Sept. 30, 2013 Newspaper Stands#lakeplacid

Main Street, Lake Placid

I have lamented the fact that fewer and fewer people read newspapers these days, and today as I was enjoying this spectacular fall day walking through the little Olympic village, I came upon one of those old fashioned stands that sells the paper. Do individuals still use these, I wondered? They must, because they are scattered throughout this town for residents and tourists to pick up a copy of the latest news. How quaint and refreshing to think that this company still trusts people to take only one when the whole stack is exposed after the insertion of change releases the door! I placed some coins in the slot of the box this afternoon. Someone will be happy that their paper was free, or perhaps a child will check the coin return button and be rewarded with a few quarters. What a nice surprise that will be!

Sept. 29, 2013 Diapers#clippingcoupons

Children are expensive, and even at a young age, there are costs that are unavoidable. Take diapers, for example. Even if they are purchased in bulk, a disposable diaper costs about 30 cents which adds up quickly. Many family budgets are already stretched so thin that this additional expense is hard to handle. A young couple living near me has a baby, and I am sure they watch their finances carefully. Today, I placed some coupons for diapers in their mailbox. They will be surprised to find them, and  hopefully they will be able to save a few dollars by using them.

Sept. 28, 2013 The Perfect Dog

Birki

There is a hollow spot in our house tonight. Our beautiful thirteen year old golden retriever, Birki, passed away this morning. We are heavy hearted at the loss of this dog who understood us so well, and was always happy to be playing, camping, hiking, rolling in the mud, and traveling as long as she could be with her family. Our younger dog, Soleil, does not know life without her companion, and she will need plenty of diversions. This afternoon, while out on a walk with her, a man pulled up in his car next to us and ask if we had seen a golden retriever about the same size as the dog I was walking. His dog had escaped this morning, and I knew that I needed to help this family. My husband and I drove around the village and surrounding area, but didn't find his pet. Tomorrow I will go to their house to see if he has returned home. Still sorrowful at the loss of Birki, we sought the peacefulness of the woods to go for a hike. The trails were unmarked and we chose them at random, hoping to not become disoriented. Suddenly, I spied a bright object next to my feet. A tennis ball! I truly believe Birki was with us on that walk. I brought that ball home and tomorrow we'll be playing fetch out in the yard for as long as Soleil want to chase it.
It will be therapy for both of us.

Sept. 27, 2013 Unexpected Restaurant Visit

I know that most of us still enjoy getting a personal note in the mail, even if it is a slow, old-fashioned means of communication. I decided to send one letter to a family member with a photo enclosed and one card to another relative with some useful coupons. Holding the
 cards in one hand and steering my bike with the other, I rode to the post office to mail these items. That's when my real random act of kindness began! As I parked my bike, a woman approached me to ask if I would go into the nearby restaurant with her because she was afraid to enter by herself. She went on to say that one of the workers made her extremely uncomfortable. It was not my place to judge if this threat was real or imagined, but her fear was genuine, so I accompanied her inside, watching as she placed her order for a takeout meal which she said quietly is her one treat each month. She thanked me over and over for my willingness to help her as we parted ways. A planned act of kindness led to an unexpected opportunity to assist someone. You never know what each day will bring.

Sept. 26, 2013 Spading Up the Spuds

Potatoes Galore

Our potato crop is bountiful, and today we began the process of digging them up. It is a treasure hunt to bury the shovel deep in the soil and watch the potatoes drop back to the ground with each clump of dirt. White potatoes, blue potatoes, fat ones, and tiny ones, what satisfaction there is to fill bucket after bucket with these tubers. Spuds are for sharing, and I began the process this morning when I dropped off a dozen at the home of some dear friends. They will be surprised to see the potato fairy came to their house. Next, I took another bagful to the neighbors
across the street. It was a perfect exchange for the box of books they gave me for my sidewalk library last week. I will be handing out potatoes for several days. Let me know if you want some!

Sept. 25, 2013 RAK at Hospital

I so admire those individuals who work well with the ill. One of my closest friends often tends to acquaintances who have medical conditions, and she volunteers at the hospital. She is comfortable and caring in these situations while I am apprehensive. I spent much of today undergoing minor surgery, and you can probably guess that I was tense. The nurses, anesthesiologist, and doctor reassured me greatly, but being a patient is not my forte. I was asked if I wanted to participate in a study about the sedation procedure being used, and I agreed. I figured it would be useful for the field and what's another IV stuck in me, anyway? This was going to be my RAK, but my doctor nixed the plan right before surgery. In my groggy state of mind, I asked my husband what I could do as an act of kindness. Much to my surprise, he returned a few minutes later with candy bars for the nurses. They were delighted with this treat, and I went home to sleep!

Sept. 24, 2013 Heading West#movingday

Moving Out

My act today was a gift of time and energy to my oldest son, his wife, and daughter. They have decided to relocate back to the west, and with that comes hours of organizing, packing, and loading up the enormous truck. I occupied my grand
daughter yesterday in order for them to move the large items without fear of tripping over this precocious, active almost two year old. But, today I wanted to be with my son and daughter-in-law, so we arrived ready to pack up the kitchen, repackage loose childhood treasures, and lug boxes out to the truck. It was satisfying to be able to help, but bittersweet knowing the goodbyes were approaching. I raised this son and my other children to be independent and free. I am so sad at their departure, but joyous that they will be happy in their house out west where the mountains beckon them to ski, ride, hike, and climb. I gave him wings; now I must let him go.

Sept. 23, 2014 Respect#retiredprincipal

Print in Old School House

There are certain people who leave such a mark on their place of employment that they are never forgotten. When I began teaching in the local school district nearly three decades ago, the high school was run by a man short in stature but bigger than life in personality. The students might have appeared to jump in fear at his beckoning; however, they knew he cared about them, their families, and their success, and you had better not question that, or he'd show up at your house to talk to your parents. This administrator was respected for his integrity and his fairness. The teachers worked well, knowing that he had their backs publicly, but privately he could call a hard shot if necessary. I got word that this man is celebrating his 90th birthday tomorrow, so I sent him a card today with a message thanking him for all he did for this school . He made a huge impression on me as he did on thousands of students, educators, and residents. It is said that it takes a village to raise a child; this man brought the villages and the school together to raise many children. He will always remain a legend around here.

Sept. 22, 2013 Earliest Memory

And then we were three!

The impending birth of my first brother is my earliest memory. At age three, I distinctly remember my mother saying that she thought this baby would never come, and I believed her. In my young mind, this meant that the sibling I was impatient to meet, would not arrive. Of course, he was born shorter thereafter, many days overdue, and then we were a family of three children, eventually expanding to five. This brother celebrates his birthday tomorrow, so today I made him a cake as a surprise. We don't do much celebrating for birthdays, and I know he'll be pleased. He certainly deserves a treat from me for he is always willing to lend a hand, watch our pets, share in house renovations, and move furniture! His wife said he wasn't feeling well this morning, and perhaps the dessert will have to wait until tomorrow, but at least he knows his older sister was
thinking of him. Happy Birthday!

Sept. 21, 2013 The Needy#Congregationshelpingpeople

A Historic Church, Massachusetts

One can not deny that there are many people in need. The hungry, the homeless, the ill, and the unemployed struggle to find the help necessary to get back on their feet and move forward. Government programs are essential, but there are many grassroots efforts which are a lifeline for the destitute. I learned of one such group from some good friends last week who are very involved in its operation. Called Congregations Helping People (CHP), it is a collection of about fifteen churches in Salem, Oregon which have come together as volunteers and social workers to link those in need with the appropriate resources. So often we hear of how religions are dissimilar, and I find it uplifting to see these church groups uniting to address a problem in their community successfully. I made a donation to CHP today through their website www.chpsalem.org. I urge you to consider supporting this group or another organization which helps the impoverished. The generosity of Americans is well-known; sometimes we don't have to look far to find a group working hard to ameliorate the lives of fellow citizens.

Sept. 20, 2013 Farewell Gift

"Change is the law of life. Those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." John F. Kennedy

Farewell

Many people dislike change; they find it frightening and uncertain, but it can be exciting. A new adventure awaits those who seek change. Our assistant principal is leaving to take another job where she will experience new challenges and grow. She is young, caring, strong, and determined; however, today she was sad for it is difficult saying goodbye to all those who have grown close to her. My Student Council officers wanted to do something special for this woman. I asked one girl who is highly creative to design a card,
and I bought flowers and a vase. We presented these little gifts this morning with heartfelt thanks to this administrator who has always been supportive of the Council's efforts. Amid the tears and hugs, there were well wishes as she begins this next professional phase. She will be missed, but certainly not forgotten. Godspeed.

Sept. 19, 2013 #undertheweather

Under Dreary Weather, Columbia River

I admire those cashiers who always offer a friendly greeting and a pleasant smile as I unload my cans, boxes and produce from the shopping cart on to the conveyor belt. I imagine their job can be difficult- hours of standing at a cash register, numerous customers complaining, unmarked items, unhappy children, etc.. Those employees who can maintain a positive outlook deserve recognition and empathy. Today, when I approached the store clerk, she was sociable and professional as always, but I could hear a slight hoarseness in her voice and a stifled cough in her throat, and when I asked how she was feeling, she explained that she had recently been ill. I was certain that she still felt under the weather, but was hiding it remarkably well. I bagged all my groceries to give her a brief respite from working, then wished her a quick recovery. She seemed grateful for my comments and my action. I hope she feels better soon.

Sept. 16 - 18, 2013 Towers, Telephones, and Toddlers

Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Oregon

It is very difficult to write a blog without Internet access which was the case for the last three days, but the acts of kindness are still easily performed. I visited an old light house whose construction was begun in 1872 and has been operating continuously since 1873. It requires much upkeep due to its age, and I made a donation to assist this cause. The following day, my kindness deed was much more personal when I bought new land line phones for my mother, so she wouldn't have to hurry through her house to answer the phone. Finally today, which was spent primarily in airports, I noticed a young mother with a baby standing behind me in the security clearance line. The child was starting to fuss, so I offered to let her pass ahead of me to be screened by the next officer. She was very grateful for this small gesture. Three very diverse actions, but all were appreciated by the recipients.

Sept. 15, 2013 Store Manager

The employee at the quaint little clothing and gift shop greeted us warmly when we came through the door on this misty morning. She was helpful and chatty without being overbearing, and allowed us to look around slowly with no pressure to buy. She mentioned that the owner of the business had another store a few doors down which we might also want to visit. We did, indeed, go to this art boutique. I took the time to tell the proprietor  what  a wonderful job her employee was doing in the other business, and how much we appreciated her friendly personality. It is beneficial for the owner and the worker to know the compliments from the customers. Seek out the manager next time you interact with a dedicated employee. It will make their day!

Sept. 14,2013 Peaceful#oregonbeach

It was hard to distinguish where the ocean met the sky today on this foggy afternoon along the Oregon Coast. The horizon was lost in an pale gray haze, but the crashing of the waves which had lulled us to sleep last night, beckoned us to walk along the water's edge to look for shells and other treasures swept in with the tide. We were among a handful of people at this beach, and with no distractions, we  settled in to a quiet stroll reflecting on the beauty of the sea and sand. A blue object near some driftwood caught my attention , so I went closer to examine it. Someone had dropped a shirt. I placed it on one of the branches creating a sort of flag which I figured might draw the attention of the owner. And then I resumed my meander beside the powerful, yet peaceful Pacific.

Sept. 13, 2013 #astoriacolumn

The Astoria Column is a beautiful tower located on a hill in Astoria, Oregon overlooking the mouth of the Columbia River as it empties into the Pacific Ocean. When we arrived at the column today, a friendly man was greeting each car, giving some history of the tower, and assisting in parking. We gave him a donation which will go towards the upkeep of this monument. He was very appreciative of this donation, and we were happy to aid this cause. It is so important to financially support the  local historic monuments in your community.

Sept. 12, 2013 #oregongarden

Imagine a botanical garden representing thirty-six different types of landscapes from roses, oaks, and conifers to themes of sensory, honor, and the  Lewis and Clark Expedition. The introductory visit was via a tram tour on a shuttle which was driven by a knowledgable, witty narrator who kept us informed and entertained with abundant facts and puns! He was very surprised when we gave him a tip for his service. Apparently these guides do not normally receive tips, but he certainly deserved it. His descriptions assisted us in selecting which areas to explore on foot after the tour. What a perfect way to enjoy the beautiful Willamette Valley!

Sept. 11, 2013 Bakery Treats

We were in search of a good cup of coffee and a light breakfast to convince our bodies that we weren't suffering from jet lag. The narrow store front squeezed  between a hotel and a business looked enticing. We were  greeted by a friendly woman and the perfume of baking bread . The display counter held a wide variety of treats including pain au chocolat, a pastry similar to a croissant with a small bar of chocolate baked in the center. These were my favorite snack when I lived in France, and I rarely pass them up when they are available. The pain was perfect this morning, and I knew I wanted to share this gastronomic pleasure with the next customer, so I paid it forward.The employee was delighted to accommodate my  request. RAKs in new cities are fun to complete!

Sept.10,2013 Travel by Plane

It was a long travel day as I flew across the country. It would appear that with so many travelers, it would be easy to perform a random act of kindness. I find people are polite, but detached as they pass through airports.It is difficult to interact with anyone other than an apology when you cross paths. I tried to leave a tip for a young woman working at a little stand in Chicago O'Hare, but she replied that she didn't want it. I put the money in my pocket, and it wasn't until the shuttle bus took us to the car rental agency that I was able to give the friendly, helpful driver a good tip. We,ll see what opportunities are available in the  Pacific Northwest this week.

Sept. 9, 2013 Innocent Victims#Syria

Teenagers Enjoying a Break at School, Quebec

I am not joining  the hue and cry of the world for or against a military strike in Syria. I know the facts: over 100,000 are dead, tens of thousands imprisoned, the likely possibility that chemical weapons have been used.  It is sickening, but what dismays me deeply are the children who are caught in this man made disaster simply because they have the bad luck to live there at this time. They are innocent victims deserving of a childhood where they can lead safe and healthy lives, receive an education, and  contribute positively to the world. However, in the current situation, they are viewing atrocities, facing death, and experiencing the trauma of relocating to overcrowded refugees camps. There are humanitarian groups working to assist these youngsters, and today I made a donation to one such organization. My small offer is but a drop in the bucket of what is truly needed, but if many of us join to support these efforts, water, medicine, food, and perhaps a sense of security will reach these children who have seen too much of the horrors of war.

Sept. 8, 2013 RAK#hostess help

Local Restaurant

There was little opportunity for a random act of kindness today because I was cleaning and traveling. It is difficult to spread good deeds when there are no people around you. However, this evening we went out to eat, and I was determined to reach out to another diner. I enlisted the help of the hostess and a server to select the recipients. These two employees were exceptionally polite and interested in determining the group I would assist. We briefly discussed the customers and upon their recommendation, I paid for a portion of the bill for a young couple with a child. I got as much pleasure working with these two young women as I did knowing that the family would be pleasantly surprised by the reduction in their check. Sometimes the "elves" are as important as the gesture, it seems.

Sept. 7, 2013 House renovation#welcome#neighborhood

House Dating from 1860

There is a house not far from us which had fallen into disrepair. Abandoned at least five years ago, the porch was sagging, the chimney leaning, the paint peeling, and weeds growing all around the foundation. It was an eyesore, but deserved to be rescued. It was finally purchased, and slowly we have witnessed it restored to its original simple beauty. I noticed a family leaving this building this afternoon, and much to my surprise, I saw them again in a little clothing shop downtown. I introduced myself  and then explained that we were delighted with their reconstruction efforts and the positive impact it has had on the neighborhood. They seemed appreciative of my comments and welcome to the community. A sincere greeting goes a long ways in making people feel comfortable in new surroundings.

Sept. 6, 2013 Good Intention vs Inattention

Drivers Beware

I truly had good intentions when I left early this morning for a Student Council meeting. I had a plan to stop by Dunkin Donuts for a large box of munchkins to leave on the table of the faculty room for my former colleagues to enjoy. I had never gone through this particular drive- though before, but that is a weak excuse if you were one of the seven cars in line as I drove directly to the window bypassing the ordering station. I did not see the queue of vehicles nor the big sign listing what could be purchased. You can imagine the confusion on the face of the employee when I requested a box of munchkins and she handed me two huge specialty drinks! It was too complicated to explain, so I just paid for both orders and inconspicuously tried to disappear which is nearly impossible when you are driving a big gold van. At least the customers behind me had their drinks paid for, and my fellow teachers liked the donuts. Furthermore, to make up for my unintended rudeness this morning, I gave a coupon to a friendly woman from Quebec this afternoon at the mall. I hope those RAKs compensate for my absent-mindedness!

Sept. 5, 2013 Simple Outreach#randomactofkindness

September Sunset, Vermont

I should not be surprised anymore when an opportunity for an act of kindness presents itself so readily. If one is open to the possibility that a fellow human might need assistance or a day brightened, it is easy to find a chance to reach out. This morning I was at our local café placing an order when I noticed that an older couple had just walked in. They are the relatives of some elderly neighbors who had passed away several years ago, so now I rarely see these folks. I quickly handed a few bills to the server requesting that she use the money to pay for their coffee. Their pleasure at receiving a free beverage was obvious. Later this afternoon as I was walking with a friend, we came upon a young woman who had had a very stressful night dealing with work, school, and internet problems. Exhausted, she had just pulled into her driveway, her car filled with boxes of groceries. When I told her we would carry her food in for her, the look on her face was relief and gratitude. It was a simple gesture, but greatly appreciated. Again, I am reminded that a single small act can improve a moment for others very simply.

Sept. 4, 2013 Music for the Ages

Village Concert

Music is such a powerful tool in life. It can soothe, revive, energize, and relax. From records, to 8 tracks, to cassette tapes, and CDs, music has been enjoyed by generations of people in their homes and later, in their cars. The I Pod has replaced many of these old fashioned methods of listening to songs; however, I still have a wonderful collection of CDs which I play from time to time. I cleaned out my storage case a bit today, and amassed a stack of old compact disks, many of them containing tunes from the 40s and 50s which we had purchased for many ice skating routines. I took a bag of these CDs over to the senior housing complex this morning. The director was delighted to put them on their shelves for the residents to borrow and enjoy. There was a lively group of seniors in the community room. I think they will appreciate the music I left for them!

Sept.3, 2013 Duped#forgiveness

.The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
Mahatma Gandhi

Au Sable River, New York

When I walked into our rental property today, I knew something was amiss. The reservation had been for one couple using one room, and two couples greeted us with profuse praise for our house. I said nothing about the extra people, but could sense that I had surprised them with my visit. I was in the kitchen after having completed several hours of cleaning, when one of the woman approached me to explain that they had used an additional room without paying. I told her that I appreciated her honesty, and we were going to let this go because they have been steady clients. Perhaps I should have been less accepting of this deed for they intended to dupe us by using our room for free, but it felt better to leave on good terms.

Sept. 2, 2013 Cemetery Flowers

Cemetery In Winter, Keene, NY

I consider a cemetery a quiet little park filled with history, names, and dates of those who led lives often with similar dreams to those we have today. Family, friendship, laughter, food, and shelter are common human desires; I imagine those folks sought to fulfill the same needs. A cemetery will always catch my eye as I drive by or when I am on a walk, for it piques my curiosity to read the gravestones and wonder what they contributed to the community in which they rest. The graveyard near my house is well kept, but I noticed today that the flowers so lovingly planted on Memorial Day needed weeding. I spent some time there this afternoon removing the old blossoms and pulling out stringy vines that have passed their prime. The remaining flowers looked brighter without the brown clutter of leaves around them. I think the living will appreciate this splash of color among the gray stones and green grass as the final days of summer pass by.

Sept. 1, 2013 Gum Ball Machines

Parents of young children dread shopping with these youngsters when there are snacks and candy bars next to the checkout lane. It is so difficult to be firm with the pleas of  "I'm hungry" and" I promise I'll still eat my dinner" as they try to grab the colorful packages. My children didn't beg for the candy, but they were drawn to the assorted machines filled with gum, plastic toys, and bouncy balls next the exit of the grocery store. Despite my insistence that these trinkets would break quickly, they still wanted to purchase one.
 Today I stopped by the row of vending machines and placed a quarter in each one. I hope the children who came along were surprised by this little gift.