Monday, May 22, 2006

You're Only a Stranger But Once

You’re Only a Stranger But Once.

That’s what it said on the matchbooks for my dad’s saloon. I always thought that was special, and it spoke so much about my dad. It’s funny how something so small can impact a person’s life. It’s embedded deep in my philosophy.

Tonight I made plans to meet with a someone, attend a seminar, and share a room with her. We both said we must be stupid or real cool people. I knew I would go almost as soon as she asked−even before I talked on the phone with her. I already knew that we thought the same on most things. Then I found out that we are in the same industry, and that we actually have some experience in common.

You’re only a stranger, but once.

Then again, all of life is kind of that way.
−me strauss Letting me be

12 Comments:

Blogger Mama Mouse said...

Sometimes you have to take chances to meet someone new and 'connect' ... but if you don't that experience may never present itself again. Once met, a person becomes a friend in varying degrees, but they can never be a stranger again. That is very comforting.

12:29 AM, May 22, 2006  
Anonymous Robert Bruce said...

Man, where can I find a matchbook like that now... you walk into most places of business and you're lucky to get a smile.

I really wish those guys were still around.

12:56 AM, May 22, 2006  
Anonymous michaelm said...

I agree with Robert. Most days serving customers is right up there with cleaning the toilet. Well, that's the way it feels anyway.
Just curious, is that a pic of your Dad? Love the 'stache...
He could have worked at "Cheers"...

~m

4:29 AM, May 22, 2006  
Blogger ME Strauss said...

Yes Mama Mouse,
you are right about that. That person can never be a stranger again.

5:57 AM, May 22, 2006  
Blogger ME Strauss said...

Hi Robert,
Yeah, My dad was a special one I think even then. The world has gotten too big and too small at the same time. Don't you think?

5:58 AM, May 22, 2006  
Blogger ME Strauss said...

Yeah,
Michael,
That's my dad when he was a young man. He was one of a kind.

5:59 AM, May 22, 2006  
Anonymous michaelm said...

Wonderful picture.
Vintage memories, I bet.

~m

7:20 AM, May 22, 2006  
Blogger ME Strauss said...

Yep, Michael,
Sure does bring back some memories. I was even short then. :)

7:22 AM, May 22, 2006  
Blogger Michael said...

I like the saying...


Take Care
Michael

8:41 AM, May 22, 2006  
Blogger ME Strauss said...

Yeah, Michael, so do I.
My dad won't mind if you borrow it.

8:42 AM, May 22, 2006  
Anonymous Jennifer said...

Thank you for sharing that. You know you hear things that you'll never remember and then you hear things that stay with you forever...this is one I'll remember and share with others forever.

You're Only a Stranger but Once...

So true!

9:54 AM, May 22, 2006  
Blogger ME Strauss said...

Hi Jennifer,
What a nice thing to tell me . . . that you'll remember this forever. I'll always remember that you said that too. Isn't that cool.

9:55 AM, May 22, 2006  

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