Friday, July 10, 2020

Sprinkle Kindness






I have a summer shirt that says "Throw Kindness Around Like Confetti." I wear it often because sprinkling (or throwing) kindness is something I've tried to do since I was a young girl. It's a way of life I learned from my beloved grandma. But, while I try to make kindness to others a part of my daily life, I rarely extend that kindness to myself. I'm sure many of you can relate. This summer that changes.









It's been a difficult year for all of us. Our plans are on hold, or cancelled, our futures uncertain. You may have a friend or loved one who has battled COVID or be mourning their loss. My heart and prayers are with you if that's the case. 







Summer, with the fun and adventure it usually brings, has been turned on its head. Vacations, concerts, book conferences, neighborhood parties, and more have all been cancelled. Am I disappointed? Yes, but I'm okay with that. I'd rather be safe, and keep others safe, by staying home, social distancing, and wearing a mask when I do need to venture out. Plus, more time to read books, yes? Have to look for that silver lining. 





I may not be able to visit my family overseas (but we have FaceTime), entertain friends (but ZOOM parties help), or attend the events I had planned for this summer but I can still find ways to brighten my days. Last month, I noticed the fresh cut flower arrangements at the grocery and thought about how much they always make me smile. Then I thought about the fact that I never buy flowers for myself. Why don't I buy flowers for myself? They aren't that expensive and if they make me smile while at the store, think about how much they would make me smile in my home? So, for the past few weeks, I've started giving myself a bouquet of flowers once a week. They lift my spirits and make me feel good about each day ahead. They make me happy and, you know what? I deserve that. And, so do you.







In these difficult times, especially, we should all make it a practice to extend kindness to others but don't forget to save some for yourself too.








Do you ever cut fresh flowers from your garden to grace your home? Or bring home a fresh bouquet from the store?

Pick up a quart of your favorite ice cream, just because?

Turn off the news and dance to tunes that make you hum, or sing along? (For me, it's the Beach Boys. Never fails!)

Ditch the list of chores and lose yourself in a romance happily ever after?

Tell me how you're being kind to yourself this summer.

Three people who comment will receive a package of books from my stash. And maybe, once you've read them, you can extend a kindness to another reader by passing some of them on to new homes and brightening someone else's day. 

*Must be 18
*U.S. addresses only
*Giveaway ends 11:00 PM, July 11


43 comments:

  1. Yes, I have bought myself flowers from the grocery store, but not for years. I should get some this week. Hubby and I have been eating ice cream often since Covid-19 reared up. My other kindness is to indulge in a pot of expensive loose tea. Very yummy and no calories. trailheadtea.com here in Arizona takes online orders, are very responsive, and I like to support a mom-and-pop business that has been struggling with the mandated shutdowns. Sorry for the sales rant; I am not related to them and have no motive other than my liking for their tea. Amazon also has a nice selection of loose tea, including "Tao of Tea" products that arrive in very nice tins. Since we have nothing but time now, I can indulge...

    Susan in AZ

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    1. No need to apologize, Susan. I love supporting small businesses, especially during these tough times.

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  2. I enjoyed seeing your cheery flower pictures. Flowers always make me happy.

    I am kind to myself by reading romances, listening to music, watching comedies on Netflix, and babysitting my grandchildren. Next time I go to the grocery store I vow to buy myself some flowers!

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    1. I've been watching comedies too. Enjoy that time with the grandchildren. They grow up so fast!

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  3. I enjoy bringing in flowers from the garden. It brightens the dinner table. Dancing to the radio has long been a habit, often while cleaning the house. The fun of it, keeps me motivated so that I don't ditch the chores too frequently. As for losing myself in a romantic read, that is one of my greater indulgences. It has been a particular comfort this summer in the midst of all of the difficulties.

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    1. Having gardens is one of the (few) things I miss about living in a house as opposed to a condo.

      I love cleaning to music. Chuck Berry and Shania Twain have always been good cleaning motivators for me.

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  4. I like to buy a bouquet of flowers from the store as a treat for myself. Most of the flowers outside of my home don't make good cuttings.

    denise

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  5. I can't bring in flowers cause the cats will destroy them, but I've been self-medicating far too much with ice cream and cake. And I listen to romance almost nonstop via audiobooks. They help keep me sane!

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    1. I've been trying to limit myself to one small dish of ice cream per day but I picked up a quart of organic strawberry ice cream (great sale!) at the store this week and it's really testing my resolve. So delicious, especially with fresh strawberries added on top. Fruit and dairy. That's healthy, right? ;-)

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  6. I love this, and good for you!
    I FINALLY broke down and bought not one, but TWO traveler's notebooks recently. I've been wanting one for years just to see what the craze was all about, but really didn't know what to look for, how to shop for one, etc. I STILL don't know much about how to "do" a tn, but I jumped in and hope to figure it out as I go! They've recently arrived and I am IN LOVE with them! I plan to use one for a diary-type journal and other things (as soon as I figure out what those "other things" consist of :) ), and the other one as a Bible study journal notebook. At roughly $100 total they're a bit pricey, but I'm excited to get started!! And they make me smile just LOOKING at them...:)

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    1. Good on you for doing something special for yourself. I had to go check out Traveler's Notebooks as I wasn't familiar with them. Wow, so cool! Enjoy!

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  7. I have a patio filled with pots of plants - one very large one is all wild flowers. My son got me a wagon to use as a flower garden....sort of a flower meadow on wheels. And in the winter I can move it into the garage. I don't cut the flowers, because I can look out my sliding door in the kitchen and love them all. But, you have reminded me - I could get flowers from the store and love them too.

    I had stopped watching the news before the pandemic. Now I don't even look for the weather report. And yes, recently I have been listening to more varied music. I have especially enjoyed seeing the zoom concerts from all over the world.

    As for ice cream....I am almost as addicted to that as I am books. So, yes, I get ice cream for me ----and soon I will be about the size of an ice cream truck I am sure.

    As for other kindness. I am separating myself from negative people who get me feeling so very sad and down. After not really buying any clothes for about 15 years, I spent part of my government gift on some Keds and shorts and tee shirts....you can see I am really living it up.

    Most of all, I realized that Sonny and I don't really care about a lot of things that I used to believe were important. He is sleeping his usual 23 hours of ever day. I am reading even more and spending time looking at the wind in the trees, and the clouds in the skies.
    Yes, I am beginning to realize that the world will not end if I am kinder to me. I am working on it.


    NOW OFF TOPIC - In case you did not know, Karen Ranney died in June after a brief illness. She was a very intelligent and funny and kind woman. According to her publisher, her final book will be out later this year.

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    1. I have a small patio with limited space. I do grow geraniums, herbs, and citronella (I have NO mosquitoes!) but there's not room for much more than that.

      I think it's difficult for women to take time for ourselves but I'm so glad to see so many of you taking steps to do that.

      I did know about Karen Ranney. So very sad. :(

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  8. Yes to picking up some ice cream, trying to do more reading. I do pick up boquets for myself as well as pick the peonies and put them in several vases when they bloom. I am also trying new recipes, both desserts and meals.

    I am sorry about your friend, Karen. May she rest in peace.

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    1. I love peonies! What color are yours?

      Have you discovered any new favorites among your recipe tryouts?

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    2. Light pink with white in center and the other bush is totally a brighter pink.

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  9. I can say yes to all of the "do you's" above. I do not often buy flowers, but I have. Luckily the garden is producing and I am cutting flowers for the house. They do brighten things up. There is a half shelf/bookcase that separates the kitchen and family room and that is where I put the vase of flowers. That way, I can see them where ever I am.
    I sing and dance to music whenever I can. When I drive, which hasn't been often lately, I turn the volume up and sing as loud as I can. My husband has the news on all the time, so I have to wait until he is outside to turn the music on.
    My husband is an ice cream lover, so that is easy. I prefer when I do the grocery shopping, because I get the flavors I like and might just buy a little more than he does. A small dish any time I want is a definite pick-me-up.
    I am staying in pretty much all the time. I have left home only 5 times since March 11. Once to a greenhouse for bedding plants and 4 times for doctor appointments. I am not complaining. I miss not being able to travel, but luckily we hadn't planned a big trip this year. The one romance conference I was going to was canceled and a conference about the auto immune disease I have was canceled. We are always busy with volunteer work and it has been odd not being on the road and busy all the time. There have been zoom meetings weekly, but that is all. Being "stuck" at home has given me the opportunity to get my gardens back into shape and start digging through all the stuff that has accumulated over the years. I am getting some reading done, but am trying to get a lot of the work done so I can truly relax when I read and not feel guilty.
    Thank you for the giveaway. Enjoy the summer and stay safe and healthy.

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    1. LOL! So glad to know I'm not the only one who entertains all the other drivers on the road.

      I'm not going out much either, mostly just to the grocery (once a week) and the Post Office. I have a small local P.O. and people have been really good about wearing masks and distancing there. Plus, I've gone enough that I can pretty accurately determine their slow times.

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  10. Nice post : ) I have really enjoyed my cats, my coffee, books, and chocolate more than ever! I have tried my best to stay on my true course and to focus more on the positive than the negative. It's important to me to be encouraging to others--a kind and supportive word can go a long way. I recently posted: "Hey...we made it to the 4th...and now, we must go forth...unite--don't fight...I'm a child of the sixties...now I'm in my 60's...drink coffee...commune with cats...read good books...appreciate--don't discriminate...freedom is precious..."

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    1. "Hey...we made it to the 4th...and now, we must go forth...unite--don't fight...I'm a child of the sixties...now I'm in my 60's...drink coffee...commune with cats...read good books...appreciate--don't discriminate...freedom is precious..."

      Well said!

      Keep that positive attitude going. I believe kindness and a positive attitude are two of the most important assets we can have, especially in these times.


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  11. Yes, I have done several of what you listed - especially the ice cream and having my fav donuts from time to time.

    I love the idea of paying it forward.

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    1. Ice Cream seems to be a recurring theme in these comments. I certainly understand why! *grin*

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  12. No to the flowers - although my hubby has been known to buy some for me "just because". No to the quart of ice cream, but yes to pints of ice cream and gelato! I have been trying not to focus on the news and I have been more likely to tune everything out and just read - with a cat in my lap and up to 2 weeks ago with my dog. Sadly, we had to say goodbye to him. He would have been 16 in a month.

    So I've been reading, baking bread and other choice goodies. I've really enjoyed having a veggie garden again after almost 10 years as well.

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    1. My condolences on the loss of your dog. I'm so very sorry. They take a piece of our hearts with them, don't they?

      I used to bake bread all the time but stopped after being diagnosed with a gluten intolerance. I need to up my gluten-free baking game.

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    2. Thank you PJ. They definitely do! Even the cats miss their big brother.

      There have got to be some really good gluten free recipes on the internet for you. My grocery store has a huge selection of gluten free flours. Good luck finding ones you like!

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  13. My husband has brought me home Dove Chocolates. I will tell him to bring me flowers when he goes the next time. It seems he goes out and usually brings me something. A milkshake, ice cream and the last time a bag of cherries. We have been playing cards at night. We turn on music and turn off the TV. He like Luther VanDross and I want some Stevie Wonder or Phil Collins.

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    1. A husband who brings home Dove chocolates is a definite keeper!

      When I was a kid we spent most summer nights at a neighbor's house playing cards. Rarely was the TV on. I kind of like that many of us are revisiting those simpler times.

      Oh, and now you have me in the mood to listen to some Phil Collins. Off to check out my Spotify options!

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  14. I love looking out into my yard and seeing all my flowers, mainly daylilies. They make me smile. I dance with my granddaughter. My older daughter has decided that there are a few things that she won't do in order to make them special grandma-Abbie activies. I do need reminders that life is good, especially these days. Thanks for a lovely post PJ.

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    1. As I mentioned in another comment, one of the things I do miss about my old house is the huge yard and numerous gardens I had. Spring and summer were riots of color with more than 75 Azaleas and oodles of Daylilies and Glads. I don't miss tending them but I do miss looking at them. lol

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  15. I love the idea of buying flowers for yourself to brighten your week. And it always touches me when someone does something unexpected for someone else. (Especially book related). Have been going for walks on the weekend or after work with my husband and daughter.
    Karen T. (Natty's Mama).

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    1. I've been trying to get out and walk more. When I had dogs I walked three times daily and I need to get back into that habit. It's just so HOT here right now! (Feel free to remind me of this comment - whine - when I'm complaining about how cold it is this winter) ;-)

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  16. I do try to be kind to myself. I buy ice cream, books and plants for the house or the patio... I cook some sweets when I am in the mood.

    It's such a good advice to be kind to yourself :) Thank you PJ

    Not participating in the giveaway

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    1. I hope you're staying well, Alina. How are things where you are?

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  17. Not flowers because my cats eat them lol. Reading more than ever is what is keeping me sane, so I let the housework go to read a good book!

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    1. My sister-in-law was saying the same thing the other day. She'd love to have fresh flowers but she has one cat who eats flowers and another who eats paper. So far, he's steered clear of her books.

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  18. I don't have a flower garden, but my hydrangeas are finally blooming - I've thought about buying some flowers in the store, but haven't yet - maybe next week! I do buy myself dark chocolate & ice cream for treats.

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  19. I live in an apartment building on the 3rd floor. I have a small balcony where I could place a pot or box of flowers, but I tend to forget about them and the poor things die. I have the proverbial brown thumb. I do buy an ice cream treat each shopping day. I like to have something in the freezer for a late night snack. Right now it is a chocolate malt push 'ems from Schwan's Foods...so good. I'm also the original procrastinator when it comes to housework chores. I never do today what I can put off till tomorrow! A book always comes first!

    Hope your enjoying a wonderful weekend. Stay home, stay safe, wear a mask, wash your hands and don't touch your face.

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  20. I love this post. I try to find the positives in life everyday and share that with others. I do not treat myself with flowers, although I think I might start. Your flowers made me smile.

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  21. I enjoyed your beautiful post because it is so important especially at this time. I have started to buy flowers at the supermarket since they do bring me pleasure and are colorful and make the setting pretty. I have been helping a great deal. When this started in March I looked after my grandsons, 6 & 8 everyday for 2 months and gave them love, activities and much more. I give treats and books to friends to cheer them up. I rarely buy myself anything but perhaps this summer I will start.

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  22. I always have a vase in my home to spruce up the space. Unfortunately I dont have a garden so they are store bought.

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  23. Your post resonated with me more so now than ever before too. I look after others by preparing meals, purchasing unique gifts, helping them out, giving my books and homemade goodies which gives me great enjoyment, but I do nothing for myself. Except for my daily walks which I look forward to I am always thinking of how to make others happy.

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