Even though the sky was a stunning canvas of vibrancy yesterday morning, my mind was in a funk. Worries flooded each thought, and each worry got stuck like gum under a school desk. But I had to get on with the day – first stop was the post office. I was happy to see that street parking was ample. As I pulled up to the curb, I noticed the truck in front of me was about to leave, so I waited. When the truck pulled out, I pulled up, leaving room for parking behind me. I’ve done this a million times before, and sometimes finding a parking spot feels like winning the lottery. Plus, it’s nice to be able to park with lots of room rather than attempting to squeeze in between two cars. Why not make things easy for the next person?
After I finished inside, I headed for my car. As I sat with my foot on the break, hands on the wheel about to leave, a woman pulled up beside me, motioning for me to roll down my window, which I did. She said, “I just want to thank you for pulling up so that the lady behind me and I could pull in right behind you. There’s a lot of rudeness nowadays, so we found your gesture to be very kind.”
“Of course, I was happy to do that.” I replied, a bit surprised by her kind gesture for the same reason. Then we both went on our merry way. However, the funk that dominated my thoughts earlier had dissipated because I brought a smile to two women from a little bit of kindness. What could have been a frustrating undertaking for them was made a little easier – the gift of a parking space!
This moment yesterday may seem unimportant, but my experience proves that not only does a simple act of kindness brighten the recipient’s day, but it does the same for the ‘kindness provider.’
Okay, so I’m one day late. But don’t you agree that every day should be a day for kindness? Nowadays, kindness is needed more than ever, so spread some today and tomorrow and the day after…
Pay someone a complement. Their story isn’t known – it could be one of sorrow where one simple friendly gesture could bring a smile, and we know how smiles make us feel. 😁
Let’s stick together! Be kind! Be respectful! Be human!
Things I Know, Believe, and Imagine
I know hearts can shatter if beaten down, and souls can be crushed if pounded, and those judging others appear to be close-minded. I believe people should live the life they were intended.
I believe differences afford knowledge. Why is violence the chosen solution for those who loathe a culture or religion?
I imagine everyone opening their hearts and minds… Can you envision this landscape, like spring blooming every day, budding across borders and state lines? A glorious bridge connecting us all… if only.
I know the ideals of respecting and accepting will stay models to be repeated until the narratives mend, and I hope they do, because no one deserves to exist beneath a cloud of pretense. I believe all people should have the freedom to live within the arms of truth.
I can imagine how invisible scars create hell for the heart.
I believe Love should remain the center of all humankind, but since hate continues to linger on the streets, here’s a question to ponder… what should we do differently?
A few days ago, a friend of mine surprised me with flowers and a card with such beautiful and thoughtful sentiments. I was truly touched, and the first thing that came to mind was gratitude…for so many things in my life. So, I’m sharing the flowers with you today and a poem from one of my favorite poets, Mary Oliver. Her words will give you something to think about…
The Summer Day
Who made the world? Who made the swan, and the black bear? Who made the grasshopper? This grasshopper, I mean – the one who has flung herself out of the grass, the one who is eating sugar out of my hand, who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down – who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes. Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face. Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away. I don’t know exactly what a prayer is. I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass, how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields, which is what I have been doing all day. Tell me, what else should I have done? Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon? Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
Thank you again for all the love, hugs, and prayers. Please know that your kindness means a lot to me. The pain has either been silent or less intense this week; it’s so unpredictable, but I’m starting treatment soon, so I pray it will make a big difference.
Happy Friday, and I wish you a wonderful weekend ahead!There is no way to go but forward!
This past Saturday was the Celebration of Life for my dear father-in-law. The sun shone boldly in the vast, blue sky and the air was cold in the mid 50s. Not weather for shorts or flip flops, but truly glorious for this special December event. It took a village to make the service what it should be, and the village was successful. The speakers (including me), the music, the memories, and the reception following with delicious food and conversation reflecting upon this ‘gentle’ man who lived a little more than a centuryall flowed seamlessly.
Verses from one of my poems were printed on the back of the bulletin:
A Life Well Lived
Tears may spill into our days, but so do the memories and celebrations of a life well lived.
Our eyes are open to the legacy he has left and the yesterdays that were shared with him…
so, we will honor his wish… we will smile for our tomorrows.
About 90 people attended, so you can imagine the many stories gently weaving around each one of us as we talked about our father, father-in-law, grandfather, and friend. It really was a perfect day and we knew Wil was present in spirit, smiling and laughing along with us. My husband’s second cousin flew in from Idaho, and she is one crafty woman! She remindsme of my mom and mother-in-law who could skillfully sew, knit, or crochet anything!It was great to see her, but it was also fun to catch up. She’s been working on a new project – crocheting items for Random Acts of Crochet Kindness USA. (Members in this groupcrochetsmall, meaningful items that are placed in randomlocations in their communities for anyone to find. A thoughtful verse is included to brighten the finder’s.)
She brought some adorable and beautiful creations. Here are two that are reveling in the comfort and scent of our tree:
Traditionally dream catchers were made from a willow hoop or calabash covered with decorative fabric on one side and feathers on the other to be hung near a person’s bed. In this way, the dream catcher is said to protect people from bad things that happen in their sleep as well as bad omens during the day. (Googled)Meet Lorelai!
I have never heard of this organization, but any act of kindness is commended, and I can see how these handmade items would uplift the spirits of many people, especially during the holiday season when not everyone sings, “Joy to the World.” I’ve always loved dream catchers, and Lorelai is so adorable! How can you not smile when you see those purple glasses, vibrant colors, and cute, yellow beak?
Well, this post is coming to an end and will be my last post and day of blogging for 2023. I will visit as many blogs as possible today, but I apologize in advance for missing so many. Unfortunately, blogging has taken a back seat. Our son is home from his 7-month road trip, so we’re enjoying his wonderful presence, company, and humor, and even though Wil’s service is behind us, we’re in the middle of settling his estate and perusing his belongings where more treasures are surfacing.And we can’t wait to see our daughter and SIL for Christmas. I’m sure you can guess thatI’ll leave you with a poem, one from 2020, but words that still seem fitting for today…
A Christmas Soliloquy
The noble fir smells heavenly Pervading throughout the room Lights twinkle in red and green Adding to its festive costume.
Stockings embellish the mantel Eager to be filled with treats Garland graces letters in gold Spelling out P.E.A.C.E.
Dangling to model icicles, White lights sparkle on eaves Ornaments shimmer on branches All this, the stuff of dreams.
But can dreams still come true After this year, so displeasing? Amidst the tears and heartache, Is there room for believing?
I have faith that joy weaves Its way through the pain Angels keep watch while Love Is the magic that remains.
I don’t know your story The details are yours alone But I do wish you Happiness That you may seize and truly own…
As we listen to the marching rhythm Of the exultant Christmas drum For these holidays upon us And for the New Year to come.
Just click on the image to purchase your copy, and if you enjoyed this collection, please consider writing a review, a hug for indie authors. 💚
Thank you VERY much for stopping by, and I wish you a peaceful holiday season filled with lots of hugs, giggles, cookies, and carols. The gifts may be fun, but the people, the connections bring the most joy. Sending you all holiday hugs as I continue to keep those who are suffering in my heart.
I look forward to seeing you all in 2024!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!! 🎄⛄️❄️🎉 ~ Lauren ❤️
I was so overwhelmed in a good way by the outpouring of compassion from yesterday’s post, that this poem came to mind. But be aware, I wrote it on the fly. 🙂 It may not be the best, but I hope the message comes through loud and clear. I also learned that pink is the color for gratitude, so my rose is shared once again.
Hesitation can be a crucial sign Listen to our intuition But it may just be fear in disguise Holding us back from consolation.
Kindness pours in from around the world Taking time to listen with a big heart Lending a hand through encouraging words Sending virtual hugs to erase the hurt.
I am humbled by the compassion I am grateful for the suggestions I ache for the pain you feel, too But moving through is the best we can do.
I will catch up on reading blogs later today. Thanks again for all the wonderful suggestions that I will look into. Like I mentioned yesterday, one day at a time.
After clicking on the above link, you’ll see my poem on the right sidebar on the very top, “The World is Broken.”
Voting will cease on Wednesday, March 1st, and soon after we will reveal the winner. Please note, you need to register and/or login to vote. The winning publication will be featured on Spillwords.com sidebar during the entire month of March.
I am truly honored to receive this nominationand to be among so many talented authors!
If you haven’t read my poem, “The World is Broken,” you can read ithere .
Now, the last thing I want to ask anyone to do is to create another account and password! I’m sure the mental cabinet you stash away your millions of accounts and passwords tilts as much as your TBR!!! But, it doesn’t hurt to ask, right?
So, would you be so kind as to vote for me before March 1st? I would greatly appreciate your support! But there is no pressure to create an account and I understand that dilemma. 🤗
Most importantly,Thank you for stopping by, for voting if you do, and for simply reading and considering!
It was that time again to stock up the pantry and fridge, so I meandered through the grocery store, strolling up one aisle and down the next until everything on my list was checked off. When I was standing in line with a full cart for just a few minutes, I noticed the man behind me holding only two items in his hands. “Would you like to go ahead of me?” I offered.
“Oh, no thank you. I’m fine.” He replied.
“No, really. I don’t mind waiting.” I insisted, so he humbly accepted. While he paid for his items, I read a new text from my husband that just pinged. When I looked up, the man was finishing the transaction.
“Thanks again for your kindness,” he said to me, while gently tossing a $50 bill that I watched float through the air as in slow motion, landing on my loaf of bread! “Oh, my gosh! I can’t accept that!” I was shocked to see the money in the first place, but then realizing it was a $50 bill had me flabbergasted!
“Please, take it. Your kindness has renewed my faith in humanity.” He gently enforced and literally sprinted out of the store, vanishing in seconds. I stood there with Darlene, the checker staring back at me, the biggest smile brightening her face, both of us amazed at the man’s equaled kindness and generosity. She told me to accept the gift, so my first thought was to pass it onto her. Darlene was friendly and so kind, making each customer feel like the most important person in the world, exuding true customer service. And yet, she was not allowed to accept cash gifts. So, I reluctantly slipped the fifty into my purse, waves of shock still rippling through me as I exited the store.
There is no barometer in measuring the value of kindness, but it is apparent that kindness comes in all forms, and I can’t wait to pay it forward to reaffirm this generous man’s faith in humanity.
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author 