Feb. 27, 2013 Free Lunch

Lunch at an outdoor cafe, Monaco

As the saying goes, there is no such thing as a free lunch. That may be often true, but today three students enjoyed  their lunches without paying a cent. I enlisted the help of our wonderful cafeteria workers who assured me that they would identify individuals who could benefit from a little financial assistance. For the cost of a couple of boxes of cookies, these recipients received a good, filling meal. There certainly is no guarantee of a free lunch, but if one is able to offer one, it will undoubtedly be appreciated.

Feb. 27,2013

“I think we Americans tend to put too high a price on unanimity, as if there were something dangerous and illegitimate about honest differences of opinion honestly expressed by honest men.”
J. William Fulbright

the path to cooperation is not always straight

People feel most comfortable when others agree with them, validate their opinions, and compliment their styles. We seek others like us and avoid those dissimilar. Generally I find some trait that I like in each individual even if there are characteristics that I don't appreciate. My act of kindness today was difficult, but important. I gave a card to someone with whom I often disagree philosophically. We have had discussions in which I felt my ideas were dismissed; however, perhaps he  believes that I  am unwilling to understand his point of view. As I told him recently, " we will agree to disagree." So, today I gave him a card to express birthday wishes. Life is too short to dwell on the differences among us when there are many tasks to accomplish together.

Feb. 26, 2013 Birthdays

Working with children in Kenya

Regardless of how one celebrates a birthday, it is the one day of the year that each of us feels is ours. It may evoke memories of cake, ice cream, parties hats, and pin the tail on the donkey, or perhaps it was a simple family celebration with a favorite meal prepared. Everyone deserves a message on his/her birthday for it recognizes how much we value the arrival of this person into the world and into our lives. I have a young friend whose birthday is today. She is bright, caring, and full of spirit for new adventures here and abroad. I gave her a flock of chicks for her special day. These little birds will not arrive at her residence, however. They are being sent to a family who will raise them to help feed their children. My birthday friend was excited to share her gift with someone in need. Sometimes the best presents are the ones that reach out to another. Bon anniversaire, mon amie!

Soup weather in the NorthCountry

This is soup season. It feels like spring is around the corner, but there is mushy slush underfoot, dampness in the air, and a brisk breeze reminding us that winter remains present. I have a co-worker who appears briefly at lunch time with a can of soup and a large mug in hand. She heads to the microwave, and while her meal is warming we visit quickly before she returns to her classroom to work on papers, plans, and student assessments. A working lunch is common for many educators, and for a mother with a young child it is often the only way to keep your head above water. It is nearly impossible to accomplish all that needs to be done while giving quality time to a pre-schooler. This colleague and I have experienced several similar life events, although decades apart. I remember well being in her shoes working diligently to remain focused and positive.  She found a couple of cans of soup in her mailbox today as a little reminder what a great mother and teacher she is. Take a minute to let those around you know that you appreciate how they balance the many aspects of their lives. They will appreciate your message.

Feb. 24, 2013

" A grateful nation remembers a generation of quiet heroes"     Abraham Lincoln

WWII Veteran

There are days when I wonder what acts of kindness I might spread. I rarely have a particular deed planned ; I prefer to respond spontaneously to a need that I discover that day. Such was the case today. This morning I read an interesting article in our local newspaper describing an organization called National Honor Flight Network and its local  group whose goal is to raise funds to provide trips for WWII vets to visit the memorials  dedicated to their service in Washington, DC. It was explained that 900 of these veterans are dying each day, and many of them have not seen these monuments honoring their sacrifice. I went on their website and donated some money to the servicemen and women in our area to assist in paying for one of the trips. It seems a small gift in comparison to the commitment they have shown to our country.  You can obtain  more information at www.northcountryhonorflight.org.

Feb. 17 - 23, 2013 New Orleans

Great music complete with tap dancing

New Orleans is a city like no other; its unique blend of Spanish, French, Native American, African, and European cultures is unparalleled in the United States. The brightly painted house, the strains of jazz emanating from the streets, the smells of Cajun and creole foods wafting through the air, and the touch of the breeze blowing across the waters create a sensory overload- so much to see, so much to do, so much to eat!



Ronald Lewis, House of Dance and Feathers

It was rewarding to fulfill some acts of kindness as a small repayment to these people for sharing their charming city with me. The music is addicting; one wants to follow one's ears from street to street locating the performers. For this entertainment, all the groups that I saw received a generous donation.To know New Orleans one must understand its history. A visit to a plantation is an important piece to comprehending this region. Our guide at the Laura plantation was Doug, a polished story teller with corny puns and fascinating tales. He was surprised by a small jug of New York maple syrup at the end of the tour. The Lower Ninth Ward has become synonymous with the devastation from Katrina. I made an appointment with one of the residents to visit his museum called the House of Dance and Feathers. Here we spent an hour with Ronald Lewis, who has dedicated his life to educating people about the culture and creativity of his neighborhood. His message to connect with those near and far to build a supportive network was powerful. I gave Ron another container of our local syrup for his family to enjoy. Near the end of the week we visited the World War II Museum, an enormous building filled with multi media presentations and exhibits which depict the American efforts in this war. The experience leaves one drained, informed, and astonished by the conditions that were endured and the deeds accomplished. I stopped to speak to a WWII veteran who served in the Pacific . He spoke passionately about his personal experiences, and I thanked gratefully him for his service to our country. I left my guide book at our rental house for the next visitor to the Crescent City. I am sure they will find it handy  as they become acquainted with this beautiful, vibrant region.

Feb.17,2013 Hello from New Orleans

Please look for a summary of my acts of kindnesses in a few days. I am looking forward to spreading the surprises in another part of the country! laissez les bons temps rouler!

Feb. 16, 2013

Place Jacques Cartier, Montreal

I was unsure if today's idea for a random act of kindness would be successful, but decided that unless I tried to carry it out, I would never know. My destination was the nearby gas station owned by a great local family. I approached the clerk at the cash register and asked her if anyone was paying cash for their gas at that moment. I had noticed several cars at the pumps, but I realize that many drivers use a card for gas purchases. She informed me that the man just finishing was coming in to pay for his gas. I glanced outside and saw an older couple around 70 years old walking towards the store. I quickly explained that I wanted to leave some money towards their purchase as my good deed for the day to which she smiled and agreed to do so. As I was driving away, I noticed that these people were from Canada. What a nice surprise for our Canadian neighbors. I was delighted that I could complete an international action of kindness this afternoon!

Feb. 15, 2013

Pink Day for Cancer Awareness

It seem highly unlikely that there is anyone who hasn't been touched by cancer on some level. Each of us knows family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers who have dealt with this disease. I am constantly amazed by the strength of those who are undergoing treatments and their resiliency when the cancer is in remission. Today I made a donation to the Relay for Life team of one of my former students. It is a joy to see that some of those who were so dedicated to community service when in high school are continuing to reach out to others as they pursue their college degrees. I applaud his effort to raise money for cancer research and encourage others to support his cause.

Feb. 14, 2013

The Balcony, Romeo and Juliet, Italy

Valentines Day:what a perfect opportunity for little surprises! The school was filled with flowers and chocolate. Some students handed out cards, but  many individuals received nothing. So, I did several small actions to brighten  the day for a few.  I taped a dollar to the vending machine with a message on two occasions. Later, I gave some students money to buy treats at the bake sale, and one of them gave his purchase to his math teacher! Finally I shared my homemade banana bread with a friend. Simple little acts which made me happy, and I believe the recipients enjoyed them as well.

Feb. 13, 2013

Flowers, Point au Roche

It requires many people doing a wide variety of jobs to make any organization function smoothly. We often think of education as being comprised of teachers and administrators; however, there are plenty of other jobs in that little school house  filled by hard working individuals. Our secretaries in the high school office never know what their day will bring. From irate parents, to unhappy children, to fire alarms, to calls for the nurse, they must respond appropriately. It must be difficult to  remain professional with some people and certain situations, but they appear each morning ready to face the expectations of administrators, teachers, staff, students, and the public. Today I brought each of them a small bouquet of flowers. They deserve this recognition for their perseverance. Take a minute to tell those who work in your office how much you appreciate them.

I want to mention that I am seeing so many acts of kindness. Thanks to Lynn for the treats today and Heather for the help this morning. Also, thanks Lori for waiting a long time holding the door open for us this afternoon. You are all an inspiration!

Feb. 12. 2013

our strawberries

Every region has its food specialities which are popular with residents and visitors alike. In the North Country, we have michigans, a hot dog covered with a special sauce, that the locals claim are unique to this area.  Due to the French Canadian influence, poutine is offered at many restaurants and anything made with or covered by maple syrup is appreciated. When one departs from a certain geographic area, one also leaves its culinary delights. Growing up in Oregon, we were surrounded by acres of strawberry fields, green bean patches, filbert trees and  miles of farms harvesting such foods as cabbage,cauliflower, and broccoli. The Willamette Valley offers a veritable feast! Recently, I came upon a jar of jam in a speciality food store. This wasn't just any jam; it was marionberry jam.  Marionberries are large, delicious, juicy, sweet blackberries grown near my home town of Salem. I bought that container of jam and sent it to my youngest son. He likes marionberries as much as I, particularly in Umpqua ice cream, but I wasn't able to locate the ice cream! I guess we will have to wait to go to Oregon to savour that again!

Feb. 11, 2013

Winters in the North Country are brutal with temperatures dipping below zero for days on end, winds whipping across the fields and through the hundred year old homes, and snow drifts making roadways impassable and sidewalks non-existent. We are teased by the occasional days of warmth when the sun appears briefly, and then the frigid weather descends again forcing the citizens to seek shelter. Heating these houses is often difficult and always expensive. People budget year round for the expense of keeping warm in the winter. Fortunately, our local fuel oil company is owned  by a family who has been involved in the community for years. They are a fine example of a business which has been successful and is always willing to help meet the needs of our inhabitants.  I gave Kim a call to ask if I could assist in paying for someone's fuel oil bill. She gratefully accepted my offer, and at my request, she chose the recipient for me. I thank her for her aid. My wish is that this small sum of money will allow one family a little extra in their budget this month  . Keep warm, my friends. Spring is right around the corner!

Feb. 10, 2013 Family

The love of reading starts early.

As I progress on this year long project of completing acts of kindness, I have come to realize that many people are worthy of receiving this actions. First, there are the random strangers who happen to be the recipients of these deeds simply because they are the next in line at the drive through or the coffee shop or wherever the little gift is located. I like to think they experience a happy moment when they discover that they have had their meal paid for or a free coffee. Next, there are the numerous colleagues, friends, and neighbors who deserve to be acknowledged for being caring people who do their jobs well, are kind to others and remain humble. Finally, there is family. Unfortunately, we often take family for granted and neglect to tell them how much we love them. Heeding this warning, today I honor my daughter who is smart, beautiful, athletic, compassionate, and "chouette"( that's awesome in French for the non Francophones). She loves to read, and so, I sent her an electronic book which she'll  devour quickly. My request to all my readers is to take a moment to share my message and reach out to a family member. You won't regret it and neither will they!

Decorating for the Winter Ball

One of the perks of my job is that I have the opportunity to interact with many energetic, enthusiastic, and creative teenagers outside of class. When an educator can share time together in extracurricular activities with students after school hours, the rapport deepens as each understands that the individual is more than just a person in their classroom role. It is important to see the students as part of their families and communities to develop an appreciation for who they are as future leaders and citizens. Such was the case today. I was supervising several students who were decorating for the Winter Ball tonight. I hadn't really wanted to go back to school on this cold, snowy Saturday, but as soon as I began helping these pupils, I was aware of their dedication to getting this job done in a light hearted manner. Tonight I will head again to the decorated cafeteria for four hours to chaperone, and undoubtedly it will be an enjoyable evening.

Feb. 8, 2013

Worcester, MA

Nemo - what a wonderful name for a winter storm! It creates an image of tiny silvery fish drifting down to form a sea of white foam while the winds whip up the frozen particles into waves temporarily suspending them again into the cloudy sky . It was a day to remain indoors watching the powdery snow swirling and drifting around the houses and across the roads. I didn't have to work today, but many people did. The stores and banks were open; the plow drivers were busy. Anyone who had to traipse through this ocean of white deserved a break . I stopped by Subway this morning and paid for the lunch of one of those hardy souls. Winter can be harsh in these parts, but people in the North Country are always resilient.

Feb. 7, 2013

An assortment of food at school

 My morning class of freshmen is filled with bright, inquisitive, talkative, and lively individuals. They have made excellent progress this year and enjoy being challenged to think beyond the basic information.It will come as no surprise that by 11:00 am they are ready for a snack. Serving food is not normally part of my curriculum, but today I delivered an assortment of Poptarts - one of their favorite treats. The smiles, the thanks, the excitement of a break in the daily routine were immediate. It doesn't take much to brighten the day of a fourteen year old!

Feb. 6, 2013

Breakfast at campground

I will readily admit that I am a morning person! I take pleasure in rising early, having the quiet house to myself, and savoring that first cup of fresh coffee with my breakfast. It's a time to collect one's thoughts while making plans for the day. A key element  to this routine is the morning meal which fuels the body and sets it in to motion. Many teenagers skip breakfast at home, preferring instead to dine at school before classes begin.Undoubtedly, plenty of students would not eat if these nutritious meals were cancelled. Today I prepaid for several of these breakfasts prior to the arrival of the pupils.Our friendly lunch lady was delighted to help me with my plans. I thank her for the assistance, and hope the students appreciated their tasty meals.

Feb. 5, 2013

Cranberry Lake, NY

There are two guidance counselors in our school of five hundred students. This means that these two women advise 250 students. Imagine developing a trusting relationship with that many teenagers! This is the task that enables them to counsel, schedule, and assist all these individuals. From nervous ninth graders to strong-willed seniors, the guidance counselor is often the buffer between faculty, students, and administrators. Although this is frequently a thankless, frustrating job, our counselors always greet me with a smile and a caring demeanor.Today  I gave them a little gift and a card with a quote on it to let them know how much I appreciate their dedication to our school.

Feb. 4, 2013

Children in Tanzania

I must give the credit for this idea to my older son who reminded me recently about the wonderful organization called Kiva. This is a non-profit group which connects micro finance institutions with people around the world who need a loan to start or continue a small business. It is fascinating to search the website www.kiva.org to see the projects that are taking place in far-off lands knowing that these people can earn money to help their families by being successful in their operations. I chose to lend a woman $25 to expand her sewing business - a trade which is dear to my heart. I will enjoy following her progress. Take a few minutes to read the Kiva stories, and you may find a person in whom you wish to invest.

Feb. 3, 2013

frozen river

" A penny saved is a penny earned." Benjamin Franklin



frozen food



My friend Kim is a "couponistra extraordinaire"; she has turned the art of collecting and redeeming coupons into a science. She is organized and methodical in searching, clipping, storing, and using  coupons which is why her payment due at the checkout counter is next to nothing! I admire her talent and readily admit that I do not possess her abilities to save money in the grocery store primarily because I forget to bring the coupons with me. Although I am rarely forgetful in other matters, when it comes to remembering coupons, I am a failure. I believe there are others like me who have intentions to use coupons, but neglect to throw them in their purses. So, for those coupon-user-wannabes, today I walked the aisles placing a variety of coupons next to the items they featured. The total savings would have been substantial. I hope that some of you found them!

Feb. 2,2013

US flag, Breezy Point, NY

The United States Postal Service is much maligned as incompetent both financially and in delivery of service. It is frequently the butt of jokes and in fact, the term "going postal" is described in the dictionary as becoming angry especially in the place you work. This stereotype certainly doesn't fit my local post office. Many of us still retrieve our mail there daily from the little boxes neatly lining the walls of the building. This is where I go to chat with Doc or the Mayor or John or Celine or any of the neighbors who plan on spending a few extra minutes catching up on news as they collect the bills, ads, and magazines.Our USPS employees are courteous and entertaining. They perform their jobs efficiently with a smile and often a joke. Today I bought a book of stamps, took half of them for my outgoing mail, and then ask the postal worker to give the remaining ones to the next customer who needed stamps. He smiled and said "consider it done". I like going to our friendly post office. I hope the stamp recipient was happy he went there today, too.

Feb. 1, 2013

the beauty of red

Today is National Wear Red Day , a movement designed to bring awareness that heart disease is the number one killer of American women. The American Heart Association organizes this event each February to encourage people to take control of their heart health and collect money for educational programs and research. My colleagues offered donations today which I will mail to the AHA. I work with such a caring group of people, and I am always proud of their generosity.

My husband and I couldn't resist paying for the drinks of  two older ladies who were enjoying a dinner out this evening at a popular restaurant. I hope they were surprised by this little action!