ZOUNDS!

Zounds!  This is the last posting for this ABCs of Kindness adventure!  Time flies.  And this was fun!  Many thanks to Betsy for inviting me to share it with her from z beginning to z end!  It was a privilege to write about how kindness matters.  Also thanks to anyone and everyone who read part or all of our bits.  I've indulged in another, the last, of my longer entries.

Now for this week of Zs I've become overwhelmed by all the Z words and associations with kindnesses which just happened in a relatively organic way.  To begin this Z week I went to a website I've come to enjoy called The Phrontistery (a thinking place).  This website highlights unusual words beginning with specified letters.  I do want to share some fun, seemingly random Z words.  Zarf - an ornamental holder for hot coffee cup.  I put this in for Betsy, the coffee fanatic.  Zebrinny- offspring of male horse and female zebra.  Zyzzyva (is this one great?)- a South American weevil.  Zenography - the study of Jupiter.  Zizal - a chipmunk.  Zoolatry - excessive devotion to animals or pets.  Zoopathology - the study of animal diseases.

Now these last two Z words actually do relate to my small attempt at acts of kindness within a day, Thursday of this week because Rowdy (see below), Service Dog for Therapy, needed to spend a day at the Animal Hospital/Emergency Vet for a planned day of diagnostic testing with multiple specialists.  I spent some time thinking about what the continuum for zoolatry is and how one might determine what is excessive.  I also spent time awaiting word on zoopathology related to Rowdy's gut.  

With that time I did a lot of observing of others as well as some reading and a little television viewing. The day began at 7 a.m. when Rowdy and I arrived in order to be first in line for the cardiologist.  This specialist also used his ultrasound technology to provide a preliminary look at Rowdy's intestines. Communication with GI specialist, Rowdy's primary provider at this hospital took place.  After this, time to wait.

We waited in the car and inside.  When inside, I actually saw a beautiful baby zebra on the Today Show being broadcast on the waiting room television.  (How convenient for this blog.) She had such large dark eyes and big eye lashes and striking stripes.  More waiting.  I read an article in our state's monthly magazine about the best sweets/pastries around.  Zeppoles were featured.  I decided upon a future act of kindness with these delicious Italian delicacies.  The next time I'm in the neighborhood where the bakery is that features the best zeppoles in the state, I'll buy 1/2 dozen and suggest that they be given away at random to unsuspecting but pastry seeking customers.

Next came the radiologist's first go at an ultrasound of Rowdy's belly.  That was over quickly and the radiologist explained she would share results with Rowdy's doc, the GI specialist.  More waiting.  The GI doc found us outside walking and shared the good news and the concerning news which meant the need for another more specific ultrasound with sedation of the spleen.  More waiting.

During this next spell of waiting I went to grab lunch and purchased two large tubs of chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal raisin cookies to add some potentially flavorful zest into the lives of the many working in the animal hospital.  They were received without fanfare and I hope, enjoyed in the back recesses in the staff room.    I then sat down for more observation of the comings and goings of dogs on chemo therapy, cats with diabetes, senior animals and younger mischievous types who got into something.  Each time animals and their people were reunited there was a great deal of zeal in the way they joined up.  Tails wagging, petting, high pitched voices, laps of love and important medical information imparted about needs for ongoing care etc.  As the day went on I had zero question about the dedication of all whom I witnessed working with these animals and their people.  It was impressive.

Rowdy is still in the midst of being diagnosed.  The specialists have narrowed down that there is a part of his intestine that is not functioning properly.  The reasons for this are unclear.  Some more discussion and decision making is in order.  Zoolatry- excessive devotion to animals or pets.  I'm not sure if it is possible to be excessively devoted, not after observing a day in the life of this emergency animal hospital.  Sure, one has to be able to afford the care and that's no small expense.  But who is to say that supporting a healthy life, a quality life for an animal is not worthwhile?  It is a tricky question given all that is going on in the world and all the ways kindness must be extended in order to help make the world a more peaceful place.

These thoughts infiltrated my day this week and will continue to be amidst my thoughts as I commit to taking care of Rowdy so that he can continue to provide unconditional regard in his work for those who are a part of care at a psychiatric hospital.  Meanwhile, this weekend I believe I'll make some baked ziti for a friend who just moved or for my friend's parents who are struggling with cancer.  And maybe I'll make some zucchini bread for neighbors or those at work.  No matter what, I remain committed to providing acts of kindness from A-Z.  I will also try to acknowledge those acts of kindness, large and small which I encounter from day to day!

May kindnesses abound for all you readers.

Z End

At the end of the day there is nothing better than putting your head on the pillow and catching some ZZZs.  So it seems only natural that for my last entry in the ABCs of kindness I should help someone do just that.

I thought about writing the most boring entry I could think of to help lull the reader to sleep.  But that didn't feel right.  Leaving some Ambien on a park bench for someone to find?  A bad idea on several levels.....Helping someone fall asleep is a rather tricky act of kindness.

And then it struck me. Good Night Gorilla. My all time favorite children's going to bed book ever.  I give a copy to anyone I know who is having a baby.  It is a standard gift when I'm attending a birthday party for
children five or under. And even though my boys are twelve and eleven, we still have our copy hanging around the house. Today I bought one and added it to my small pile of gifts to donate as Christmas comes closer. And I hope that some child somewhere, along with their mom or dad, enjoys the  gorilla sneaking in the house for a snuggle with the zoo keeper and his wife while the mouse with the banana keeps a watchful eye, as much as we did.

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Thank you to all who have followed this blogging adventure A to Z. Your words of encouragement and support have been the key to helping me see this project through to the end.  And of course the biggest thank you of all goes to Kim, my partner in blogging and kindness  who made this commitment along with me and helped prove that doing something with a friend is always more fun.

YOGA

Two weeks ago I was invited to participate in 30 consecutive days of yoga.  My dear friend, who lives half way across the country, explained that she, her daughter, her sister-in-law, and her niece were entering in this endeavor and would I like to join.  This invitation was the act of kindness I received.  And, as is so often the case, when kindness is given it begets kindnesses.

In this last week I have taught yoga to unknowing teenagers.  An asana (pose) here, an asana there.  The act of standing firm (mountain pose) and then reaching straight up and then rising up on tip toes with careful inhalations and exhalations, brings one to center or leads one to step to keep balance.  Still, being more aware of oneself in the now happens even briefly.

The women with whom I'm sharing this practice and I have engaged in ongoing communication about our experiences.  We share when chair pose leads to burning in the thighs and more deeply we share that shavasana or corpse pose, is about all we can muster in a day.

This week, as we share this yoga experience we are also sharing with one another in a rather sacred space and time in one woman's journey as she helps ease her father from this world to the great beyond.
I've attempted to listen to my friend's experiences of a more vast yogic practice of awareness, presence in a way that honors her every breath and her father's final breaths.  I believe the commitment to engaging with my friend and her relatives (new in my life though not quite strangers) in daily yoga and sharing the details of our lives through writing creates a circle of continuous opportunity for kindness amongst us and beyond just us.  I honor my dear friend in this difficult time and feel great gratitude for the yoga we are experiencing together and sharing with others.

The yoga will continue as Betsy and I head into our last blogging week of Z!  I can't believe it is now the week of Z!!!!!   Look out zebras, here I come!

Yo

As in Yo-Yo of course.  Since I collected some toys for X, I thought I would add a few more to add to the pile since holiday toy drives are just around the corner.  And while I am not a fan of yo-yos myself, having never mastered the skills needed to look cool playing with one, I do know my kids enjoy them.  Although, now that I think about  it, they never quite figured out how to use one either....But it doesn't seem to interfere with there enjoyment.

So come December a few more kids will have the opportunity to  conquer the timeless trick of walking the dog and whatever else people do with those things.

And now, and can hardly believe the time has come that we are on to Z!

Almost Stumped by X

I'm coming in late on this entry, a day past our self imposed deadline. Why? Because I was absolutely stumped by X.  I perused the dictionary...several times with no brilliant, or dull for that matter, ideas presenting themselves for kind acts that started with X.  Fortunately I discussed this dilemma with a co-worker  who immediately said "What about X-Men?"  Of course!  How could I be the only female living in the home with my two sons and my husband, the trio that never lets a super-hero movie opening day pass without our attendance, and not have thought of X-Men as the obvious answer?

I've purchased a couple  action figures, Wolverine and Magneto.  I have learned in my vast experience in living with boys that it is important to have a good guy and a bad guy.  They've been tucked away in my close waiting until Christmastime when they will get donated to local toy drive. 

Hopefully good and evil can co-exist until that time.

Xenophobia and Xylophones

Yes, I'm going to try and make some sort of connection here...  This may take more words than other entries.  It's a bit of an essay that follows...thank you ahead of time for proceeding, if you choose to do so.  If this warning of length leads you to choose to pass this up, please know that is fine as well...  You can proceed to your own act of kindness in the time you've saved by carrying on.

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Xenophobia is the X word that jumped into my mind many months ago when we first embarked upon this project.  I had no idea how in the world, yes, how in the WORLD, I would be able to work this in.  Xenophobia -The fear of foreign people.  Xenophobia is a word that has been actively on my mind for at least half my life, I think it's fair to say.  I realize this may sound strange to others however I have always felt passionately about the idea of giving all people a fair shake in life, no matter what.  Is that always easy to do?  No.  But, I do feel it is an essential driving force in my life.

Who knew that this very week I would be in a country other than my own?  Who knew that I would be in Logan International airport?  Who knew this week of X would fall just after the 10th Anniversary of 9/11?  This is all true.  This all happened and was not at all contrived.  Strange.

I have travelled to Canada to a small town called Niagra-on-the-Lake in Ontario.  When at Logan I was in line to prepare to go through security.  In front of me was a family from India.  There were three generations.  Grandparents, parents and one very cute, I'd say three year old girl with curly, dark brown hair and big, wide open, brown eyes.  Parents were attempting to prepare to go through all the check-points, shoes off, belongings in bin and NO DRINKS.  Well, one passenger in the family was not prepared to give up her sippie cup.  Whatever was in there was simply too good to throw out or it was simply the concept of "Mine" that was dictating the dance between parents and otherwise good natured, smiling girl.  Mother was becoming embarrassed.  She looked my way more than once.  I smiled as I exchanged looks with her.  In one more look back at me she mouthed, "I'm sorry."  I chuckled and made sure to say aloud, "No problem at all.  Don't worry about it."  She seemed to relax, maybe.  The dance continued through about two more zig zags.  I engaged in some more chat during that time.  The little girl turned her little head around like an owl to see who was talking about that cup of hers.  She laughed and held the cup tight.  While in line I noticed the high number of people with passports, with distinct clothing, and who were talking languages other than English.  I thought about how intimately involved Logan Airport was with 9/11/01.  I considered the impossibility of knowing, while standing in line, what the future holds at any point in time.  And file through the x-ray machine we did, in the name of safety.

The Indian family was on the same flight as me.  We acknowledged each other through head nods and smiles several times.  The little girl and her parents and I nodded a "so long" as they were picked up outside baggage claim.  I then travelled with my parents to this little town on Lake Ontario to spend a special week with my parents.  We are partaking in the Shaw Festival - a festival of plays that lasts from Spring through Fall each year in this town.  The streets of the town are filled with people from all over the world.  I suspected I might hear some French.  I've also heard many English/Irish/Scottish accents. There will be a play filled with Australian accents.  I've heard German, Dutch and I noted an Asian group but did not hear them as they were further up the road.  Many languages, many people.  Smiles exchanged, "hellos" as we pass on the streets.  Friendliness among people from different places.

Friendliness, smiles, acknowledgment between human beings, kindnesses -- all ways to conquer hatred, misunderstanding, conflict, prejudices.  Another way to express emotion, to communicate in a common way is through the language of musical expression.  One play seen yesterday filled the space between scenes, before and after the play with Irish music.  The play, Drama at Inish, also ended with all characters waltzing in a small hotel's common room.  The first play we saw, George Bernard Shaw's Candida, had original music composed for scene changes.  Are you guessing what the primary instrument used in this original music by Reza Jacobs was?  Yes, the XYLOPHONE!  And the music augmented the meaning in the performance.

Music is a language unto itself.  The commemorations on 9/11/11 nation-wide and world-wide included music as a way to pay tribute, to be mindful, to remember.  Music can and does maintain, create and sustain peace in the world.  It can be a tool for defeating xenophobia which can quickly lead to unrest, discord, and at its worse, the most unthinkable disasters. 

So X has brought about a serious subject intertwined with the salve of music.  Think about xylophones and kindnesses as you move through the now that is today!  Kindness to others promotes peace in the world!
Good day!

You are Welcome!

W, W, W...

The word "Welcome" kept coming to mind.

You're welcome follows thank you.
You're welcome to join in.
You're welcome.

You're welcome shown by a nod of the head.
You're welcome as you're waved into traffic.
You're welcome following the two day task of taking down a fallen tree.
You're welcome.

You're welcome to speak your mind.
You're welcome to create.
You're welcome to ask for help.
You're welcome to receive help.
You're welcome.

Welcome.