Nov. 30, 2013 Christmas Cards#USPS Stamps

I am quite sure that my local post office is the best one in the United States. It is a meeting place for many residents to catch up on news while picking up their mail or sending packages, and it is staffed by competent , friendly employees who do their job well with a smile. It is not surprising then that when I asked for help carrying out my RAK today, the worker was willing to help. I know people are beginning to mail their Christmas cards, so I bought ten holiday themed stamps requesting that they be passed on to someone who came in with cards to be posted. I love sending cards as well as receiving them, and I hope that this pre-paid postage will be a nice surprise for the recipient! Happy Card Writing!

Nov. 29, 2013 #Support the Locals

A Few of My Purchases

Tomorrow is officially the "buy local"
day, but I decided to forgo the Black Friday madness of the larger city to the south and shop in my little village this afternoon. We don't have many businesses; however, there is one clothing store downtown which offers unique items at reasonable prices, and is run by a family that I know well. I am always happy to support them, and today was no exception. I was able to find several colorful, warm scarves and pairs of leather gloves which I purchased for gifts. I was so excited about my selections that I promptly gave them to everyone when I went home. I guess I will have to go back to find something else for their Christmas gifts!

Nov. 28, 2013 Cooking for the Family#Thanksgiving

Today I am thankful for the family members who were able to travel safely to our house to celebrate another Thanksgiving together. I had the joy of preparing a feast with some help, of course, and the pleasure of watching all savor it. At one point, it was silent as we were all so busy eating that no one wanted to take time to talk! Family, friends, food, and fun all wrapped up in a single day. Priceless!

Nov. 27, 2013 Home for the Holidays

There is no place like home, especially during the holidays. When one is young, home is often where you grew up, but as we age, the definition of home changes, and due to life's circumstances, we may find ourselves far away from what we called home many years ago. I have a friend who moved here around nine years ago . She is one of the most positive, sweet, caring women that I know, and despite tragedy, she has chosen to stay in our community to raise her children. I "wined" her today by bringing her a bottle of Merlot for her Thanksgiving dinner. I know she won't be in her childhood home, but she will be in her adopted village who cherishes her as one of their own.

Nov. 26, 2013 Lunch#LakesideCoffee

The best place in town for lunch and laughs

A teacher's schedule is very regimented. Divided into blocks for classes, study halls, preparation times, and other duties, one knows minute by minute where one will be.  Rarely is there time to leave the building for lunch, so when I heard my former colleagues would be able to go out for a meal, I knew I wanted to meet them. I arrived at the coffee shop a few minutes early in order to set up my RAK. After informing the server that I was paying for a couple of meals, I waited for all to arrive. They were surprised by the treat, and I was entertained by their stories. It felt so good to be back in their company. I can't wait to see them again!

Nov. 25, 2013 Bread and Budgets

Baguette, Monaco

I would guess the woman standing in the bread aisle was in her eighties. She was pushing her cart slowly, checking out the prices on the loaves as I pulled up behind her. I made a comment about the prices of baked goods being so high these days, and that led to a lengthy conversation about being alone, spending money on a loaf of bread when it might go bad before it was gone, and other ways to save a few dollars. She recalled a time when a loaf of bread cost 29 cents! It was a delightful conversation between strangers. I hope my friendly overture brightened her day.

Nov. 24, 2013 #In Sickness and In Health

Three Generations

My act of kindness is certainly not random today; indeed it is part of a vow I took decades ago and consider important and binding. We promised to support each other in sickness and in health, so it is my turn to be the nurse as my husband mends. I will tend to all those tasks that one does daily without thought until one's mobility is limited. These duties are not a chore , but rather what we do for family and friends who are under the weather. Just as I have cared for my children over the years, I am fortunate to be able to assist my husband recover. " For better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health" - these words first published in 1549 are still the basis of a strong relationship. Take care of your partners, friends.

Nov. 23, 2013 Friendly Employee#coupon

Time to Decorate

The home décor store was packed today with people wanting to start decorating for the holidays. It was difficult to get through the aisles, and more than once I had to apologize for being in someone's way. Of course,
the check out line was long, as well, and there were only two clerks working. My good luck, however, that another saleswoman opened a register just as it was my turn to pay. She joked with me a bit about her lack of skill as a cashier, and we shared a laugh over her having to ring up something twice. She was so polite and pleasant that I handed her a discount coupon for a local restaurant that I had in my pocket. I had planned on giving it to a friendly person today, and as I explained to this woman, she was the perfect recipient!

Nov. 22, 2013. Passing the Time#Hospital

It is so important to be nearby when a family member is hospitalized. A supportive comment and genuine smile can mean much to the patient. Often, however, they are sleeping, and there is not much one can do to be supportive. I brought plenty of reading materials with me to pass the time these last three days, and it did make the hours go by. This morning, before leaving my house, I gathered a half dozen recent magazines that we had already read. I left them in the waiting room for other people to peruse as they also pass the time waiting for their loved one to recover. I hope it makes their days seem less long.

Nov. 21, 2013 #Angel Fund Dinner

I stopped by a local business this morning to pay for a couple of tickets to a fundraising dinner which is being held tomorrow night. I won't be able to attend, but I wanted to make sure that someone else could go free of charge. The true heroes of this event, however, are the generous people who are organizing this big meal. Called the Angel Fund Dinner, this group expects to serve over five hundred meals right down the street from me with the goal of raising money to assist the local children, families, and food shelves. What an undertaking this is! I can't imagine buying the food, cooking it, and serving so many people. A basic Thanksgiving meal seems a large task to me. The real angels are the individuals who are doing all this work to benefit our community. We are blessed that they live among us. Please attend if you can.

Nov. 20, 2013 Kindness#CVPH

Sunset From Hospital

I witnessed many acts of kindness today as I accompanied a family member to the hospital for a long procedure. From the volunteers, to the orderlies, to the nurses, doctors, and food service workers, there were expressions of caring, concern, and professionalism. It is intimidating to be in a system that one doesn't understand well, but the patience and politeness of the employees make it so much more comfortable to ask questions. My own good deed was to give a small gift to one of the nurses who was very thoughtful towards me. She brought me a coffee and a snack realizing what a long day I had had. It brightened my afternoon as did the concern shown by the all the workers that I met today at our local hospital.

Nov. 19, 2013 #LittleFreeLibrary and Encouraging Writing

Little Free Library Open for Reading AND Writing

My little library standing next to the sidewalk in front of my house has been quite successful since we put it up last summer. Books disappear, and new ones are placed inside frequently. This effort is to promote reading, but why couldn't it be used to encourage writing? So today, I placed pencils, pens, and small notepads in amidst the books. Maybe next week I will add some notecards and envelopes to see if I can start a writing campaign. Who knows, maybe I will get a few letters or perhaps one of you will, too. Written communication beyond a text message isn't a bad idea. 

Nov. 18, 2013 #OperationChristmasChild

Their slogan is "The power of a simple gift", and that sums up the huge effort that an organization called Samaritan's Purse coordinates during their Christmas box campaign. Founded in 1970, this group plays the role of the Good Samaritan around the world as they offer aid and hope to those in need. I have wanted to participate in Operation Christmas Child for several years, and when I read that there would be a collection site in my village, I went shopping. What fun to buy toys, craft supplies, clothing, and toiletries all to fit into a shoe box. I took my box to the church that is hosting the gift drive, left a donation for shipping, and indicated that it was for a 5 - 7 year old girl. I will never see the outcome of this RAK, but I am sure a little girl somewhere will be delighted with her gifts.

Nov. 17, 2013 Circus Tickets#Shriners

Tanzania

I paid it forward with circus tickets today. I like to make a yearly donation to the Shriners to support their efforts to allow the local children go to the circus. My contribution will help pay for some of these entrance fees. I won't get to see the kids at the circus, but I know they will enjoy the show.

Nov. 16, 2013 My Aunt

My Aunt, My Uncle, and My Mother

I sent a package to my aunt today. You may be thinking that this action is not very special; people mail gifts to family members frequently. But this is an important deed because this woman, the only sister of my mother, will be delighted to receive mail, and especially happy to open it and find coloring books. A serious illness which nearly killed her over sixty years ago changed her life forever. Her body continues to age, but her mind is still young. Sweet, soft-spoken, and caring, she loves to sing and color pictures, but her fears are strong making her timid and unsure.  The highlight of her solitary weeks are my mother's visits when they share stories while having a cup of tea. My aunt is special - not because of beauty or wealth or athleticism or talent. She is unique due to circumstances that have made her life difficult physically, mentally, and emotionally. Most importantly, she is grateful for a kind word, a small gift, a simple song, and attention from those who love her. I know she'll love her package, but not as much as I loved sending it to her!

Nov. 15, 2013 That's for the Birds

Estes Park, Colorado

The leaves have fallen; the corn has been harvested, and the apples picked from the trees. Winter is approaching which means there will be less available for the birds to eat. The Canada geese are flying south, but there are plenty of other birds that remain around here, so today I loaded our little red barn bird feeder with some chow. The pleasure is twofold, of course. We can watch cardinals, blue jays, and sparrows among others while our feathered friends enjoy a meal. What a joy to have nature right outside the window on those snowy mornings.

Nov. 14, 2013 Greeting Cards#Thanksgiving

I sent out some greeting cards today to wish family and friends happy Thanksgiving. One of these cards was mailed to a stranger. Her name was given to me by a friend as someone whose house was destroyed by Superstorm Sandy and still has not been able to return home. I wrote a simple message conveying that she and the other victims of these natural disasters have not been forgotten. I hope that my card will brighten her day, but more importantly I trust that all will work out and she will soon
 be able to move back to her community that means so much to her.

Nov. 13, 2013 #donations#philippines

My message will be short and simple. Please send a donation to one of the humanitarian groups working to help the people in the Philippines after the horrific typhoon Haiyan devastated many parts of the country. It is easy to donate through Facebook, Amazon, or one of the other organizations rated reputable by CharityWatch. My donation was not large, but all of us offering a small amount of money together will help supply water, food, medical supplies, and shelter. It will only take a few minutes; the benefits will be far-reaching.

Nov. 12, 2013 Giving a Ride

Cold November Day, Lake Placid

It was a cold, blustery day, and we aren't used to temperatures in the 30s yet. When I saw the man trudging up the hill near the post office, I figured he must be mighty chilly. I recognized him as I got closer, and put down the window to offer him a ride. He was happy to climb in a warm vehicle. Look out for those who have no car, especially this time of year. It is the safe and generous thing to do.

Nov. 11, 2013 Pass the Wine , Please.

You've Been Wined!

Several weeks ago, I thought of an activity to surprise my friends and encourage others to pay it forward. Calling it "You've been wined!", I created a flyer which explains that the recipient has received a bottle of wine with the request that they pass another bottle on to someone else with a copy of this notice. Today, I met the mother of a great young friend, and knowing how much I appreciate her daughter, I was certain that I would like her mother. She was the first to "be wined", and she immediately knew who she wanted to pass it on to. My next destination was to the house of a former colleague who retired several years ago. I haven't seen her much recently, but I know she likes wine. We talked for over an hour, catching up on family and travel news. What a wonderful day spent enjoying the company of these gregarious, intelligent women. Beware: you may be the next one "to be wined".

Nov. 10, 2013 #Polarisproject

Light in the Darkness

Some unknown force has led me to reading about slavery recently. I read The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grisson and Toni Morrison's Beloved, both of which expose the horrors of slavery. Tonight I will see the movie, 12 years a Slave, which has a connection to upstate New York. If you believe that I am living in the past with these issues of slavery, you are quite mistaken. There are an estimated 60,000 slaves in the United States today. This is an issue that we don't want to acknowledge, and even when we are aware of it, we often choose to ignore. So my deed for today is to spread the word, send a donation, and become better informed. Please check out the Polaris Project and sign their pledge to help those controlled by human traffickers. Slavery didn't end with the Civil War. We all need to learn the signs and assist these victims. I hope you will share this message with others who care.

Nov. 9, 2013 Coat Drive#Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts at Coat Drive

A troop of local fifth grade Girl Scouts was holding a coat drive today. I love to support these grassroots efforts for community outreach, particularly when they are run by children. I gathered up several winter coats this morning, piled them in the van, and headed to the Fire Station where the girls were waiting. Their leader explained that the coats would be available for people through the school, and then at the church-run thrift store. Any that are not taken will be sent to another organization to hand out this winter. What a win/win situation for everyone. The children performed a great service; I cleaned out a closet, and those needing a heavy jacket will have one. Thanks to the Girl Scouts for coordinating this event!

Nov. 8, 2013 #Holiday Mail For Heroes

A  Few Holiday Cards

I had been looking forward to this little act of kindness all week. Holiday Mail For Heroes is a program sponsored by the American Red Cross which delivers thousands of cards to veterans, active duty service men and woman, and military families throughout the world. I gathered up some holiday cards that I had saved, wrote a heartfelt message inside,signed them, and put them in the mail. The instructions say to send them together without their envelopes by December 6 in a larger mailer addressed to:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

It is rewarding to think that we can brighten a service member's holiday season through this small RAK. Hope you will join me in this effort.

Nov. 7, 2013 #WelcomeKit

One Activity Available in the Village

Anyone moving into our village will soon have a brochure , paper or electronic, welcoming them to our area. I have spent several hours during the past week organizing information,writing, and editing facts which will make the transition an easier process. Today I put the final touches on the pamphlet, and after some assistance from the Village office staff, I submitted it for final approval. A few of my photos featuring several residents are included, and I hope all who use it find it helpful. My hope is that it will be one small step in making newcomers feel comfortable in their new home.

Nov. 6, 2013 Recipe and Reading

I hadn't taken the opportunity to truly welcome a couple to our area; although, they have lived here for a few months now. There was a recipe which I had promised to give to the woman, and when I learned yesterday that her husband wanted to read a book that I had two copies of, I knew it was time to stop by their house. I packaged up the two items and drove over to deliver them. She was happy to see me at the door, and delighted with the gifts. It is always fun to surprise a neighborhood newbie with a little gift.

Nov. 5, 2013 Stressed Out Teens#Guidance

Guidance Counselor and Student

I work with many teenagers, and I can see the pressures of school, part-time jobs, and future plans weigh heavily upon them. Today, I took the opportunity to give a few caring words of advice to one of my Student Council members who arrived at this morning's meeting with a look of frustration. Too much to do in too little time. We all know the feeling, but our teenagers need a shoulder to lean on and an empathetic ear. My recommendations were simple - take a deep breath, make of list of everything that needs to be done, and then prioritize. Don't sweat the small stuff because it is not worth your energy. Finally, tackle them one by one. I got a big smile in response to my suggestions. This girl, as well as all my former students, know that I am always ready to listen and offer counsel if they seek it. It takes a village to raise a child; let these kids know you are there for them.

Nov. 4, 2013 A Walk of RAK.

Colonial House, Champlain, NY

This year long project of a daily random act of kindness or two has taught me many things, but in particular, it has made me very aware of the multitude of opportunities there are each day to perform a small good deed. My walk today was filled with rewarding encounters. I passed by a 100 year old house which is being restored, and when I saw a man outside it, I asked him if he was the owner to which he said yes. I thanked him for bringing this house back to life. My compliment  brought forth a description of the other renovations he and his wife are undertaking. Next, I came upon a woman who is originally from the area and is now moving back after a long absence. She will be living right behind our house. I introduced myself and extended a warm welcome to the village. She positively beamed with excitement at being part of the community. Finally, my walk turned into a drive as I checked the mileage of the village streets. I am designing a walking route map which will be available to residents and visitors who would like to stroll our streets for exercise and peacefulness.  A walk with RAK a day is good for the soul!

Nov. 3, 2013 Acknowledging Important Occasions

My Parents

Today would have been my parents' sixty-third anniversary, and I awoke early this morning with this thought on my mind. My father passed away over thirty years ago, and although my mother and I talk often about the past, I wasn't sure if this was a date she would remember. Still, I wanted her to know that I knew it was important, especially to the five offspring this marriage produced and raised so well. I sent her a message of  "thinking of you", and then this afternoon I called her. What a wonderful conversation we had! Just when I think I know all the family stories, she shares a few more about their early life together. I am so fortunate to have such a caring, intelligent, and understanding mother. And even if my father isn't here in person, he is still present in his children and grandchildren. As I say so often, reach out to those who are important to you and acknowledge all life's milestones. You will both be glad a wish was extended.

Nov. 2, 2013 Pay It Forward With Potatoes

Late Fall Day, From Baxter Mt., NY

I wrote about our adventure in planting potatoes several months ago, and described giving a few of them away last month, but now that the harvest is complete, we have plenty of spuds! We will enjoy eating them this winter; however, I wanted to share our crop with  some of our family and neighbors. Today, I brushed off the dirt from the skins and put together four bags of potatoes. As I backed out of my driveway, I really didn't know who would be the recipients. That decision was random. One went to a couple both of whom are strong  advocates
for the village; another went to my brother and his wife; the next sack was delivered to a family I've known for years through sports, and finally I stopped by a former colleague's house to leave them next to her kitchen door. Baked, mashed, scalloped, fried - today I paid it forward with potatoes!

Nov. 1, 2013 Don't Forget Victims of Natural Disasters

Breezy Point, NY  Prior to the Storm

When a natural disaster strikes anywhere in the world, most of us pause for some time, stunned by the power of nature and saddened by the destruction. When the cameras are packed up and the reporters move on to another assignment, it is easy to forget that for these victims, the struggle to rebuild communities is only just beginning. It has been one year since Superstorm Sandy struck the East Coast , and many of those in its path are still displaced and discouraged. We have good friends from the Breezy Point area whose neighborhoods were destroyed by water and fire. Some of them have been able to rebuild and are slowly returning. Our friends are now back in their house, but it has been a difficult process, and to let them know they are in our thoughts, I sent them a small gift to express our hope and joy for their future. My request to you is very simple. Please take the time to call, send a card, or surprise someone with a present just to say that you have not forgotten the ordeal  they have been experiencing. Let me know that you contacted someone. Have a blessed day!