Why are we middle-aged women such suckers for smooth talking salesmen? It bothers me that I'm still a gullible schoolgirl at heart. At my age, I really should know better. The following incident is an example of what I mean!
Picture the scene, I'm walking down Robson Street, Vancouver, laden down with shopping bags from Winners and Homesense, shops where you find fabulous for less, or so the catchphrase goes. I had a list of things to get before returning to Victoria on the afternoon ferry. There was just one item I couldn't find, which was a hairdryer and flat iron organizer for Vicky's bathroom. Passing a beauty salon, I decided to go in, and enquire if they had any.
"Do you sell hair styling organizers?" I asked the Manager of the store, a short dark haired man with flirty brown eyes, and a tongue as smooth as the Big Bad Wolf's.
"OMG - your eyes - you have the most beautiful eyes" he said, taking me by surprise. "They have two colours" he continued, reaching into my private bubble space, close enough for me to notice he ate garlic last night. 'Don't worry, I'm Gay" he said. Actually I wasn't worrying. I was old enough to be his mammy.
"Thank you" I responded, genuinely moved by his compliment. "My eyes turn green when I cry, and blue when I'm happy, but do you have a hairdryer organizer? That's what I'm really looking for."
"Wow, what skincare do you use?" he said, totally ignoring my enquiry,
"Prevage, why?"
"C'mon with me Madam" he said, taking my gullible little hand, leading me down to the back of the store, a perfumed paradise with tall exotic vases of flowers, and a waterfall. "I have a special treat for you because you are nice". How does he know I'm nice? We only met three minutes ago.
Before long I was sitting pretty on a high chair, receiving Raz's special treat. It was an eye serum magic trick. "Now you look" he said, after the job was complete, spinning my chair in front of the mirror, like I was a candidate in a makeover show. To be honest, I looked the same, but didn't want to hurt his feelings because of the free serum treatment he had given me, worth a fortune if I had to pay for it - or so he said!
"Which eye you like best?" he asked in his broken English. The eye that's not hurting I thought to myself. Why on earth did I endure such crapology? especially when I had to be on the ferry for Victoria in 2 hours, and tons to do yet. What followed was a fierce attempt on Raz's part to make me part with $700 for a bottle of his magic eye serum. I resisted and told him I was not a lady to impulse shop - joke!!
"Are my bags safe?" I asked him, glancing at my Winners and Homesense bags flung casually on the ground near the front entrance.
"Madam, there are no gypsies around here" he responded in a wounded voice. I had insulted him. Seeing I wasn't interested in the eye serum, he persisted. He walked over to a cabinet and removed a velvet covered box from a shelf and presented it to me like it was a priceless bottle of champagne, or cigars for Arnold Schwarzenegger. The box contained miniature bottles of face serum. "What price do you think these are"? he continued, getting weirder by the minute. How would I know?
"$2,000" he answered for me. "And how much do you think a face lift would cost you"? "Nothing" I told him, because I would never have one. Clearly, he was getting nowhere with me, yet he persisted like a bulldog fighting for a bone. Looking at the clock, I realized I'd miss my ferry if I didn't escape! I hopped off his fancy high chair and made a run for the door. I told him I had to fly.
"Wait madam, I'll make you a deal because I like you" he said, running after me, and at the same time wiping the beads of sweat from his forehead. Poor man. He really did work hard for the money. "What you want to give me?" he asked again with great persistence. Feeling sorry for him (worse reason to buy something!) I bought a flatiron holder from him for $40 and when he offered me a second one at half price I thought why not? I'll give the other one to Ali or Claudia. After the transaction I literally ran out of his shop. On my way home I passed London Drugs where I found exactly what I was looking for - a hairdryer and flatiron holder for $20! The smooth talking salesman had fleeced me!!
When I told Vicky my sad story, she was livid that this fellow had pulled the wool over my eyes - or should I say serum!! We marched back to the store and I was proud as punch at the way she handled him. He did not want to give us our money back. Fortunately, Vicky read him the rights as per a sign in his shop "money back with receipt". He reluctantly, and after much argument, gave us our money back. No Mr. nice guy this time!
What a waste of time, money and energy. The moral of the story 'Do not be blinded by a sweet talking salesman who tells you that you've beautiful eyes!!
Will I ever learn?
Hugs,
Polly P xxx
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Monday, January 5, 2015
STAR OF WONDER STAR OF LIGHT...
Hi guys!
Hope your New Year is off to a galloping great start! I'm here in Vancouver again. I came over to take down the Christmas decorations in the condo, discard the old tree, and attend to a couple of jobs. Of course, it was a perfect opportunity to escape, and complete the final chapters in my book 'Divine Intervention'. If I had been a good girl and focused on it, the job would have been completed last Spring. Such is life, living with procrastination! Focus to Win is my motto for 2015.
As I write, a seagull has just swished across the skyline, over the tall skyscrapers, and dropped a bomb! Wouldn't want to be the poor head it lands on. Yuck yuck. I bet he had an awful lot of Christmas scraps to gorge on... TMI!
Instead of digesting huge meals and chocolate, I have changed my choice of nourishment to books. I'm currently 'hooked' on the ideas of Martha Beck 'Finding your own North Star', which is essentially about finding your true purpose in life. Amen Martha! I've always been into the Stars, especially the North Star, so it's music to my ears. Another book I bought for myself for Christmas is called 'The Power of the Heart' by Baptist de Pape. This is another rendition of the same theme; finding your true purpose in life. He teaches you how to tap into your full potential with today's greatest spiritual leaders, such as Maya Angelou, Deepak Chopra, Eckhart Tolle and Marianne Williamson, to name but a juicy few. Great stuff to ponder on.
After church yesterday, as I was walking home in the pouring rain, I spied with my little eye a crumpled up fortune cookie message on the ground. Barely visible. It was surely a message from Heaven. That's how my Angels communicate with me; highly effective let me tell you! It was too wet to read it, so I very gently placed it in my pocket to dry out. As soon as I got home, it was dry enough to read. Here's what it said 'Past inspirations and experiences will be helpful in your job'. Perfect! Just what I needed to hear, as I prepare to launch my new baby 'Divine Intervention'! and begin teaching Astrology classes later this month, it gave me all the spiritual ammunition I needed!
The homily at mass was all about the three wise men, who were Astrologers; all part of God's eternal wisdom - which is why they called them wise! They saw the star of Jesus...Since I'm so big into following one's true North Star, I couldn't get the song we sang at church out of my head:
'O, Star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westwards leading, still proceeding,
Guide me to thy perfect light...'
Am I batty? Absolutely. I wouldn't have it any other way!!
Happy New Year!
Hugs,
Polly P xxx
Hope your New Year is off to a galloping great start! I'm here in Vancouver again. I came over to take down the Christmas decorations in the condo, discard the old tree, and attend to a couple of jobs. Of course, it was a perfect opportunity to escape, and complete the final chapters in my book 'Divine Intervention'. If I had been a good girl and focused on it, the job would have been completed last Spring. Such is life, living with procrastination! Focus to Win is my motto for 2015.
As I write, a seagull has just swished across the skyline, over the tall skyscrapers, and dropped a bomb! Wouldn't want to be the poor head it lands on. Yuck yuck. I bet he had an awful lot of Christmas scraps to gorge on... TMI!
Instead of digesting huge meals and chocolate, I have changed my choice of nourishment to books. I'm currently 'hooked' on the ideas of Martha Beck 'Finding your own North Star', which is essentially about finding your true purpose in life. Amen Martha! I've always been into the Stars, especially the North Star, so it's music to my ears. Another book I bought for myself for Christmas is called 'The Power of the Heart' by Baptist de Pape. This is another rendition of the same theme; finding your true purpose in life. He teaches you how to tap into your full potential with today's greatest spiritual leaders, such as Maya Angelou, Deepak Chopra, Eckhart Tolle and Marianne Williamson, to name but a juicy few. Great stuff to ponder on.
After church yesterday, as I was walking home in the pouring rain, I spied with my little eye a crumpled up fortune cookie message on the ground. Barely visible. It was surely a message from Heaven. That's how my Angels communicate with me; highly effective let me tell you! It was too wet to read it, so I very gently placed it in my pocket to dry out. As soon as I got home, it was dry enough to read. Here's what it said 'Past inspirations and experiences will be helpful in your job'. Perfect! Just what I needed to hear, as I prepare to launch my new baby 'Divine Intervention'! and begin teaching Astrology classes later this month, it gave me all the spiritual ammunition I needed!
The homily at mass was all about the three wise men, who were Astrologers; all part of God's eternal wisdom - which is why they called them wise! They saw the star of Jesus...Since I'm so big into following one's true North Star, I couldn't get the song we sang at church out of my head:
'O, Star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westwards leading, still proceeding,
Guide me to thy perfect light...'
Am I batty? Absolutely. I wouldn't have it any other way!!
Happy New Year!
Hugs,
Polly P xxx
Monday, December 22, 2014
LET'S MAKE THIS SEASON REAL!
There is an awful lot of Capricorn energy going on at the moment. The Sun, Moon, Venus, Mercury and Pluto are all in Capricorn - Whoa!! What does that mean to us mortals?
Check out my other blog www.astrocupid.blogspot.ca for suggestions on how to work with all this earthy and sombre energy.
EnJOY!!
Love,
Polly P xxx
Check out my other blog www.astrocupid.blogspot.ca for suggestions on how to work with all this earthy and sombre energy.
EnJOY!!
Love,
Polly P xxx
Thursday, December 18, 2014
ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL
There is something about Christmas this year. Magical, for want of a more creative account. People want to celebrate. I think the past year - actually make that two, have been mighty stressful for a great many people. I hear the stories, and man they sure make you appreciate each day! It's all any of us have, and after you turn 50, it's no longer a biological clock ticking - another tick tock takes over!!
Leaky condos or condoms become less of an issue - there, that got your attention! Kevin woke me up at an ungodly hour this morning talking about leaky condos, and I thought he said leaky condoms. A riot of laughter ensued! Maybe it is because for the past week I have been cleaning up pools of water in our kitchen. I was blaming poor blind Chichi in the wrong! Feel so guilty now. The dishwasher was the one at fault. Time to replace it.
I have some why's on my whine list today:-
Why does your dishwasher decide to take a vacation during the busiest time of the year??
Why does your Visa get hacked and compromised - just when you need it the most? Now it has to be cancelled, and a new one ordered while we round up the convicts who put me in this uncompromising position!
Why are plumbers so hard to find this time of year, and why, pray tell, does their fee per hour vary so much?? $75 per hour the first guy "Sorry I'm booking into the new year" while my wooden floor rots. $85 p.h. the next fellow, and he's booking into space. The third, and final guy was $95 per hour, plus $59 despatch fee to travel to your home. Surely a plumber is a plumber? or are some plumber than others?
Why did the electricity in my daughter's room decide to play tricks with me, a week before her return for Christmas? and why did the electrician I googled turn out to be insane? I could hear his cuss words downstairs in the kitchen, as he tried to fix the problem upstairs - but couldn't - and I still had to pay him! Just as he was in the height of his effing rampage upstairs, the dogs started barking ferociously "Ma get that lunatic out of our house" and he was roaring "How many dogs do you have?" and all the while the radio was blaring "It's the most wonderful time of the year..." Funny!
Last, but not least, why are all mistakes in shops overcharges, as opposed to undercharges? In the past 2 weeks, I have had 3 mistakes made, due to being overcharged, in amounts ranging between $14.99 down to $11.99. The bottom line for today is Check your receipts, and Check your Visa. Mistakes happen!
Hugs,
Polly P xxx
Leaky condos or condoms become less of an issue - there, that got your attention! Kevin woke me up at an ungodly hour this morning talking about leaky condos, and I thought he said leaky condoms. A riot of laughter ensued! Maybe it is because for the past week I have been cleaning up pools of water in our kitchen. I was blaming poor blind Chichi in the wrong! Feel so guilty now. The dishwasher was the one at fault. Time to replace it.
I have some why's on my whine list today:-
Why does your dishwasher decide to take a vacation during the busiest time of the year??
Why does your Visa get hacked and compromised - just when you need it the most? Now it has to be cancelled, and a new one ordered while we round up the convicts who put me in this uncompromising position!
Why are plumbers so hard to find this time of year, and why, pray tell, does their fee per hour vary so much?? $75 per hour the first guy "Sorry I'm booking into the new year" while my wooden floor rots. $85 p.h. the next fellow, and he's booking into space. The third, and final guy was $95 per hour, plus $59 despatch fee to travel to your home. Surely a plumber is a plumber? or are some plumber than others?
Why did the electricity in my daughter's room decide to play tricks with me, a week before her return for Christmas? and why did the electrician I googled turn out to be insane? I could hear his cuss words downstairs in the kitchen, as he tried to fix the problem upstairs - but couldn't - and I still had to pay him! Just as he was in the height of his effing rampage upstairs, the dogs started barking ferociously "Ma get that lunatic out of our house" and he was roaring "How many dogs do you have?" and all the while the radio was blaring "It's the most wonderful time of the year..." Funny!
Last, but not least, why are all mistakes in shops overcharges, as opposed to undercharges? In the past 2 weeks, I have had 3 mistakes made, due to being overcharged, in amounts ranging between $14.99 down to $11.99. The bottom line for today is Check your receipts, and Check your Visa. Mistakes happen!
Hugs,
Polly P xxx
Monday, December 15, 2014
BUSINESS IS BOOMING AND GOD IS GOOD!
I dunno where the time has gone since last I wrote! Actually, I do. I was shopping, shopping, and then some. I have sent off all my Christmas cards (approx. 80), thrown in a few great parties, decorated my home with gusto - and still not finished! Had two great sessions with the Bingo calling at 'Our Place' homeless shelter, and due to the popularity, it will become a weekly event - Yay! best fun ever!!
I just love Christmas, and my favourite party so far was actually at my church last Saturday, a week ago. It was to honour Our Lady. As you may, or may not know, I'm a big fan. We began with the rosary, followed by prayers of devotion. Then it was Parteeee time! It was a pot luck event, so everybody brought fabulously delicious International dishes, from all around the globe. I am addicted to those Philippine spring rolls. They are magical. I could never re-create them. Rita, the head of our group is of German origin, and concocted a most delicious creamy chicken dish - it was 'yumticious'.
Later, a local native Indian group sang Christmas songs in their native tongue, as did a group from Korea. Then a little boy (aged 8) played his guitar and sang the Beatle's song 'Let it be'..."When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me...". He was so pure and innocent, and sang with such heart, I could feel the tears misting up my eyes. I left the event with my heart singing, and my tummy mighty happy too! That is why I say 'God is Good'.
We had our TOPS luncheon on Friday, and the girls loved my pep talk. But hey! for Christmas TOPS has become POPS...putting on the pounds satisfactorily!! Wherever I go, food is there before me, and, needless to say - has a great welcome!! We have a forthcoming family trip to Cuba in February d.v. so I will have to get that bikini bod looking good! An incentive, if ever.
What has made Christmas 2014 very special for me, has been the introduction of my first Advent wreath. I never did one before, and Dah! what was I thinking??? I did the calendar with the mini chocs and meaningful messages tucked inside, but it is not the same. The simplicity of the wreath re-inforces for me, the true meaning of the season.
The highlight of my daily ritual is when everybody is tucked up cosily in bed, I light my advent candles, and have a moment of bliss, reflecting on the day, and life in general. I read a page from 'Advent - a Calendar of Devotions 2014', by James W. Moore, which I would highly recommend. It was only $1.49, and full of daily inspiration. Lulu my chihuahua is part of the evening ritual. She tucks into me on the couch, snoring happily, adding to my comfort. The lights on the tree twinkle merrily, and the sweet aroma of fresh balsam permeates the air...I'm in Christmas Heaven!!
Hugs,
Polly P xxx
I just love Christmas, and my favourite party so far was actually at my church last Saturday, a week ago. It was to honour Our Lady. As you may, or may not know, I'm a big fan. We began with the rosary, followed by prayers of devotion. Then it was Parteeee time! It was a pot luck event, so everybody brought fabulously delicious International dishes, from all around the globe. I am addicted to those Philippine spring rolls. They are magical. I could never re-create them. Rita, the head of our group is of German origin, and concocted a most delicious creamy chicken dish - it was 'yumticious'.
Later, a local native Indian group sang Christmas songs in their native tongue, as did a group from Korea. Then a little boy (aged 8) played his guitar and sang the Beatle's song 'Let it be'..."When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me...". He was so pure and innocent, and sang with such heart, I could feel the tears misting up my eyes. I left the event with my heart singing, and my tummy mighty happy too! That is why I say 'God is Good'.
We had our TOPS luncheon on Friday, and the girls loved my pep talk. But hey! for Christmas TOPS has become POPS...putting on the pounds satisfactorily!! Wherever I go, food is there before me, and, needless to say - has a great welcome!! We have a forthcoming family trip to Cuba in February d.v. so I will have to get that bikini bod looking good! An incentive, if ever.
What has made Christmas 2014 very special for me, has been the introduction of my first Advent wreath. I never did one before, and Dah! what was I thinking??? I did the calendar with the mini chocs and meaningful messages tucked inside, but it is not the same. The simplicity of the wreath re-inforces for me, the true meaning of the season.
The highlight of my daily ritual is when everybody is tucked up cosily in bed, I light my advent candles, and have a moment of bliss, reflecting on the day, and life in general. I read a page from 'Advent - a Calendar of Devotions 2014', by James W. Moore, which I would highly recommend. It was only $1.49, and full of daily inspiration. Lulu my chihuahua is part of the evening ritual. She tucks into me on the couch, snoring happily, adding to my comfort. The lights on the tree twinkle merrily, and the sweet aroma of fresh balsam permeates the air...I'm in Christmas Heaven!!
Hugs,
Polly P xxx
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
PEACE AND LOVE
I have to do a 20 mins. presentation to my TOPS Ladies group on Friday morning. Tops, which stands for Taking Off Pounds Sensibly, is really more like a friendship group, and I love them dearly. Then there is the KOPS (keeping off the pounds sensibly) component of the group, the ladies who have successfully kept the pounds off! We are all part of a ladies group who gather for an hour every Friday am to discuss our issues with healthy lifestyle, share low calorie recipes, have speakers in, plan fun events, etc.
I have never done a program before, so had to think about it. A trip to Pier 1 Imports to look at their festive fair, gave me inspiration. They had a clearance basket, filled with bargains galore. From this treasure trove, I found some fabulous bracelets with the symbol for Peace and Love on them. It got me thinking...they were reduced from $5 to 98 cents each - a bargain if ever! I had my light bulb moment.
I got all the bracelets, one for each of the ladies in the group. I am going to wear my fancy 'Peace and Love' jacket, which my kids think is insane looking! It is a black silk jacket, embellished with hot pink, orange and blue peace and love symbols. It is a designer piece which I snagged at a local consignment store for a fraction of the original cost. I decided to do a talk on making 'Peace and Love' with yourself, something like the following:-
P Persistence with healthy lifestyle, Peace within, Positive thoughts
E Eat food that nourishes your body = respect for self - Enjoy your life
A Accentuate the Positive
C Celebrate each day of your life!
E Enjoy your life and Eliminate the negative!
Yay, it's going to be fun. I can feel it already! And the girls will just love our Peace and Love friendship bracelets. The theme of my presentation is that we must strive to enjoy our lives. To all the ladies still struggling with weight issues, I will encourage them to imagine they are at the exact weight they want to be and to live each day as if they were.
I will encourage everybody to wear something each day that makes them feel fabulous - a little spritz of perfume behind the ear, a nice colourful scarf, a necklace that makes your heart sing - and Voila! you're off to a jolly good start to the day! Try it, if you too are struggling with body issues.
Each day should be a catwalk day...Right girls?...Let's Go!!
Hugs,
Polly P xxx
I have never done a program before, so had to think about it. A trip to Pier 1 Imports to look at their festive fair, gave me inspiration. They had a clearance basket, filled with bargains galore. From this treasure trove, I found some fabulous bracelets with the symbol for Peace and Love on them. It got me thinking...they were reduced from $5 to 98 cents each - a bargain if ever! I had my light bulb moment.
I got all the bracelets, one for each of the ladies in the group. I am going to wear my fancy 'Peace and Love' jacket, which my kids think is insane looking! It is a black silk jacket, embellished with hot pink, orange and blue peace and love symbols. It is a designer piece which I snagged at a local consignment store for a fraction of the original cost. I decided to do a talk on making 'Peace and Love' with yourself, something like the following:-
P Persistence with healthy lifestyle, Peace within, Positive thoughts
E Eat food that nourishes your body = respect for self - Enjoy your life
A Accentuate the Positive
C Celebrate each day of your life!
E Enjoy your life and Eliminate the negative!
Yay, it's going to be fun. I can feel it already! And the girls will just love our Peace and Love friendship bracelets. The theme of my presentation is that we must strive to enjoy our lives. To all the ladies still struggling with weight issues, I will encourage them to imagine they are at the exact weight they want to be and to live each day as if they were.
I will encourage everybody to wear something each day that makes them feel fabulous - a little spritz of perfume behind the ear, a nice colourful scarf, a necklace that makes your heart sing - and Voila! you're off to a jolly good start to the day! Try it, if you too are struggling with body issues.
Each day should be a catwalk day...Right girls?...Let's Go!!
Hugs,
Polly P xxx
Monday, December 1, 2014
GET THOSE WHIPS AND HANDCUFFS FROM LA SENZA!
Give them to the Police who may have better use for them!
Ever since my visit to the Mall on Friday, it had been bothering me. It wasn't the jostling crowds, nor the scramble to find a parking spot. No, it was the sight of 'torture toys' sitting pretty (more like ugly!) with the ladylike lace at La Senza. And kids looking at them and wondering...like me...what the hell!! I know I'm sounding like auld acid Aggie, but what has society come to?
I watched a gruesome true-life murder story on t.v. recently.The 49 victims were all young women, who had been bound and whipped, and God knows what else, prior to their murder. It disturbed me enormously. Why encourage this?
Sexual pervert, Jian Ghomeshi, who once hosted a very popular radio show here in Canada, has been making headlines recently because of his predilection for S & M. The sluice gates of his torrid love life opened, revealing a deluge of bruised and battered ex-girlfriends, all testifying against him. Some were almost choked to death. He lost his job as a result - and hopefully the handcuffs will be on him - not in his frilly boudoir - but in prison. He is a savage with no respect for women. Why encourage this?
Taking matters in hand, I wrote to 'La Senza' and told them their fine ladies lingerie needed no embellishments from Hades. Hopefully, they will remove them without further ado!
Hugs and kisses,
Polly P xxx
Ever since my visit to the Mall on Friday, it had been bothering me. It wasn't the jostling crowds, nor the scramble to find a parking spot. No, it was the sight of 'torture toys' sitting pretty (more like ugly!) with the ladylike lace at La Senza. And kids looking at them and wondering...like me...what the hell!! I know I'm sounding like auld acid Aggie, but what has society come to?
I watched a gruesome true-life murder story on t.v. recently.The 49 victims were all young women, who had been bound and whipped, and God knows what else, prior to their murder. It disturbed me enormously. Why encourage this?
Sexual pervert, Jian Ghomeshi, who once hosted a very popular radio show here in Canada, has been making headlines recently because of his predilection for S & M. The sluice gates of his torrid love life opened, revealing a deluge of bruised and battered ex-girlfriends, all testifying against him. Some were almost choked to death. He lost his job as a result - and hopefully the handcuffs will be on him - not in his frilly boudoir - but in prison. He is a savage with no respect for women. Why encourage this?
Taking matters in hand, I wrote to 'La Senza' and told them their fine ladies lingerie needed no embellishments from Hades. Hopefully, they will remove them without further ado!
Hugs and kisses,
Polly P xxx
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)