Sinking Six and the Smiles on Saturday

In this week's ABC's of Kindness we find ourselves at S!  My how the alphabet is flying by!  So, I was sauntering about the local farmer's market after a swift, mile and a half walk in the increasingly humid summer morning.  Of course, that sweet dog of mine, Mr. Rowdy, was along for the adventure.  In fact, I believe he has significant appreciation for this particular trip as there are more than several dogs taking in the sights and smells of one another at the farmer's market --two black, standard poodles, a 4 month old French Bulldog, a senior greyhound, several, marvelous mutts, big and small, a white, shorter standard poodle, goldens, labs, teeny chiuauas, a squat corgi -- to name some .  We were stopped repeatedly by curious canine observers asking the usual questions, making similar statements: "What kind of dog is he?  My, he's so tall.  Is he a labradoodle?  What's his name?  He doesn't look rowdy.  He's so soft!  He looks like a stuffed animal!"  I enjoyed watching all the smiles of those with whom Rowdy and I spoke/"spoke" and exchanging smiles with those who walked on by.  Smiles on a beautiful, summer day!  Can't beat that.  After I circled the market to survey the offerings, I made my decisions and went back around to make my purchases.  I so appreciate the hard work that goes into bringing all the fresh fruits and vegetables to the market that I told the vendors from whom I purchased to "keep the change."  More smiles and thanks.

As Rowdy and I were heading out of the thick of the action we passed a booth set up by the local animal rescue league.  They had lots of colorful blue gear, shirts, re-usable shopping bags and the like.  They also had a clear donation box.  I had some left over silver and paper in my pocket from the day's farmer's market budget.  As the gentleman sitting behind the table exclaimed his appreciation of my furry friend I stuffed some silver plus six dollars into the box in the hopes that it would help the animal rescue league continue their humane works to help local animals find good homes but first eat well and have a toy or two while awaiting their perfect placement.  After a nice talk with the volunteer about the work the rescue league is doing and about the dog he is planning to adopt soon and with whom he is hoping to do animal assisted therapy type work, Rowdy and I made our way the mile and a half back to our car.  This was more of a stroll as I was carrying veggies and fruits while sipping an ice coffee and savoring the smiles and chats had at the fresh farmer's market visit.   My small acts of kindness seemed to be a bit among probably many kind words and acts from others, concentrated in a singular park in one part of a city on a summer Saturday morning.  It felt special to me in a simple sort of way.

Smiles to all you readers!