Tidings of Comfort and Joy

Like the lyricist said, June is bustin' out all over!  So too, the National Day Calendar.

Terri has discovered there are some pretty serious issues on the National Day Calendar this week … and proposed her merry band of Meddlers take on a few.  Care to join in the fun?

From back-stories to suggestions how to observe, just click each day's title.

June 11
National Making Life Beautiful Day

Tell us about a time you made someone's life beautiful or someone made YOUR life beautiful.

There's no way I could pinpoint just one time an angel has touched my life!

From the teen - wise beyond her years - who came into my early work life and stayed … to the life history instructor who believed in me beyond reason … to blogger strangers-turned-friends … to the people of Alabama, rich in what matters most.

Thank you for helping weave my tapestry!

June 12

National Loving Day

Terri admits that this turned out to be not what she thought it would be.  Our country has come a long way in recognizing that people are people and our differences are what makes life beautiful, but we still have a long way to go, unfortunately.  Your thoughts?

Having grown up in a 50's-something, homogeneous community, I've gotta be honest.  For years I struggled.  Thank God, I've come out on the Bright Side!

Now, if we can't eradicate the venom which exists.  

Please, people!

  

June 13

National Random Acts of Light Day

Terri is a cancer survivor.  Cancer has touched most of us in one way or another.  When did someone reach out to you with an act of kindness or when did you last perform a random act of kindness to someone?

Oh man, is there another word that can strike such a chill in one's heart?  Like Terri's first question, I/we've been incredibly blessed.

I would, however, like to share a couple of my DIL's unselfish acts of kindness:

A few years ago during the holiday season, Lois learned one of her neighbors had been laid off; struggling financially with a newborn.  She bought a big box of Pampers, gift-wrapped it and left anonymously on their front porch.

Another time.  Another neighbor, a single mother - was dying of cancer.  I think my grands were still in grade school.  Still, Lois enlisted them to join her in going over and cleaning their neighbor's home.  Later, when the mother passed, Sarah and Chloe brought her little girl home and slept with her under their Christmas tree.

     

June 13
National Kitchen Klutzes of America Day

I find it hard to believe, but Terri says she's a total klutz in the kitchen.  (Me, too!)  Tell us about something klutzy that happened in your kitchen … by you or another!  Can you laugh about it now?

There have been more than a few instances! *sigh*

Once when a certain sister-in-law was visiting, I tried making she and Tom's favorite date-nut bread.

I found a recipe on line and was following it to the letter when the mixer began to smoke, grunted, and died.

Nowhere did the recipe say not to drain the dates!

Of course, we laugh about it now.  Not so much at the time.

June 15
National Smile Power Day

Will you take on the challenge and smile more often on June 15?  Why not start now!  Have you been blessed by a smile that changed your day?

I love to smile!
While at my last job, I found it really sad that some employees had to be  taught - reminded, even - to observe the 10/5 rule.

(Simply explained, the 10-5 rule suggests that anytime a guest is within 10 feet of a staff member, that staff member should make eye contact and smile to acknowledge the oncoming guest.  When a staff member is approximately 5 feet of a guest, a sincere "Good morning"/"Good afternoon"/"Good evening" should accompany the eye contact and smile.)

Here's the part where Terri invites us to share something about your week, so far.

Well, dang.

Again, I'm conducting a war in my head.  Do I really want to rejoin the work force.  There's very little in the way of part-time opportunities.  

But. Even should I elect to stock shelves full-time at Wal-Mart for 5-6 months, that would pave the way for new carpet and blinds … perhaps a week at the beach.

The next day I'm like, "Well, the carpet isn't that bad.  And who needs a vacation when you're already in your happy place?"

Something a friend shared on Facebook did catch my eye, however!

Who'd like to enjoy a train ride across the US for only $213?

Someone?  Anyone?

(Because I refuse to fly, OK.  That would be $426 + gas.)

It's been a long, long time ...

1957, Paris.

As always, thank you for making time to visit!  I'm off to have my hair cut, but look forward to seeing y'all a little later!  Stay safe!

Hugs, Myra