Stories of Kindness from Around the World

A Pocketful Of Peanuts And A Heart Full Of Smiles


--by mindyjourney, posted Feb 3, 2022
As I write it’s 11.00 a.m. in the morning with a winter weather forecast of possibly minus 35 degrees wind chill temperature.

I’m staying cosy inside and keeping busy by baking experimental vegan items to take to my daughter-in-law when we visit. I’m also making a variety of craft kindnesses to share as we journey.

I venture out only to replenish my bird feeding stations with extra seeds and suet, and refill the heated bird bath by lugging buckets of water from inside.

Every scrap of food that isn’t eaten, even those saved toast crusts from breakfast at a local diner, goes on the platform feeder for the crows and squirrels, or in the compost, which all the creatures root through for something edible.

A few seeds, and sometimes a sliced carrot or apple, may fall to the ground for hungry deer or wild turkey. 

Bundled in layers of long underwear and clothes, fleece hood wrap, boots (we still have snow on the ground, with more in the forecast), and the warmest gloves, I am a wintery force to be reckoned with!

Instead of the creatures running away from my odd appearance, they come closer, wary and waiting, but safe and soothed with the sound of my muffled voice wishing them well. We have great chats with me doing most of the talking, accentuated with a few snorts (deer) and chirps from the birdies.

The nuthatches and chickadees have learned that I am the peanut treat bringer, landing not only on my outstretched palm to snag a peanut, but also on my shoulders.

With a pocketful of peanuts and my heart full of smiles, I am happy and grateful.

Thanks to my friend Mish, for helping me find just the right image for post.

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Readers Comments

cheeka wrote: So nice to read this post! What a way to show your care, smiles and love for the wonderful creatures in this winter. And the vegan baking too. Wonderful!
Mish wrote: Bundle up, Twinner!!!!!!! 🥶
drjoybug wrote: Love all you do for the creatures around you.
gardengal10 wrote: I will wager that you and your critters have some deep conversations to solve the problems of the world :))
SissyLee wrote: Lovely post!
unknown wrote: Thank you for being the wintery force indeed 😊
Balou wrote: ❄⛄☃️❄ atrue winter force! Love it that the birds know to trust you 😍🐦
lilacgrace wrote: You are amazing. Hard to visualize such weather as we are having 93-97F at present. Blessings for all you do for our furry friends.🙏
Rajni wrote: Sister Mindy, your warm heart cares for all creatures and feeds them well. -35 temperature cannot lessen your heart's warmness . May God continue to protect you and MisterM from extreme weather.
pluto178 wrote: Definitely the right image so sweet………but wow no wonder they don’t run when they see you coming they know you now and know that you are a magical helper especially during these coldest of times. Eating out of your hand and landing on your shoulders says so much about you………they know your aura and are happy to be a part of it by letting you so close……thank you for thinking of them x

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