Stories by janfour (13 matches)

A Challenge To Myself For Our Planet

I am in a 'reduce plastics' challenge and todays challenge is around plastic water bottles. I am extremely lucky to live where water is mostly portable and often free of odd tastes or smells.

From my point of view, it is indefensible that we bring water in plastic bottles to our homes, workplaces, and other areas with clean drinkable water readily available.

The energy waste of manufacture and transportation, the plastic in landfills, and the potential harm from gasses released by bottles makes this practice absurd. With this realization, I'm trying to make shifts in my personal practice to not contribute in this way any longer. Hoping to make our planet greener in the process!
 

Creating Connections

I joined a challenge to practice positive interactions with vulnerable populations at my job in the library. It is called "Pennies in a Cup" to create connections with folks so that if there is a time for a negative interaction you have earned trust, respect, kindness, etc.

For instance, if you greet people and learn their names, when you might have to ask them to speak more quietly, you can address them with familiarity and respect from prior encounters. I am excited by the results!
 

Young People's Kindness

i have been meeting with 5th graders learning and talking about social isolation and food insecurity in a project at their school. i love how they respond with ideas, compassion, and interest of two complicated issues. makes me hopeful💛

Last Night Was The 50th Anniversary

Last night was the 50th Anniversary Homecoming for the volunteers who have helped in the park near me. I was on the committee putting the event together and we had well over 100 folks show up and reminisce about their time being volunteers. I was welcomed and learned a lot as I haven’t even put in a year yet. (This picture was submitted by someone for our slide show.)

Helpers

I had an opportunity to help someone who had the chain fall off their hand cranked bicycle and I was so happy another couple also stopped to make it easier for all of us. I learned a lot about how a bike like that operates. Glad there are helpers among us.

To Local State Park

Today is my 1st time leading school kids through our local state park to show them the unique formations and bring their geology studies to life.

Because the land tilted up and the layers rose, they can see the evidence of rising mountains, erosion, sand dunes, and subsequent layers that formed the rocks we see there today. I love volunteering in the park!

While Waiting For My appointment

While waiting for my medical appt yesterday, I gave a small cheerful girl a peace dove from my Mindy stash in my backpack. When I was in the interior waiting area, a woman asked if I was the one who gave an origami (we were all in gowns so everyone looked alike.) I said yes, and she told me her grandson does origami. She also took a dove. I gave one to the technician as well. It was a fruitful kindness experience.

(Columbine from my garden that bloomed despite the recent freeze.)

Sharing hot cocoa during Snow cold weather

Looks like people in the US will be experiencing some cold weather and storms this weekend. KEEP WARM, cuddle up, be safe! 🤍💙🥶💙🤍

I am volunteering in the park visitor center tomorrow and I think it will be 8 degrees Fahrenheit when I arrive. I am assuming it will be a slow day. I bought some Hershey kisses hot cocoa flavor for the brave souls who venture out.

Volunteer Meeting In The State Park

I get to go to a volunteer meeting in the state park today. So nice to share time with people giving their time for the good of nature. Our park is low impact, so no pets, no bikes, no camping, just a place to marvel at all beautiful things.

Being Honest About Accident

OH! Another thing that happened at my appointment: I tapped a bumper of a big truck as I parked (nerves) but didn’t have paper to leave a note. My car is orange and I saw a bit of orange on the bumper. I got some paper at the desk and when I went back. The driver was there so I spoke to him. He got out and looked at his bumper and said it was rust, not my paint. He mentioned how nice it was that I made the effort to let him know. (here’s an orange on a tree from a trip to Arizona last December)

I Am Volunteering At A State Park

I am volunteering at the entrance to my local state park today. It is a chilly day so I will be nice to see the devoted folks who are coming out to enjoy nature. I hope you all have a splendid Sunday. 

Park Volunteering

Today starts a 4 week Wednesday class in the park by my house where I volunteer covering all subjects concerning things visitors ask about: plants, animals, birds, rocks, history and more. I look forward to hanging out with folks who care enough to spend time among the rocks.

Friendly Chat with Park visitors

Yesterday was fun at the entrance booth to the State park where I volunteer. The parking filled up early so I got to chat with people as they waited for cars to leave and open up spots.
I asked what they liked about the park if they had been before or told them about something they might look for if it was their 1st visit. I also gave out Hershey’s kisses for Valentine’s Day.

This is one of my views, not a great photo, but there are 2 deer there by the road. And the water is a reservoir for an area near the city of Denver.

Kindergartners Step Up to Help Devastated School

Card-Making Party to Send to Hospitalized Children

A Small Christmas Miracle During a Challenging Time

Harp On This

Harping At The Nursing Home

Fill A Bucket

The Book Fairy

Smiling At 'strangers'

Smiling At 'strangers'

The gift of playful freedom

21 Ways To Celebrate Life