A new consignment shop opened up in Cambridge and as I drove past last week, what caught my eye was a velvet jacket blowing in the breeze so I stopped in to see what the shop was like. As I opened the door, I was greeted by a lovely woman, Donna, who welcomed me and told me that the shop “emphasized plus sizes” As she showed me around, I was impressed by not only the really nice clothes, scarves, and jewelry but by the owner’s attitude. She said that it was her intention to make everyone feel welcome, and that feeling was certainly there. I know that I will be back…it is so nice to be welcomed, anyplace, with a smile!
“A good disposition, a smile, often opens the secret door; the Chinese say, ‘A man without a smiling face, must not open a shop.’ The success of a smile was brought out in a French moving-picture in which Chevalier took the lead, the picture was called, ‘With a Smile.’ One of the characters had become poor, dreary and almost a derelict; He said to Chevalier ‘What good has my honesty done me?’ Chevalier replied, ‘Even honesty won’t help you, without a smile:’ so the man changes on the spot, cheers up, and becomes very successful”. From The Secret Door to Success by Florence Shovel Shinn (published in 1941)
Mary Muncil ♡ Spiritual Counseling 
I hope this works. Here is a link to one of my cross stitch projects that took me to your quote. I have this hung in my bathroom over the commode so I can be reminded every day.
Nice work, Mary S! You are talented.
Beautiful Suzanne!!
OH…I love it!
There is nothing more settling than being in the presence of someone who is genuinely welcoming of others. Their light just shines and envelopes you, like a warm comforter….which is, in fact, exactly what they are…someone who comforts!
Wish I lived up there, Mary. I’d love to drop in and meet Donna.
Such a lovely old song came to mind reading your post, Mary, and I can’t imagine anyone singing it better than Nat King Cole – “Smile” of course. Only learned in recent years it was written by Charlie Chaplin – who knew?
A great reminder to “Smile.” Fascinating fact also on authorship. We learn so much from each other.
Susan – I haven’t heard this song in so long! Nat King Cole was my mother’s favorite vocalist and I grew up listening to him. I’ve been thinking of Mom so much lately (coming up on the 5th anniversary of her death) and listening to this brought back warm memories. Thank you!
Me, too, Pam A., Nat King Cole will always be linked to my childhood and my parents. In a biography I read about him, his greatest talent at least that he considered, was to be a pianist, and his early jazz albums are incredible! But his raspy voice caught on, and we are so very lucky to have him vocally – to think all he wanted to do was play the piano. . . .
Love the Charlie Chaplin video! Thank you for that Susan. And thank you Mary for an uplifting reminder about keeping a smile on our faces and in our hearts and about creating a welcoming vibe wherever we go.
Mary – I hope Donna’s business will be very successful. It sounds as if she has a wonderful attitude. Thank you for the reminder to smile!
I have not much to contribute other than to say that I’ve enjoyed not only the Florence Shovel Shinn comment but others here as well. Smiles come easily to my face, always have; they do to my half-sister’s face as well but I think back over the years as to how these smiles have sometimes been taken adavantage of, misread and cheerfulness not always appreciated. I don’t mean to be down about this but it’s what came to mind for me…I smile; I’m happy to see people yet it’s sometimes been taken advantage of. That has been my experience. A minister friend called early this morning and said: “I’m usually an upbeat, happy person but for the past few days nothing that has happened has alleviated the flat feeling I have”. Maybe it’s because it’s a grey day, I said. I hope my comment hasn’t put a damper on things here…everyone else is so upbeat with theirs.
SandyP in Canada
SandyP, we love every day that you share here, I do for sure! So feel free, to let us know if it is a grey day for you, – maybe I can send you some Arizona Cactus Blossoms in the middle of November?? Consider them sent, along with a hug!
Twinkles and smiles…imagine if we gave a twinkling eye and warm smile to everyone we met…and imagine if everyone we met gave a twinkle and a smile back! How many ‘secret doors’ might open? Previously someone in our WFF community shared “be someone’s miracle today”…I loved that…sometimes all it might take is the gift of our smile…especially as we head into the holidays. The tune going through my head is “I love you a bushel and a peck”…but, instead…I love you a twinkle and a smile…a twinkle and a smile and we make our lives worthwhile…(Cheryl B, I remain inspired by you!)…xoxo
From miles and miles
Come smiles smiles,
Twinkling down on you.
You shifted my day
In a wonderful way
And I oh, so love you too!
Oh so special to get a twinkle and a smile from cheryl b! You light up so many lives!
You all make me smile on this damp, rainy day. Thanks!
Thank you Mary for giving me the boost to go to Donna’s shop which I did right after seeing you. Turns out I know her as she was in my daughter’s class @ CCS & hadn’t see her for a long time. She is as her shop is, friendly, warm, inviting & a nice one. Shop locally everyone!
“You’re never truly dressed without a smile…” Remember that show?
Oh Cindy, what a lovely way to end this day, to dress yourself in a smile, – lipsitick? that last lil’ whatever accessory?, – nothing more important than that smile. . .