Week 24: Candy Canes on Cars

Last week, I kicked off my annual December tradition of handing out candy canes to strangers and hanging them on door handles in parking lots while out running errands. 

I did the math and realized I've been doing this for 23 years already, after a trip to Phoenix to visit my cousin. She had some candy canes in her car and gave them to appreciative strangers at the gas station. I saw how simple it was, how happy the recipients were by the gesture, and the tradition was born.

This year, the candy canes have been distributed in Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, and Colorado as I drove across the states last week. Just today, back at home, I asked the young man who took my cart in the Meijer parking lot if he'd like one and he excitedly said, "Sure! Thank you!" 

It's fun thinking about my kids only knowing a life of handing out candy canes in December, that it's a total normal thing for them. 

"You need to replenish your stock" my 16-year-old told me this afternoon.

And she's right, because we still have two weeks left in the year!

Week 23: 10" Cut For a Cause

A whole new woman is writing the summary of last week's project: I got a substantial haircut to donate 10" of my hair to donate to Children with Hair Loss, an organization that provides human hair replacement at no cost to children facing medically-related hair loss (cancer treatments, alopecia, trichotillomania, burns, etc.). 

Their mission to help empower children to feel whole again by making hair replacement available, especially to those financially challenged and might otherwise not have a means to obtaining the hair they desire, is one my family and I have been drawn to many times. My son and one of my daughters have previously donated and this was my third time giving to this worthy organization. 

My longtime stylist, Leah from Beauty on Bridge in Grafton, Wisconsin, once again nailed the haircut, giving me just the cut I wanted after a year of thoughtful trims knowing my goal at the end of this year. And during that appointment we discussed my desire to work with my hair's natural wavy texture going forward now that the weight from the length wouldn't be pulling it down. 

I'm still adjusting to last combing my hair in the shower before rinsing out the conditioner, applying different products using a scrunching application, spritzing my hair with water in the morning to bring the wave back after sleeping on it, and of course the shorter length in general (I've definitely wasted some shampoo and conditioner this week as I've gotten used to have less hair 😅). 

I hope somewhere soon there's a child who gets to go through an adjustment period of having more hair to care for. I hope any empowerment they may feel with the outer change will help their inner beauty and self-confidence shine brighter than ever.

Week 22: Kindness Is a Piece of Cake

My kids and I spent Thanksgiving with family in New Mexico last week. And as expected, traveling over the busiest weekend of the year at the mercy of two college schedules was not without its "excitement." 

Our flight out got moved up two hours making our layover in Atlanta over three hours long. Our first rental car smelled like it was on fire after 15 minutes on the road, so I had to drive back to exchange it, then they forgot to switch the next car's reservation to my name, so I had to go back in again; third time was the charm though and the Jeep Rubicon I ended up with was fantastic. Even driving through a snowstorm in the pitch-black on winding desert roads at 1:00am.

On the trip back, our first flight was delayed three hours, and we passed our connecting flight on the tarmac in Dallas at 10pm. We were then put up in a janky hotel with the thinnest of walls for 4 hours and slept for literally 10 minutes (I woke up in a panic afraid we missed the flight) and headed back to the airport at 3:30am for our 6:00am flight to Chicago; then we took a car to the Milwaukee airport to get my car (and my daughter took the Badger Bus back to Madison). 

I say all of that to point out a few things: 

1. We had a fantastic time with our family in Santa Fe, shared some amazing food and stories, old and new, and adventured to Los Alamos and Bandelier National Monument. We'd do it all over again in a heartbeat.

2. I was so proud of my kids and their positive attitudes throughout the challenges. "There are so many people in worse situations" was said many times and my heart swelled each time. 

3. We encountered a handful of really nice people throughout it all but the one who "took the cake" was a woman working at Varasano's Pizzeria in the Atlanta airport. She was extremely friendly and kind on such a crazy busy night. Our conversation went like this: 

Me: So, what do you think of Kirk Cousins as your quarterback? 
Her: I don't watch much football; I prefer basketball and boxing.
Me: We're from the land of Giannis so I like basketball too. Did you watch the Tyson fight?
Her: No; I haven't had a day off in 13 days. 
Me: Have you tried that cake place around the corner?
Her: Yes, it's so good! 
Me: What's your favorite kinds?
Her: I'd recommend the strawberry with the cream cheese frosting, it's amazing.
Me: Thanks!

My daughter and I took a few steps to the side; her holding the thingamajigger that buzzes when the pizza is ready. I said, "I'll be right back; I'm going to go buy her a strawberry cupcake." 

The smile on her face as I handed it to her was contagious, and her positive attitude for sure buoyed me for the rest of that long travel day and beyond. 

It truly is the little things.

Week 21: Christmas Care Packages

Last week's activity has been an annual tradition for my kids and me for a decade now: filling three boxes with self care products and fun treats for kids to be distributed as part of the Samaritan's Purse: Operation Christmas Child. 

Each year, my kids coordinate a date to hit the store to fill their boxes. They each start with selecting their recipient's gender and age group and then start shopping! 

I couldn't help but notice the evolution of their purchases this year. When they were younger, the toys were the first thing my kids would add to their boxes, knowing how much they themselves would enjoy them. 

Now that they're ages 16, 18 and almost 21 years old, they have come to accept that soap, deodorant, new socks, hair care items, etc are luxuries for the kids opening their boxes and they seemed to pick those things out first. But don't you fear, plenty of toys and art supplies were gifted as well. 

Stuffed animals (and a stuffed boba drink?), coloring books, toy cars, crayons and special pens, and plenty of notebooks will all be finding new loving homes this holiday season. 

What a gift it is to be in a position to give. 

Week 20: Election Eats

Americans voted to elect the next president of the United States, among other local positions of government, last week. And regardless of one's political leanings, one thing I hope we can all agree on is the feel of gratitude for the poll workers giving their time to ensure accurate election results.  

With that in mind, I put together this baked goods tray and dropped it off at my local voting location in Cedarburg, Wisconsin in the middle of election day.

As my police escort and I made our way to the break room in the back of the Community Center, poll workers flagged me down and excitedly took cookies and cupcakes off the tray while at their table.

It was so much fun to put a smile on their faces in the middle of a long day. I texted my kids the pictures right when I got home and told them it was something I'd surely do again for other elections, big and small. 

And then I reminded them that regardless of the election outcome that evening, the choices we make each day make a bigger impact on our lives than who lives in the White House. 💘🤍💙

Week 19: Moving My Bestie On Up

Moving is one of life's biggest stressors. I know this firsthand; I have personally moved 2.5 times in the past 4 years and I've moved my daughter into a dorm and my son in and out of a dorm and in and out of his first apartment in that same period of time. All with minimal assistance. 

Soooooo, when my best friend told me her move date, I adjusted my work schedule and some little things to make myself available to help. 

The move was a smooth one: she did such a great job getting everything clearly boxed up and her oldest daughter packed the truck with impressive strategic ability while her boyfriend and I did some heavy lifting. 

Then we drove, following each other's cars like ducks in a row, across three towns, to the new digs. 

After we finished getting the truck unloaded, my friend gave us a tour. Almost immediately we all vowed to make the most of the pool, hot tub, golf simulator, and more. And then we toasted with some whiskey before starting the unpacking and organizing. 

It was fun configuring her couch and living room layout with her daughter, making the most of the kitchen storage for her large collection of baking supplies, running to the store for new dog dishes while she returned the moving truck and picked up her boy to bring him home, and ending the night with pizza from a place in her new town. 

No one loves moving, but as with everything, doing it with friends makes it, dare I say, fun? 

Do you have someone in your life you could lend some time to? I'm sure they'd appreciate the help, and most definitely the company. 

Many hands make light work. 

Week 18: Street Corner Care Packages

I just walked in the house from completing week 20's activity and realized I hadn't yet posted week 18. Life has been busy, I have been busy, and I guess if I'm going to drop the ball on this project of mine a time or two I'm glad it's in the writing about the acts of kindness and not the doing of them. But still, I'm vowing here and now to do better. 

OK, onto week 18, when I assembled care packages to keep in my car and hand out when I see someone in need.

I almost always have a few of these in my car, the contents change depending on the season. Two weeks ago (oopsie 😅) I put together packs for winter that include the following:

• Winter hat
• Winter gloves
• Wool socks
• Kleenix
• Lip balm
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush and case
• Cookies
• Peanut butter and cheese crackers
• Mints and fruity hard candy

The idea of keeping these stocked in my car came over a decade ago when I read an article where someone mentioned them, and it's something I've done ever since. Instead of scrounging around my car for a granola bar or snack pack, I'm able to reach in back seat and hand these out my car window. 

Over the years, I've seen people excitedly remove the hat and gloves and put them on before picking their sign back up. A man has torn into his bag, not able to get to the snacks fast enough (I circled back and gave him more). I once set one next to a woman on a park bench and heard her crying as I made my way back to my car across the street. 

This is heartbreakingly easy to do.

If this is something you'd like to try, I have a couple of suggestions: 1. Dollar Tree is a great place to shop for these items to keep costs down. 2. Be careful who you open your window to and how far down you roll it, please. Safety first. 

Week 17: Concession Stad Concierge

Last week's Kindness Countdown was five years in the making: I volunteered to work the concession stand at The Rivoli, the restored single-screen movie theater in my town of Cedarburg, Wisconsin. 

As I mentioned, this activity was one I had planned to do five years ago when I was counting down to my 45th birthday. But COVID hit, the world shut down, and the movie theater went on a hiatus that lasted past my birthday. 

I really regret not doing this sooner, not for a birthday, but just because. But I made excuses to put it off: Just because I felt busy getting acclimated to the new post-COVID normal. Just because I forgot my cast-aside list of ideas. Just because I was going through a lot in my personal life. 

But I should have done it just because. Just because it was fun. Just because I had intended to and take pride in carrying things out. Just because I appreciate the theater being available to me and therefore, I should have given some time long before last week. 

But as my favorite proverb says: The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is today. 

And it definitely won't be my last time working a shift. It was fun to see people I know in line, and to serve those in my community looking to enjoy the incredible venue that is our restored movie theater. 

What is a service or place in your community you enjoy? Is there a way for you to lend a hand? To meet new people? To get involved in something you enjoy? 

Take it from me: Better late than never. 

Week 16: Meet Remarkable Mable

I started Kindness Countdown 10 years ago to do some good with my kids. I did another round five years later because 1) It was a lot of fun, and 2) I knew it was the last round before my kids started moving onto all life has in store for them post-high school. 

I had wondered what this round would look like with two kids now in college. I'm thrilled they've still been making time to share in the experiences with me, when possible, but I'm also thankful for all of the special people in my life who have asked to be a part of this little project of mine. Last week was one of those.

My boyfriend's sister is a talented crafter. She makes us all personalized items each Christmas and crochets amazing items for the kids in the family. So when she asked if I wanted to partner up for something for the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, I was honored to say YES!

Maria crocheted 50 chickens (she said each one took her 45 minutes!) over the course of a few weeks. I couldn't believe how adorable and sweet and soft they were when I first held them! We named them all Mabel.

Last week, we met at her mom's place to assemble 50 "Mabels" into bags with nesting material and an egg with a note inside that read "Hi, I'm Mable. I'm a chicken. You're not. YOU ARE BRAVE!" for the kids staying at the Ronald McDonald House while getting treatment at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. 

We then loaded them all in a plastic bin and transported them to the RMDH to be gifted to their new families. 

It was great to hear how loved the staff there thought they would be, that they enjoyed the simple but sweet message, that it brought a smile to their faces as well, because I imagine their days are very rewarding but probably more than a little emotional. 

As we were leaving, we asked if they'd like us to do another drop off sometime next year. We gave them the inside scoop on what we had cooking. Sorry to say all y'all are gonna have to wait a bit longer to find out. But trust me when I say the talented Maria is crafting up something just as adorable! 

And it couldn't be for a more deserving organization who supports those going through an unimaginable season of life. They sure are brave.

Week 15: A Labor of Lasagna Love

My life philosophy is to remain curious, all the time. I wonder about everything, I spend time researching randomness, I keep my head and heart open to new things/places/challenges/ideas, I think quite a bit about my life, what my childhood was like to make me who I am, how I can improve myself and the world around me. 

All of that has led me to know I am far from perfect. Ha! But I do know that when I'm presented with a way to help others, I figure out a way to say yes. Which leads me to last week's Kindness Countdown activity. 

One day, a few months ago, I was scrolling through social media when the ever-present, powerful algorithm (is it in the cloud? 😅) introduced me to Lasagna Love. It was ❤ at first sight in my feed. 

Lasagna Love is an organization located in three countries with over 56,000 volunteers who provide 3,500 lasagna meals a week to those who request them. No questions asked, except for those I routinely follow-up with:

• What date and time would be best of your delivery?
• Any specific requests/preferences? (A woman once told me her and her son loved onions so I sauteed extra, just shy of caramelized, to add with the sauce layer)
• Would you like one full pan or two half pans?
• Would you prefer I deliver the lasagna cooked or assembled with cooking instructions?

My first donation was for an elderly woman who requested two half pans so she could invite her son over one night and her neighbor another, providing her with company. Another was for a wife and her caregiver husband who was going in for surgery and unable to cook for a while. 

Whether one just had a baby or surgery, is having a busy week and could use a night off from cooking, is making ends meet until their next payday, whatever! They can visit the website linked above to request a lasagna and be matched with a volunteer in their area who will reach out to make arrangements. It's that simple! 

And it's simple to volunteer too! Visit that same website and click the "Get Involved" tab, set up your profile, including how often you're willing to be matched (I'm currently set at once a month) and wait for your first match. 

Adding red pepper hearts to the top of your lasagnas is optional. 😉

Week 14: Like Giving Candy to a Baby

Last week Saturday, as usual, my daughter was a trooper and ran errands with me. My kids were homeschooled until high school/7th grade (for my youngest; the trooper previously referenced) and have run errands with me their whole lives. But I've been witness to a handful of meltdowns over the years by kids (and their parents) attempting to make returns or grocery shop on weekends. Last week, we aimed to help.

Before Hazel and I pulled out of our driveway to pick up items we needed, make some returns, and search for the perfect picture frame for our gallery wall  (more details on that to come soon on my Instagram - @gilded.living - since they turned out so good!)we decided to empty out our parking meter quarter reserves (about $15 worth) and put them to good use. 

As we made our rounds through town that day, we filled every gumball/toy machine we happened across. And it's not often I get to witness these little acts of kindness in person, but I did last Saturday. 

Hazel and I had just finished filling the machines above and were about to take the cover photo for social media when a little girl and her parents came out of the store, the mom saying, "Did you decide what you want to get?" 

The little girl went straight to the top-left machine; the mom picked up the quarters from her hand and hovered over the machine when she saw some already in place. She looked at me questioningly and I said, "You can use those; I just filled up all of the machines to give them away." 

She touched her heart and said, "That's so sweet, what a great idea. Here's I'll pay it forward," and replaced my quarters with hers after her daughter secured her prize. And then, here's the best part:

The girl then looked at her mom and asked, "Can I do the rest of them?" 😂 

Her mom said no, explaining that they'd make some other kids happy to see them there. But gosh, my daughter and I sure loved the girl boss on display! Between her queen energy and thoughtful parents, that girl is going places!

Week 13: Free Gas? That's Bananas!

Each Summer, my parents rent a pontoon boat for two hours on a lake about 45 minutes away. They pick up Jimmy John's for everyone, pack a cooler with drinks; I make a playlist for the cruise and we all walk off happier, lighter (until we get our traditional custard at The Kiltie drive-in on the way home), and most of us still damp from the swim. It's one of our favorite days of the year. 

Last month, after we got home, that seasonal high we all felt came crashing to a halt when my daughter burst into the bathroom while I was showering yelling, "TURN OFF THE WATER, IT'S POURING INTO THE BASEMENT." We quickly learned the plumbers who had been there earlier in the day inserted the valve incorrectly restricting any water from leaving the property, therefore, pouring through any openings possible. 😭 Absolutely not what we needed that night when we all desperately required a shower and had a couple loads of beach towels to launder.

I'm happy to report we all rallied (after my initial panic attack), making even more loads of dirty towels to wash, welcoming another plumber who came to drain the pipes, and staying up way too late cleaning. A couple of weeks later a $100 Kwik Trip gift card arrived as an apology from the plumbers. All was forgiven...and I decided to make some lemonade out of the lemons. 

Last week, while pumping gas on my way to the airport at 8:00am, I *heard* a van approaching behind me. It was a sound I knew all too well after driving a similar car for years and I was moved to use the card that had been burning a hold in my pocketbook. 

I approached the man as he got out and said, "Hi, I was recently given a gift card and I'd like to share it with you. Can I buy your gas?" 

He said, "I just got off work and was going to put $10 in to get me to Friday." I said, "That's great news, let me fill it all the way up for you!"

He looked at me and ask skeptically, "How much are you going to charge me?"

I said, "Oh, nothing. I was given this card and want to do some good with it. May I fill up your tank?"

He smiled so big. I took that as a yes.

I inserted my card to charge the gas, told him to have a great day and started to walk away. (Note: the photo was taken separately, away from him, you know, for visual blog purposes. 😅 And the top photo was taken while visiting my daughter in Madison when I realized the Kwik Trip I was at was cute, I was wearing a bandana banana shirt, and had the banana card in my wallet with a future plan in place and it seemed meant to be.)

He said, "I'm so glad I was the first person you saw! Will the rest of the money be wasted since you won't be here?" 

I said, "Nope, it'll stay on the card and I'll give it to someone else some time. I hope you have a great day!"

"You too! Thanks again!" he said and that was that. 

I think he left feeling better than when he pulled in. I know I did. Funny how contagious happiness can be. 

Week 12: Thank a Hero, Be a Hero

Last week marked the anniversary of September 11th. As the daughter of a firefighter, for me, it is a day of quiet and sadness and reflection and doing my best to honor those lost each year. As a result, last week's Kindness Countdown activity was two-part. 

I scheduled my bimonthly blood donation for September 10th, reflecting on the thousands of people who unknowingly saw their last day (with loved ones). Versiti, who I donate with, gave all donors a t-shirt printed with the Twin Towers and a circle of hands around it saying "Stronger Together: Save Lives in Memory of Those We Lost." 

It was a special donation. Unlike the large, upbeat donations I usually attend, this one was small and intimate, just four chairs set up. The other givers and I reflected on where we were that horrific day 23 years ago, who we hugged tight, what we've done since then to honor those whose lives changed that day. 

One woman said, "I try not to think about it too much, it was just such a sad day." I told her I understood that, and respect that everyone has their own way of coping, but that for me, I tell myself that the least I can do is feel it all over again, to seek out the remarkable stories of bravery and selflessness, of people coming together, to continue to push myself to live my life to its fullest because so many weren't given that opportunity. 

The next part of last week's KC activity included picking out sweet treats to take to my town's fire department. It consists almost entirely of volunteers, people who have full lives and careers but still find the time/generosity to serve their community in such a big way. 

I stopped at the store and picked out three of my favorite baked goods, picked up my daughter from school, and then we drove to the station. 

As we were walking to the office, I told her the unique smell of firehouses instantly takes me back to my childhood each time I step inside one; memories flood in of riding bikes to the station with my brother to visit our dad, taking my high school dance dates to pose for homecoming and prom photos on firetrucks, visiting during the dinners they'd take turns cooking for each other, like the family they were. 

And that's all that was lost for so many on 9/11. 

I will never forget.

Week 11: Personalized Packages

I'm really cutting the deadline for this blog post close, whew! Better almost late than never, so here goes...

Last week's project consisted of three personalized packages for different special people in my life; two mailed, one delivered in person. 

The first was a card and art project for my daughter away at college. I'm going to keep the description for this one short and sweet...and private. ;)

The second was for some awesome repeat clients who purchased their home with me five years ago and now, two kids later, realized their dream of owning a lake cottage. I packaged up some s'mores supplies, of course, and everything needed for them to add a personalized arrow directing visitors to their cottage on the poles that lead to their little community drive. 

And the last was a Packers Party in a Box (everyone at the UPS store got a kick out of that when the employee asked me what was inside). 

My boyfriend's good friend goes out to Colorado to stay for a week each year and they play golf by day and draft their fantasy teams by night. This year, I sent them all the fixings needed for a proper Packers party to celebrate the season's kickoff again the Eagles in Brazil. 

I only wish I could have packed a W in there for them (and me) to enjoy. Go Pack Go!!

Week 10: I Can't Do Much, But I Can Do That

Last week's act of kindness was inspired by a handful of people in my life (directly and loved ones of my loved ones) who had serious medical issues. 

I'm a woman of action and I really don't like feeling powerless, especially when health is on the line for those I care about, but with those people living far away and me not being medically trained outside of essential oils, supplements, and 20 years of motherhood, there wasn't anything for me to do but text and pray for them. 

But I thought there may be something I could do, that I know is very small, for strangers closer to home. And so that's what I did.

I sorted out the $38 in quarters I had in my bear bank (given to me by my Uncle Dick and Aunt Barb when I was born - excited to visit you in NM for Thanksgiving, you two!), my daughter divided them between two baggies, and we headed out to our two area hospitals.

After confirming there were vending machines there and that they did indeed still accept quarters (my Gen Z daughter was the genius behind checking; you never know these days - and typing that, boy do I ever feel each of my 49+ years...), we sat on a bench outside and decided what to write on the note.

As you can see, we kept is simple. Afterall, the people reading it were in a hospital, close to the emergency room; they just needed the facts and a snack. And that's what they got.

The world has an uneasy feeling right now, and if I could give you all a little treat to help the days feel better, I would. 

I know the flowers I got last week helped me. The unexpected call from my son yesterday made me feel loved. My daughter inviting me to a concert with her made my heart swell. My other daughter looking at me when we laugh at the same parts of the show we're binging makes me so happy. The marinated goat cheese I splurged on at Costco and am enjoying as I type this helps. 

I hope you have little bits of goodness in your life too. 

And I hope you give them to others as well. 

Week 9: In-Flight Florals

I always have my carry-on bag packed and my TSA PreCheck number handy. 

Why? For almost three years I've been averaging 30 flights a year. 

Why? I have a job I can do primarily from anywhere, friends and family spread across the country, and a boyfriend who lives in Colorado the majority of the year. Therefore, two to three times a month one of us travels to see the other, or we meet in another location.

I feel incredibly blessed to not only have Mark in my life but that we are fortunate to adventure together, seeing and doing new things in this amazing world we live in. And I am so grateful for the airlines (primarily United) and their employees who do the heavy lifting (figuratively and literally - I am not a light packer 😅) to make the back and forth possible. 

And so last week, after six days in Colorado (and one in Wyoming to visit my first hot spring), we stopped at Trader Joe's to pick up bouquets of flowers for me to hand out on my journey home. 

The TSA agent at my little-known airport PreCheck point received a bouquet. Being accustomed to getting at least a bit of bitterness each day, boy, was she ever surprised. ;)

The Terminal B gate agent was given flowers. "Really?!" she asked. "Absolutely!" I confirmed.

The head flight attendant was handed an arrangement as well as both pilots upon my boarding. 

I went to the back of the plane and said "This is for you" as I handed the other flight attendant a bouquet. She asked, "Are you sure?" I said, "Yes, of course!" 

As I made my way back to my seat, I heard a woman boarding say to the crew "You got flowers too? The gate agent also had some. How fun!" And it was!

I also gave flowers to the guy waiting to deliver a wheelchair as I walked off the plane. 

And the last bunch was handed to my usual shuttle driver who takes me back to my car after each trip. 

It takes a village to keep this long-distance love feeling much closer than 1,000 miles apart. And until the gap can be closed (soon-ish!) I'll continue to be grateful for and kind to everyone who helps us along the way! 

Week 8: Bench Give Back

"Sit down and rest awhile" was the inspiration for last week's Kindness Countdown activity. 

I served on the board of Ozaukee Food Alliance for five years and recently took a step back to focus on this little happy project of mine. I began my time there when it went by a different name: The Saukville Community Food Pantry and was located in the basement of a local church. 

The pantry and it's needs grew a lot while I was with them, so much so we needed a new, designated location and updated branding/name to communicate we had become more than a food pantry. The process was a privilege to be a part!

I dreamed of us moving into the location long before it seemed feasible, and after the fundraising became successful and it was becoming reality, I began dreaming of the food gardens to be planted and relaxing seating for our patrons.

That was the inspiration for last week's activity: a donation of a cast iron bench to be placed in a place of rest. 

One of my daughters worked with me to put it together; my other daughter and I borrowed my parent's minivan, and we drove it to the pantry. It was lovely to catch up with the director on the latest happenings and take my daughter to see some of what I had had a small part in building. 

I hope the pantry and activity participants enjoy the bench, take a moment to rest, and feel ready to put their best foot forward as they depart. 

Week 7: Compliment Calling

My friend Lupe found me on Instagram a handful of years ago and after a quick read of her positive message and seeing her sweet but sassy personality come out through the things she shared, it didn't take me long to follow her back and start exchanging DMs on the regular. 

A few months into our online friendship she sent me a reel of people driving down a street and giving out complements to strangers with a message saying something like "If you ever want to do this, I'm your driver!" I replied with a pocket full of yesses! 

Last week we lived out our plan to deliver some drive-by praise to unsuspecting pedestrians. And unsuspecting they were. 

We got into Lupe's vehicle, rolled down the windows and stepped outside our comfort zones. Although I am known to deliver complements regularly to strangers in stores and parking lots, at gas pumps, etc, it was different yelling them from a car and I'll admit to being intimidated by the first couple of people we passed. 

But then dog-walking hour hit our small town and sincerely yelling "Your dog is so cute!" to everyone with a four-legged friend was a piece of cake. And boy did it make everyone smile huge. 

My next safe space was to tell women "Your hair looks nice," or "I love your dress." I yelled "Hit 'em long and straight" to a man loading a set of golf clubs into his trunk and "You look great in that pink" to a woman wearing the perfect shade for her complexion. 

We had over an hour of fun making people smile before parking and heading to our neighborhood beer garden...where we continued to complement people we walked past. It turns out, making random people happy is quite addicting. 

And I'm not trying to quit!!

Week 6: Presents for Those with Paws

This activity is memory of my sweet Maude who passed away last year. I miss you every day, baby girl. 

Last week my daughters and I went to the store and bought loads of dog and cat toys to donate to The Humane Society. It was fun squeezing and shaking and throwing the different offerings, talking about which pets of ours would have loved which toys. 

I've had a handful of dogs in my life and each of them has preferred something different in toys. Some liked soft rubber squeakers, some liked justtheright texture of a plush toy, none have loved the crinkle toys. 

And while I've never shared my home with a cat (I'm allergic), I've spent time with a few at the barns my daughter rides horses at and love watching their unique personalities come out at playtime too. 

All this to say, I hope we got something for everyone. 

Please note: Adoptions and visiting hours are currently suspended at the Ozaukee County Humane Society due to a personnel shortage.

Be sure to call ahead with your specific needs other than donations, which can be left in the handy dandy bin outside their front door. 

Week 5: Wishing (Strangers) Well

It's time to share another installment of my little project. Well, actually, it's almost a week overdue. Oopsie. 😅 While I have no issue performing each week's activity, getting summaries written and posted by the following Monday (the schedule I set for myself), has proven to be less consistent. But if I'm going to choose a priority, it's the acts themselves. So, I present to you, better late than never, week 5:

When packing to spend last week in Colorado, I added hundreds of pennies to my backpack for the week's random act of kindness: leaving free wishes at a fountain in a popular plaza in downtown Fort Collins. 

I poured the pennies intp a plastic container, wrote out a note that read "FREE WISHES!! Make one for yourself and then call or video-chat a loved one to make one too!" and taped it to the container before heading out the door. 

My boyfriend scouted out nearby restaurants while I set up the pennies on the edge near the splashpad and outdoor piano set out for people to play.* Almost immediately, parents took their kids over to make wishes together. 

Mark and I enjoyed a great meal on the patio of CooperSmith's Pub & Brewing as we watched a group of teens in matching summer camp shirts take photos while making wishes, a kid pushing the envelope on the number of wishes he could make (his mom put the bin of pennies out of reach on top of the piano for some time 😂), and other strangers tossing their wishes towards the water. 

I said, "I wonder what everyone's wishes are. I'd bet some people are wishing for big things and others might be wishing for simple things we may take for granted." 

No matter what they wished for, I sure hope they all come true!!

* - Bravo to anyone on the team to make downtown Fort Collins beautiful, because y'all sure do a great job! The planters everywhere (including the alleys!) are incredible, the little waterfall on the medium always make me smile, and the pianos sprinkled around town get played more than you might think. Thanks for all you do!!