With This Ring......

I swear I didn't do anything to warrant this gift. Lo juro. I was just being normal, friendly Cindy. You know how I am. I have met so many nice people by just starting a simple conversation. Sometimes it starts with eye contact and a smile. This has always been so easy for me.It seems I am rewarded by my friendly behavior all the time. Most of the time it's walking away feeling good after a nice conversation with a stranger. But never, until today, have I walked away with a diamond ring on my finger. That's right my friends. Today I was given an 18k gold diamond anniversary band by a total stranger.

Today E and I went to Horton Plaza downtown and saw Alice in Wonderland. (It was pretty good, by the way. It was my first 3D movie...but this post isn't about a Alice.)

Its about this elegant little ring. We parked right in front of this pawn shop and we were curious to see what they had. Ernesto got bored in 2 seconds while I was looking at all the vintage jewelry. The owner was friendly and asking where Im from... yada yada yada.

When I tried on the ring I liked a second time I said "I really like this, it's elegant."

He said "Good, I would like you to have it."

"WHAT?!"

"Now, I don't want to offend your husband, but I think you are so friendly and beautiful, please take it."

" I can't accept this."

"Yes you can, it makes me feel good to give it to you, please have it."

"OK" (I mean really, how many times would you refuse?)

Thank you, it was nice meeting you. [hand shake] Goodbye!

Are you smiling? I was too, I couldn't believe it! Nice, nice people in this world.

Funny thing, even though I could easily wear this new ring as my wedding band, I happened to find THE RING I would like to buy. (I had been working with someone on a custom ring since last summer, and the process has been dragging on. I don't even want that ring anymore.) I saw it at Gem Faire that is going on this weekend in Del Mar. I wandered though the isles for a few hours and I picked up some beautiful gems for Zafiro and on my way out the door ...I saw it! A 1920's Art Deco platinum wedding ring. More to come on that!

PS. another good thing that happened to me as a result of being friendly is that I was offered a job working at some of these gems shows if and when I want. $100 a day and a DEEP discount on the gems I purchase. Done!

I CAN'T BELIEVE I WON AT THE PARIS APARTMENT!

I cant believe my good luck!! What a great surprise! Last night I was going through my Google Reader when I saw a very familiar picture come up on my screen. Claudia over at the the Paris Apartment had my peacock picture [that I took in Cancun] on her front page.  The other day she posted a drawing for this beautiful area rug...and I was the lucky winner!  Yay!  Isn't is beautiful!?  My first item for my home [that I don't have yet] since being back in the country!   Read the announcement here.  I feel so honored to be on her website! Thank you so much Claudia!!

It's funny because I bought her book called The Paris Apartment, Romantic Decor on a Flea Market Budget over 10 years ago and about 6 months ago I stumbled upon her blog and have been reading [read: drooling]  it ever since.  If you would like some serious inspiration,  check out her blog

Claudia takes a bi-annual shopping trip to Paris and with her pictures you feel as if you are shopping with her.  Trust me.