One day I had an accident.   A large BMW SUV put a hole in my front bumper.  We both pulled over and got out of our cars to assess the damage.  The large tow-jack on the back of the BMW was totally intact without a scratch to be seen...but in the front of my shiny happy yellow beetle was a large puncture, in the dead center of my bumper.  We pulled out our insurance forms, but low and behold her insurance had expired, just a month's post expiration date for renewing. She was sure her husband would be upset with her.  "No worries," I said.  "Let's just wait & see on this, and if you don't hear from me... we are good to go."  I told her to assess any damage done to her car and to let me know.  So off I went to this auto body repair that was recommended to me.  When I pulled up front there was no one there.  Then some of the neighbors of the business said "You looking for Mark?"  I said "I guess so, I am here to get a damage assessment."  "Well he's not here;  he should be back later; he's probably out surfing."  I called later and nobody answered the phone.  Later, I called again and found out he was open.  Finally!  So, I went over.  He pulled out a blow dryer for cars and started bending out my hole.  At the recommendation of a friend,  I told him I decided I wanted the hole just big enough to put some flowers in there.  Now I have the only car in San Diego, or anywhere in the world, as far as I know that has a bouquet of flowers in the front bumper!  Totally appropriate for a beetle, I think, especially a yellow one.  And, as I remember that day, it reminds me that any challenge can be turned into an opportunity.   A so called "woohoo experience"!

Even though I was traumatized by the accident at first, as the story unfolded.  It turned out to be one of the best things that could have happened to my car.  When I am driving down the street, in La Jolla. California,one of the most beautiful tourist spots ever, people are often looking not at the ocean but at my car!  It is a reminder to me thatI need to always be aware that people may be looking at my ca--not just at the license plate that says "♥ LAFFN"  but at the flowers that greet people anywhere I go.  I know I must always wear a smile to match.  No one expects to look at a yellow beetle with flowers & a "♥  Laffn" and see a sour face!  So, I keep my smile not only in my heart, but also on the outside to encourage any passer-bys! 

When the road gets rocky in life, how do YOU make lemonade?

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