~~
Life is strange, isn’t it?
There my husband and I were, a year ago, in a pub in Newcastle, Ontario.
We were meeting with our younger daughter’s future in-laws to plan the wedding.
We were all nervous. The kids were totally in love and getting married. But what if their parents disagreed — about everything?
Then my husband started telling jokes about country life (we once lived on a farm) and our encounters with wildlife and everyone dissolved into laughter. Loud, boisterous laughter. It broke the ice and everything went well.
There was a couple at the next table. Daughter and I went over to apologize for our loudness.
The couple introduced themselves. The husband also gave me a book and introduced himself as the book’s author.
My daughter said: “That’s funny. My mom’s an author too!”
We all ended up talking. About books. And weddings. And marriages.
Meanwhile, my blog series on Ebor House was a big hit at last year’s Doors Open Clarington tour. The printed version was a fundraiser for Doors Open.
This year, I told co-chairs Marilyn Morawetz and Bernice Norton that I’d volunteer again for Doors Open Clarington: I’d write about another house. As with Ebor House before I wrote that series, the owners were strangers to me.
Then life went nuts. Over 3 months, Marilyn gently nudged me — repeatedly.
Finally, Hamlin decided to take a break from his busy schedule to help me out: he kindly agreed to drive us there and take the photos.
When we arrived at The Grange, hosts and visitors stared at each other. Then we warmly embraced and laughed together. Nick and Wendy Boothman were the couple we met in the Newcastle pub!
It was a lovely visit.
Wendy drove us to see Screaming Hill.
Then Nick took Hamlin to photograph the barn and the grounds, while Wendy and I stayed in the house and talked.
It reminds me that one must leave room for the unexpected. And that the thing called serendipity is sometimes, strangely, within our gift.
Thanks to Hamlin Grange, Nick and Wendy Boothman, and Marilyn, Bernice and the Doors Open Clarington team.
Cynthia Reyes 
How interesting. I guess you never know who you will meet.
Indeed. Thanks for your comment.
What a lovely story about happy coincidences!
Thank goodness for such coincidences. And thank you for your reply.
Serendipity is a gift and yours was well received.
And, off subject, the Rose Apples are fruiting here, always makes me think of you.
And now they make me think of you — and my sisters — too!
What a wonderful way to end this lovely series, dear Cynthia. ❤ I adore it when serendipity or Providence happens; it's the glaze on the donuts (Tim's—of course!).
Blessings ~ Wendy
Thank you, Wendy. Life is mysterious, and such happy moments are a gift.
What a fun turn of events. Kudos Cynthia.
Glad I didn’t back out when times got tough, Brad. It all turned out really well, and a gift to all involved.
I’ve had some of those experiences too. It feels good to finish a hard project. blessings Cynthia.
It is a very small world.. great post Cynthia. x
Thank you, Sally. It’s true – it’s small, and getting smaller all the time…
Such a lovely chance meeting, brought on by laughter and love!
I love your perspective on this, Laurie. Thank you, wise lady.
Oh what a charming story, no doubt a cherished one that will be passed down the generations.
Well said, Kate. And thank you.
Wow. Glad you saved this til last 🙂
I enjoyed this series very much, Cynthia! A beautiful ending. 🙂
I love the ending! It was all meant to be!
A great full circle moment 🙂
Thank you, Andrea. Well said.
Well, I am always a big fan of serendipity – synchronicity – call it what you will — Signposts along the way that somehow we are exactly where we are supposed to be. A lovely “p.s.”, Cynthia.
Thank you, my friend. I used to have these ‘signposts’ happening fairly often in my life pre-accident, but there’s a shutting down and closing out that one does when life changes in such drastic ways, and I’m afraid in doing so, I shut out the serendipity too. That’s partly what my last line is referring to.
I understand that completely. During some horribly stressful times in my own life, there was not a touch of synchronicity that I could find. It was probably there – same for you – but under duress, we just can’t see it. But little by little, I do believe we find it again … 🙂
That’s really neat. You are right about leaving space for life. You seem to have a gift for that. Thank you for sharing this.
Wow. Life is sometimes so funny like that. Leaving space for the unexpected delights is great advice. 😀
How I love serendipity. I don’t believe in ‘coincidence’ – this was meant to be. And it happened because you were friendly and considerate and open to strangers. Amazing how many doors that opens. xo
It’s truly a small world sometimes especially when you are a warm and inviting person/persons.
Thank you, Tina.
How wonderful Cynthia .. some things are just meant to be!
I think so!