A COKE AND COOKIE

   When entering Frost Bank this week, my nerves were frayed. I don't like the business part of life.  I like it even less, when it is unfamiliar, and worse when I am carrying my husband's power of attorney documents. This was not my day.

   A very friendly employee, Christina, greeted me. She asked if I would like a cookie. That sounded great. In a minute, she came back and asked if she could get me a drink.

Within a short time from entering, my stress level was reduced by 75%. I was enjoying a cookie and a coke, and thinking about how our lives are made up of  moments, these "life in between" moments.

   Businesses understand this. There is a thin line between customer service and gimmicks to get you to buy more. I saw this as excellent customer service, a way of showing their appreciation. Their atmosphere was friendly and hospitable, matching Christina's warmth and graciousness.

     I was sitting there, talking to the banker, having a "happy meal", a coke and a cookie, thinking "It's a good day!" All because of the treats? No, it was the combination of attitude,  thoughtfulness, and surprise. All were being served with a heaping dose of gratitude, just for being their customer.

   Relaxing and taking a deep breath, I de-stressed. While the transaction was being completed, I asked myself, "What can I do to extend the photography experience even further, making it even more personalized than it is now? What can I do as a business owner? What can I do as a mom, wife, grandmother? How can these "life in between" moments be extended to someone every day?

   Hoping to capture a few on camera, I will be showing more "Life in between" shots on the website, http://www.kayturner.com/ and in our blog.

   I hope you enjoy a random act of kindness today, both as the benefactor and the contributor. May we all seek to give someone the unexpected, allowing them to unwind, chill out, and for a moment, be a child holding a box of cracker jacks, filled with delight and wonder.