Wednesday 20 June 2012

She said "YES"

FACT: People who do Vipassana in The Yarra Valley often drift into Clarence for their first human interaction in 10days...

NOT Kidding!  Fred is not the first to come in here with his shiny eyes exploding out of his head.  It is wonderful to share with someone their first words spoken in 10 days.

His first words were -

"I need a box"

A simple statement, with his requirements to follow... "this big" "no, with a lid" "NOT SEE through" "Kind of wood, maybe? "

"Do you have one of those hippy shops in this town?"

This guy really needed a box, and I REALLY wanted to help him.. but so far... not so good.
I asked him what it was for.
He said "A nest"

I said I thought I had the perfect one, it has birds on the top, and showed him.
He said "No, it's too small"
He seemed overwhelmed.

I asked him if he had the nest and suggested some places in town to visit in search for the impossibly specific box he was looking for.  I let him leave with a promise that if he bought me the nest I would find a solution, it might not be a box but it would be the perfect house for a nest so worthy.

He came back 10 minutes later. Nest carefully wrapped in toilet paper. I looked at it, and held it, it was so beautiful and would fit perfectly in the box I suggested.

We put it in, and put the lid on, as it shut perfectly, Fred seemed grounded... out of his head, rooted down into the ground.  You never know when a small thing can make such a big deal for someone. The nest fit the box. WOW!

I had to ask him what all the fuss was about, now that we were on the same level, and could see eye to eye.

He had been meditating for 10days... well maybe 9 and a half, because he had to escape, to find this box, to put the nest in, to PROPOSE to his lover - So that they may make a nest together... HOLY CRAP! - Tuesday just got sooo much more exciting.

It was all he could think about at Vipassana!  I'm not sure that you are supposed to 'think' there but he obviously had some spectacular 'visions' while he was most definitely 'meditating.'

He was meeting his love, Elissa, that evening... heading into the forest in the Black Spur for an overnight stay with the treasure we helped him put together.

The proposal would have been something like this -







With a temporary ring because the real one will be turned out of wood by an incredible artist and he will need the exact size.  Holly and I had tears in our eyes. Our friend and loyal customer Robyn was here as well.  We gave Fred the box.  I could not charge him... The story, his sharing and just absolute loveliness brought too much joy to all 3 of us - The experience was priceless!

He thought maybe he needed a red rose to add to the romance...  I took a risk and told him it was contrived - (You never know if you are going to offend someone when you are trying 'educate' them that flowers other than gerberas and roses exist! and ROSES are not the only flowers for romance... ALL FLOWERS are romantic, they need to say more about YOU and your love than what some book tells you they mean!) Anyway... I knew they shared a love of music and suggested something longer lasting -

A lovely recycled paper flower made by Robyn!

We sent Fred on his way... with nothing less than a group hug.

Wednesday was the longest day of my life... Holly and I, working hard... but honestly just waiting to find out if she said YES!

At 4.55pm, the gorgeous couple came in to bring us the news - 



SHE SAID YES!!!!


*If you are seeking some meditation and guidance visit our Vipassana Centre at http://www.aloka.dhamma.org/about.htm

OR if you need a BOX or a flower... or a group HUG - http://www.loveclarence.com/

BIG CONGRATS Fred and Elissa! Can't wait till you become Mr and Mrs McAwesome!

4 comments:

  1. What a fantastic story and thank you gals for sharing! --Heather

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  2. Tears and laughter here Bobilee. Great story so well told. Nikki xx

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  3. This is soooo cute, may they have a long and joyful life together, thanks for the heart warming story.

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  4. They need to frame this story & show it to the grand kiddies. Beautifully written & heart warming story. May Fred & Elissa live happily ever after

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