Hi, Neighbors

LJ and I took a much longer walk today than usual. I decided that we would wave or speak to everyone we met along the way. We got a little smile from a girl who was jogging, a nod from a cyclist, and a big wave from a guy who was mowing his lawn. I was pretty happy. South Floridians seem to be a lot friendlier than they used to be. Or maybe it's me. Instead of putting on my iPod and staring straight ahead, I was looking around for the people along our path. I do feel a lot more connected to our community. I should take you on a tour sometime.

Kind Regards,

Your Neighbor

A Bump in the Road

Do you want the good news or the bad news first? I always want the bad news (to get it out of the way). So... the bad news is that there were no acts of kindness on Wednesday, Friday or Saturday this week. The good news is that there were not any act of meanness in their place. I just didn't do anything. I had to deal with some all-consuming personal problems. By the time I thought about this project each day, it was too late or I was too tired to do anything about it. I'm going to get back on track today because it really does feel good when you do things for others. I'm not going to let these three days stop me. It's just a little bump in the road. 362 days of kindness is better than nothing, right?

Coins for the Fountain

Why do people throw coins into fountains? I did a little search and came up with a couple of interesting articles from the New York Times and the Williamson Herald, but no real answers about the origin of this practice. I just know that it's something that I've always done, just like wishing upon a star.

Today we had a lunch date with my niece. Since I was familiar with the restaurant and knew that there is a fountain in the front, I made a little wishing jar to bring along:





I thought it would be a cute way to encourage people to make some wishes... why not, right? I am counting this as an act of kindness even though I don't think that the person who is responsible for cleaning the coins out the fountain would think it was very kind.


They are holding an auction this evening where you can bid on one of 15 seven-foot tall alligator sculptures made by local artists. You can see the watermelon alligator in the photo below. This might not have been the best day to leave my wishing jar at the fountain. But, you never know... people might think it's part of the Gator Glam Art Show. I guess this is proof that I really do live in Florida ;-)

I made a wish today, and I really, really, really hope it comes true.

Kind Regards,

Your Neighbor

BOO #2

That was our view last night as we strolled out for another secret BOO mission. I had so much fun the night before that I decided to do it again. This time, we left a Halloween luminary on the front porch of some really nice neighbors. I see them almost every day, but I don't know their names. I only know the name of their dog, Bella. I should have left a treat for her, too.

While we were strolling, I noticed that one of the neighbors we BOOed the other night had her sign taped on her door. I wonder if we will see some more signs popping up around the neighborhood. Kindness is fun!

Kind Regards,

Your Neighbor

You've Been BOOED!

It's October, and we are ready for Halloween! LJ's costume arrived in the mail today. The house is decorated. All we need is a pumpkin, and we'll be set. For today's act of kindness, we decided to share our Halloween spirit with a couple of neighbors. I downloaded the flyers below from TomKat Studio.

We left the flyers and a Halloween surprise on two doorsteps this evening. Instead of a "yummy treat," I opted for a really cute jack-o-lantern paper lantern and a festive sign. I think LJ enjoyed strolling in the dark, and I enjoyed being sneaky. I wonder if they will keep it going. I might help things out by dropping surprises on a couple more houses. I'll let you know how it goes.

Kind Regards,

Your Neighbor

Catching Up

I need to change my posting habits. I have missed the last two days because I have been waiting to post until after LJ goes to sleep at night. For two nights in a row, I have fallen asleep before I have posted for this blog (and, unfortunately, before I have completed any work for a training class that I am taking online). So, it's time to catch up.

Saturday, October 2nd:
LJ and I joined her aunt and uncle at Liberty Park in Parkland for some playtime. It is a really beautiful park on seven acres with two playgrounds and a water play area. Aunt P and I were admiring the beauty when she spotted this:

There was more trash under the bench, too. I guess you already know where I'm going with this. I was the Trash Lady... again. I think picking up garbage has been my most frequent act of kindness so far. I just don't get it. We live in such a beautiful place. Why can't people clean up after themselves?

Sunday, October 3rd:

I purchased these cute pumpkins a while ago. I thought that I would use them as a surprise act of kindness gift for one of our neighbors. And, then Aunt P told me that she was looking for a little pumpkin to put on her desk at work. LJ and I had a quick kindness committee meeting, and we agreed that the pumpkins should go to Aunt P. We presented them to her last night. I hope they spread a little Fall cheer at her office.

Kind Regards,

Your Neighbor

PS I hope to post today's act of kindness BEFORE LJ (and I) go to sleep tonight. I gotta get back on track!

Postcard

My mother-in-law gave me several new shirts for my birthday. I was pulling the tags off of them today, and I noticed that one tag had a postcard attached.


It said, "WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! WRITE TO US AND LET US KNOW YOUR FEELINGS ABOUT JANE ASHLEY" There was a place to write a comment followed by your name, address, email, and place where it was purchased and a little box to place the stamp. Since I didn't really have any feelings about Jane Ashley clothing, I decided to write a little (anonymous) note instead:

It's worth a stamp just to say, "Hello, Stranger. I hope you have a fabulous day!" Seriously... YOU! The person reading this postcard. Let your fabulous day begin.

I wonder how many people actually reply with comments about the clothing. I wonder if the employee will be amused. Only a random person located at 1410 Broadway #301, New York, NY will know.

Kind Regards,

Your Neighbor