Oct. 31, 2013 #Halloween Morning

Morning Trick or Treaters

Happy Halloween! This has always been one of my favorite days of the year. As a child, we would stay out for hours collecting candy from the neighbors to fill our pillowcases. As a mother, I loved taking my children around the big block whatever the weather-  cool crisp air, rain showers, or even snow;nothing dampened our enthusiasm for this holiday tradition. And now as a resident, I look forward to greeting the children of all ages in their assorted outfits at my door. You can imagine my pleasure this morning when I saw the local daycare kids come trudging through the fallen maple leaves dressed in their costumes! I quickly ran out to greet them with a bucket of treats in my hands. They were all smiles as they shyly thanked me. I bet I will see a few of them again this evening. I can hardly wait!

Oct. 30, 2013 The Power of Music#thestrandtheater

The Strand Theater, Plattsburgh, NY

This act of kindness was performed late last night, but I am going to share it with you today because it is so touching. My husband and I attended a fabulous concert yesterday evening featuring a restored Wurlitzer organ played by an exceptionally talented local young man. It was a powerful experience, the kind that you feel with all your senses. We took our time leaving the theater, visiting with friends and acquaintances, and then we headed towards our car which was parked a couple of blocks away. As we crossed one street, we came upon a woman who was very confused and disoriented. She said that she had just left the concert which had had a strong effect on her and now couldn't find her car. She knew it was near a church, but was totally turned around. She was upset, nervous, and embarrassed, but I reassured her that we would help her, and we walked with her for a few blocks until she recognized where she needed to go. At that point, she thanked us and crossed the street to her vehicle. It seems that we were simply there at the right time to help with another small RAK.

Oct. 29, 2013 #NorthCountrySkatingClub

A NCSC Skater

With two hockey players and one figure skater, we spent about twenty-five years at our local ice arena attending practices, games, fund raisers and open skating. Our social life often revolved around  this building, and many of our friends even today are ones we met through these activities. We have never regretted spending the money these sports required, but I am well aware that for many families it can be a financial burden. With this in mind, I made a donation today to the North Country Skating Club,
 a valuable program in our community which teaches children the lifelong skills of ice skating. It is so important to make this club as well as others affordable for all who want to participate, and it is through fund raising that the costs can be reduced. Even if your children no longer belong to these groups, I urge you to support them as much as you can, so other youngsters can benefit from these programs.

Oct 28, 2013 Running an Errand for a Friend

High Peaks, Adirondacks: Today's View

Don't get me wrong, retirement has its perks! It is relaxing to not rush out the door in the morning, but rather take your time slowly preparing to begin the day; however, I am one who needs to feel productive with some goals to accomplish. I had the opportunity to visit with a woman who is the mother of a good friend and the grandmother to two of my former students, and I asked her if she still tried to establish things to get done each day. She emphatically answered yes, explaining that she had a to-do list for various tasks; although, her children would no longer allow her to climb on the ladder to wash the windows! So with that good advice, I will continue to compose a list of "should-do" and "must-do" which today included going to a store in Lake Placid to exchange an item for a friend. She works hard each day, and I am free, so I was happy to be able to take care of this errand for her. It will save her time and money, and I loved putting this on my to-do list because it helped her out.

Oct. 27, 2013 Footed Pajamas

Paying It Forward With PJs

The table overflowing with footed pajamas in brightly colored patterns on heavy fleece caught my eye this morning as I entered the large discount store . I know a cute two year old who would love the coziness and comfort of these pjs. I approached the pile to look more closely at the sizes when a small yellow paper stuck near the price sign attracted my attention. This note stated that donations of these pajamas were being collected near the exit of the store. What a great idea at this time of the year with frigid nights right around the corner.I selected a pair for a girl, and my friend chose one for a boy. The cashier told us that these  jammies are going to local kids and donations of books are also being accepted. There weren't very many pajamas in the box when I dropped my purchase off, so I hope some of you might participate in this effort to keep our kids warm this winter!

Oct. 26, 2013 Sharing a Photo of Peace

Chapel, Allenspark, Colorado

I rarely discuss religion with anyone because it is such a personal issue, but I do value the messages of kindness, caring, and integrity that many people share regardless of the denominations they belong to. Last week in Colorado, I came upon a beautiful chapel perched on a rock with a statue nearby all nestled in a valley with a backdrop of the majestic Rockies. It was a breathtaking, spiritual setting which made me immediately think of a woman I know who lives in my village. She has a strong faith, often posting quotes which are guides for leading a compassionate life. She and her husband, a fellow educator, have raised four daughters, all of whom I had the joy to work with as their teacher, to be solid, strong young women. I sent that photo to this woman today because I wanted her to know that the peacefulness of this location whispered her name to me that afternoon. I hope she can visit it some day.

Oct. 25, 2013 A Tale of a Tail

Our Cougar

The mascot at our local school is a cougar, and although, a real cougar is a fearsome predator who is reclusive around humans, our costumed cougar is usually exceptionally friendly. Wearing the cougar outfit for games and pep rallies is a sought after privilege. Students usually ask well in advance if they can be the cougar for each event, but after twenty minutes in this heavy suit, they are sweating and begging to be relieved. So, the costume is passed on to the next person who is impatient to get the crowd cheering for the team. Screaming, screeching, stomping, and waving, the audience responds to this animal. After the last homecoming game, our beloved cougar had suffered an injury - his tail had become detached from his derriere! Today the surgery and reattachment took place in my sewing room. I stitched him back together by machine, and it looks like it will hold for another few decades of Cougar Pride. Thus ends my tale of a tail!

Oct. 24, 2013 Boo! Two

Boo!

I hope you will forgive me for repeating a recent RAK, but I wanted to bring this idea to my village. The idea of treating neighborhood families to a small surprise right before Halloween is too fun not to share. This afternoon, I packed three cute bags with an instruction sheet, candy, hot chocolate packets, pencils, and other little items, and then went for a walk before school was out. I placed them near the doors of houses on different streets. The idea is that they will post the sign I enclosed that "they've been booed", and they will pass goodie bags on to two additional homes with the suggestion that the next people pay it forward, too. Hopefully, I will see signs up on many houses in the next week.

Oct. 23, 2013 Spaghetti Dinners

Spaghetti Dinner Preparation

I spent about four hours today helping make spaghetti sauce, over fifty gallons of this Italian specialty! This weekend, there are two dinners being held in our village - one is a fund raiser for a political party and the other is a meal to celebrate the arrival of a priest at a local church. You probably think that I am a member of this party and church, but I am not. So why would I spend all afternoon working for these efforts? The answer is quite simple. First, it gave me the opportunity to be with some great friends, and second, these community dinners are really for all of us to gather together, enjoy a delicious meal, and catch up on the news of our neighbors and acquaintances. Life is too short to let political and religious differences keep localities apart. Remember to support these regional suppers!

Oct. 21-22, 2013 Fellow Travelers

Red Rocks, Colorado

One meets many interesting travelers on the road, particularly when exploring outside of the traditional season of summer or school vacations. Yesterday, during a visit to Red Rocks in Colorado, I came upon an older woman and her husband who were visiting from Hawaii. She asked us for directions to a lake which we had never heard of. We explained that we were not from this area, but I offered to go get the map which I had in the car. She was relieved, as we studied the map together, that I could trace the routes they needed to take to return to the lake where they were staying. Today was a day spent again in airports; however, I was able to assist one lady with her luggage as it became unbalanced nearly knocking her over. My husband came to the rescue of a woman who couldn't put her oxygen bag back together. He managed to get it all zipped up
. And finally, we have been the recipients of so many acts of kindness in the past several days. There are plenty of people who are still polite and generous across this country.

Oct.20, 2013 You've Been Booed!

I learned of a new tradition this week which is practiced around this time of the year out West. It is similar to the old custom of leaving a May Basket secretly on someone's doorstep, but this involved leaving a bag of Halloween treats on their porch. It is called "getting booed". With this surprise, a sheet of paper is included which explains that you must post the enclosed sign telling the neighborhood that you've been booed and then continue the practice by booing two other families. I  choose to put together a basket of goodies for a young man with Down's Sydrome who lives next door to my relatives . Although I haven't met this individual, my daughter-in-law said he loves holidays and being involved.  I am sure he'll enjoy this plastic pumpkin filled with fun things. I  certainly loved putting it together!

Oct. 19, 2013 Music#mollie o'brien#rich moore

Traveling offers so many opportunities to explore new areas especially when you  are staying with people who know the region well. Most of the time the hosts want to treat the visitors because they realize the cost of the plane tickets has already been substantial. Our family has been so generous on this trip preparing meals and covering the cost of gas; however, I was determined that I would find something to treat them to. This morning I read about a concert tonight featuring Mollie O'Brien and Rich Moore, and when I asked our relatives for further information, they explained that these are well known musicians. I bought those tickets for the four of us to attend this evening's performance. I am sure it will be an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Oct. 17 - 18, 2013 Rebuilding After the Flood

The past two days have been filled with images of devastation caused by the flooding last month in Colorado - roads washed out, abandoned buildings, stores closd, repair trucks everywhere. The power of water is tremendous, but the strength of the people to support each other in the rebuilding efforts is admirable. I chose to contribute to these causes whenever I could. First, I added a gift to the neighborhood basket for a family next door who was just able to move back into their house. Next, we left a donation in a jar at a small cafe in a little mountain village. Later, at a restaurant which suffered damage, we again offered a few dollars for their needs. As much as I would prefer to give them a hand in their reconstructio, money is what is truly needed at this point. The human desire to pull together during difficult times is always remarkable.

Oct. 15 - 16, 2013. Traveling and Exploring#bouldercolorado

On the road again with plenty of time in airports limits random acts of kindness beyond expected politeness. Giving fellow passengers space in the crowded plane, offering to hoist bags up into the overhead compartments, allowing others to exit before you are deeds which should be common courtesy. Little special actions can be more difficult to perform with the bustling public, so I brought along a brand new crossword puzzle book which I left in a boarding area in Atlanta. I am certain that an individual picked it up to enjoy on one of the long flights. Today, I was able to explore beautiful downtown Boulder, a pedestrian mall lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, and bookstores. While eating lunch I noticed a young woman interacting with passers-by. Having finished my meal quickly, I went outside to chat with her and learned that she represented a human rights group specifically targeting gay rights issues. We had a great visit and I left a donation for this group's efforts which I find so important. We will see what RAK tomorrow brings as we head into the Rockies.

Oct. 14, 2013 Holiday Traffic

A Road Less Traveled, Vermont

It is a holiday on both sides of the border - American Columbus Day and Canadian Thanksgiving. There are plenty of people out celebrating which results in a plethora of cars on our only interstate highway. I decided to take a pledge today to remain calm and patient with the other drivers, many of whom appear to drive badly and aggressively. I allowed two enormous RVs turn in front of me with a smile and a wave. I slowed down considerably to permit a truck carrying bins filled with freshly picked apples to merge onto the highway because I couldn't change lanes. When one driver took the parking space I was heading toward, I resisted the urge to glare at him, and calmly chose another. Okay, I will admit that seeing  three different cars who had earlier flown by me, pulled over by the troopers made me grin. I suppose considerate driving is an act of kindness which is under appreciated by fellow travelers. Perhaps a few of them noticed. Bonne Route!!

Oct. 13, 2013 Popcorn#boyscouts

The Joys of Camping

I am a big fan of popcorn. Nowadays, I use the microwave method to pop those delicious kernels, but when I was a child, my father made the best popcorn in the world in a large covered pan on the stovetop. It was tricky to get it all popped without burning it. So, it is no surprise that I had to stop to talk to the boy who sat with his troop master at a large table filled with all sorts of popcorn this morning. I told him that I was impressed with his knowledge about the fundraiser, and he smiled shyly telling me that the information was taped to the display in front of him. We selected a bag of caramel corn which resembled Cracker Jacks without the trinket. Keeping in mind that this was a donation to the local scouts, my husband and I jokingly guessed that each piece of popcorn must have cost us a quarter. Despite the problems the national Scouting program has had, the local troops offer great experiences for our youth, and I was happy to contribute the money.

Oct. 12, 2013 Lost Little Boy

A Handsome Boy

Please forgive me for describing an RAK from last night in today's post, but it was too special not to include in my blog. There were hundreds of people at the evening soccer game watching the boys in a scoreless event. The bonfire was to follow, and the students were loud and rambunctious in anticipation of the conflagration. Suddenly, a former student walked in front of the crowd with a little boy shouting "Where's my mother?". The child was scared both from being lost and from the booming voice of the teenager. I quickly got out of my chair, walked to them, and quietly asked the youngster a few questions to which he replied that he didn't know - his name, his parents' names, his hometown. So, we circled back towards the visiting team's fans taking our time. He then took my hand and remembered his name was Lucas. His dad saw him first; both were equally relieved, as was I! A quick thank you from child and father, and we returned to our respective sides. All's well that ends well.

Oct. 11, 2013 Chance Encounters#RAK

The Traditional Fall Pep Rally

Most days I come upon a chance encounter which offers an opportunity for an act of kindness, and if nothing presents itself, I look a little deeper to find a need near me. Today, I went to the store to buy supplies for the Student Council pep rally games. While I was parking, I noticed a tent set up which was staffed by several men who were collecting donations and canned goods for the local food shelf. I searched the bottom of my purse for a couple of bills and happily put them in their canister. This afternoon I helped coordinate the crazy, noisy pep rally in which 450 teenagers screamed and watched their friends compete at silly games for 80 minutes. A fellow teacher asked me if I minded  reading the thank you messages this evening at the boys Senior Night soccer game.  I am delighted to do this for such a great group of athletes. I have a difficult time saying no to anyone who requests my assistance. I suppose that is why I always find plenty of chances to render a good deed!

Oct. 10, 2013 Parallel Parking

Parallel Parking, Lake Placid, NY

Many of us practice parallel parking enough to pass the driver's test and then avoid situations where we have to use it. My children had to learn to put a large van between those parked cars to succeed at their examination because the family car has been a van for over fifteen years. Today, I was seated at a window in a restaurant overlooking a busy street lined with parallel parking spots. A young woman very carefully and slowly inched a small black car back and forth into a tiny space. When she exited, that sedan was near the curb with mere inches between the other vehicles! As I was leaving the restaurant, I noticed she was waiting in line to place her order. The smile on her face was huge when I complimented her on her superb job of parking that car. She told me that it was a friend's car and she had been so nervous about damaging it. Again, I told her that we were impressed with her skills. It was a quick conversation, but one that left us both grinning.

Oct. 9, 2013 Leave a Book#RAK

Autumn Leaves

My daily actions seem so small when I hear of the great projects that take place across this country. Tonight's news told of playgrounds being built by volunteers in memory of each of the victims of Sandy Hook.  The generosity and spirit of Americans amazes me. And so, I continue to carry out a tiny act of kindness hoping that I brightened one person's day. Today I left a book on a table in a doctor's office with a note encouraging a reader to take the novel, enjoy the story, and pass it on to another. Perhaps it will entertain many as it travels from one to another.

Oct. 8, 2013 Introduction and Thank You

Fall Day, Adirondacks

There are always positions in organizations which are important and need to be done, but offer no pay and require a large time commitment. Some of us volunteer to take these jobs, but many of us are too busy to accept an additional responsibility.  I had heard that one of the new teachers at the high school agreed to serve as advisor of an essential club which encourages members to develop service projects. This is not an easy job, and I had feared that it would disband without a leader. Today, I stopped by this individual's classroom, introduced myself, and thanked her for assuming this role. Being a mentor to these young leaders has far-reaching consequences, and I wanted her to know that I appreciate her time and efforts in this post.

Oct. 5 - 7, 2013 RAKs in New England

Quintessential New England

Once again, travel makes it difficult to write a daily blog, but that certainly doesn't mean that I neglected to carry out a quotidian act of kindness. There are always the actions that many of us consider common courtesy like letting other cars merge when there is a traffic jam, allowing pedestrians to cross the street easily, or holding the door for fellow travelers at the rest areas. However, in addition to these little deeds of politeness, I decided to concentrate on the collection jars that are found throughout this country placed by those who seek funds for a variety of causes. My first donation went to a Connecticut boy who  is working on his Eagle Scout project by building compost bins for the Audubon Society. The next day, I left a couple of dollars in a shop to help raise money for a high school senior class graduation project, and I dropped some change in the Mark Twain House box to assist in their restoration needs. Today, in Massachusetts at a travel plaza, I left a dollar for the Breast Cancer Awareness Drive. I certainly didn't offer much money, but each of us spending a buck or two on those causes we deem important, makes it easy for a community to fund their projects. Don't forget to check out those collection jars as you travel through the towns and villages across the USA
. There are some very interesting efforts being organized.

Oct. 4, 2013 Former Students#traveling#helpingothers

Student Trip   Venice, Italy

Between three different states and several educational institutions, I must have taught thousands of students, and many of them stand out in my mind for their qualities and personalities. It is so rewarding when they keep in touch letting me know where they have gone and what paths they have taken. Today I received a letter from a young woman who graduated a few years ago explaining that she will be participating in a trip to Haiti in a few months where she will help out in orphanages and schools. What a great opportunity for a person from our rural community to experience another culture so vastly different! I sent a small donation on her behalf to her college to help defray some of her expenses. Travel is an important means in developing an understanding of the world we live in. I am proud that so many of my former pupils have pursued adventures across all the continents.

Oct. 3, 2013 Homeless Dogs#ElmoreSPCA

Sisters, Paris and London, Looking For a Home

Dogs have been on my mind lately. With one passing away and the other one so lonely, it is understandable that I would reflect on all those canines who do not have homes and are waiting to be adopted. A good friend and I took off this morning to run some errands and go for a walk. Our schedule was very open, so we decided to add a stop at the animal shelter where we could donate some dog food and find out more about their pets ready for adoption. An employee took us from enclosure to enclosure introducing us to each of the dogs. What a unique, lively collection of animals looking for a loving home. They were so delighted to have some attention that it was hard to leave. I suggest you take some time to visit a local shelter, offer a donation, and consider making one of those pets a part of your family. You'll make them mighty happy, and they will bring joy to you as well.

Oct. 2, 2013 Enthusiastic Recipients

Enthusiasm

There hasn't been a single deed of kindness in this yearlong project for which I expected a thank you. Most often, my favorite actions have been those where the recipient had no idea who performed the act. But today, when I brought in food from our garden for a former colleague, and she shouted loudly and eagerly "Yay! Potatoes!!" , it made me feel great. A few minutes later, I gave a small coffee maker which I no longer needed to a student, and she expressed her gratitude with a thanks and a hug. I feel blessed to be surrounded by such warm, caring people, and it does my heart good to offer them small things which they receive with so much enthusiasm.

Oct. 1, 2013 At the Hair Salon#lookinggood

Hair Salon

I have never had a pedicure or a manicure. I have never been to a spa for a massage, but I do let myself be pampered at the hair dresser's. What a treat is it to relax there while someone else washes my hair with delicious smelling shampoo and conditioner. I can take along a book to enjoy or peruse the magazines that I otherwise don't read. I like interacting with the employees and their clients of all ages from the toddler in for a first cut to the ninety year old  who has had the same style for decades. In particular, I appreciate those over eighty year olds who look forward to getting out of the house to socialize. I asked my hair stylist today if she had regular customers who come every week for a wash and set. Very quickly, she thought of a woman around eighty, a single mother, very sweet, who was coming in later this week. After conferring with a co-worker who works with this individual, they agreed that this was the perfect recipient for my act of kindness. I left the money with them for her upcoming appointment. I think the employees are as excited as I am to surprise this nice lady with a free hair styling. No matter what the age, all of us deserve to feel good about our appearance.