Random acts of Kindness

     I recently read about a woman who decided to celebrate her 38th birthday by performing 38 random acts of kindness.  I thought to myself, what a concept, what if everyone decided to incorporate this notion?  How much better this world could be!  What a contrast to the bombardment of negativity we all face everyday in the media, on the road, in life in general.  It is a constant battle to remain upbeat and positive.  The more I thought about it, the more ingenious I thought this idea was, and decided for my next birthday I would do the same.  Well that day has arrived!  Yesterday started the beginning of my "new year" so off I go and I challenge all of you to join me! 

I found an inspirational list on-line to share:

Donate something you no longer use or need, a book to a library, clothes to the homeless..
Make small care packages for the homeless
Buy a stranger a cup of coffee for no reason
Help a neighbor whose elderly or single with yard work
Help someone for free
Hold the door open for someone
Let someone go in line in front of you
Make a new friend today
Pay the tab for the person behind you
Return a stray shopping cart
Send a thank you to your local police dept or fire dept
Write a letter to someone who has made a difference in your life
Visit an animal shelter, maybe volunteer an hour giving much needed attention
Cook a meal for someone
Bring someone a souvenir
Encourage someone
Be polite on the road
Share a snack
Eat lunch with someone new
Bring your neighbors trash cans in
Send flowers
Say thank you
Bring in coffee and donuts to your office
Give genuine compliments
etc....

Sometimes a small gesture can make a persons day.

"A tree is known by its fruits; a man by his deeds.  A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship and he who plants kindness gathers love".

Saint Basil

Tea and Me

     What is it about the Art of Afternoon Tea that captivates my soul?  Is it the tinkling of silver teaspoons in china tea cups or the beautiful linens and flowers on the table?  Or is it the anticipation of elegantly presented finger sandwiches, scones and dainty pastries that delight all of my senses?  It is remeniscent of a time gone by.  A kinder, gentler time where charm, grace, politeness and manners guided our words and etiquette dictated our behavior.  When I partake in this ritual it takes me to a world I have only read about but feel as though I lived, at one time or another.
     My first tea was at age 16, part of a preparation for a debutante ball I was attending.  Years later after my daughter was born, I started a tradition of taking her to tea each year on her birthday.  A special tradition just for the two of us, set apart from her celebrations with family and friends.  This was a private time, we would carefully chose dresses and accessories that exuberated femininity.  At that time, tea rooms were primarily in the finer hotel lobbies, accompanied by a harpist or pianist.  I would watch my daughter take it in with all the delight her eyes could muster.  This tradition continued even through our travels and time spent overseas.  We became obsessed with trying tea rooms in every country or city we traveled to and I was thrilled she shared my passion.  After returning home, we were elated to see how many tea rooms had opened in our city.  These became the places special memories were made with the closest of family and friends.  It is always exciting to introduce the ritual of tea to someone for the first time and uncover another kindred spirit.