Last Friday night my wife and I were walking through downtown Newnan Georgia. It was an unusually mild evening for Newnan, and I was taking photographs as usual.
A street had been cordoned off for musicians and there were some booths and carriage rides. Several organizations were doing some fundraising during the festivities, and were offering wares and good things to eat. As I was walking by behind one of the booths, a lady turned around, and looked at me and asked:
"Do you work for the paper?"
I replied: "No, I am taking photos for CowetaFayetteInfo.com."
She went on: "Were you at the parade last week?"
I answered: "Yes, I was on the bridge on the south side of town."
She asked: "Did you happen to get a photo of Mrs. Claus?"
Well, it turns out that she and her little dog Molly were in the parade, and she was portraying Mrs. Claus. She indicated that she did not have a photo of the episode, and wondered if maybe I had taken a photo of her as she rode past me. I asked what she was riding in, and she told me it was a red convertible. I told her the truth, that I wasn't sure.
She dug in her purse and gave me her card, and I told her I would check and see if I had a photo, and if I did, I would email it to her. The next morning, I looked at the card and to my surprise, she was not a stranger. I had met her before. Her Name was Mary Lou Vogt, and she had spoken at one of our Board of Realtor luncheons about Newnan - Coweta Habitat for Humanity. Ms. Mary Lou coordinates the volunteers, and is pretty much the person that is responsible for making the houses become a realiy!
In the parade, she was riding in front of the Youth United float that is affiliated with Newnan - Coweta Habitat for Humanity and she is currently working with 150 youth in building their first house for Habitat in Coweta County.
As providence would have it, I had a good photo and emailed it to her. She was very grateful, and during our correspondence, I discovered that she was also born and raised in Western Pennsylvania. So that's why we hit it off so well! But she need not be grateful to me, I was proud to send her the photo.
Ms. Mary Lou, we are grateful for YOU and the tireless work you do for Newnan - Coweta Habitat for Humanity. On this Christmas Day, I pray that all might consider the Habitat for Humanity program in their local areas, and set aside time, materials, and money to assist in this most worthwhile cause!
Have a blessed day, and a healthy, safe and prosperous New Year!
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All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate Better Homes and Gardens Metro Brokers, Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2009. Richard Weisser REOS, E-Pro. licensed Auctioneer. 770-827-6225.
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Richard,
Great story and Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones. :)
Richard - That's a great chance meeting. And of course, she's from PA, which makes it even more interesting (we're everywhere...you can't escape the PA transplants). Have a great Christmas!
Richard,
What a way to be able to give back to the community. I have not had the opportunity to work with Habitat yet but I am sure that the time will be coming when I do. Thanks for the story and I am glad that you could come to the aid of Ms. Lou.
Merry Christmas my friend.
Richard,
That is great that you were able to help her out, and so often you capture something with your camera that you don't even realize - as was the case this time. :)
Steve
Richard, what a great story. Our Association sponsored a project called "Mend a House" a few years back. We had a great time helping a family fix up their home for a worthwhile cause. Haven't had an opportunity to work on a "Habitat for Humanity" home yet,. Our Association promises to do one in the future. I will be there.
I'm sure you made Mrs. Claus very happy. Have a great day with your family and Merry Christmas.
Richard - a very fortunate bit of serendipity for both of you. Merry Christmas.
Richard, thanks for the story. It's nice to get some real positive reinforcements before I sit down with the family for the holiday supper. Have a great Christmas.
Mark...
Thanks so much and the same to you!
Matt...
I got some mileage out of the pepperoni story this morning ... my daughter said that she had never heard that one before! Merry Christmas!
Don...
Our board supplies some money and lots of volunteers. It's a worthwhile cause!
It's interesting how two people's paths cross, and the outcome that occurs. It goes to show that just getting "out there" and participating in community events can lead to great new contacts.
Now, more than ever, if everyone could just carry that "Christmas Spirit" for every day of the entire year!!!!
Richard, cool story! I once heard that a coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous! Merry Christmas!
HI RW - What great photos and a chance re-meeting story. Merry Christmas! Have a spectacular day! I'm off for spaghetti & pork chops......:). KM
Steve...
And it was a decent photo too!!! What a neat coincidence, and it worked out for both of us ... I got a good post out of it! Merry Christmas.
Michael...
One of the great things about participating in a local board is the community involvement! Glad to hear that your board is active in that department as well! Merry Christmas, my friend.
Mike...
It was serendipitous indeed. Have a great Christmas, my friend!
What a great story! Nothing happens by accident...that's what I say! Merry Christmas!
Gabe...
Have a great day, and try not to eat too much! Merry Christmas.
Vickie...
And at first, I was fairly convinced that I did NOT have a photo! It is funny how things work out!
Cheryl...
I agree, in these tough times it's a little harder to "set aside" for community service. But now is when the need is greatest. Have a very merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Richard! May the New Year bring you great blessings of faith, love, great health and wealth for you and all your loved ones.
Hi Richard... What a wonderful story! And Habitat for Humanity is, indeed, a wonderful organization that does good work! Thanks for reminding us all! Merry Christmas.
This sounds like a success all the way around! A plug for Habitat, which is a phenomenal organization, a favor for a great lady, and some PR for my friend, the talented Richard Weisser!
T&D...
I have never heard that before, but I like it! Thanks and merry Christmas!
Kristin...
Enjoy your day with your family, and I expect a full report on the meal! Merry Christmas, my friend!
Trish...
And I hope you have a great holiday weekend! Thanks for the comment!
Richard: A Happy Christmas Coincidence. I love it when stuff like this happens. Love the pic of the Christmas lights too.
It is a great picture. It's wonderful when things work out the way they should. It may come to pass when they need property to build a house and you could help. I hope your Christmas is wonderful today Richard.
What a nice story I'm sure she is very appreciative of the photo. Merry Christmas.
Hi Richard! Talk about being in the right place at the right time! And, hey, there's you someone to add to that sphere!! What a great story!
Jim...
Thank you for the kind words ... and the same to you! here's to a great 2009!
Steve...
A I hope that you had a great Christmas! Thanks, my friend.
Susan...
Thank you my dear friend, but no hugs and kisses? I hope that you had a fantastic day!
Hi Richard, That is a great story! And you got a wonderful picture of Mrs. Santa Claus with her dog!
Richard,
We have a very active Habitat for Humanity in College Station/Bryan.
Cute Mrs. Claus. I can see why Santa has that twinkle in his eye!
I have a strong feeling that this is only the beginning of the story and there will be more to come in 2009. There's a reason that you and Mary Lou crossed paths. Merry Christmas!
Richard:)Great story and great picture of Ms Claus. Habitat for Humanity is a very worth while organization. Our Habitat resale store just closed due to the economic conditions and I loved to go to that store you could find some really cooooool stuff. Merry Christmas.
Richard...sounds like she is an unsung hero for you association. Small world tho isn't it
Richard, I loved reading this but don't believe in coincidences. Somewhere down the road something will come up again with this person--for one reason or another. Please let us know if when it does.
I agree with Carole P. It is nice when things come together. I am glad you could help her out.
I'd say to stick with your original verbage - sounds like a miracle to me!! Fun story! ~A:)
Richard, what a wonderful story. I bet you made her season!!
Happy holidays to you!
You just never know what they day will bring do you?