Page 92 of A Home for Harmony

She always felt a little sorry for Danielle and wished she could have spoken up more, but people can’t change who they are.

“That makes the world go around,” Harmony said, smiling.

“That’s because you’re more open-minded than the rest,” Danielle said. “I love Lizzie and all. She’s nice, but I don’t get to work with her much since she changed departments.”

“That happens,” she said. “So, what are you doing now?”

“I’m still looking for another job,” Danielle said. “I mean, I’ve got money put away and I’ll be fine. I moved back home with my mother to get out of the city and think I’ll do something part time, but I really want to focus on my vlog.”

“I’d love to help,” she said. “I never knew you were interested in doing that. What’s it going to be about?”

Danielle smiled on the other line. Her brown hair was straight and down, a part in the center. Her clear framed glasses were almost too big for her face, but it gave her character.

Everyone may be quirky in their own way and the oversized burgundy sweater with a black checkerboard pattern was vintage unique.

“I love doing origami. There is an entire world out there of people doing it and I thought it’d be neat to help everyone see what we do. You can make amazing things with paper.”

Harmony smiled at the light and excitement in Danielle’s voice. Something she didn’t see often. “I’d love to see something. I’m surprised I never saw anything on your desk before. Or that you never brought it up when we talked.”

There were times Danielle tagged along with her and Lizzie when they went to lunch or had a drink after work, but Danielle did more listening than partaking.

The few times Danielle asked if they could go out, just the two of them to do something, Harmony always had something else going on.

Danielle reached over, picked up a frog and put it in front of the camera and then moved it closer and turned it to all the sides.

“I didn’t have any on my desk,” Danielle said. “You’d be surprised how many people make fun of it.”

“Boo on them,” she said. “No one should make fun of another person’s passion. I love it. It’s so cute. You’ve got to have a lot.”

Danielle picked up her camera that was attached to her laptop and moved it around. Harmony saw a big scan of the room and everything made of paper imaginable on shelves and a dresser, the desk.

“I spend a lot of time doing it,” Danielle said. “It keeps me entertained. I’ve got some OCD and anxiety that I’ve never mentioned before. I’ve always found it hard to talk to people in person. Don’t you feel so empowered behind a screen?”

“I don’t think I’m any different behind a screen than I am in front of it. Just be you whether it’s in person or not. People can spot someone who isn’t genuine a mile away.”

“Oh,” Danielle said, her head dropping.

“Hey.” She waved her hand. She didn’t know what came over Danielle just now. “You’ve never had a problem talking with me.”

“That’s because you’re more open and accepting of people,” Danielle said. “But as you can see, it’s a hobby that turned into more. I’m not saying I want to make a living doing this.”

She knew a topic shift when she saw one and wouldn’t embarrass Danielle more talking about their different personalities.

“Well,” she said. “First off, think bigger. Or small. That’s your choice. You said you want to get this vlog set up to show people what you do, so are you talking about doing instructional videos?”

“Oh,” Danielle said. “I hadn’t thought of that. I just thought I’d share with others the things I’ve made.”

“That’s a great way to start. But you could also do some instructional videos and post them. You’ll get a following that way. It could lead to income there. You could also market special events to sell your creations for. Find a shop like Etsy, and maybe make items for weddings, bridal showers, baby showers.Things like that. People could and might enjoy giving them away for favors.”

“I’ve never thought of that. I’ve got flowers. Hang on.”

Danielle jumped up and walked out of the room, so Harmony took that time to do a quick search and found there was a small market out there for paper bouquets. Just an idea.

“Those are so beautiful,” she said of the bouquet that Danielle brought in of roses. “I love flowers. I always have.”

“I know,” Danielle said. “You’re always wearing those designs from the Blossoms products you get.”

“I can’t help it,” she said. “They are great. I’m going to share my screen with you right now on what I’ve found and I’ve got to say your bouquet is much nicer. Check these out.”