Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Sweet Treats

This is Sharon. Sharon and I made a quick dash to the shops to buy ALL of the 

🤗 A Heather Hug 💕

A hug from Heather - strong and enveloping, eased my anxiousness from another crazy stresser day. I could actually feel the healing energy, flowing from her heart into mine. Heather has had extensive heart surgeries, almost dying a few times and though it all has kept sight of courage, a growing loving compassion and gratitude. Of the People, she is a warrior woman whose presence is a force full of gentleness and strength. A member of our old “Crafternoon” club at the library, Heather is now volunteering there since her medical challenges keep her from working. Her whole body lit up when she saw me, and said, “There’s my Mindy…” all the while recharging me with that super strong and long lasting hug. We chatted for a bit, then Heather remembered something that was donated the other day that she thought I’d like and set aside - a 101 Blessings deck. Opening the deck this morning, I ... Read Full Story >>

Surrounded by Beauty

My friend who has traveled and driven to so many places when she was young cannot drive anymore due to some nerve problem in the hand. She wanted to go and see the Iris garden with full blooms.

So we drove and spent the day together. The garden is on the mountain and after seeing the most amazing colors of Irises we had tea and snacks together on the benches overlooking the wide mountain and sky landscape.

It was lovely to learn about her place where she grew in Malaysia and how the school had subjects for life skills such as cooking, baking, arranging tables and beds, crafting and exhibitions of their work. She was delighted to talk and me delighted to hear about her resourceful ways and craftswork back then.

I kept Mindy’s peace dove and Rajni’s quote card on the table with donation to the lovely garden owner before leaving their garden.
 

Let the Children Lead Us

I have this incredibly sweet girl in my class this year. We just finished a unit on creating a business and she wants to put into practice what she's learned.

She makes these rubber band bracelets and sells them. They come in cute bags she ordered with a thank you business card and sticker. And, she's got customers!

Today she presented me with this poster and one of her bracelets (which I wore all day).

Then, my $75 pencil sharpener broke and I was bummed. She told me that she would use the profits from her business to buy me a new sharpener.

How sweet (I sent her the Amazon link...no, I kid! Just joking!), but what a wonderful heart!

#AprilRAOK
 

Unexpected Returns

We live next door to two ladies. Meg and Lexi. Both widowed, both in their late 70’s possibly even 80’s. I don’t know them very well, I don’t even know if they have children or are mothers. But I felt really called and inspired to gift these two lovely ladies. So last night I wrote out on the most beautiful hand painted card of tulips words of love and appreciation, and at 3pm today went over to gift them both.   Turns out I was the one blessed back. Lexi noticing my voice and after explaining to her to keep her distance (as I have symptoms of a cold throat tickle and sneezing) goes to her fridge and pulls out a jar of something big and yellow. It’s “quinine” she tells me. During this Covid season I’ve always got a batch on hand. I look at her with a facial expression of “what the?” And she explains ... Read Full Story >>

Happy Spring!

Noticed a park ranger working hard to repaint some benches....went back to bring her a bottle of water. She said "are you sure?" and I said of course and thanked her for what she was doing. At the grocery store I had too many items for the "express" checkout lane so I was waiting in the next line when the cashier for the express waved me over and said "if you help me bag, we'll get this done quick" --I looked around and there was no one else waiting for her line so I said okay, and then I told her that I usually bag my own groceries anyway! She said " I know you do....I remember you always help, that's why I waved you over--not everyone does" I was so touched! I was through her line in two minutes! Organizing a block party for next weekend to send off a neighbor ... Read Full Story >>

Spreading Love

I had the best Mother's Day spending the whole day with my grown son, walking for hours, seeing beautiful views in San Francisco, eating together, and then distributing packed lunches for the homeless..

His patience as we looked for people to give the lunches to and his kindness in offering them just made my heart full and reminded me of his 5-year old self doing the same with me so many years ago.

I am glad that he knows the names and stories of many of the homeless folks in his neighborhood and he offers them food whenever he can. It was a beautiful day.

🫖 High Tea Fundraiser 👒

Posing for a photo op in our borrowed hats, after countless volunteer hours of preparation for the Center’s High Tea fundraiser.

The kirigami basket favors along with the napkin folding “bishop’s hats” were my main contribution, made possible with the collective effort of the fancy-hat ladies.

We are meeting this morning, in the Center’s kitchen - 4 hours before the event to sous-chef the sweet and savory scones, tea sandwiches, and prepare the fresh fruit. Then to dress in our tea-party clothes, serve, enjoy and then tidy up.

So much time, energy and talents to arrange, research, teach - learn, promote, decorate, shop, and cook!

Grateful to be part of such a positive force in helping build community and secure funds for the Center’s non-for-profit expenses.

It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we work together. 💕

🫖 📚 Tea And Books For A Neighbor Friend

My neighbor friend is home from work and nursing an upper respiratory infection. I dropped off a good book and a few immune boosting teas for her on my way to the park this afternoon.

She had messaged me this morning sharing she was planning a cozy rest day reading the two books that I had given her and I know she likes herbal te. So I figured I’d just add another book to her reading pile 📚 along with some teabags 🫖

Healing “hug”

☔️ Rain Day Crochet…..

🧶 Finished crocheting a “hug” (prayer shawl) today, for a kindness friend, Mantra’d “White Light, Healing Light, Love in Every Stitch” as I crocheted.

Was a perfect cozy, tranquil rain day to crochet, with healing intent. 🙌🏻❤️🙌🏻

Will ship it out this week. ✈️

Serendipity

Grateful for a serendipitous blessing yesterday

Unbeknownst to us, we had left our credit card in the check folder after paying the bill in a restaurant.  Fortunately we had gone next door to a yogurt shop and our waitress saw us as we were passing by after leaving the yogurt shop. She came running out & gave us our credit card.

I thanked her & thanked The Universe 😊

Teacher Appreciation With Pies

I don't think I have met anyone who is as laser-focused on making friends, family and strangers happy as my friend, Erica. Yesterday, she contacted my wife, Mary, asking her if she could drop off a chocolate pie for her as a token for Teacher Appreciation Week. Mary responded that she was lactose intolerant, but that she appreciated the offer. I don't exactly recall the order of events, but Mary let Erica know that I'd gladly take Mary's pie, and two more for that matter. Erica contacted me and said "Three pies coming up tomorrow at your door." I told her I was kidding. But, she said she'd really deliver a pie for me. Totally forgot about it. Was outside shooting hoops when who do I see pulling up? Erica with her pie and two dairy-free containers of ice cream for Mary. Luckily I was out burning some calories, because I'll be packing some ... Read Full Story >>

Taking Care

Absolute sweetest thing ever. Youngest son Gabe came to me this afternoon and said …

“Mum. Do you think dad would like a cold face washer for his head? Like you do for me when I’m sick”

“I don’t know Gabe. Why don’t you ask him” I replied.

To my utter surprise Luke said yes. So I made him one and laid it over his forehead.

Love isn’t always words or saying it. But our actions.

Yesterday At Church I ...

Yesterday at Church I noticed Helen working the BBQ alone. It started to get busy so I decided to jump behind the table and started helping. And it was sooo much fun!

It also reminded me how we can’t always wait to be asked or invited to help. And how often we need to be the ones to jump right on in there and do it ♥️
 

May Day Baskets

I have been very busy getting ready for a month long road trip. Yesterday as I was preparing my flower garden the best I could to survive while I am gone, I realized that all the flowers now blooming would be wilted and gone by the time I got back. I sadly decided to cut them all now. and then I realized it was May Day! When I was a child, we would make May Baskets out of paper or berry baskets (or really whatever we could find) and fill them with flowers. Then we would take leave them at the door of friends and neighbors, ring the bell and run and hide . I decided to renew this tradition. I didn't have the time (or patience) to make my own May Baskets, but I have a large collection of Dollar Tree and/or thrift shop vases. So I cut the flowers, arranged them ... Read Full Story >>

Trust From A Stranger

Jack and Neeta own the store where we get our drinking water. I was telling Neeta about the vegan mango yogurt I make with cashews and she mentioned that some of her close family followed a vegan diet. So this morning I brought up a jar so that she could share it with her family. I also asked Jack if they were interested in a jar of special peanut butter I make (with unsweetened coconut added), but he declined. I then decided to stop for an iced oat milk latte at Peets Coffee.  The first thing Ashleigh said was, "I love your shirt!" Then she showed me her tattoo (Aum), which was on my "be love" shirt. I asked Ashleigh what her favorite thing to put on toast was. She replied, "almond butter." "What about peanut butter," I asked? She said she just enjoyed eating that by the spoonful. I offered her my ... Read Full Story >>

🐴 Imagine! May’s Calendar Girl!

I had forgotten to turn the calendar page over until this morning and there she was — a photo of Imagine, the filly I sponsor yearly for my birthday, along with her mother!

Oh, I knew she was there, patiently waiting for the months to pass, so I could view May’s photo, but I had sort of forgotten that too, until I turned the page over.

In celebration of Imagine and her mom being this month’s beauties, I’ve made a donation to the special “Nursery Needs.”

🐴 “Our special needs babies (orphans, ill, or injured) have the sweetest little baby faces...but they also have some very special needs ranging from equine baby formula and "toddler" food to medication, vet visits and surgery.” — Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary https://www.wildmustangs.com/

How grateful I am to be able to support such an amazing program 😊.
 

Bargain For Her

I was walking home after visiting the bank. On the wide divider of the road I saw one little girl of about five years. When I came close to her, I was happy to see her innocent face. I saw something in her hand. She was selling masks. I selected one and I asked the price though I knew what everybody sells it for.

I paid her 66% extra. She tried to give me the extra money back but I said, it is for you. Smilingly she accepted, showed good manners, and said thank you. I was able to read from her lips. 
Rather than asking for money, she was working for it. Needy people live with dignity too. I wish her all the best.

Grateful For Kindness Opportunity

Grateful for Kindness Opportunity

During my last haircut, I paid barber with nice tip.

I asked barber to ask the next customer, is it Okay if I pay for his hair cut? He nodded yes after asking the customer. I paid for him and asked barber to give the change to the customer. Immediately he gave change to customer before I left. I am grateful to both of them. I am also grateful to God who gave me an opportunity to serve.

Birthday Gift #10

☼ (Image by Silviarita from Pixabay.) Today's gift was to my friend Oscar in Portland who is unhoused. I got him a $50 Kroger card so that he can buy fresh fruits and veggies. Oscar and I have been talking a lot about gut health and how important nutrition is. I told him about our Cynthia Li's Brave New Medicine and Rich Roll's microbiome series on YouTube.   https://youtu.be/yjeS0Q-KDvc Oscar told me that it's really hard to get good food. Most of what is given out are stale, refined carbs. He's always grateful for the food, but he has an autoimmune disease so these kinds of foods are really making it worse. Now that spring is here, hopefully, he can get fresher produce. I told him about the book I'm reading by Will Bulsiewicz, MD called Fiber Fueled. I'm learning so much. Today is day 70 since I started learning to make meals just from plants. ... Read Full Story >>