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.

Water Everywhere and Nowhere

It seems that water is in the news every day lately. Too much is causing horrific flooding in some parts of the country. Too little is contributing to raging wildfires in other parts. Yet, last week when my family had no electricity or running water for just three days, I realized that living without lights was easy, living without water was not. I was reminded that turning on the tap for a drink ( more importantly for me, to make a pot of coffee) or a jumping in the shower at the end of the day is a luxury that too many in this world do not have.

Today I made a donation to Water.org, a group whose mission is “providing safe drinking water and sanitation to people in developing countries.” And I made a commitment to my self not to take that morning cup of coffee for granted.

An Act of Kindness at the Vet

It was a total coincidence that today's act of kindness took place in a veterinarian's office during V week.  But I will just consider that perhaps it was meant to be.

I took my dog Misty to see the vet today.  She has some kind of allergy that kicks in every year about this this time. Ragweed maybe? We don't know what it is but when she starts gnawing herself throughout most of the day, it's time for a visit to the doctor.  While she and I were in the waiting room there were two women on the other side of the room holding their cat. One of them was crying and it seemed obvious why they were there.  I hoped that when they were called they did not go to the office on the far end, the one with the couch to make people more comfortable.  My family  has experienced what that room is reserved for. Sadly that was where the women and their cat were ushered.

Shortly after they went in, one of them came out alone and sat back down in the waiting room crying.   At this point she and I were the only people in the room; she on one side and I all the way on the other.  I felt like I should go to her and say or do something.  Actually, I have been in this situation before and wrote about it in my blog The Kindness of Strangers (The Right Thing Without A Thought, May 5, 2010).  When it happened previously, I very much regretted that I did nothing and decided that today would be different.

I walked over to her, taking Misty along with me.  I patted her shoulder and said that I knew that there was nothing I could say or do that would help, but I was sorry. She thanked me as she absentmindedly patted Misty on the head.  We went back to our side of the room and waited to be called for our appointment.

It was a really, really hard thing to do.  Partly because it felt awkward. Also because I worried that I was intruding on an incredibly intimate moment with a complete stranger.  And the biggest fear, I think the one that prevents many people from interacting with folks who are experiencing grief, "What if I say something or do something to make it worse?"   I'll never know for sure what the woman thought or felt about a complete stranger approaching her during her grief.  But I have to hope and believe that she experienced my gesture as it was intended, an act of kindness.

Voltage and Irene

Well, it's not really my turn to write the blog entry first this week but my dear sister blogger has been without voltage, without power due to Irene's forceful waltz through our state.  So, I'm writing now in the hopes that by week's end she will be back on line.  I suppose you could say, it's a sort of act of kindness for me to write first.  I will call her in the morning to tell her I was moved to do this and hope it takes some pressure off.  She gets to determine whether this is kindness.

Electricity has been a prominent reality to contemplate since tropical storm Irene's entrance to our region on Sunday.  My power did go out in the morning for a brief while.  My internet, cable and phone services were down until today.  Not a big deal.  I know this because all I have to do is walk out my back door any time or look out my windows at night and I see darkness.  All my neighbors behind me have no power.  It's been three full days now.  That's a big deal.  So, I realized on Sunday I did have a way to express my gratitude for power... a vast gratitude.  I could offer outlets in my garage to my neighbors behind so they could keep their fridge on.  My neighbors were then and continue to be so thankful.  I've told them I feel guilty for having lights on at night.  The least I can do is offer my outlets.  My neighbor came over this a.m. -- a bright, vibrant, sunny morning and said she was just going to plug into my outside outlet to dry her hair.  Indeed, on my patio, in shorts and a t-shirt, she fluffed and primped with the dryer in the sun.  Did she have to take a cold or a hot shower, you wonder?  Well, her engineer hubby figured out how to hook his hot water heater up to my garage as well.  Shower was hot!

Tonight they awaited me as I arrived home.  One of the two of them had his head lamp on.  I asked what they were doing standing in the dark, leaning against the truck in their driveway.  Their answer was, "What else is there to do?"  We all laughed.  They then proceeded to thank me over and over again.  I told them to quit... they've thanked me enough.  I realized if I were in their shoes, I'd be doing the same thing.

We talked some more.  We considered how we, in our society, have gotten to a place of dependence on our water, power, technology, and fossil fuels beyond our understanding.  Is it necessary to hook up a generator to watch television?  How much food do we really need to store in our refrigerators or freezers?  How long do we need to shower?  I know I'm turning serious here.  So let me just voice this, witnessing the impact of Irene's wrath, which was not nearly as bad as it could have been, has lead me to want to share what I have and to continue to try and use less.

May sister blogger Betsy and family get back on the voltage grid soon so that she and her hubby, boys and dogs and cat can have water and power at their fingertips.
In their honor I'll continue to offer as much assistance to my neighbors as I can.  I'll also offer assistance to Betsy in the morning when I call to check in on her status.

Underwear. Ha Ha Ha

“Where is it?  Under there?  Under where?  Underwear!”  This is part of a joke I remember as a kid.  I actually don’t know the whole joke. I just recall you were supposed to somehow trick someone to say the word “underwear” and that was hilarious.  I suspect I was very young at the time….

During this week of U, the word has been stuck in my head. Taking it as a sign, I purchased several packages of underwear to donate to a local woman’s shelter.  Truth in blogging, I haven’t actually delivered them yet.  I was sidetracked from my plan by the hurricane barreling up the east coast today. More specifically I was sidetracked  by the need to spend the day clearing the yard of any furniture and debris to insure Irene has nothing to pick up and toss around as she blows through.  But I will be sure to deliver the goods next week.

I hope everyone is staying safe and dry this weekend.

The Unexpected

Today I engaged in two acts of kindness.  The first just happened in a spontaneous way.  Towards the end of the cool, summer, morning walk I noticed a woman gardening.  As I approached I was compelled to share a fact I think often but have never been able to share with her.  We made eye contact.  I said, "Good morning."  I went on to say, "I just have to tell you that I really really miss your bakery.  Do you miss it?"  You see, this family ran a local bakery in our neighborhood.  Evidently it existed for a long time in what was a neighborhood hardware store.  When I moved into the neighborhood nearly 6 years ago I saw the sign on this residential looking, odd shaped building that simply read "BAKERY".  On Thursdays the smells of cinnamon began to emanate out.  It was a Swedish Bakery known for all its delectables, especially the unique Swedish coffee bread with cardamom.  Oh their seasonal fresh fruit pies were delectable.  And, indeed, their snickerdoodles were the best I've had in a long, long time.  Ummmm ummmm good -- with a glass of cold milk!  When I asked if she missed the bakery she smiled and said, "Yes, sometimes."  They were open from Thursday through Sunday afternoon.  I let her know how much I missed the smells.  I really only went in the bakery a handful of times.  It was best for my health that way.  I loved taking their carefully made desserts to others to acknowledge celebrations, gatherings and the like.

So, the recollections of this friendly spot and the understanding that it is fun to give treats to the unsuspecting that lead to my next act.  I had errands to run prior to reporting to work.  Among them was going to the veterinary office to pick up my dog's and my cat's food.  Food is a universal expression of thanks, appreciation.  It can turn a mood from down to up.  Food can lead to purring utterances of pleasure.  So, while doing a quick grocery run I picked up a gorgeous bunch of strawberries, a package of freshly made chocolate chip cookies, and a bag of gourmet, healthy popcorn.  I felt the quantity was about right for the office personnel, vets and vet techs.  As I requested my animals' bags of food I presented a bag of treats with an upbeat, "For you all!"  Smiles happened.  Mission accomplished before the food was even sampled.

I had a duty to perform today.  I had a mission to complete the blog.  Out of the duty came two unexpected, unplanned acts which leave me feeling good, and I did not even eat any of the healthy or unhealthy treats discussed or given.  I really enjoy this undertaking -- the ABC's of Kindness!  Here's to Ur week!

A Tad about Tipping and More...

For some reason this week's entry has given me more trouble than I would have anticipated.  I mean, when you think of it, the letter "T" is one of the more prominently seen and used letters in the alphabet.  I don't have the statistics on that but, when I play scrabble I have much less challenge figuring out how to use the "T" than say, the "Q"...    Yet, in the kindness blog, for me, "Q" came with enjoyable ease.

Here's where I've landed regarding my week of "T" kindnesses.  I've been mindful of each opportunity I've had to tip.  I've pondered how, when, and why tipping became a part of conducting oneself in the world.  Mind you, I have not researched it (maybe I will now that I'm thinking about it more),  but for this week, I tipped a tad more than I might usually when getting a couple of ice coffees on a couple of mornings (I'm not quite the coffee addict my sister blogger is).  I had the opportunity to tip when getting a small grinder (sub sandwich) at a locally run joint.  I tipped at another restaurant when having brunch with friends at a super cute restaurant which uses all local ingredients.  I tipped at a local bakery after buying a couple loaves of artisan breads for a pot luck.  Tipping is a concrete way of saying "THANKS"... a really important "T" word and one used in my co-blogger's column this week.

The word "thanks" makes me meander to the "More" part of the title of this entry.  I want to reflect on a way in which I witnessed one family give a heartfelt thanks to another family at the very potluck to which I took the bread mentioned above.  This was so much fun to see.  Kids were playing in the yard.  It was dusk.  The adults were lounging on this marvelous, wide porch.  The tikki torches were lit.  Good conversation surrounded us as did the cool air.  At  a certain point in this idyllic, laid back, summer gathering I heard one mom say to another mom, "Here...  this is for you all.  Do you know where it came from?"  The one mom bestowed upon the other mom this perfectly shaped, medium sized, white pumpkin she'd just harvested from the family's vegetable garden.  She explained that this pumpkin grew out of the compost where the white pumpkin (given by the recipient's family) had been tossed after Halloween last Fall.  There was only one white pumpkin which grew in their garden.  And it was so perfectly shaped.  What a special and thoughtful gift to give this lone,unusual, rare and surprise growth of fruit to the family who gave the gift last year.
This leaves me aware that in yet another way-- what goes around comes around -- in good ways!

Thank a Teacher

I was grateful today for the opportunity to thank a teacher. For several reasons. One, because it is the week of T of course. And two, my husband is a teacher and I know first hand how dedicated most teachers are. And lastly, because it seems that presently teachers and the teaching profession are getting unfairly beat up in the media on almost a daily basis.

The opportunity came I was sitting on the beach today, away on vacation with my family. My husband and the boys had gone back to the house leaving me blissfully alone with the waves and my book. While I was there I overheard the woman next to me talking. It was apparent she was a teacher doing some preparations for the the classroom right there in her beach chair. She had several bags bulging with papers and she was busy making stars decorated with her student's pictures for the classroom. As she was cutting and pasting I heard her commenting about the names. “Oh this is an interesting spelling!” And “I've never had a student named Athena before!” It was apparent that she was very much looking forward to the start of the school year.

As I packed up my chair and book and headed back to the house I stopped by to talk with with her. It felt a little awkward at first, but I was motivated and pushed by my commitment to kindness (or at least  by the commitment that I had to write about SOMETHING). I said that I could not help overhearing her conversation and was cheered by her obvious excitement and enthusiasm. I thanked her for being a teacher and then her mother, who was sitting next to her, chimed in that she was a teacher too. We had a nice chat about teachers, teaching, politics and unexpectedly, about my sister-in-law who, as it turned out, the woman's mom knew from years back. While this wasn't totally as out of left field as it may seem since the house we are currently staying in belongs to my sister-in-law, who is graciously allowing us to spend some time here, I was pleasantly surprised that my act of kindness had morphed into a talk about family connections.  It was a fun  to hear about my brother's wife "back in the day" and about her family as well.

As I walked back to the house I was looking forward to the calling my sister-in-law with the news that I had met a long time family friend, and felt contentment that my effort to push past my comfort zone in the name of kindness with rewarded with such a happy unexpected surprise.

Serendipity

I had a plan for S week. I won't say what it was, but it was a bit contrived and sort of like fitting a round peg into a square hole to make it count for an S. But I planned to do it because it was kind, it was S week and darn it I didn't have any other ideas. But yesterday at work my colleague, who is an avid ABC's of Kindness follower—you might even call her groupie--- pointed out to me that I committed an S act for her in this very week.

She came in to the office a bit flustered because she had forgotten her lunch at home. No worries I told her, she could share mine, some salmon and a salad. At first she said no but I insisted, saying that I had plenty to share. She then accepted, and also reminded me that this could count as triple S act, salmon, salad and sharing. How serendipitous.

And here is the truth, please don't tell her but I actually didn't have enough for two people and there wasn't much left for me. But I knew I was going home early so I planned to I grab some more food at home. Maybe if it were M week I would have told her this -M- being for “martyr” but since it wasn't, I kept that information to myself.

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!

Raffi

I've been looking forward to R because I used to love listening to the children's singer song writer Raffi when my boys were little.  They liked him too but not as much as I did.  I still smile when we remember singing  the Joshua Giraffe song while driving in the car with them.  My older son just rolls his eyes when we mention it but the younger one readily admits there is still a place in his heart for Baby Beluga.

So this weeks act of kindness was easy.  I made a CD of children's music for a few of my friends with little one's  younger than mine.  Not all Raffi, but he was more than reasonably represented.  A sign of the changing times however.....Only a few of my friends still listen to CD's in the car.  Most just plug their ipods in.  Alas, good things come to those who are behind the time- a new eclectic, fabulous (if I do say so myself) collection of children's music to rock out to while driving.

Raffi Rocks!

Quidditch and Reading!

While my sister blogger made her contribution regarding Q kindnesses within the week of Q, I am screeching in late with Q but am on top of R!

This week will include donating three Harry Potter books in the name of a good summer read AND to introduce the awesome game of Quidditch to those who've not learned of it.  If I could find a good Quidditch team to join (even in my middle age) I would!  The thrill of flying, grabbing the snitch, dodging the opponent...  Oh, sorry, got lost in that fantasy AGAIN!

In reality I do believe that reading, having the opportunity to escape through imagination, is a super important skill to acquire from a young age.  If the three recipients of the Harry Potter books don't know of this joy of reading, I genuinely hope Quidditch sparks their interest (and yours?) to read more and maybe even invent an exciting game of her/his own!  READ ON!

Quite a Quandary

Just a little over a week ago I was writing about the wealth of choices with regards to acts of kindness that start with P. At the time, I didn't even consider the dearth of possibilities with Q. Quiz? Quick? Quality? Quote? None of these choices were inspiring and the week went by without an original idea. I was in a.......quandary.

The word that kept floating to the top of the list as I pondered was “quintuple.” But I couldn't think of a correlating act of kindness. For a few days I just hoped I would run into a set of quintuplets on whom that I could bestow some fascinating act of kindness. Alas, by the end of today when it still hadn't happened, I knew I needed to be proactive. I placed a donation of five jars of peanut butter in the collection box at the grocery store for the local food pantry. I considered donating five bags of quinoa, but I know that not every one loves that type thing and I thought leaving food people hate just to fulfill my blog duties would be a little....unkind.

I'm relieved to have Q week behind me. Good riddance and onward to R......

Positivity

First, I must say, my co-blogger's "P" entry has me quaking (oh, that could be included in next week's blog) in my boots.  She turned so many clever phrases as she exclaimed her ultimate act of "P" kindness!  Well done, blogging pal!

Now it is my turn.  Actually I think it was my turn when Betsy took her turn.  I'm rather glad she went first as it has taken some effort for me to actually get to my act this week.

I've had to work hard at work to present with positivity.  Today I chose to honor the very powerful, strong efforts of my co-workers by making the extra effort to notice and express positive work noticed.  I also practiced what I often preach to parents with whom I met -- catch people doing well as opposed to focusing on that which is not going well.  I tried to proclaim the proofs of thoughtfulness, compassion, cooperation, helpfulness as often as I noted them in the adolescents and families with whom I work.

Positivity is intangible.  It's not always measurable.  Yet somehow, when conversation is infused with it, smiles come more readily and communication flows more easily.  When there is a group of folk exposed to such optimism, the ripple effects are experienced.

Here's to taking note of the positive, you know, like the song says: Accentuate the positive.  Eliminate the negative...

It can't always be done but by golly it was worth the effort today.