Going to my HS friend’s lake cottage every summer in CT is always a treat. Breakfast made for us and/or summer cottage friend’s having a community meal together outside where everyone brings something. It is just always a special treat ✨💕
Always curious,
I used to pick up all sorts of things on the ground . . .
My pockets were always filled with beads and baubles,
matchboxes,
unidentifiable pieces of wood
and plastic and metal,
paper wrappers,
knobs and pennies,
and once in awhile,
a cookie wrapped in waxed paper
or a piece of candy.
I was mostly able to do something creative with my findings,
grow tired of those that lingered on with no apparent purpose,
and threw them out.
As I got older,
people began giving me things they no longer wanted,
or were worn out for all practical purposes,
and I never said no,
which is why they continued to dump their undesirables on me.
This still happens as I move into the later years of my life,
and I’m truly baffled why this practice has followed me
through every move and lifestyle change I’ve made.
There must be something about me
that attracts this behavior,
but I don’t know what it is,
or maybe I do
but can’t put it into words.
If I don’t like one of these ‘gifts’
I thank the giver with good grace
and quietly dispose of it later.
I don’t think these people
believe they are actually being generous . . .
I think they are mostly relieved to be rid of extra cargo,
the birthday gift they despise,
the kitchen tool they feel they’ve wasted money on,
but to me
it is generosity in the extreme.
I love bringing home a discarded plant,
a torn shawl,
an antique biscuit pan . . .
to me
they are treasures to be planted,
mended, and polished,
and I am grateful for the gesture.
May they continue to
empty their cupboards and consciences in my direction.
It always brightens my day. ♥
Your reflection reminded me – My ex husband was in packaging business and one of our neighbors went thru our trash come to find out she was making art with it (Thrown out packaging supplies). We were invited over to see her work one evening. I was truly amazed!!
A friend invited me to a Chinese New Year party. I didn’t go but it was nice to be asked. A woman who’s also a writer was there. I’ll catch her another time.
When I was visiting my Mom at her assisted living facility, I had a second hand experience of generosity. The woman across the hall from my Mom, Mary, frequently calls out for assistance even after she has just been helped. There is a very special caregiver named Brenda who is regularly assigned to my Mom and to Mary, as well as other residents. The other day I could hear singing coming from Mary’s room. Brenda was in Mary’s room singing spiritual hymns with her. This went on for a good 15 minutes. I also notice that Brenda sits with Mary regularly. Brenda goes above and beyond with Mary and with my Mom as well. She is very generous with her time and energy and I am grateful to her and inspired by her.
May all have a lovely Sunday.
Brenda
sounds like a very special person,
dear Mary . . .
people in this sort of caring profession
are usually overworked and underpaid,
and don’t often make the time to actually be kind. ♥
My friend, Ericka, is about to headed to Kansas for 6 months for fieldwork she is doing for her Masters degree. She sent me a text yesterday asking me if I’d like a facial she purchased but doesn’t have time to use. I offered to buy it from her, but she refused and just told me to leave a nice tip when I go. It was so sweet of her to do this when she could have just gotten a refund for it. She knows I’ve been wanting to get a facial, and I truly appreciate her generosity!
My sister-in-law is incredibly generous with her time and her home. She lives in a location that I can stage from easily whether I need to get to the airport or go to meetings in Seattle. I’m welcome to stay at her house any time.
I just stayed there Thursday so I could go to an all-day workshop Friday. When I come up on Amtrak she usually picks me up at the station and we go straight to our favorite restaurant, a wonderful place with delicious, original Latin American food and great vegan and vegetarian options. We talk and catch up. We’ve become really good friends.
She observed a few years ago in a loving way that we’re probably closer than we might have been in part because my brother, her husband, died in 2016. If he were still alive we’d have a relationship grounded in their coupledom. Instead we have a one-on-one relationship as sisters. I promised myself when he died that she would know she was always a member of our family. We plan sisters weekends with my younger sister who lives a couple of hours farther north, in the San Juan Islands. Time to plan another one!
How are you doing, Yram? I am very aware, as I’m sure others here are, that your husband passed away recently. I have been wanting to ask how you are doing. Sending much love. ♥️
Thank you for asking. My criteria is if on some level I am eating, sleeping, and engaging I am doing well. Right now this is true. It is very surreal. Day by day.
I can imagine it must feel very surreal, Yram. I’m glad you are able to eat, sleep, and engage at least on some level. I hope that you feel that you can talk about how you are doing in this forum. I am certain that everyone here cares about you and would like to be supportive of you. We are here for each other.
Right here in my lovely neighborhood, the two families on either side of us are so generous. Many times, they have helped my family blow the snow, even though they have their own health conditions. I truly appreciate my neighbors’ generosity. Happy Sunday to everyone! ☀
My Ngoc, it’s still early at this point, but I’ve been hearing about a potential snowstorm for this upcoming Friday here in the Twin Cities. It’s still 5 days away. That could easily change.
Drea, it sounds like something fun to do for Valentines Day. Having your husband fix the bike is even better. There’s that feeling of love that goes with it.
My mom made some Vietnamese chicken legs for Ngoc and me to chew on for dinner last night to celebrate Valentines Day on the right day. She is the one who’s the most supportive of our marriage and the one who brought us closer together years ago during challenging times. Ngoc and I both love those chicken wings and legs with many bones.
Thanks, Drea. It’s a common thread in collective cultures. Mexican and Vietnamese cultures having striking similarities plays a part in how Angela and I have such a strong brother sister bond from different mothers. Both families have similar structures: laid back but rough out of protection and to keep us in line.
I have two dear friends–one has a heart condition and the other lost her husband recently–but they are always checking on me. And, my young neighbor calls every day, often brings food as she worries that I will not eat enough. The daily question community feeds my soul and offers me wisdom. I’m surrounded by thoughtful compassionate people.
Funny, my first thought was that I haven’t experienced much generosity. But then it started to come to me. This is why I love this practice.
Starting with my wife, who is generous with her love and time and affection and so much more. She is such an important part of my life. My cats, who greet me in the morning and give me their affection and keep me company while I contemplate these questions. My good friend and bookkeeper, who just spent her precious time, catching up our books for the year. And all of you here, that are so generous with your heart-felt sharing. 🙏
A dear colleague who took over a few hours of a duty on a Friday so close to a free weekend of hers, which originally was mine. It was really generous and kind of her to take over so that I could be free to be of service at another place. So grateful towards her that this was possible. My sister is generous of heart not towards me only but keeps a generous and giving perspective towards friends in need. I feel dear friends as well as you all here are very generous towards my inabilities and left fearful turns, for which I am deeply grateful. It allows to find back to hope and trust which is a generous gift of this support of all here. Thank you all dearly.
I experience and witness generosity here, daily, on this site. I see how uplifting everyone is to one another. Today’s Daily Word For The Day – “When we listen to people, our own language softens. Listening may be the cardinal act of giving” – we listen to one another and are each other’s emotional support system during difficult times.
Loving kindness to everyone – have a peaceful Sunday.
When I receive a handwritten note in the mail, I am always so appreciative that someone took the time and gave thought to doing so. Most recently, it was a note and simple gift from one of my many nieces. It was incredibly thoughtful and makes me smile and think of her when I look at the calendar she sent.♥️
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Going to my HS friend’s lake cottage every summer in CT is always a treat. Breakfast made for us and/or summer cottage friend’s having a community meal together outside where everyone brings something. It is just always a special treat ✨💕
Always curious,
I used to pick up all sorts of things on the ground . . .
My pockets were always filled with beads and baubles,
matchboxes,
unidentifiable pieces of wood
and plastic and metal,
paper wrappers,
knobs and pennies,
and once in awhile,
a cookie wrapped in waxed paper
or a piece of candy.
I was mostly able to do something creative with my findings,
grow tired of those that lingered on with no apparent purpose,
and threw them out.
As I got older,
people began giving me things they no longer wanted,
or were worn out for all practical purposes,
and I never said no,
which is why they continued to dump their undesirables on me.
This still happens as I move into the later years of my life,
and I’m truly baffled why this practice has followed me
through every move and lifestyle change I’ve made.
There must be something about me
that attracts this behavior,
but I don’t know what it is,
or maybe I do
but can’t put it into words.
If I don’t like one of these ‘gifts’
I thank the giver with good grace
and quietly dispose of it later.
I don’t think these people
believe they are actually being generous . . .
I think they are mostly relieved to be rid of extra cargo,
the birthday gift they despise,
the kitchen tool they feel they’ve wasted money on,
but to me
it is generosity in the extreme.
I love bringing home a discarded plant,
a torn shawl,
an antique biscuit pan . . .
to me
they are treasures to be planted,
mended, and polished,
and I am grateful for the gesture.
May they continue to
empty their cupboards and consciences in my direction.
It always brightens my day. ♥
One being gathers what another being spills. Or something like that, dear Sparrow!
Yes,
dear Joseph . . .
something like that . . . 🙂
Your reflection reminded me – My ex husband was in packaging business and one of our neighbors went thru our trash come to find out she was making art with it (Thrown out packaging supplies). We were invited over to see her work one evening. I was truly amazed!!
It IS amazing,
dear Robin Ann,
that one can make something
out of nothing. ♥
A friend invited me to a Chinese New Year party. I didn’t go but it was nice to be asked. A woman who’s also a writer was there. I’ll catch her another time.
When I was visiting my Mom at her assisted living facility, I had a second hand experience of generosity. The woman across the hall from my Mom, Mary, frequently calls out for assistance even after she has just been helped. There is a very special caregiver named Brenda who is regularly assigned to my Mom and to Mary, as well as other residents. The other day I could hear singing coming from Mary’s room. Brenda was in Mary’s room singing spiritual hymns with her. This went on for a good 15 minutes. I also notice that Brenda sits with Mary regularly. Brenda goes above and beyond with Mary and with my Mom as well. She is very generous with her time and energy and I am grateful to her and inspired by her.
May all have a lovely Sunday.
Brenda
sounds like a very special person,
dear Mary . . .
people in this sort of caring profession
are usually overworked and underpaid,
and don’t often make the time to actually be kind. ♥
Yes Sparrow, Brenda is truly special.
My friend, Ericka, is about to headed to Kansas for 6 months for fieldwork she is doing for her Masters degree. She sent me a text yesterday asking me if I’d like a facial she purchased but doesn’t have time to use. I offered to buy it from her, but she refused and just told me to leave a nice tip when I go. It was so sweet of her to do this when she could have just gotten a refund for it. She knows I’ve been wanting to get a facial, and I truly appreciate her generosity!
My sister-in-law is incredibly generous with her time and her home. She lives in a location that I can stage from easily whether I need to get to the airport or go to meetings in Seattle. I’m welcome to stay at her house any time.
I just stayed there Thursday so I could go to an all-day workshop Friday. When I come up on Amtrak she usually picks me up at the station and we go straight to our favorite restaurant, a wonderful place with delicious, original Latin American food and great vegan and vegetarian options. We talk and catch up. We’ve become really good friends.
She observed a few years ago in a loving way that we’re probably closer than we might have been in part because my brother, her husband, died in 2016. If he were still alive we’d have a relationship grounded in their coupledom. Instead we have a one-on-one relationship as sisters. I promised myself when he died that she would know she was always a member of our family. We plan sisters weekends with my younger sister who lives a couple of hours farther north, in the San Juan Islands. Time to plan another one!
This is so beautiful, Barb. In your generosity toward your sister-in-law you gained a sister. ♥️♥️♥️
For many folks who have given their time, food, check-in wishes, help with house issues and cards during the last 4 months.
💗
♥
How are you doing, Yram? I am very aware, as I’m sure others here are, that your husband passed away recently. I have been wanting to ask how you are doing. Sending much love. ♥️
Thank you for asking. My criteria is if on some level I am eating, sleeping, and engaging I am doing well. Right now this is true. It is very surreal. Day by day.
I can imagine it must feel very surreal, Yram. I’m glad you are able to eat, sleep, and engage at least on some level. I hope that you feel that you can talk about how you are doing in this forum. I am certain that everyone here cares about you and would like to be supportive of you. We are here for each other.
Right here in my lovely neighborhood, the two families on either side of us are so generous. Many times, they have helped my family blow the snow, even though they have their own health conditions. I truly appreciate my neighbors’ generosity. Happy Sunday to everyone! ☀
Happy Sunday to you too Ngoc.
My Ngoc, it’s still early at this point, but I’ve been hearing about a potential snowstorm for this upcoming Friday here in the Twin Cities. It’s still 5 days away. That could easily change.
Yesterday my husband fixed my bike so I could go on a long ride. He was patient and kind about it, as usual. I felt loved.
That is so lovely to hear, Drea. How was your ride?
It was fabulous, thanks for asking!
🚴♀️☀️💕
Drea, it sounds like something fun to do for Valentines Day. Having your husband fix the bike is even better. There’s that feeling of love that goes with it.
My mom made some Vietnamese chicken legs for Ngoc and me to chew on for dinner last night to celebrate Valentines Day on the right day. She is the one who’s the most supportive of our marriage and the one who brought us closer together years ago during challenging times. Ngoc and I both love those chicken wings and legs with many bones.
Yes, I agree with Drea. Your Mom sounds like such a kind and loving person. I love hearing about her.
She sure is, Mary. Her positive energy uplifts the room too.
I love hearing about the intergenerational unity of your family, it is heartwarming.
Thanks, Drea. It’s a common thread in collective cultures. Mexican and Vietnamese cultures having striking similarities plays a part in how Angela and I have such a strong brother sister bond from different mothers. Both families have similar structures: laid back but rough out of protection and to keep us in line.
I have two dear friends–one has a heart condition and the other lost her husband recently–but they are always checking on me. And, my young neighbor calls every day, often brings food as she worries that I will not eat enough. The daily question community feeds my soul and offers me wisdom. I’m surrounded by thoughtful compassionate people.
Indeed you are,
dear Carol Ann . . .
you are well loved,
both in your ‘earth’ life
and your life here. ♥
Funny, my first thought was that I haven’t experienced much generosity. But then it started to come to me. This is why I love this practice.
Starting with my wife, who is generous with her love and time and affection and so much more. She is such an important part of my life. My cats, who greet me in the morning and give me their affection and keep me company while I contemplate these questions. My good friend and bookkeeper, who just spent her precious time, catching up our books for the year. And all of you here, that are so generous with your heart-felt sharing. 🙏
Charlie, I echoed the same sentiment too. It’s a matter of looking closer to home and being able to just receive care for me.
A dear colleague who took over a few hours of a duty on a Friday so close to a free weekend of hers, which originally was mine. It was really generous and kind of her to take over so that I could be free to be of service at another place. So grateful towards her that this was possible. My sister is generous of heart not towards me only but keeps a generous and giving perspective towards friends in need. I feel dear friends as well as you all here are very generous towards my inabilities and left fearful turns, for which I am deeply grateful. It allows to find back to hope and trust which is a generous gift of this support of all here. Thank you all dearly.
I experience and witness generosity here, daily, on this site. I see how uplifting everyone is to one another. Today’s Daily Word For The Day – “When we listen to people, our own language softens. Listening may be the cardinal act of giving” – we listen to one another and are each other’s emotional support system during difficult times.
Loving kindness to everyone – have a peaceful Sunday.
Loving Kindness dear Michele.💦🌈☀️🌱❤️🕊️
Amen 💖
♥
Loving kindness to you, dear Michele
When I receive a handwritten note in the mail, I am always so appreciative that someone took the time and gave thought to doing so. Most recently, it was a note and simple gift from one of my many nieces. It was incredibly thoughtful and makes me smile and think of her when I look at the calendar she sent.♥️