Really take the time....

This past Saturday, Tucson hosted an amazing event---the Festival of Books.  This event draws 80,000 - 100,000 people each year.  I was able to sell and sign my books (Communicate and Motivate and Letting Go of K.C.).  Although the main draw is selling books, I found the most incredible side effect --- getting to meet people.  We had put up a sign that said "For all dog-lovers", and it was great to see folks who would walk past the booth then do a double-take and come back to say, "I had to stop.  I just love dogs."  What I found so fascinating was how much they wanted to find out about K.C. but also to tell me about their own dogs and, in many cases, how much they miss their animals who had passed away.
One lady in a wheelchair was dressed in multiple layers with a wide-brim hat on (it was chilly and rainy that day).  She almost rode past when she glanced at the sign then immediately whipped her electric chair around to face my table.  "I love dogs---they just provide so much joy, don't you think?"  We talked for a few minutes about the book then she told me about her current boy at home, a mixed breed.  I asked, "What do you think he has in him?" as I looked at the picture of a beautiful dog on her phone.  She looked up at me with a twinkle in her eye and said, "I think his father was a handsome young gentleman who didn't stay anywhere for too long."  Loved her!
By taking the time to not only talk about MY stuff but to hear what she wanted....no, needed to tell me, I gained some valuable memories, for sure.
Just for today, why not take the time, really take the time, to listen to another?  You might just find yourself feeling truly blessed!