Simple Touches.............

Cafe' Holme...Table for two

Recently I have been reminded how little touches & small efforts can create a smile, warm a heart and just down right feel good. This past week I have been mindful of just those things. I've made efforts & captured in pictures what my heart and mind are eager to remember. Call it living in the moment, being grateful for what you have or so important....what you create!

Frequently I write about touching lives with kindness, making a difference for those around us and sharing our powers for good (July 31st post) with the world. All so very important, but I feel it is so essential as well, to treat ourselves with the same tenderness and gratitude. It refills our levels, serves as a reward for all that we do and in many cases encourages others to do the same.

This is why I share my thoughts with you Dear Readers. To perhaps spark an aha! moment that inspires you to see things differently, mix things up and make moments feel new and to serve as a reminder of all that you are capable of and deserve! 

So c'mon what are you going to choose to do today???

My Gift...My Reminder

Every once in a while we can all use a tangible reminder.  A reminder that, when we look at it, tells us we've taken time to think of ourselves...we matter.....we make a difference...we are appreciated.

Now rereading what I just typed makes me feel that I need to clarify,  it's not like I don't receive those reminders from my loved ones...just sometimes they feel a little sparse, in comparison to all that I am doing and what I need. There I said it! A tad whiney I know ...but it's how I was feeling  when I walked into a wonderful little gift shop, last week.

I wishfully looked through a collection of bracelets and then decided to purchase one,  just for me.......just because!  At checkout I was asked if it was a gift...indeed it is I answered. She then thoughtfully wrapped the box and handed it to me.....thank you very much I grinned!

Be kind to yourself dear readers. Whether it be a little gift wrapped something.....just for you....just because, time to yourself, a pampering treat or a visit with friends. Keep yourselves full so that you may have enough to give to others and perpetuate the acts of goodness that help us kiss the world with kindness.

Little More Kindness...The Original

This past weekend while attending an art show, I was reminded of how a simple gesture of kindness can truly bring on a smile....for everyone involved!

While enjoying the artistic displays and items for sale, we found ourselves in the  "Children Artist Section". This area was great....children ranging from ages 6 - 12 had their tables set up to sell their own artwork. There was such a wide variety of art and these mature little people, manning their booths were fantastic!

I had the great pleasure of meeting (if I had to guess 9 year old) Liam. He sat at a 6 foot long table with simply a pile of stapled papers being held down by a rock to battle the breezes and a sign in a Lucite frame that read "Liam's comic books only one dollar". I had to take a look. I asked him about his work. With a smile on his face he shared with me that there were five comics he had written and illustrated (didn't have time to color) included in the packet and the last one was his favorite...because it was funny and you have to turn it over to see the ending. I offered him a dollar to purchase a copy and his smile got bigger...I asked him if he could autograph it and his smile got even bigger. I explained I wanted his autograph "so that when you.." before I finished he filled in "I am going to be a cartoonist when I grow up"! So very dear.

It was a great exchange meeting Liam. Seeing his ambition at such a young age and the joy on his face when I took the time to chat and buy his comic book.

I'll be the first to admit I've slipped lately with efforts towards random smile energy....aargh Life getting in the way. But summer is here and there are plenty of opportunities to make them happen. I'm thinking kids & lemonade stands here I come! 
                                   

Little More Kindness......

This morning my family and I had the pleasure of attending an art show with artisans from near and far.  We walked around appreciating their talents. I was certainly liking some pieces more than others, "something for everyone" kinds of thoughts entered my mind. Regardless if it was my taste or not, I could certainly appreciate/admire the time, energy and hard work these artists put into something they believe in so much.

I'm envious of that! The perseverance, the determination and the insight to pull it together. My mind frequently races with the many interests I have and what I can "do" with them. Along with the racing thoughts, an overwhelming feeling quickly creeps in and the promise of tackling it fades and I let it go.

Then the rational side of my brain says "wait a minute, you wanted to compose and offer a presentation of Connect With Your Life..you did it..so check! You wanted to establish a grassroots group of artists in your community to network and support each other and that is under way....so that gets a check! 

And a year and a half ago you wanted to start a blog, share positiveness, sprinkled with kindness, as well as reach out to others and share your own aha! moments in the hopes of bringing one to light for them. So with the blog counter at 8,893 I think we can safely say ....check." 

Now back to the other side of my brain...Oh My Gosh it just hit me!!!! If the rational side of my brain has the realistic thoughts, the opposite of that is irrational, which is perhaps where I spend a bunch of my time....I think I do!

So now I carry on, and rather than experiencing obstacles and overwhelming road blocks, I envision all that I am able to accomplish because of the awareness of putting the rational side of my brain in the forefront. Also, so very important, through it all there is the underlining desire to want to move forward...and that feels a whole lot better than going backwards!

Now my suggestion to you dear readers is to see where your rational and irrational thoughts are taking you...they can take you places you don't even realize you have been. Take stock in all that you do and all that you still want to do....after all we are each the ring master in our own circus of Life!

Blog Post Side Note: Ok so when I started today's post with the title "Little More Kindness" and right through the first two sentences, I was going in a totally different direction. Still about attending the art show, but somehow my thoughts took a turn, ending with the above post. I just went with it...no over thinking... which resulted in just where my mind was taking me while I typed.

Seems as though, once again dear readers, you witnessed the scattered thoughts of this blogger...sure do appreciate you coming along for the ride.

In Wednesday's post I will share my original thoughts of the young cartoonist Liam that I met....or maybe I won't...we'll have to see where these fingers take me.