Hello there

As you know I have been spreading the smiles of The SMILEY CARDS now for a few weeks and I thought I would report back on the responses to The SMILEY CARDS.

Yesterday early evening I flew on a Qantas flight from Canberra to Sydney. You know that time of day when people are tired, they are programmed to shut down from work, kick their shoes off and relax with a quiet drink before they get dinner.....

Well that's the myth anyway!

Instead we had all rushed to the airport, waited in rather inadequate holding pens (Canberra International Airport is under upgrade to the kind of airport a national capital should have!) and then rushed to find our seats.

We had gone through the usual air safety drill - I watch these just to see how many people are actually listening or taking notice and fortunately for me my neighbouring passengers were being attentive which was rather comforting.

And then the crew begin the process of feeding and watering the passengers. Now in light of the fact that the Canberra/Sydney flight is usually not more than 55 minutes  and with a good tailwind can be down to as little as 40 minutes that is not much time to get to every passenger with a sandwich and a beer!

Yesterday was no exception but even where I sat near the back of the plane I could here the complaints.

"How am I expected to eat and drink this with no tray available and in 5 minutes?" one passenger exclaimed loudly.

This was followed by some other less savoury but more robust comments that I shall not repeat because I'm a lady!

The cabin crew were profession and calm throughout but the smiles were strained.

When we had landed and most of the passengers had disembarked I got The SMILEY CARDS out of their card holder, sprayed them in an arc and asked the crew to take one.

People are always a little hesitant at first, but the hot pink colour is inviting and my smile is innocent and their curiosity overcomes them. The first crew member turned hers over her face creased into a big grin and then she burst out laughing. The others quickly followed suit.

"Oh! That has made my day!' one of the crew exclaimed which is exactly what the cards are for;

to make someone's day, lighten the load and bring back the joy in the moment.

I left the cabin crew to finish their work and went on my way to stand in the queue waiting for taxis and wondered how many of them needed a lift?

If I come up to you offering you the opportunity to choose one of The SMILEY CARDS, you know what you have to do, don't you?

Wishing you the limitless blessings of SMILES..

Melody