She Thought Her Kindness Tag Went Awry, But Her
do something called homeschooling. It's like going to are regular school, but you get to study what you want to study, and you do your studying at home. But some subjects like Math, History, and English are compulsory. My home school friend's mom and dad are writers. They love everything related to reading and writing. I wanted to tag my friend's dad on his birthday by giving him a book which I thought he would love. I wanted to bring it to a learning session at their home but I forgot it. When my father came to pick me up from class, he brought the book along with him! How thoughtful my dad was! I got all excited and left the book at my friend's dad's work table. What a lucky chance that my friends dad wasn't in his study/office at the tim
- Posted by aum
- Jul 10, 2017
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Love And Cookies
had the sweetest phone call from my brother this week. I had sent him homemade cookies for his birthday. His call, a few days later, he told me he had had a bad day. He had intended to put the cookies in the freezer and take them out one or two at a time. But on this bad day he ate most of them. He had a favor to ask. Would I bake him some more cookies? My heart melted, and of course! I am baking cookies, and adding a bonus batch! His favorites: Oatmeal chocolate chip, Cowboy cookies- made with Wheaties cereal and coconut, and bonus batch of Molasses cookies. I love my brother!
- Posted by Lightbulb
- Aug 22, 2017
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Ideas For Building Community In Your Neighborhood
dinner in the middle of the street so kids can play Organize a neighborhood band to make music for a potluck Halloween party Maypole/May dance party Host an Easter egg hunt in your front yard Co-host a progressive New Year's eve dinner party where you go to different people's houses for each course Share babysitting duties Chalk up positive messages in the entrance to your community or birthday wishes on the sidewalk :-) Cook a meal for someone who is sick or has been hospitalized Leave a plant on someone's doorstep, or seeds with a flowerpot Book exchange (little free library) Dog-sitting or other pet sitting when neighbors away Set up online forum for posting neighborhood "giveaways" or needs or outings (hikes, star gazing, etc.)
- Posted by cabbage
- Nov 14, 2017
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Makng A Little Boy Happy And Saving An Ice Cream Cake
if her boy was allowed chocolates. She said yes and I gave the little boy the chocolates. Oh, he was so happy! You would have thought I'd given him the moon. He had brown eyes that became huge, he was so excited. (I think more by the golden foil.) He was so cute and if he had been my nephew I'd have wanted to tickle his tummy. I chatted to the lady and she told me she had an ice cream Birthday Cake and feared it would melt. When the taxi did arrive I wasn't sure if it was my taxi or hers. She felt it was mine, so I said you take the taxi, so her cake wouldn't melt and I arranged to be picked up after. I'm so glad I did this kindness. It has warmed my heart and comforted me and there was so much joy in making a little boy happy.
- Posted by mandymoo900
- Jan 31, 2018
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The Purple Flowers Are For You!
folks who work there--it was such a surprise to be "gifted" with flowers myself :-) I then found out that one of the people who I bought the flowers for just went into the hospital after fracturing her hip (she is almost 100 years old!)--so they are now Valentine's/Get Well flowers for her. Dropped off the flowers for the other friend and decided we'd have to put off the 100th birthday party at the senior center til further notice. Then I spent an hour on the phone helping my friend's daughter prepare for her biology exam! I love teaching--doesn't matter if I'm not on campus, ha ha! Later, I stayed up to finish something else I had volunteered for.....and signed up to volunteer for something else (tabling for a cause that's dear to my h
- Posted by cabbage
- Feb 26, 2018
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Letting Go
e got to celebrate my friend's 100th birthday with a party as she wished (but in a rehab facility rather than her senior center). There were plenty of flowers, a big balloon, her favorite fast food burgers and fries for lunch followed by cake and ice cream. An elderly gentleman friend serenaded her with songs from her past. We all sang a few songs together for her. Her formerly estranged daughter was present. She was surrounded by 12 people whose presence she requested. She was very, very happy. I was very glad to play a small role in organizing it. Well, just a few weeks later she is now in the final phase of her life's journey, and is preparing.....sleeping most of the time, and not eating or drinking much at all. It's hard to see someone who was such a f
- Posted by cabbage
- Apr 7, 2018
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Making It Work For Both Parties
recently reserved my son's birthday party at a pizza place, when all of the sudden one day, they called in a panic. They accidentally overbooked two parties at the same time and were asking me to move my time. The employee was so stressed out she could hardly speak. I felt like I coached her on how to handle a difficult situation. I asked about different times available, some details about the party that was booked at the same time as mine, and so on. In the end, the pizza place, myself, and the other party, all compromised and both parties are able to take place on the same day. If I hadn’t agreed to change my time, they would’ve had to cancel the other party, which was a baptism, because it was never written down. Although it was irritating at first, it w
- Posted by lbsilveira
- Apr 23, 2018
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Sharing Lilies And Life's Moments
e became both recipient and also giver earlier today. A beautiful bouquet of calla lilies was shared with my hubby and I as we were on a walkabout in San Francisco. The giver was a gardener who was consciously gifting his beautiful blooms today in honor of what would have been his late wife's 75th birthday. "Para ti mis nuevos amigos. Please share these humble flowers, my wife's favorites in honor of her, in celebration of you, both named Lily. Love to share" As I took the flowers he kissed my cheek, pulling my husband in for a hearty embrace, bending oh so gently over to pet our small fluffy dog. " From me to you, mi familia es muy especial" After another sweet embrace we strolled past his neighborhood and went into Golden Gate Park
- Posted by LiliAB
- May 22, 2018
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The Warm Hug Of Kindness
post office to collect a parcel. But the contents of this parcel was a warm “hug” of kindness, all the way from the U.S. Inside the box was a beautiful shawl, crocheted by my our KindSpring friend Mish. And such a lovely card as well, with Mish’s sincere words traveling across continents, explaining how she crocheted Love and Light in every stitch in honor of my daughter’s birthday; who passed away almost eight years ago. Yes, dear Mish, I can feel your Love and Light. I am so overwhelmed that I cannot find the words to express my appreciation. Just know that this warm “hug” of kindness is something that I will always cherish. When I joined KindSpring shortly after my huge loss, I could not have foreseen that Kindness would come and wrap
- Posted by petroskryf
- Jul 30, 2018
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🎈 Gifts
to pick any wildflowers on our land that he wanted, just not to pull them up by the roots 🌸. Who knew that smack dab in the middle of just about nowhere, friends would drop from the sky? :))))) Oh, and the balloonists surprised us with a bottle of champagne, from their champagne toast supply, for being such gracious hosts and an offer for a ride sometime... Saving the bubbly for my birthday celebrate in a few days!
- Posted by mindyjourney
- Aug 11, 2018
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When You Give, The Universe Gives Back
t really is true that when you give, it comes back to you: I recently gifted my favorite sun hat to a friend who had been looking for one like mine for months. I found it online and had it sent to him for his birthday. A few weeks later, I lost my own. I was bummed! That hat had traveled everywhere with me. But then a few days later, a different friend had come back from his trip to the Philippines and what did he give me as a souvenir? A sun hat! I hosted my first meditation circle earlier this week, which involved cooking a dinner for the large group. I had never cooked for a large group of people in my life. I loved shopping for the food, cooking for them, and even learning a few new recipes on my own. Just today, I hiked with a friend and when we departed, he took a
- Posted by kindness1st
- Sep 7, 2018
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It Started With A New Coat For A Homeless Man
entry times, etc. It was not much, a few hundred dollars, but wow did it come at the perfect time. I had been reading stories on KindSpring and was overwhelmed by the generosity of strangers. We thought, let's make give backpacks and give them out on Christmas eve to people who would otherwise have nothing to open. We know what that's like. We haven't had money to exchange gifts for birthdays or Christmas in many many years too. It feels wonderful to have someone think of you at Christmas and truth be told, I've always been a little embarrassed when friends ask "what did you get for Christmas/birthday." It always makes my wife feel bad that she can't afford to give me anything and I feel the same. So much so, that I would lie and say she bo
- Posted by OCSlacker
- Oct 27, 2018
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Bouncing With Happiness
stranger heard we were planning for my daughter's fifth birthday, and volunteered to drop off and set up a commercial bouncy house (that the kids loved) and he wouldn't take a cent in payment or let us help. He just told us to pay it forward. I was blown away by his generosity and it was a lot of work to set up and pack away and he just said he likes knowing that kids had fun.
- Posted by Rajni
- Nov 29, 2018
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A Cane Of Support
n elderly gentleman who comes to the soup kitchen had a stroke a few weeks ago and told me that while he is doing well, he lost his cane on the bus. I told him I might have one at home and would bring it to him the following week(today). So, today when I saw him I smiled and said I have something for you--and I brought out the cane. (It was a gag gift for my husband on his 40th birthday and has never been used--he was happy to donate it!) Well, it turns out that a kindly bus driver had given him a cane during the week and when he compared the two he liked mine better (it was a better height for him), but he said he couldn't manage two canes today! He seemed very puzzled as to what to do. So I asked if it would be helpful if I take it back and bring it again next week, so he w
- Posted by cabbage
- Aug 7, 2019
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Good Neighbors
lderly neighbor's 90th birthday was Monday. She is becoming more in need of help, but doesn't want it. Gardenguy mows her grass weekly. Over the weekend, her 80 year old friend and her other neighbor joined forces to help clean and de-clutter part of her house, She did a lot of protesting, but elderly neighbor later told me that the kitchen hadn't looked that good in years. Blessings to good friends and neighbors.
- Posted by gardengal10
- Aug 18, 2019
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Bellyful Of Kindness :)
especially in times of extreme weather events, and major holidays when most persons are home in a warm, comfortable environment spending time with their loved ones. For the last 10 years, Kemar Blake - the founder of Bellyful Restaurant and Bar in Brooklyn has been involved in a very noble project of feeding the homeless all across Brooklyn. Kemar uses significant personal occasions such as his birthday and major holidays to execute this initiative. In recent years, he has co-opted his young children to use their birthdays as well to engage in building a tradition that will positively impact the lives of some of Brooklyn's most unfortunate for years to come. This initiative has now being formally adopted as Bellyful's core Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) p
- Posted by Mish
- Oct 18, 2019
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🙠22 Peace Doves 🕊 ...
cried for days, not moving off the couch. That, I came to learn, was Debbie. When she began coming to our Crafternoon regularly, I offered her a Peace dove. “Oh! I have one of these. It was given to me when my son died. I have it hanging in the kitchen where I see it all the time…” Learning that fall was especially hard for Debbie, since the passing of her son and his Nov. birthday, I offered to make doves for her to share in his memory. “Thank you, “ she said, grasping my hand and pulling me into a hug. Each one has a red heart drawn on its wing, to symbolize the LOVE that lives on.
- Posted by mindyjourney
- Nov 23, 2019
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Comforting With Flowers
freshmen on my bus was crying. Now, as a senior I thought it was my duty to end her tears, and it just happened to be my birthday. I proceeded to pick up the flowers that my lovely boyfriend gave me, and handed them to her saying, "I don't care if some teenage boy doesn't love you. We [entire bus] love you!" Needless to say, the tears were gone.
- Posted by leightonpaigeis
- Mar 20, 2020
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Above And Beyond
told my dad a few days ago that my mom got into a little car accident, as the roads were icy, causing her to lose control of the vehicle. She ended up damaging the tires and rims. She didn't have winter tires, which was part of the problem. I didn't expect my dad to do anything. But today he drove 40 minutes to drop off 4 winter tires and rims for my mom. He said it was an early birthday present for her. They've been divorced for 14 years, but still care for and are kind to each other. I love him. He inspires me all the time. I'm so grateful he's my dad
- Posted by kat94
- Mar 17, 2020
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Shoes For A Stranger!
them. I let her try them on and they fit her perfectly. I told her she could buy them and looked for a different pair. After I found another pair of shoes, I noticed that the couple were counting change. I walked up to the woman without thinking and took her shoes. I then went to the register and paid for both the pairs. I turned around gave her the pair, then said "Happy Birthday!" and left. I was in a hurry to get back to work. I wish I was a fly on the wall. " and
- Posted by MrsP
- Apr 4, 2020
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Saturday--almost 40 Days Of Sheltering In Place
essential items for the homeless--they always welcome clean blankets, water bottles, trash bags, granola bars....call and see what they can use (I called two places and was excited they could use things I had) Collect groceries from neighbors to drop off at food banks or soup kitchens "Visit" neighbors from your driveway or sidewalk (socially distance yourself) and have a chat; sing happy birthday from the street (we've done this three times already!) Set up to make music in your driveway and invite others to join in a social distant way (our neighborhood just did this) or practice your instrument outside (at a reasonable hour) Ask your kids to make a spreadsheet of organizations you want to collectively donate to (if you can) and talk about donating as a f
- Posted by cabbage
- Apr 22, 2020
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Gifts To My Mother In Law
love surprising people with love! It was my mother in laws birthday yesterday. And as she was working all day and as we weren't able to visit her in the evening. I decided to surprise her with balloons and all her gifts waiting on her doorstep. My mother in law LOVES gifts so rather than just buy the one I tend to buy lots of little ones. That way she feels super spoiled.
- Posted by brindlegirl
- Jun 27, 2020
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A Super Dose Of Support
ori, a sister-in-love, called the other day with some sad news. It seems as if the Chicago area family and friends have been hard hit with COVID-19 and related issues. I decided to surprise Lori with a floral arrangement for her holiday birthday, along with the hopes that the blooms will cheer her. Lori is a mothering soul, who included us in many a family get together. I know these times are especially difficult for her. She is a sister-of-my-heart who exudes LOVE with BIG HUGS, warm embraces and inclusive celebrations â¤ï¸. Bless all those who are feeling especially overwhelmed this holiday season with super doses of support and encouragement. ðŸ™
- Posted by mindyjourney
- Jan 1, 2021
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Tyden And The Turtle
y nephew Tyden and I were attending another nephew's birthday at a local amusement center. It was the kind of place were you get tickets for scoring points on the games and then cash them in for prizes. Tyden won a jackpot of tickets, so we went to cash them in and select his prizes. I was feeling nostalgic because my loved one and I had our first date at this center and had exchanged little trinkets from the showcase. I noticed a turtle and remembered my partner loves them. I asked the young man behind the counter if I could just purchase the turtle without tickets. He said unfortunately that was not an option. I decided I needed to win 350 tickets. I left Tyden at the counter to finish choosing his prize with his grandma. I bought game tokens and entered the games room w
- Posted by peacehunter
- Feb 2, 2021
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Win-win Moment At The Bookstore
esterday, I went to the bookstore to pick up a present for my mother's upcoming birthday. I found one of the books I wanted, but not the other. When I went to pay, I asked the clerk behind the counter if I could order the second book. A lady was standing in line behind me at the checkout. The clerk said she could order the book, but would I mind if she let the lady behind me pay for her purchases first. The lady behind me said no, it was fine, she'd wait. It took nearly 15 minutes to put my order through! The lady behind me chatted amiably with us for the entire time. When it finally came time for me to pay, I placed two $10 off cards on the counter. The clerk informed me the offer was only valid for the book I was purchasing in-store and wouldn't work for
- Posted by guetv
- Feb 26, 2021
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A Surprise Gift
but it had its advantages. For the most part, I very much enjoyed the people with whom I came in contact. I was working in the garden today, watering my poor plants that are very unhappy in this very hot, humid, lack-of-rain spell when a Fed-Ex truck pulled up. I had ordered nothing. The driver jumped out and said: Here are more flowers as he carried a large box of cut flowers. It's not my birthday, anniversary, etc. I asked him if he was certain that he had the correct address. I almost cried when I opened the box, saw the stunning bouquet and read the short note from a former employee. I have not seen, been in touch for well over a decade. She thanked me for whatever it was that I had done those many years ago to make HER retirement easy and "painless". I am
- Posted by gardengal10
- Jul 3, 2021
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Caring For Our Four-Legged Friends
“Imagine” at the Hot Springs SD wild horse sanctuary, a beautiful 14000 acre wildlife refuge in the southern Black Hills. The 750 horses here are free to roam the property with little human intervention. As the summers are dry and winters harsh, they do require additional feed, hay, and water sources that are funded by sponsors such as we are. I gift this sponsorship to Mindy annually on her birthday. As we are sponsoring a horse, we were allowed to give the horse a name. Pictured below is “Imagine” when she was about 5 months old, and now about 14 months old. Isn't she beautiful!
- Posted by MisterMindy
- Aug 18, 2021
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From Laundry To Vegan Pepperoni
'm back home and spreading my birthday gift on the west coast now. Many of my acts began at home this time, with my family. Since my return yesterday I've done two loads of laundry. I rose at 6 am, made coffee for my wife, along with vegan pancakes...a recipe that I've adapted myself. I took my daughter to Chipotle. The real act of kindness here was that I did this without lecturing her about eating out too much:). And I shared my Peet's coffee reward with her. I was telling my daughter about what I'm doing and asked her what acts of kindness she thought I've done today. I was happy to hear her say, "you opened the door for me!" That was small, but given that I wasn't going through the door with her, I'll count that. And now for d
- Posted by cyctw
- Aug 25, 2021
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My Birthday Gift To Myself
s my 56th lap around the sun nears its completion I have chosen to borrow an idea from some on here, and others have done…complete one act of kindness for each lap. Today I completed four. This morning I opted for a small, local coffee shop, rather than the national chain. I wanted to randomly pay for someone’s coffee. Since they didn’t take cash (a covid thing) , I purchased a gift card. I gave the gift card and a Smile Card to the barista and suggested what she might do with both. Then this evening, while standing in line at WF, I noticed a young lady behind me with a few bagels. I asked if she’d let me pay for them. In a heavy German accent, she declined. I didn’t want to force it, but I told her she would really be helping me out and I explained to
- Posted by cyctw
- Aug 24, 2021
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Back To School
arrive and I'm fortunate to be in a situation where I can be of service if even just a bit. Oh, and the wife has been begging me to make a vegan key lime dessert that she has been craving. I told her I would make it, but probably not until this weekend. However, I surprised her and made the dessert last night<3. She was delightfully surprised! We'll say that puts me at 50 kind acts for my birthday. :).
- Posted by cyctw
- Sep 3, 2021
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