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Friday, February 7, 2014

Random Acts of Kindness Adventure Week 1


"It's more blessed to give than to receive."
Well, isn't that the truth!  This week I really had fun
preparing a few little acts of kindness to surprise some
unsuspecting people!  Sure, I did the normal smiling and
saying hello to strangers and things like that, but these
two things were especially fun to do~~

I always have the post office come and pick up my
packages of sales from my etsy store.  It's wonderfully
convenient and it's a free service the post office offers!
But it does create more work for our mail carrier because
we don't have our mail delivered to our door.
It is delivered to the entrance of our neighborhood,
where all the mailboxes are lined up in a row.
So she has to drive back to my home to pick up my shipments.
 I left a bag of chocolates and a note just to thank her.

And guess what?
I got a thank you note in the mail the next day. :)


For the second one, I stopped by the hair salon and talked to
Megan, who cuts my hair.  I gave her this envelope and told her
about the random acts of kindness adventure I was doing.
I asked her to give it to someone this week to pay for their
cut.  And I asked her to pick someone that may need
it a little more than others....and that I wanted it to be
anonymous.  She was as excited as I was and gave me a big hug.
It ended up being fun for her, too, since she got to
pick someone and see the surprise happen.  :)


If you did any acts of kindness this week, I'd love for you
to share by posting about it on your blog and linking below.
That way we can all share and be an inspiration to each other!

If you need some ideas on what to do, click on the link on my sidebar
for the original post and a list.   Some cost no money at all
and others can be as big as you want.  It's the thought that counts!

This post will stay up until Saturday evening 7:00 PM EST to give everyone
a chance to participate that wants to.  If you still aren't ready, then you
 can always wait until next Friday when we do it all again! 

 





76 comments:

  1. You're off to a great start! -- Silver Fox

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  2. that is very cool betsy...
    i will have to see what i can get into this week...
    fun fun

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  3. Wonderful Betsy - very kind things to do.
    The best I can do this week is to drive the bus tomorrow foc as a volunteer which I do every Friday.

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    1. no row boat? haha.

      don't forget your 100th pint! That's an awesome one!

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    2. Well, quite honestly I did the blood donations without thinking about it really - you know ever since I was 17 (around 1485 I think!! ROFL). I do wonder what happened to my blood though, enough for 13 people, and who got it and whether it actually saved anyone - probably one day in Heaven I may get to know. I wish I had been able to give blood to Maria and save her - but sadly that was not possible.

      I may repeat your ladies hair dresser one because I have made good friends with some lady hairdressers through delivering and picking up a little old lady on my Dial-A-Ride duties. I always have a good laugh with them and I think next week I'll do it!. Then perhaps I'll think of something more original.

      As for the Row Boat, it rained so darned hard tonight if I had tried to row anything it would have sunk!! . . . . no kidding! That much water!. . . . . .squelch squelch!! lol

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    3. I know what you mean about the blood and who it might have gone to! I grew my hair very long 2 years ago and donated it to be made into a wig for a child with cancer. I have often wondered what little tyke was wearing my hair and hoped that they made a full recovery and were able to grow their own hair again. :)

      What a great idea to do the hairdresser! I like it. The ideas certainly don't have to be original.

      You guys need an Ark over there! :)

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    4. Yes . . . . building an Ark did cross my mind also . . . . . but it won't be required again, will it? . . . . next time fire!! . . . . but by then we should have passed through the Amethyst Gate . . . . remember?

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    5. Oh! and I must mention what a beautiful idea to donate your hair to the child. I do hope the little child did make a full recovery.

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    6. amethyst gate...yes, I won't forget! :)

      donating my hair was so much fun...I blogged about it at the time. Hardly a difficult thing, since it does grow again! :)

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    7. here it is...

      http://myfivemen.blogspot.com/2011/12/best-gift-im-giving-this-year.html

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    8. Just read it Betsy. Great thing to do.

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    9. That might be one that you wouldn't want to try. haha...I mean, it takes several years to grow it that long and the minimum they take is 10 inches. haha. :) But if you did do it, may I suggest you do your beard at the same time? You could donate a twofer! hahaha....

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    10. ROFL
      I don't think my roots would stand it!!!
      And if they did it would take me about 20 years to grow it provided I don't go bald first, or die!! lol
      No chance for the hair OR the beard!! OR the mustache!! OR the eyebrows!!
      Gawd girl, whatever next?? lol

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    11. eyebrows? (gasp!) Oh no, don't grow your eyebrows 10 inches! Not only would you not be able to see, you'd scare everyone! ok...I can't breathe, I'm laughing SO hard. What a hoot!

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    12. Better NOT mention nasal hair ROFL

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    13. You know, the eyebrows might turn into some kind of record. You could have the Guinness Record Keepers come and measure and make it all official. You might turn famous! haha. I'd definitely vote for eyebrows over nasal hair any day. Pity if you caught a sinus infection in the process. Ew. hahaha....oh gosh.

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    14. The mind boggles, doesn't it!
      Well that got me laughing and I wonder if I can actually get to sleep before my chuckle muscle calms down. I don't think any lady I might wish to impress would appreciate any excess of hair anywhere so I shall just have to leave to hair donations to you and I'll do the blood donations, but hey, did you say you give blood also?
      Must away to the land of nod - I'm driving a bus tomprrow.

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    15. No, I have never given blood! :)

      goodnight...sweet dreams...no hairy ones, ha.

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    16. I'm pleased to report that my eyebrows did not grow much today! lol
      But the weather is STILL raining!! I will take some photos tomorrow of the flooded areas and post them.

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    17. That is SO good to hear! (the eyebrows bit, I mean.) ha.

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  4. I have one to enter but sadly no blog! Can I just tell my story here, milady?

    Vince

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    1. Splendid! Alright then, I don't know if it will inspire anyone to pass along a kindness, but it may make some people smile! Now as I considered what I might do this week, I wanted it to be something that I had never done before. The list of ideas suggested taking a neighbor's pet for a walk, and that did intrigue me for certain. There is an old chap further down my lane that has a dog. He is getting on and the weather has been so horrid. I walk by his home as I walk my own dog so I thought it wouldn't be much trouble to stop and call on him and make the offer. I put on my goulashes and heavier raincoat, hat, gloves, leashed up my own dog and off on our walk we went. The rain had held off for the morning and I seemed to be fairly clear, so I was hopeful for a dry time while I was out. We stopped at the house up the lane, chatted with the old chap and I offered to take his dog along on our walk.

      It seems he is on oxygen now, and has a more difficult time getting out than I had even imagined. He genuinely seemed appreciative and let me step inside and get his dog. Off we went, me and two dogs, one leash in each hand. No sooner had we started down the lane when both dogs thought it was a race! There I was being pulled along with my goulashes sticking in the mud, feeling as though I was flying along at their mercy as they increased in speed! The more I pulled the leashes and yelled for them to slow down, the faster they seemed to go. Then, wouldn't you know it, but the rain started coming down! I hadn't brought an umbrella since it seemed to be clearing. I hadn't a third hand to hold it anyway! Bloody hell, the three of us were soaked and muddy when we made it back to this chaps home. I thought he might be sore at me for muddying up his dog and I could see him watching for us in the window as we made it there. He opened the door and burst out laughing at the sight of us. (Which put me at ease that he wasn't angry). He invited us in and we dried the dogs as best we could and then we had a cup of tea to warm up. To make a long story short, I do believe I not only did something kind but have made a friend in the process. Thank you for putting this adventure together, Betsy. It gave me a little push and the outcome, although soggy, was a good one indeed!

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    2. OH MY! I am laughing so hard! Oh, Vince, that is a great story! I'm so glad you survived and made a friend, too. A very kind thing to do especially considering the walk was a soggy mess. My only regret is that you don't have a photo to share of you two men and your dogs. It's a wonderful story. Thanks so much for sharing!

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    3. Just read your story Vince and I laughed so darned hard.
      No wonder the old chap was puffed out if he had to do that twice a day! LOL

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    4. Glad to bring a smile to your faces this night. And off to bed I go. Until tomorrow! Cheers!

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    5. That was a wonderful and hilarious act of kindness.

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    6. Vince...Perfect!

      Betsy, you have started something! This is going to be fun!

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    7. I loved your story Vince, and it gave me a laugh too!

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  5. Oh Betsy, off to such a good start. I just love your little handmade notes...I'm getting some more ideas for next week which won't involve cookies!! HaHa

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    1. I might involve some cookies next week! :) I bet I could double a batch and spread some love very easily!
      Loved LOVED your story. So fun and so neat!

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  6. Well the cat doesn't post about it
    He did one this week at his pit
    Library at an elementary school needed books
    So he sent a bunch of his free to fill their nooks.

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    1. What a cool thing to do
      and so kind of you.
      A post would have been great
      with more publicity to rate!

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    2. The cat may do it one day
      Maybe in May lol

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    3. May is bad, very.
      The deadline is February!
      lol....

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  7. Maybe I have time to slip my Random Act of Kindness #1 in sometime tomorrow.
    Stay tuned and I'll keep you posted.
    :0)

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    1. PS. Please forgive my whiny post. I don't now what came over me. It's gone into the archived drafts now.

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    2. Tomorrow is fine...even Saturday. This will be open for 48 hours.

      I just went over to see if you replied to my comment and the whole things was gone!

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    3. I did reply. It said this- I haven't been sleeping great at night. I wake up far too often. I mostly want to cut back on the coffee intake and spare myself some of the caffeine headaches I am prone to. My green tea has caffeine, as do a host of black teas we received for Christmas. I'm not giving up coffee altogether, just drastically reducing.
      Martha5:23 PM, February 06, 2014

      I am blond, and forgetful too. I am prone to drink ONLY coffee and I am trying to drink more fluids that will be good for re-hydrating my system.

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    4. So you're saying caffeine gives you a headache? I thought you meant the withdrawal was giving you headaches!

      Water is the best. Even tea is a diuretic. I drink 8 glasses a day along with my 10 cups of coffee. ha. But the water made a huge difference in how I felt when I started drinking it. It even got rid of my puffy eyes and hands. Kinda incredible..but the more you drink, the less water your body tries to store when it's dehydrated. I don't drink any caffeine after 5pm, though.

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    5. My main goal is getting hydrated but it's so hard to drink water when there is coffee in the pot.
      It's the withdrawal from caffeine that gives me the headache.

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    6. I don't naturally reach for water, either. Especially when it's cold! But do try...a glass of water before you're allowed the next cup of coffee. Once you start feeling a difference, you'll be hooked. It does take discipline...but less than giving up coffee, I would imagine! haha.

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    7. Listen to your Auntie Linda.....make up a pretty pitcher with either sliced lemons or cucumber....
      You'll thank me for it!
      Guess what.....cloudy again.....rain later....and tomorrow! Geesh!

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    8. I agree with Auntie here. ha. :) I don't do a pitcher, but I do have a glass of water on the kitchen counter. I take a drink from it every time I pass by and refill when it's empty. You'd be surprised how much you can drink when it's there to remind you.

      Linda..how are you supposed to get tan toes with all that rain??? ha.

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    9. I'm listening. :)
      I think I'll try the cucumber. Now... hmmm... where do I have a fancy pitcher?
      Is Tupperware fancy?
      What would I do without you?

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    10. Doesn't have to be fancy.....Tupperware is perfect!
      Yes Betsy......no tan lines yet......hrrrrumpfff!

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    11. Geesh! Tell that sun you only have so many days! ha.

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  8. Great ideas! I actually am planning on doing something for our mail carrier next week. I'll be linking in a minute. This is fun!

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    1. oh good...the mail carriers will be so happy this month! haha...

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    2. Loved yours Mari...thanks for joining in! I'm getting great ideas for myself for next week!

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  9. Actually helped out my neighbour at our cottage...our cottage at home........long story short....they rented the cottage next to us here in Florida.....paid their monies.....only to be told last minute, that the cottage was under construction, and their reservation was cancelled!
    Upon our arrival here, we found out that this has happened many times, with this particular owner.....I gathered some info for my friend,and set her on her way, to getting her money back.....if I had not been here, she would not have the info, I have provided her with...so......how did I do?
    Cheers !
    Linda :o)

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    1. I'm sure she is very thankful to get that information! yay for you! :)

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  10. Well this week I go.twice times to my mom and dad home and they really need this because for this week they are alone and my mom can't do all the things.
    The next week I will bring them to our home fir february because we don't want my mom be alone.She has problems with her legs, I made others things but I thinkthis is enough.
    This is ok Betsy?
    xxx

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    1. I hope you have fun with your mom and dad. I'm sure they enjoy going to your home, too!

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    2. My mom is ok and she enjoy here.But my dad is difficult for.many reasons sigh! He is not the same and sometimes fight with my mom too.
      Well is not easy but I have to help them.

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  11. Betsy, I'm not sure I will have a chance to post about it, but KNOW you have definitely inspired me to join your Random Acts Movement! I love the whole thing!! Thank you!! blessings ~ tanna

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    1. OK. The link is open all day today and tomorrow if you decide take the time! We'd love to hear what you did!

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  12. How sweet! And I agree, it is more blessed to give than to receive. This is our bible verse study for this week. :) This post is so inspiring, I am planning to do a couple random acts of kindness pretty soon! :)

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  13. FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN! Betsy! I look forward to reading them all!

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  14. Great random acts Betsy, and by everyone who has shared theirs before me. I haven't had much chance for random kindness this week, but I did do a couple of things.

    I had to work all day with a colleague whose company I do not enjoy and instead of being grumpy about it, I laughed and tried to take it in good humour, and you know what, the day went much better than expected and although I can't say that I will be rushing to repeat it, I did not dislike it as much as I feared. Not exactly a random act of kindness, but one of politeness!

    I also somehow found myself giving crochet lessons to two people this week - me, crochet lessons!!! - I was happy to do it, and it was fun, but hard work trying to crochet and talk and think at the same time!

    Next week I will do better. xx

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    1. I think you make lovely things Amy!!I
      I love crochet too!

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    2. Actually, Amy I love your first one here. It's like the one on the list about biting your tongue. It did take effort on your part and it paid off in an big way. Shows a love of kindness and maturity on your part...love it!

      Giving crochet lessons certainly counts....that one is kind and patient, too! ha.

      gloria does crochet! I have some lovely pieces of hers! :)

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    3. I am hoping to see some of Glorai's crochet on her blog someday - hint hint Gloria!! xx

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  15. Hi Betsy .. both of those are wonderful RAOKAs ... and just so delightfully given. I haven't got much further .. but when I was with the bed-ridden lady I continue to visit ... I phoned the elderly chap who also visits (his wife died up at the Home) to check on his replaced knee .... and could then relay the information to Linda, as she relies on face to face conversation ... due to her illness. I also took some flowers up to her ..

    But your thoughts are just great ... cheers Hilary

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    1. What a great act of kindness....the elderly and sick need someone to check on them, make phone calls...and I love that you brought flowers. :)

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  16. Betsy, I love reading your post and the comments. I've been meaning for a long time to crochet hats and donate them to organizations that give them to people with cancer. You've inspired me to get out the crochet hooks and yarn and get started! Thanks for being your inspiring self!

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