever song to her, gave her the roses and a kiss on the cheek.  She blushed, the class cheered, and the teacher smiled. After the final period bell rang, Scott and
Becky left school together.  Since Becky was eager to try out her new driver's permit, Scott let her drive his convertible with the top down. 

When Suzanne saw Becky round the corner of their cul de sac driving Scott's convertible, Becky had a smile on her face a mile wide.

When Suzanne's second daughter turned sixteen, Suzanne asked Scott for a repeat performance.  He showed up again, dressed in his tuxedo, with guitar and a new song for Valerie.  Suzanne's daughters fondly remember the day a handsome guy showed up at school with roses to wish them a happy sixteenth birthday. 

Suzanne will never forget the kindness of a friend, willing to help her celebrate her wonderful daughters. 

REMEMBER THE BRIDES AND GROOMS!

Summer is the most popular time for weddings.  That also means There's a lot of anniversaries this time of year. Remember THE ART OF THE SPARK makes a perfect anniversary or wedding gift.

Help the bride have fun at her bridal shower, too.  ROMANCE BINGO is a lively icebreaker for parties and showers.

SMARTMARRIAGES CONFERENCE

The 3-day SmartMarriages conference was held in Denver at the end of June.  I attended seminars led by the best marriage educators in the US.  If you'd like a copy of the article I wrote entitled "Love Lessons" that will be published in AFFLUENT and PREMIER VALUES, let me know.

ROMANCE IN AN RV

I spoke to nearly 200 RVers in two sessions at the RV Rally in Oregon.  If you'd like a copy of the "34 Tips for a Romantic Road Trip" I handed out, just ask.

ROMANTIC ADVENTURE IN HOLLAND

Jim and I just returned from a romantic adventure of our own, a bike and barge trip in Amsterdam. If you'd like to spend a week touring Holland on a well-appointed barge, biking through a picturesque - and flat - country, and eating great food, I recommend the Elodie.  If you want more information, contact me
or go to http://www.bicycle-tour-holland.com/.

SPEAKING SCHEDULE

THE ART OF THE SPARK WORKSHOPS

Two churches in Colorado Springs are sponsoring 3-week "The Art
of the Spark" workshops in the fall. 

Unity Church in The Rockies
1945 Mesa Road, Colorado Springs, CO
Mondays, October 22, 29 and November 5, from 6:30 to 9:00

Community for Spiritual Living
3685 Jeannine Dr., Colorado Springs, CO
Thursdays, October 25, November 1 and 8, from 6:30 to 9:00

Both classes are open to the public.  Couples and singles are
welcome.  You'll learn: 
    - How to celebrate your sweetheart, family, and friends ... and yourself
    - Why some loving gestures thrill your loved ones and others fall flat
    - What romantic habits the most loving couples have in common
    - When surprise is wise ... or ill advised
    - How to enjoy romance as a way of life long beyond the initial stages of
      courtship
Call 719 481-0270 for more information.

MOPS (Mother of Pre-Schoolers), Colorado Springs
Thursday, November 8

TRI-LAKES WOMENS CLUB, Monument, CO
Friday, January 18

IN-HOME WORKSHOPS

You can host an ART OF THE SPARK workshop in your home.  If at least 5 couples attend, the cost is $30 per couple, which includes 1 copy of THE ART OF THE SPARK, a $16.95 value.  The hosting couple attends at no cost and receives a free book. Scheduling is a mutually agreed upon time.  Please plan for at least 2 hours. 

Additional sessions can be scheduled at $20 per couple for 5 couples if you decide you want more time.  Session One covers the basics. In the second session we plan a customized adventure. My husband often comes with me so we can break into two groups and plan surprises for our partners.

UNTIL NEXT TIME

If you enjoyed this free e-zine, please forward it to friends.

I care about people and how they celebrate.  If you have any
stories you'd like to share with others, please send them to me
at mary@adventuresoftheheart.com.  We can all learn from each
other.

Wishing you a life of romantic adventure,
Mary Zalmanek

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