White Rose Leftover

/ roughwighting

https://pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-white-rose-flower-8666186/Maklay62, joy in a bad dayLast week, I experienced one of those horrible, frustrating, soul-sapping days. We’ve all had them once in a while. They seek to bring our Spirit down.

Because of that kind of day, I decide dinner will be the tried and true – pizza. I drive to our favorite pizza place, owned by some adorable Italians who landed here just a few years ago to begin their dream.

I don’t use the word “adorable” in a patronizing way. They are young and idealistic and work extremely hard to keep their business going. And they always have a smile for me when I walk up to the counter to pick up my order. 

I guess they know my phone number now, because when Rosita answers the phone, she says in her beautiful, accented English, “Ah, yes my friend. Small marguerite pizza?”Co-Pilot AI design, pizza, marguerite pizza

“Yes,” I reply with a smile in my voice.

“Fresh spinach?”

“Yes.”

“Mushrooms this week? And how about the roasted red peppers?”

Co-Pilot Design AI, bucket of rosesDespite the easy order, I arrive to the store with a heavy heart. Two steps in and a nice-looking young man (40ish?), dark hair and shining hazel eyes, walks toward me with a bucket (yes, a bucket) of long-stemmed white roses.

“For you,” he says looking directly into my eyes. “Please, take them.”

I’m flabbergasted. My words stumble, “Um, I can’t take these. Why don’t you give them to your girlfriend?”

I immediately castigate myself. What a stupid thing to say. Maybe he doesn’t have a girlfriend. Maybe he’s gay. Maybe I should learn to say “thank you.”

But the man grins (did I mention he was handsome?) and says “I don’t have a girlfriend. Here, take as many as you’d like.” Copilot AI Design, man offering rose, kindness

I pick two of the roses and hold them in my hand, my heart filling with gratefulness. Then I suggest, “Please, give the rest to her,” pointing to Rosita.

She accepts the bucket with a humongous smile, and then picks out two more roses and holds them toward me. “For you.”

My soul swells. Heaviness gone.

“Why…” I begin and the man explains that he is the owner of the flower shop next door. “We had an event. These are leftovers.”

I want to say: but they’re not left over. They are gifts from the Universe – the roses, the smile, and most of all, the thought of seeking a stranger and handing her a bucket of long-stemmed white roses.

But instead, I walk out of the restaurant with a small pizza in one hand, roses and joy in the other.

Have you had any White-Rose-Leftover-Days recently?

children's books, Birds of Paradise, Molly Finds Her Purr, Petey Wants Wings, discount, Borgo Publishing

P.S. (Promotion Synchronization)
For those looking for a unique yet joy-full holiday gift, Borgo Publishing is selling my illustrated children’s books in a 3-book bundle for $46 plus FREESHIP (coupon) from 11/15-12/15.  Birds of Paradise, Molly Finds Her Purr and Petey Want Wings.  Hit the link here: Borgo Publishing. 

119 thoughts on “White Rose Leftover”

    • Hi Jane ~ I imagine in your business of helping people ‘say goodbye’ to loved ones, you see a lot of white roses. Not sure what white roses signify to each person, but to me they are a symbol of friendship, hope, and of course, everlasting love.

      Liked by 3 people

  5. Thank you for sharing this story, Pam. There are kind, generous people in the world.

    Also, do you know of the White Rose movement in Germany against the Nazis? That’s where my mind went when I read your title.

    Liked by 3 people

  11. You’ve reminded me of the day a few years ago that a young Hispanic woman was handing out roses at the local post office. I have no idea what the reason might have been, since she seemed to speak no English and I didn’t speak enough Spanish to do more than thank her, but it’s certainly a cherished memory.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Isn’t it fabulous how a small act of kindness, of giving, can stay with us for a long time? Your story, and those of others, encourages us to spread that kindness around and make someone’s day/week/month/year. ❤

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Your bucket of white roses brought me red rose sentiments: love bursting out all over. And, your post is a “warm fuzzy” on a dreary Monday morning: Thank you, Pam!

    Also, I learned in comments about “White Rose movement in Germany against the Nazis.” 😀

    Liked by 2 people

  13. It’s wonderful for everyone when this works out. It’s difficult to do because so many people have ulterior motives. Many years ago I went through the politeness dance: “For me?”/ “Yes for you”/ [what do you want in return] type response. There were a few successful give away instances where I felt that we both benefited and felt good with no ulterior motives and I didn’t mind that we never saw each other again. But mostly it failed when I was on either side of the largess. Mostly embarrassing, awkward, and everyone feeling sad and sorry. I’ve never had the romantic comedy type scenario involving an accidental meeting etc. Your triple engagement is wonderful because everyone was happy.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Isn’t it sad that we are worried that an act of kindness, for no reason, must have an ulterior motive? I had no such misgivings here. (But yes, I know what you mean, particularly when there may be a romantic essence to the giving). And I’ve had times when my smile and warm greeting are misconstrued. But truly, I think we all need to be less careful of who we’re kind to, and just do it. Thanks so much for reading and commenting.

      Liked by 2 people

  14. What a lovely story, Pam! Kindness always wins, doesn’t it? I did have a soul story the day after the election–it warmed my heart for the rest of the day. And when I sent it to friends, they had similar responses. Reminds me to be kind whenever I can, however I can, always–because I can!

    Liked by 1 person

  21. What a beautiful happening and telling of it, Pam! In reading it, you’ve passed on a beautiful bouquet of white rose feelings!

    I love being the recipient, and the giver, of those kinds of moments! Last week, I had signed up to volunteer with the Grub Huggers, a group that twice a week make meals for people who need help with their meals. I got lost finding where I needed to go and a woman, not only pulled out her phone to give me the exact address, she said, “Here! Follow me. I’ll lead you there.” And she did, even though it was not on her way to wherever she was going.

    My heart always feels full of joyfulness, and my spirit lighter when those kinds of things happen.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Your experience with the kind woman was a perfect “bucket of white roses” example, Louise! I do believe that we have many angels amongst us, and the woman who helped you find your way is a prime example. And like you, I hope I can be someone’s angel from time to time as well. ❤

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    • I wonder, Linda, did I just open that door to the pizza shop at the right time to meet up with the bucket-of-roses man? Or was the kindness going to happen, one way or another, no matter what “time” I arrived? Great philosophical questions. 🙂 Most important is the “thing of joy,” as you express, and our realization of how wonderful these acts of kindness are. ❤

      Liked by 1 person

  23. I’m so happy that your spirits were lifted, Pam. I truly believe the Universe has its generous loving moments and recognizes a kind caring soul who needs a boost of cheer.

    When I occasionally encounter them, it’s like finding the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. That happy feeling is passed along to anyone else you meet making it a win-win day. . .

    Liked by 1 person

  24. I always feel like I’ve found the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow when something unexpectedly wonderful happens to me. It boosts the joy to the rafters and the happiness passes on to people nearby 🙂 making it a win-win moment. Bet you made a lot of people happy enroute home!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Oh, Balroop, it’s so wonderful to have you stop by here. I miss you, and I know how hurt your soul is. But yes, may these puddles of kindness, if you will, these acts of love and sweetness for no reason, stay within our hearts and help heal them. ❤

      Liked by 1 person

    • An hour after my “bucket” experience I realized I wanted to share it with someone – and who better but my blogging buddies? And quite wonderfully, the kindness seems to have made a difference for more than just me. Thanks so much, Bernadette. ❤

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  31. A lovely story to remind us that random acts of kindness (or maybe not so random?) can do a world of good—and that it’s wonderful to be a recipient, but it also feels great to be the giver. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  35. Lots of time it’s hard to know if your short stories are fact or fiction. (I’ve been fooled before.) I think you usually gravitate toward fiction, but I sure hope this one is not. If I were still teacing, I’d find a way to read this to my class. Accepting others, regardless from where they’ve come from, should be a no-brainer.

    Liked by 1 person

    • My bouquet of roses story is TOTALLY true from top to bottom, Pete. I need to do a better job of letting my readers know what is fiction and what isn’t (and at the bottom of the post where we put in tags, I did add “true story”). On the other hand, I think all fiction comes from truth anyway. 😉 I read this to my teenage granddaughter and she smiled and said, “good timing on your part.” She didn’t understand that there’s more to it than that (in my mind). It wouldn’t have happened unless people are into acts of kindness, energy healing and feeling, and people are willing to ACCEPT acts of kindness. ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      • It’s a timeless message, one that should matter on either an indivdual level or in a larger group.

        By the way, I haven’t forgotten about Petey Wants Wings. I’ve got an event I have to get through this week, then I’ll finally have some time to breathe. I’ve been on a roll. 😊 I’m thinking of writing a post about three children’s books, and yours is one of them.

        Liked by 1 person

            • Soooo true. This is why I tell my creative writing students to try and get in at least 10 minutes of writing a day. Adds to our healthy writing addiction – and our peace of mind.
              By the way, I’m teaching creative writing to my 16-year-old grandson in CA. I send him a lesson once a week and he sends back stories to the prompts. His high school counselor said it would look good on his college application. 🙂

              Liked by 1 person

  36. That is sooo beautiful. It was a gift from heaven that he would offer the white roses to you, a woman who could turn this blessing into a story and share it with so many.

    I’ve been following Ukrainians on X, and though they share news of sadness and death, they also share white-rose moments: lots of cats nestled around necks and dogs beside themselves with joy when they welcome young man home from the war, and soldiers with ENORMOUS bouquets presented to a wife a girlfriend or a mother.

    Liked by 1 person

    • This is the kind of “news” we need. Kindness overcomes hatred. The Ukrainians are refusing to let their Spirits be sunk. Cats and dogs and roses and smiles – these keep us in joy. 💞

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  42. Roughwighting: What a beautifully written piece! Your reflections on kindness really resonate. It reminds me of my own experiences at the Burning Man Festival, where unexpected moments of generosity can transform a day. Have you ever had a similar experience? If you’re interested in exploring the surreal and transformative nature of such events, check out my recent post on the Burning Man Festival: [Beyond the Flames](https://exaltedarticlesbykathleen.wordpress.com/2024/11/04/beyond-the-flames-a-journey-through-the-surreal-experience-of-burning-man-festival/)
    I’d love to hear your thoughts!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks, Kathleen. I’ll fly over to your post. Burning Man is quite an adventure, one I’ve never taken. Fortunately, I think we can find these kinds of experiences right in our own “back yards” as well. 🙂

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  49. Pam, sometimes angels come in the strangest of disguises and when most unexpected. When you were low, there was handsome youngish man and Rosita with smiles, roses and don’t forget the pizza. Bless them, for their warmth and kindness – small moments like this become such special gifts! Hoping you are doing okay, my dear friend. Sending love & hugs, Annika xx ❤️❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  50. oh, sweetness to the max, Pam. Haha to this “What a stupid thing to say. Maybe he doesn’t have a girlfriend. Maybe he’s gay. Maybe I should learn to say “thank you.”
    I was ready for the punch line; That will be 30 dollars of something or a pretend story that was such a wonderful expression of you receiving such goodness delivered! Love this story❣️

    Liked by 1 person

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