Some of my friends think that I’m psychic.
Of course, that’s ridiculous.
I can’t see into the future.
But I do think of myself as a mind bender, or perhaps a better term is mind stretcher.
We all are.
I just believe in our spirit-given gift more than others.
And that is exactly why I decided to use that gift flying 3,000 miles over the land last week.
I was returning from a college-girls’ weekend in the hills of Georgia. After three days of giggles, guffaws, and gut-sharing, my mind was stretched to the max.
Which is why I was successful on Sunday morning flying back home through bumpy clouds and wind-driven air.
Fifteen minutes before reaching our destination, with the fasten seat belt sign flashing (thus a captive audience), the flight attendant got on the flight mike and began to fundraise.
I dislike listening to speeches rallying people to loosen their wallets when I’m in a theater or at an open air event.
I hate it when I’m on a bouncing plane.
But the attendant convinced us that we could all raise money for breast cancer research in an easy and fun way. She passed around a large plastic bag. Passengers who wanted to “play” put in as many bills as they wanted (1’s, 5’s, 10’s, 20s, etc.). On each bill, we wrote our seat number with the supplied pencil.
The attendant explained that once she collected the money, she and her cohorts would shake the bag and pick out one of the bills. The passenger who sat in the seat number picked would receive an American Express platinum card worth between $250 to $500.
Most of the passengers agreed it was a win/win situation, so the plastic bag was filled with bills by the time the attendant walked back to the front of the plane. As another attendant shook the bag, I began to stretch my mind.
“10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10,” I kept repeating to myself.
My seatmate, a handsome young man in his 30s, smiled, sighing, “Boy I could use that money.” I noticed that he had placed a 20-dollar bill in that plastic bag.
“10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10,” I repeated again.
Because I sat in seat 10, and I could really use that money too.
“10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10.”
A third flight attendant reached in the bag and pulled out a bill, squinting to read the penciled-in seat number.
My silent mantra continued: “10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10.”
The first attendant held the bill and talked into the flight mike. “10!” she announced with a cheerful boom.
My heart lurched in joy.
“A,” she continued. “10A.”
My seatmate surprised me with a quick hug. “That’s me!” he chortled.
Yup.
I sat in 10 B.
He sat in 10 A.
I gave the guy a high five and reminded myself that if I wanted to stretch my mind, I needed to be more definitive about it.
Or, my seatmate really needed that money more than I did.
This one had me laughing! A good start to my morning. Yes, we do need to be more specific when sending things out to the universe. Then there is the “be careful what you wish for” situation. Been there too. I am sure the young man will use his winnings wisely. ❤
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I actually explained to my seatmate how I’d ‘won’ the drawing for him. The cool thing is that he believed me, and was very thankful. (But still, I’m going to be much more specific from now on when I stretch my mind…)
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this is so interesting – great concept of post!!
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Thank you – every day life is usually more fascinating than fiction!
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I was sure you were going to say that while waiting for the reveal, your seatmate told you why he needed the money and it moved you, and then you won … and gave him the money. It would have seemed a very “you” thing to do, as I imagine.
The important thing is that money was raised for an important cause. Like you said, everyone wins.
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😊
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The important thing is the money raised, for sure, and how cheerful the entire planeload was as we all placed bills in that plastic bag.
The SECOND most important thing is that I’m learning to stretch more specifically. 🙂
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We get a lot of this version collection on even short haul flights.
It amazes me that by giving a chance to win there is more willingness to give.? Psychology .
Main thing is that the funds went to a worth while cause.
Pam, I am sure your neighbouring traveller desperately needed the money.😊
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Well, my seatmate obviously desperately needed to win, anyway. I think he was doing some mind stretching of his own! 🙂
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What a lovely story. I guess it went to the one who needed it most. Your mantra was heard. 😚
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Mantras WORK, for sure. xo
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Great story, Pam. Made me laugh.
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I laughed too, Mary. Well, maybe I had a few moments of disappointment (so close, and yet so far away). But then I laughed. 🙂
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Well you were so close and all for a good cause! I’ve never heard of a fund raiser on an airplane. The way they handled it was definitely a win-win, even if it was for your seatmate. Great story!
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Normally I’d be totally against fundraising on an airplane, but the way they did it on this Delta flight, they didn’t use pressure, and everyone got into the spirit of the thing, which was perfect.
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Yes, that was very clever of them. Sounded fun – I would have taken part too!
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how great !! yes, a win win
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❤
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“I just believe in our spirit given gift more than others.” I love that line, Pam and it is clear that you do believe this. But you were out-believed by 10B on this flight. LOL. You had me sitting on the edge of my airplane seat with this story. Thank you for the reminder to be very specific when asking for what I want!
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I think you’re absolutely right. After I talked to my seatmate a bit more after his win, I realized he probably had been doing his own mind stretching – and his mantra was stronger than mine. A really neat guy.
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You were a graceful loser, Pam. ❤️
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Well, you could look at this whole situation as you having helped out your row-mate. 🙂 I am a big believer in putting things out to the universe, but like you, I have found the universe likes detail and specificity. 😉
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As writers, we know the importance of detail. I guess I should have realized that the same rule applies while mind stretching. ;-0 🙂
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Wonderful post Pamela,
I believe in attraction law,because our thoughts are real and we can attract with our thoughts the things about we thinking 🙂
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Exactly, Ben. The Law of Attraction is a prime example of mind stretching. Many thanks for your comment.
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The best writing advice I ever got was “Be Specific.” I think in your case you needed to be more specific about where that money should end up. So close, but no cigar… as they say. Great story.
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I’m slapping my palm on my forehead now, Ally. How could I not have realized that the universe needs the same amount of specificity as a story? xo
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I’ve never heard of fundraising on an airplane. Although I was hoping you’d win, I’m happy the young man sitting next to you was the winner after he admitted to a stranger that he was in need of the money.
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Well, Jill, after his win my seatmate admitted that his big plan was to take his partner out for dinner with the winnings. Maybe he needed a romantic night out more than me? Ummm, wellll, my guy did have a great meal waiting for me when I got home, so maybe the universe knew, after all…. 🙂
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I haven’t been on a plane in a while, but I’ve never heard of fundraising on one either. (I hope the money went to an organization that really does work on breast cancer research and not “breast cancer awareness” like Komen. I’m not a fan of the whole Pink October thing. Getting off soap box now. 😉
Your post made me laugh. I guess you do have to be specific!
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Always stay on your soap box, Merril. We all learn from your stance there, as well as your amazing poetry. They did not mention Komen, so I think the money raised went to research (and Delta gave double what was raised by the passengers, which gets a huge thumbs up from me).
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Awww–thanks, Pam.
That is a very cool that they doubled the money!
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👏👍
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Now…is this true or just another story??? I can never tell with you !! I can’t imagine them collectiing money on the flight. It had me really wondering.
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Totally TRUE – coming home from our GA get away, no less…. ❤
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What a fun way to start the day. Got me to thinking again about yesterday. During the day at the conference they would have drawings. As each number was being pulled I was saying my own number, just like your lady was. I was feeling extremely confident. I’ve had that feeling before and sometimes I did win. Yesterday was not my day though. Bummer. So it was quite amusing to read this today. Thanks for the laugh.
Happy Weekend.
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Thanks for laughing along with me, Cheryl. Yes I used to have to go to drawings at work luncheon events. I did mind stretching then also. One time I won’t huge gorgeous hanging plant. My boss thought I had cheated because before the drawing, I stated that I would win it. I never could convince him of my mind stretching abilities! 🙄
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“if I wanted to stretch my mind, I needed to be more definitive about it.”—Haha, perfect way to start my Friday: with a big smile. Thank you and have a great weekend!
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Stretch your mind a bit this weekend, Carrie! Although I have a feeling you already do all the time. 😉
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Sometimes I even sprain it. 😁
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Ohhh, love your word play! 🤓
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LOL … that’s awesome! Great job of weaving this event into an interesting tale. 🙂 … Enjoy your weekend.
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The events of our life do weave into magical crazy stories, don’t they Frank?
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Too funny – it sounds like a win – win to me. He got the money and you got a fantastic post out of the experience. I tried this mind thing once and you are right, you need to be very specific. I get sending the message about wanting a house by a lake out into the universe. And then my son and daughter in law bought it!
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Oh my gosh, Bernadette, yours is an extreme example of not detailing mind stretch enough. Hope you ended up with a wonderful house after all. 😱💙
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Pam, you made a young man very happy and this old one too! No one writes a ‘story’ quite like you, I was on the edge of my seat – I’d have been in ‘C’; aisle a must for me! Eric
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Yes, I am aisle person myself also. But it sure makes me mad when the window person insists on keeping the shade down the whole flight. So many magical things going on out there in the high altitude! 😳
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I should stretch my mind when I buy my lottery tickets.. maybe that will help!! 😂😂
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I have no doubt that mind stretching could help you with a lottery win, Courtney. I just think it’s only fair if you share those winnings with me when it happens… 👍
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Such a weird thing to happen on a plane.
I always chant numbers like this silently to myself. I love the idea that the power of positive thinking/energy can work, but sometimes, I guess someone else is concentrating on the outcome a little more strongly than I am.
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I love that you are a silent chanter like me. I think the mystery is that we don’t know who else is silently chanting around us, and if they are chanting silently louder! 🤔
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Brilliant! I’m glad his seat mate got it too. lol
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Me too! Thanks for enjoying my crazy but true tale. ❤️
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Reminds me of an experience I had after reading one of those books about visualizing what you want so the Universe knows exactly what to give you. I printed a fake pink cheque, made it out to myself for $1 million, put it up in my office and looked at it everyday. Sure enough–less than a month later, Readers Digest sent me a fake pink cheque for $1million dollars in one of their sweepstakes packages. The problem with the Universe is it’s very literal.
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Oh my gosh-what a great example of the literal Universe. You know, in our writing we need to be detailed . So now we just need to practice more detail in our mind stretching!
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What an interesting ride! At least you “knew” the winner even though that gave you bumpkus!
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Bumpkus, but I did get a new friend. ( we’ve messaged each other on Facebook several times since and he is just such a neat person). But I also got a reminder, a nudge, from the Universe to try again only use ALL of my words… 🤓
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Another good one!
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Thanks Anneli. 😍
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Lol…but for a brief moment you were euphoric…:) That’s a pretty cool way to do a fundraiser on a plane and for a very good cause. At least you had sort of a connection with the winner…:)
Fun story !
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Let’s put it this way, George. I rubbed elbows enough with my seatmate that he got a winning because of me! 🙏
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Lol…lucky man.
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You made me laugh after a rough night, thank you Pam. I have been flying a lot but something like this never happened to me.
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I wondered if you’ve experienced airline fundraising, knowing about all of your trips Gerlinde. This was the first time for me. I’m thinking of it like a ‘practice run.’ Next time, I’ll stretch more. 🙂
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You are so good at making up stories, which are funny…Pam I am sure this young man was sitting elsewhere and not next to you! Mind stretcher!! 🙂
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I stand with my hand over my heart – this story is absolutely true, Balroop, and I made a new friend of my winning seatmate. He just stretched his mind more than I did! xo
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This is lovely and very uplifting, Pam. You didn’t win but it was for a good cause and someone who also needed the money did win.
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Perhaps my mind knew how to stretch, after all! ❤
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I would chalk it up to a good deed
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I like the way you chalk, John! 🙂
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Ha ha ha. Thanks, Pamela.
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Great story Pam and yes, you have to be very careful what you ask the universe for 🙂
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Jeez, that’s for sure. Right now, I’m going to ask for something ‘simple,’ like peace and kindness. ❤
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Ha ha ha. When I was a lot younger and using affirmations to manifest the life I wanted, I remember the advice to be specific! What a great cause and good for your seatmate. Who knows… perhaps you contributed something incredibly important to his life. All things to feel great about. ❤
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1) Sounds to me like your manifestations worked.
2) Yes, my seatmate and I had a wonderfully intense conversation for the rest of the trip. I think we both broke some stereotypes and learned a thing or two – all positive.
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What’s funny is that `more definitive’ is probably right! The Universe likes specifics. So … next time! 🙂
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I’m practicing for next time. Making up some ‘mind stretching’ exercises. 🙂
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At first I thought you were going to tell us how you used your mind to calm yourself while flying ‘through bumpy clouds and wind-driven air.” Imagine my surprise! You’re well on your way to clairvoyance, Pam 🙂 I think that young man would agree, and he certainly won’t forget you ❤
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Tina, you are so right – I’m always mantra-ing my way into calm oblivion usually while I’m flying. But in this case, the fundraising and mind-stretching helped me keep calm in a different way. xo
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So close!
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Haha. Well, at least my seatmate made use of my mind stretch.
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LOL! You’ll be more specific next time, I’m sure! What a clever fundraising game, and I hope everyone took at least some enjoyment in it, even if they couldn’t participate. I’ve never been asked for anything at all in flight! I do cringe a little when we’re at the theater and the cast comes out to fundraise.
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Yes, I was immensely surprised when the fundraising announcement came on. Usually, that’s not the time or place to me. But everyone on the plane did seem to enjoy the ‘game.’ I think it kept our minds off the extreme bouncing on a very windy day. ;-0
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A good story! Maybe it was better you didn’t specify the seat. That gave “the universe” or whoever was making the choice the chance to decide. And, as you said, your seatmate may have needed it in one way or another. A nice memory.
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You are so right. The Universe knows all – all I can be is a conduit once in a while …. ❤
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What a great story! I have a feeling your heart was in it for him. Such a great story. I’ll be smiling about it for days.
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I felt as light as a feather when I left the airplane and for days after. Everyone was a winner!
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Smiling here, Pam! Indeed, it seems you should have been more specific. 🙂
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Right now I’m humming silently for an Earl Grey Tea Latte with foam, about as specific as I can get.
Oh. Wait! It’s just been delivered to the coaster on my computer table. My guy CAN read my mind. 🙂
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He’s definitely a keeper. 🙂
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Pam, I always look forward to reading your posts…this one has me smiling! So so close and at least one happy guy on the plane! Yep, the universe seems to call for something more definitive! I do like the take of this money-raising scheme which is a pleasant change on the scratch cards we’re always encouraged to buy – just as you close your eyes for a few minutes! Happy Weekend! 😀❤️
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Haha. Yes, scratch cards or tax forms or any interruption are very annoying for those folks who like to sleep on the plane. I’m always envious, because no way/no how can I ever relax enough to doze off while flying. But I’ll be practicing my mind stretch specifics while flying next time, you can be sure of that!
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What a great story, Pam, and it looks like he may have needed it the most. Maybe in your silent mantras you were actually rooting for him. 🙂 A great cause, no doubt. Have a great weekend! 💗
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I think you’re right, my mantra was flowing to the one who needed it the most on my row 10. ❤
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Had me on the edge of my, ‘er, sofa. 🙂 – Marty
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I love that my writing sends my readers to the ‘edge.’ Now, enjoy that comfy sofa! 🙂
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Funny story. I think I’ve won something in that way maybe once in my life. But the cause was good and it’s possible your seatmate really needed the card…
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What I liked about this airplane “game“ is that all the passengers started talking to each other, when before they just stared at silently ahead or in their books and laptops. Totally a win-win for everyone. ❤️
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At least the flight attendant took your mind off the bumpy ride. That was a nice stretch – the story details and the cause. Thanks, Pam!
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Thanks for flying along with me! ✈️
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Hahaha….. too funny. Well you came pretty damn close. Good idea for a way to raise money. People will always give something if they perceive they will win something more. The winner maybe influenced karma by giving a hefty $20 donation that way swaying the puppeteers above in his favor… 🙂
Peta
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Yes, I kind of wondered about that. I’m hoping though that karma and the psychic dimension out there don’t count dollar bills!!
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Well done, Pam. Before you even started the tale, you gave me a soundtrack… although it would not have been your intention. The old song “Mind Bender” is still in my head (but that’s okay) “My daddy was a Gibson, my momma was a Fender… that’s why they call me Mind Bender…” 😀 Hugs!
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I’ll be singing that song now for the entire week! 🎶😆
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Sor-ry… 😉
Actually I just saw a post that this is “World Kindness Day, let your love light shine” So here’s a different song.
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Even better – thanks for the kindness in song!
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I’m glad you told your seat mate that you won the only for him, haha!
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A good way to Win friends and influence people! 👌😌
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Oh so loved this Pamela, haha. and yes you obviously need to get more specific next time haha.. But I feel it went to the right guy.. He set his intention and you gave it a boost.. Now that is stretching in Team work.. 🙂
A worthy cause… 🙂 And Happy Landings..
❤ Hugs
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I love the idea of teamwork in mind stretching! That offers up so many wonderful opportunities… 🙏❤️
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🙂 ❤ indeed it does
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Great way to start my Monday and week. Thanks
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Have a mind stretching week!!
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So close, yet so far. Great fundraising event though. And next time you’re stretching, don’t forget the ‘B’ lol 🙂
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I will follow my P’s and Q’s and detail it all in my next mind stretching!!!
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Lol 🙂
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Most amusingly I am reading your post way up in the sky in an airplane. However, no fund raising is happening and I am in seat 32F. Congratulations on getting that “10” out there!
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How cool is that? Hope you made friends with your seat mate anyway- who knows what kind of mind stretching he/she is doing. You, my friend, are an ultimate mind stretcher. 💙
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Love it! And yes we need to be more specific with our wishes… or prayers… always be specific…. 🙂
Enjoy your week Pam !
Sharon
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I specifically want you to be healthy and happy, Sharon. ❤
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Well thank you… healthy is a little bit rough.. but happy I am!
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xoxo
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That’s great advice — right up there along with “Be careful what you wish for.” This one has me grinning ear to ear.
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Thanks Elizabeth. I certainly learned a bit more about my power – the power we ALL have. And had a heck of a good time writing about it here. 🙂
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Ooh, what a “Dagnabbit!” moment. But yeah, it was for a good cause so everybody wins!
That said a good “Dagnabbit” is still in order, I think.
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A good DAGNABBIT is always helpful!! And yes, quite appropriate in this case. 🙂
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I just loved your choice of words!! A good read after a long time❤❤
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Thank you so much for enjoying my stretch!
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This one had me wondering since I had my recent flying experience. I actually did say to myself, which seat letter, Pam?!! I wish you had won it, since I know you but it may be better for your “karma,” my dear! 💞 🕊
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How’d YOUR flying experience go, Robin? Was it as much fun/stressful as you anticipated? I hope your trip was everything you were hoping for. Even if you didn’t win (or NOT win) anything. xo
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Oh, mine was fun and the first leg of an hour or so with two charming and lively 70 year olds talking about men on cruises was hilarious! Thanks for asking, Pam. 😊 xo
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Hey, we can pick up some GREAT stories and blog posts on a plane, for sure. “Men on Cruises” sounds like a fun chick flick or chick lit. Ha ha. 🙂
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So close!
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So true. Next time! 🙂
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