Blissful Inspiration

I wanted to take some time to introduce you to a blog that I think you'll love. I've never met Tabitha personally or even spoken to her on the phone - but our hearts are in the same place.

It is A FiveOh4 Uplifting Blog!

She has no idea just how much she has blissfully inspired me! I've been giving out "Joy Packs" now for over a year now, but haven't thought to put photos up, keep track of them or even really mention it. Who knows why that is. I'll probably start posting a few photos each time I do it so that maybe, just maybe, YOU will be inspired to do something for someone else.

Tabitha and her family send out goody bags to children and adults who are battling cancer or are in the hospital. They make note cards to include in each bag. They will send bags in honor of people! She doesn't let a physical handicap stop her! It is truly inspiring! Tabitha says,

"The first three years of my life were spent living in Children's Hospital
due to birth abnormalities. I was born without a right arm and at 9 months old my right leg had to be amputated. My left arm is half the length of a normal length arm, but none of this has ever STOPPED me."

She isn't kidding. She spends time doing things to brighten the days of children in hospitals and that inspires me!

Tabitha - I wanted to publicly say thank you for all that you do! You are an inspiration to me as well as to so many other people. We may never know this side of heaven just how many hearts you've touched with your compassion and your vision!

I will also be sending you the following items via our friends at Oriental Trading (Love them!)

24 - Neon Monkey Bracelets (Cause Monkeys are my Favorite!!)
72 - Groovy 60's tattoos
72 - Mini Activity Pads
50 - Mini Rainbow Spring Assortment

What inspires you? Do you respond to that inspiration? You'd be surprised how a simple response would make a difference to someone else!


"Abundance and love are not limited. Support others in their pursuit of them and your life will be blessed as well." Lark Neville

Photo from:http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimberlyfaye/2785383504/

The Good, The Bad and the Crazy

I love twitter. I love that I have met so many wonderful people there. The other day 2 of my favorite tweeple were tweeting back and forth and it caught my attention. After being asked how things were - @coffeesister replied saying " @HappyLotus has actually been a really rough coupla days yet w/great things in the midst, hope your busyness was a goodness but YAY for calm"

I knew exactly what she was talking about - except for me it has been a rough couple of weeks. Normally we handle problems and move on but sometimes, every once in a while, a problem creeps up and you have to stay with it longer than you desire. The question then becomes, how do you keep focused on the good things going on around you while you concentrate on the bad and the crazy

I won't bore you with all the bad that has been in my life since the first of May, but so that you get the picture, I have to share a little bit of what has happened. Late April I issued a challenge to my twitter friends to do an act of joy a day so that they may see that "there's no joy like spreading joy" and I would join in myself. I'm personally (not including the things I do through Spreading Joy Corporation - but as an individual) trying to reach 1,000 acts of joy and set a goal of 3 acts of joy a day! I'm a giver, love to give and therefore that shouldn't be a problem - right? W-R-O-N-G! Another twitter friend @dr_uw commented "I like your page, very encouraging to risk exposure and share."

I remembered that comment when my phone rang at 7:15 at work on that first Friday morning in May. My husband who had been only working 32 hours a week for months had been given the news the day before that they were only going to be able to work every other week. Not totally laid off, but not making 40 hours a week either. My daughter, Megan, had been dealing with vomiting for most of April and we were taking her to test after test after test. My son, Todd, was graduating in a few weeks and would be heading off to college at the end of the summer and then there is the normal, usual stuff that just goes on. In May the washer broke. That same week, while I was at the laundry mat my husband had a flat tire on the way home and that very night my son's car had a flat tire. (Great a washer and 2 tires) The next week my breaks were going out on the car and when my husband went to change them he noticed that 2 of the lug nut BOLTS were off - yep....gone. He went to take the tire off and what do you know - the OTHER TWO broke off. I could not believe it. I just knew we'd have to pay a tow truck to take my vehicle a mile down the road to get fixed. This is all in the middle of dealing with Doctors and Nurses phone calls and trying to keep Spreading Joy Corporation going. I'm not telling you all of this for your pity - I will take your prayers - but I want to share how in the world we made it through the month of May without totally losing our sanity.

I did not make my personal goal of 3 acts of joy a day in the month of May, but I did continue to do something everyday - just as I have done since April of 2008. While I was focusing on Megan and trying to help her and dealing with the crazy things that were going on around me I knew that no matter what, things would be ok because of the support we had.

The support during this trying time has been unbelievable! So many people are praying for Megan and while it is so hard watching her be so sick sometimes, knowing that she is being prayed for around the world has provided me with great peace. The tweets, the emails, the phone calls, the card and especially the prayers. I love giving and doing, but sometimes you have to let people support you, that is all there is to it. If someone wants to know how you are - tell them. You don't have to be whiney about it, but say that its hard if you need to. Say that you are concerned. Don't carry the burden alone. Take the help that is offered.

I had to remember - this too shall pass. This is only a small piece of the journey. You will not be on this road forever. Things will look up. Things will get better - count on it! Don't dwell on this state that things are in...look to the future as it is a bright one!

I have made sure that I remain a source of motivation for others as well as giving others. I know you'll probably tire of me say "There's no joy like spreading joy" but it is true! When you give, do or encourage others YOU will get so much more back. The joy you receive when you are focusing on others is truly unspeakable. Your heart is warmed, your soul is thankful and the joy that is there because of the difference you've made is unwavering. You can have joy through the journey! You can have joy through the trials.

Take it one day at a time. If you have to, take it one hour at a time! Don't hurry through your day. Don't try to tackle everything all at once. Focus on what is important and let the rest wait. Don't worry about tomorrow. Stay in the now..the right here and make it work.

Don't remain so focused on the "crazy" that you miss the blessings that happen in between. While all this was going on in May - good things were going on too. My son was getting ready to graduate, Spreading Joy received a $10,000 matching grant and little did I know that a $500.00 grant to Wal-Mart was being approved. New friendships were being formed and thank goodness School was almost over! Great things were happening and I was noticing it. I could have easily missed it - had I been focused on the "crazy".

Remember, we are all going to go through the good days, the bad days and most certainly the crazy days. Keep your chin up. Things will be good again. I promise!

"The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me. "~ Ayn Rand

To the Class of 2009

To the Class of 2009 -

Your journey is just beginning, and the roads may be long. The days may seem uncertain, but you are ready.

You've been taught to do your best, give your best and be the best.

Keep looking forward while remembering the wonderful times you had. Look forward to the new opportunities that lay ahead of you. Look forward to new friendships, new challenges while keeping your heart tied to the memories that your heart will cherish for a life time.

Remember, you are still young and while you may know what you want to do, also know that things change. Your journey may change a time or two and when it does, I hope you'll seize the opportunity to learn from those changes. I hope you'll have the courage to walk the path least traveled. I hope you'll have the desire to make a difference along the way.

You are our future. Yes - YOU Class of 2009! We need you to be strong yet sensitive to the needs of those around you. We need you to be wise yet willing to still learn and be taught. We need you to be fierce yet still be approachable by the common individual. We need you to be dreamers of wonderful, magnificent dreams and realize that even if those dreams do not come true, that the journey is still worth it!

You are hope, you are love, you are magnificent and courageous! You are wonderful!

Todd - as a part of this graduating class, I must tell you that I'm proud of you. I'm proud of the wonderful young man you have grown up to be. I'm proud of the choices you've made and hope that you'll continue to give great consideration to the choices you'll make.

I'm proud that you love your little sister and would do what ever you needed to protect her. I'm proud that I can trust you to do what is right.

Thank you for how you give to others. Thank you for your love and care. Thank you for having the courage to explore the unknown.

I love you son!
Forever and Always
Mommie

Photos: Todd Class of 2009 and Todd 4 1/2 yrs. old.

For Megan

The pain in her stomach
Is reflected on her face
Lord, What she needs now more than ever
Is a double portion of your grace

Her laughter and her smile
Have faded away
Now that her blue skies
Are an awful dark grey

Her future is bright
There’s so much love that she gives
But the pain over throws her
Making it hard to fully live

The search continues
For answers each day
Hopefully relief
Will soon be on the way

Then the love will shine
So strong and so bright
I know she’ll be glad
That she fought a good fight

The difference she’ll make
Because she has been there
Will be told for eternity
With luster and flair

A Princess in my eyes
My pride and my joy
Will help those who are hurting
With diseases that destroy

Keep fighting my Princess
Stay strong and devoted
You’ll do great works
You’ll often be quoted!

You’ll make a huge difference
Just you wait – you’ll see
I know this for a fact,

Because you’ve made a difference in me!



I love you Princess. I'm fighting for you!



Photo: by Megan of Megan & Marie

The Difference of A Few

Late April, I decided I would make public my acts of joy during May. I normally do that in the "Tell Me Your Story" portion of the main Spreading Joy Corporation website and over at the facebook group page. Normally it isn't a problem. I set a goal to do 2 acts of joy a day because I'm trying to reach my 1,000th act of joy as soon as possible and issued a challenge to everyone on Twitter to do an act of joy for someone everyday. I wanted to blog our results with the hopes that someone will come across this blog and realize they can make a difference with what they have - right where they are.

Several people stepped up to the challenge and I want to say thank you for sharing with me as well as making a difference.


So, how did we do? Well over 100 acts of joy were emailed, blogged or twittered about. Here are a few!

• Encouraged sick friend
• Helped someone get medicine that they needed
• Left encouraging comments on blog (and believe me, this is encouraging)
• Purchased Eco friendly grocery bags in an effort to become greener
• Encouraged people via Twitter (free and so easy to do)
• Sent care packages to our soldiers and wished they could send more
• Fed the homeless in their area
• Provided an entire month of giving without spending ideas
• Free Bibles and Rice were given through the Free Click Campaigns
• Cards were sent for encouragement (yes, handwritten cards)
• Helped a hurting neighbor
• Gave large tip to waitress who obviously needed help
• Emailed discouraged friend
• Helped Spreading Joy Corporation via Good Search
• Money donated to Missionaries
• Participated in Spring Forward Campaign

The bottom line, is a handful of people looked for ways to make a difference during one month and many things were accomplished. What if 200 people decided to step up to the challenge and made an effort to do ONE act of kindness a day - just one. Well, I can tell you from experience, those 200 people will be the happiest people on earth (even through trials) and by the end of the month there would be OVER 6,000 acts of joy performed which means over 6,000 people had their hearts warmed.

That alone is enough for me to keep going, keep spreading the word about doing acts of joy daily and to encourage as many people as I can along the way to make a difference with what they have, right where they are.

Thank you again to those of you who participated, who tweeted, who emailed etc. YOU have been an encouragement to me....and trust me, the Month of May was a challenge for me. (which I will post about at a later date) I didn't not reach my personal goal of 2 acts of joy a day, but there is always June!

Scott Adams said "Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end." Well done on the ripple effect that you've created this past month - well done!

photo:http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevint/85911467/

Your Dash

"There'll be two dates on your tombstone

And all your friends will read 'em
But all that's gonna matter
is that little dash between 'em..."Kevin Welch

My Mom and I will see an extremely old cemetery and we'll stop at just to look at the dates on the tombstones. We will read the dates, look at how many family members are there, how long the children lived etc. I remember one family in particular. There were 6 or 7 small tombstones - obviously children, so I went to investigate further.

This Mother had given birth to several children and none of them made it past the age of 3 or so. I looked at her dates and she wasn't that old at all. I wondered if she died of heart break, especially since all of her children died so young. I wondered if she was ever able to overcome her pain of not being able to raise her children, see them go off to school or do many of the things the children in the neighborhood were able to do. I wondered if her husband was able to console her and help her through this horrible valley in her life, and then my mind drifts back to my own world and what am I doing to make my "dash" more meaningful.

Can I inspire others to make a difference where they are? Can I motivate and encourage my children to be givers without having them be taken advantage of? Can an average young lady, such as myself, have a "dash" that is full of love, joy, excitement, passion and the heart to bring it all together to make a difference?

Yes, and so can you. What are you filling your "dash" with? What will others remember most about you? If you are thinking about this (and I hope you are) and are not thrilled with what is in your mind, take some time to set some goals and make some changes.

Yes - your dash is very important. I hope you are taking the time to fill it with wonderful memories, meaningful relationships and new friendships.

Photo:http://www.flickr.com/photos/catskillsgrrl/84145218/

Keeping it Real about ME

I have a horrible problem. I do. When I'm on the phone with a help tech person or am "waiting" for someone to help me - I tend to ask questions. Seriously. I always want to know where the person is, are they near a beach (so I know if I need to be jealous or not) how old they are etc.

I just like to know these things - maybe it helps me to remember they are a real person with real feelings or maybe, just maybe it satisfies my curiosity problem. Either way, I like finding out things about people.

In honor of that, here are some things about me. I'm just keeping it real and they are totally in a random order. Just as they pop into my head. You might want to check back from time to time as I'm sure I'll add things to it.

1. I have frizzy-naturally curly hair.

2. I'm afraid of heights but will fly in an airplane in a heart beat

3. I'm addicted to sugar. Especially Krispy Kreme...hot donuts

4. I want to visit and do something in all 50 states.

5. I adore small versions of the real thing. For instance - have you seen the key chain version of board games? Very cute.

6. I've wanted to meet Chuck Norris since I was 17.

7. I enjoy walking in the snow. Nothing like a fresh blanket of snow to destroy!

8. While I love spreading joy, I'm a horror flick chick. I love the suspense, the drama and the kill. Just as long as it isn't a horror movie about bugs, spiders, creepy crawlies...etc. I'm good.

9. I will enjoy being a size 16 again one of these days. Never thought it was a "happy" size before, but - it is.

10. I wish I scrapbooked more.

11. I want to capture a picture of a full moon when it is cheesy orange and appears to be sitting right on the earth.

12. I miss my Sega Genesis.

13. I adore my husband and children. Would give up the world for them.

14. Funerals make me sick to my stomach.

15. I'm not a morning person, but I'm at work most days around 6 am.

16. I'm the happiest when I'm giving and doing for others.

17. I love the rain. Love watching it, listening to it and don't mind getting wet as long as I'm not going some place important.

18. I hate pumping gas. I do. Really.

19. I go to the beach every single chance I get.

20. I almost always buy from kids.

21. Reading blogs saves me mega bucks! I love finding new blogs.

22. I think coffee just before bedtime is so soothing.

23. I can't wait to own one of the small itty bitty 8 inch computers. I must resist until they start putting more memory in them though.

24. I'm very random. Things just pop into my mind randomly and I must act upon them.

25. I love quotations. They inspire and motivate.

26. Stay up all night on most weekends. Usually average 4 hours of sleep Friday night and then again Saturday night. Can not make myself do that during the week no matter how hard I try.

27. I love books. Especially older turn of the century books.

28. I'd love to live in a loft type home - over looking the ocean. Can you imagine the view of the sun rise from that?

29. I love choices. The more the merrier.

30. I love monkeys. When I was little - there weren't monkey shirts, stuffed animals etc. Now they are everywhere....journals, pens, pencils - they are everywhere!

31. I think museums are such a fun place to learn. Helps us to remember what we've seen and learned.

What about you? Please feel free to use the comment section to tell me a little more about yourself. If you are on Twitter - please tell me (and others) who you are. I am @spreadingjoy. (I like that way that sounds...don't you?) Come on - you know you want to tell us!

32. When I can't update this post, I think of 36 1/2 things to add to it!

33. I want to be spreading joy all across the USA and the world one day!

34. When I drive I look at shapes in the cloud. I know, not safe for those driving around me, but love seeing neat shapes.

35. I do not feel comfortable on bridges - especially when 18-wheelers are passing and shaking the bridge.

36. I LOVE singing in the car. I do. My kids don't appreciate my talent, but they do tolorate my gifts!

37. I don't want to grow up, I'm a toys R us kid!

38. I'm a persistant little booger!

39. I love talking, chatting (just ask anyone on twitter) and being with friends - but I really, truly L-O-V-E doing things by myself.

40. There is nothing like going to the movies and being the ONLY ONE in the theatre! Love that!

41. I am a Daddy's girl, but am proud to have "turned into" my Mother!

42. I love the sleep I get when I've just turned off the alarm and I'm supposed to get up. That is the most relaxing sleep ever!

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The light isn't on but I'm still going to treat myself! Yummy! Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Posted via email from Spreading Joy - Making a Difference

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My backseat is filled with yard sale items yummie brownies and posterboard. Has been a crazy day!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Posted via email from Spreading Joy - Making a Difference

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My brother is now 50! Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Posted via email from Spreading Joy - Making a Difference

Thankful Thursday - The Great Moms in My Life

I've been thinking all week about what to write today for my Thankful Thursday post. Then a wonderful friend of mine, Melanie, asked if I would read something she wrote for Mother's Day. It was awesome - and should she post it, I'll link to it.

It started me thinking about Mother's Day and all the wonderful women that have made a difference to me over the years. I realize that there is no blog that will hold the amount of writing I would have to do in order to properly thank every lady that has made a difference in my life. Today I'd like to touch on a few of them and reserve the right to come back and highlight a few more.

1st and most importantly, my Mom! My Mom is such a strong, wonderful woman. She taught us values, awesome work ethics, how to be givers and instilled in us that no matter what, family is family and you need to be there for them. Mom will be 68 in a little over week and still works so very hard for a living. She always has. Hey, she raised 4 of us to be self sustaining...productive citizens and personally that is by far the greatest accomplishment ever. I think I would have had to shoot the 2 middle children on most days - but she didn't. (What? Me...a middle child? :-)

Mom, thank you for all you have done for me. For your love, support and encouragement. For the freedom to be me - with all the silliness and sometimes meaness that is within me. You always have there for me to lean on when things were hard or to give me a much needed nudge, to get me back into the race. You have literally loved me through thick and thin and then back again. Even when I was at such an unhealthy weight, you were kind, but stern. You encouraged without killing the spirit and I'm so grateful for that. You always love us kids - as well as your grandchildren no matter how stupid we become at times, no matter if we don't call like we should and even though we probably don't see you enough. We know that no matter how hard life is or if we are basking in the glory of success that you are there for us, encouraging, motivating and wishing for the best for us. We know that you are there for all of us and for that I'm so thankful.

I'm glad that we share the love of the ocean. I look forward to our beach trips every year. I'm thankful that we share the love of so many things. We love horror movies, the beach, flea markets and just riding around. We love going to bingo. Even though we never win money, we walk away richer than we came because of the laughter we shared for the evening. Thank you for the never ending love, the laughter and the happiness that you've given to me all of these years. Thank you for your support and for always believing in me. Thank you for being one of my very, very bestest friends. I love you and appreciate all that you do and all that you are.

Next is my sister, Angie. Angie is one that I can talk to about anything at any time anywhere and trust me - we talk, text, email or facebook each other everyday. We love spending time together at the coffee shop or the beach! When she discovers something new on the computer, she shares and I do the same. I love the fact that we can laugh together, work together, sit and be quiet while enjoying each others company or just plain do nothing together. We have so many great memories as we've raised our children together - just years apart. I'm also thankful that she is one of my very, very bestest friends! One that when the times are tough - she will be there to help me through it. When I don't feel like I can make it, she will encourage me on. And when I need a smile, she always brings out the silly side in me so that I can carry on one more day. I'm also thankful that she will even go and pick up my wallet that I'd forgotten - even though when I told her there was a password, she immediately knew what it was.....she hates that nick name and I have NO idea where I got it from so many years ago. I love you and appreciate all that you do and all that you are.

The next person I'm thankful for is my very, very bestest friend, Jeanne. She loves me just the way I am - silly one day and so focused that I hardly have time for email the next. She loves my children like her own and is willing to walk through the valley with me. I'm so happy that we can just sit, relax and enjoy coffee together anytime. She has prayed for me, cried with me and has been honestly happy for my successes. She inspires me, reminds me and motivates me to continue on fighting the good fight. She loves me for who I am, just the way I am and for that I'm thankful. I love you and appreciate all that you do and all that you are.

And last but not least, I'm thankful for my Step Mom who loves me and my family as if we were her own. She came into the family and cares deeply for us. She isn't able to get around as much as she used to - but we still have fun together. I do miss the walks to taco bell in the snow, the movie watching all hours of the night and playing yahtzee - even though I always lost. I love you and appreciate all that you've done for me.

There are so many other women who have influenced me! They are strong, courageous and use their abilities to strengthen their families as well as those around them. I want to say thank you to all the wonderful Moms that I know and say - well done Mommie....well done!

Thank you for your constant sacrifices, your unconditional love, your laughter, your smile, your hugs and your shoves back on the right track. While we might not always like what you tell us (cause who likes hearing the truth when it hurts?) you always have the courage to tell us what we need to hear! THANK YOU for having that courage!

Happy Mother's Day!

Photo - My Mommie!

I Refuse To Let This Recession Kill my Spirit of Giving!!

No, I'm not kidding!

This is hitting closer to home now. Since the beginning of the year my husband's job has been at 32 hours a week. Well, Friday he calls me and says that they are now going to an every other week schedule. OUCH! So what is a giving heart supposed to do?

Plan ahead!

Christmas is coming, birthdays are right around the corner. Even if it is $10.00 a week, start your list and go ahead and make those purchases. My goal is to have all of my Christmas shopping done before the end of September. I will let you know how it goes.

College is this fall as well. Thankfully there is a nearby K-Mart who still has lay away. Towels, wash clothes and anything else I can think of are on lay away so that those needed items won't break the bank upon entering college.

Graduation - If you are planning on giving a nice gift to that graduate of yours, start putting back now. This will allow you to tuck a nice little bit of "green" in your favorite graduates card.

Yes - A recession is the perfect time to give. You will motivate and encourage others to give. You will make a difference in the life of someone who probably needs it more than you could ever know. No matter how bad things may be for you right now - there is always someone who is in a worse situation. A recession is filled with opportunities to make a big difference and not have to spend a lot. How is that possible? Well, I'm glad you asked!

A recession is the perfect time to give because:


1. You will not have to look far for someone in need. There is probably a family on your street that could use a little bit of help. Instead of your family going out to eat, get a gift card - give it to the family down the road (even if it is for McDonalds) and enjoy a night at home with your family playing games and feasting on hot dogs. What about that co-worker that never, ever ever goes out to lunch. You know who they are...invite them to lunch with you. Tell them you are buying and you won't take no for an answer.

2. Your little bit will go a long way. Any "little" thing you do during this economy will be greatly appreciated! I always appreciate everything that comes my way, but if I know someone is pinching pennies - then that always means so much more! You know it is sacrificial and more importantly, it comes from the heart. Even the box of Little Debbie Oatmeal Pies that you gave out one by one - put a smile on the face of someone and made their day. (If you've never done this, you should try it! It is a great feeling to just walk up and hand out an oatmeal pie to a total stranger and simply walk away.)

3. Words of encouragement cost nothing but have the greatest value. Knowing that you are not alone with certain problems helps so much. It truly does. Why do you think support groups and online forums are so popular? We need to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and these types of groups remind us of that. When people are in different stages of the same type of journey, those that are "out front" can remind those that are behind that it will get better. Things do work out - you just have to be patient. We can see that there is hope just ahead. So, what are you waiting on? Send that note, type out that email - encourage someone today!

4. A positive attitude is contagious! Is yours worth catching? So many people are discouraged and are struggling just to make it through the day. Your positive attitude and helpful spirit can help carry several people through what just might be a horrible day. Even if you, yourself are going through a rough patch, you can still be positive and happy. Smile at everyone you come in contact with. Look at each new day as a chance to have a positive impact in the life of someone near you.

5. Giving what you have the most of - TIME. Many people in the Hollywood scene will donate thousands of dollars to their favorite charity (and let me say, I'd love to have a Hollywood Star have Spreading Joy Corporation as their favorite charity - I'm not even going to deny it!) but they don't often give much of their time. You may have the opposite problem - more time than money. So, give your time. Are you a quick book pro? Are you great with talking to complete strangers? Are you free for a few hours everyday while your children are in school? Think about how you can donate your time to make a difference.

Giving during a recession just makes sense. Many people (including myself) struggle with the fact that they can't make a HUGE difference and simply decide it is just not worth it. Just keep working through the recession. Keep giving something to someone every day. Don't worry about what it is, how big it is or if it will save the world. Just get yourself in the habit of giving and you'll be shocked at the amount of joy your heart receives back.


"The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving." Albert Einstein



Photo by:http://www.flickr.com/photos/myeye/2236222509/

I'm Thankful for My Favorite Things

In this weeks's edition of Thankful Thursday I'd like to share some of my favorite things that I'm thankful for. After all - we all do enjoy our favorite things - so why not express our thanks for them.

1. Coffee - ok, so that was on the last list, but it is so versatile. You can drink it hot, cold, dressed up with whipped cream and steamed milk or just plain black. YUUM

2. Krispy Kreme - HOT doughnuts, is there really any better brand?

3. Sun rises over the ocean - Anytime I'm at the beach, I get up early enough to watch the sun rise. It creeping up over the horizon in a blanket of bright bold colors is such an experience. You should try it.

4. The ocean all by itself - I could sit and watch the ocean time and time again. I'd love to have a house where I could go out on the back deck and enjoy my coffee and just watch the ocean.

5. Spring and Fall - It is spring for a few more weeks here in NC. I love the crisp cool mornings that warm up to almost summer like days. Doors open, windows open - cool wind coming through.

6. My Gameboy SP - I know with the modern technology out there - why would I still love this? I guess it is the kid in me. Anyone have any games they don't want anymore? I rule Kirby's Pinball!

7. Magazines - Even with how I keep up with blogs to save money on buying books, I do ask for magazine subscriptions for birthday presents and Christmas presents. Hey, it's the gift that gives for a year. I love Real Simple and Scrapbook Magazines. I'm not very good at scrapbooking so I'm also thankful that scraplifting is ok.

8. Cook Books - I used to try one or two new recipes a week, but lately I haven't been doing that. I need to get back to it.

9. Driving - I like to drive. Many tend to hate long trips, but I love driving. Now I don't like bumper to bumper traffic mind you.

10. Giving - Call me obsessed, but I like to give. I was at the store and they had Easter candy on sale for 75% off. I was thinking about who to give the bunnies to - to see about how many I'd need. I love giving. I always have. Hopefully, I always will.

11. Snow - we actually had a bit here in NC this winter - so that was pretty cool.

12. Laptop - I LOVE my laptop. I'd like one of the 8 inch itty bittys but - hours being cut back means no for now - still. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my laptop.

13. Candles - Cinnamon candles are my favorite. Kind of gives you the feeling of Christmas time.

14. Reading - I'm so thankful for being able to read. I love reading. I love to read blogs, books, papers. I love reading.

15. Cool Computer Buttons/Icons - The Thankful Thursday button picture above is adorable. So many blogs have them these days and I think they are wonderful. Still can't figure out how to make one, but I'm thankful that people will let us untechy people "grab" them. I just wish someone would make a button with "It's the little things that make life big" on it for me. That would be awesome.

This is my list for this Thankful Thursday. What are you thankful for this week? Don't wait until Thanksgiving to think about your blessings. Take a minute and express them here!

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. ~William Arthur Ward

The 30 Day Spreading Joy Challenge for May 2009

I'm currently working at making this blog a better blog by taking Problogger's 31 Days to Build a Better Blog. His recent challenge was to write an article that would "Call Your Readers to ACTION". After giving it some thought, I decided since May was just around the corner, I'd challenge YOU to take Spreading Joy's 30 Day Challenge.

This 30 Day Challenge is designed to help build "giving" habits. It can be random acts of kindness to strangers, giving food to the homeless, send an encouraging note/card or planning a special game night with your family - something that you wouldn't normally do. Not only do strangers need kindness, but our families do too. There is no right or wrong way, you simply need to commit to it - one thing a day for 30 days.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Take used magazines to Nursing home.

2. Buy a 6 pack of Reese Cups and give them away randomly.

3. Donate used books or clothing to a Women's Shelter or if you are in NC donate to Spreading Joy. Many of these places do not re-sell items, but they give them away to people who can use them.

4. Buy several bottles of flavored coffee creamer and let everyone at work know they are welcome to it.

5. Purchase a couple of cakes and take them to a local men's shelter. What a sweet treat for them!

6. Pass on a book that you've enjoyed.

7. Make a financial contribution to your favorite charity or to Spreading Joy Corporation. Even designate it towards our Back To School 2009 project.

8. Start an "Others" box and purchase toys to donate at Christmas time for deserving children.

9. Help a local food pantry. Many food pantries PURCHASE their food from food banks and then distribute the food freely. Take several bags by and drop off to help re-stock their pantry.

10. Purchase a dozen biscuits are on sale for $1 from McDonald's and put them in the "common area" of your work place. The first 12 co-workers that get there will welcome the surprise!

11. Sign up and commit to the 30 Day Challenge! Not only will it encourage me, in the fact that I'm able to make a difference, but it will encourage others to take the challenge as well.

12. Tell others about Spreading Joy and just how easy it is.

13. Purchase a box of Little Debbie Oatmeal cakes - place a label on it that says you are Spreading Joy and then give them out. For around $1.50 - you can give away 12 cakes which will make at least 12 people smile. This is what we did as shown by the picture. The label reads "I'm taking the 30 day challenge of doing one thing for one person each day. See how you can make a difference - go to www.spreadingjoycorp.com ." (Did anybody notice that there are only 11 cakes? My daughter was very happy!)

My challenge to you is to SIGN UP and commit to a month of giving. You can either "track" your giving in the comment section of this article or on our "Tell Me Your Story" page. Either one can be updated at any time. If you choose to use the comment section, you'll have to post a new comment each time you want to tell us about your giving. On the "Tell Me Your Story" section, you can simply add a new thread - just as I did with March.

I would LOVE to be able to report back to you at the end of the month all the things that were done to make a difference.

So, are you up for the challenge? Will you commit to 30 days of giving? I hope you'll sign up. I can't wait to show you what a huge difference a group of people can and will make!

Oprah and Ashton are on Twitter - But Have NO Clue What They Are Missing!

My desire with Spreading Joy Corporation is simple - I want to be spreading joy everyday! I have a huge desire to give big - Oprah Big - but until that day comes, I have decided that I will simply give what I can.

Twitter allows me to do just that. While SJC is an IRS approved Non Profit Organization, we currently do not have a steady stream of income. So, when I purchase things for the homeless, for Joy Packs, books, thank you cards etc, it is coming from money my husband and I donated - which is fine because we are doing what we can until we can give big.

But twitter - it allows me to make a difference and THAT is what people who only follow a "few select people" such as @oprah and @aplusk are missing out on. Granted, Oprah hasn't been using it that long and I'm sure she will probably add more over time, but when you are only following 98 people like Ashton is, then you are missing out. Sure what you have to say goes to your million or half of million followers and they comment on what you said, but you are missing a HUGE opportunity to make a difference.

Oprah is following 11 people

Ashton is following 98

Demi Moore is following 78

Larry King is following 46

Jimmy Fallon is following 97

Ellen Degeneres is following 20

Al Roker is following 47
Katie Couric is following 75

I was happy to see that Shaquille O'Neal is following 488 people. So he isn't missing out as much, but I wonder how many of the people he is following are fellow players.

The reason these guys are missing out is because they are only keeping up with each other. There are so many wonderful people on twitter which equals to so many ways to make a difference!

They are missing the fact that every Friday people in twitterland tell who is making a difference in their corner of the world with #followfriday. Many people will suggest who you should follow based on the content of their tweets. You can connect in so many ways but if you don't follow people and get to know them, you'll never know what you are missing.

There are people who are dealing with things like cancer and while they want to remain positive, they do have down days. Imagine how a simple tweet from @oprah would serve as an instant pick me up. Miley Cyrus is only following 34 people. If she were to desire to get the most from twitter and follow others, she would know that Jonathan Jay was a 15 year old fighting cancer and loves her. Imagine how a horrible day could be turned around with just 1 tweet! They would also know that Heather is a young mother that will be having her 3rd brain surgery soon and the new medication has zapped her energy. But regardless of that Heather will pray for you and unashamedly tweet that she is praying for you should you ask for prayer.

Following various people that you do not know, the opportunity for learning is unbelievable. Maybe because I'm doing what I can with what I have and money is not something I have a lot of right now - I love learning for free. I'm so new at this and I've asked for "honest" opinions. People like Jill and Brian will help newbies like me and give valuable feed back on their sites. Not only is the feed back awesome, but the articles that get posted are amazing! Someone recently tweeted about 25 Ways to Let RSS Feeds Optimize Your Life which will help me tremendously! This is what it's all about! This is what you miss out on by only following a few people!

By only following a few people you miss connections with people that you would otherwise never have the opportunity to get to know. For instance, Lark a "Poet, technical writer, movie lover, voracious reader, and witchy woman." and myself your basic do what you can with what you have - have more in common that what is on the surface. She is going through a similar journey with her Step Dad that I went through with my Step Dad 14 years ago. If I had not followed her, I would have never known. Her interest in the paranormal and love for horror flicks is what got my attention in the first place. I enjoy her tweets everyday but there will be days that she is down or the treatments aren't going well and I hope that I'm attentive enough to make a difference!

By only following a few select people - you miss out on awesome stories of changed lives! Mark who has been homeless in the past, came out of it and then due to this economy recently lost his home again still helps the homeless. His number one goal is to make the issue of homelessness front and center. To help invisible people become visible again! Mark received a call that one of his homeless friends, John, had been mugged while traveling north to find work. He sent out a tweet for help and Jimmy was working close by and was able to help. John didn't have to spend the night in 27 degree weather after having been mugged. Mark was able to help a homeless friend through this crisis even though he was no where near John.

I'm truly glad that so many Hollywood people are on twitter because they are the ones that have such a huge voice. Me - as of this posting, my voice is at 949 but I'm LISTENING to over 1,100 people and loving it! This is just a tiny speck of what you can get from utilizing twitter to the fullest!

I love communicating with James at Be Legendary. It reminds me to be courageous during the scary times. I love getting quotes from insightful1. Michelle and I both love buttered popcorn flavored Jelly Belly's. No matter what Catrina is doing, she is "always a mom first" - which is awesome considering so many of our children are left to their own devices. Valerie always has great articles and she communicates with her followers. Kristen and Sandy are helping Non Profits. Stillsafe provides me with awesome quotes and is a great retweeter. Lolly inspires with tweets such as "give gratitude". Liz is one of several bloggers who is helping others become successful and outstanding! If you are new to blogging, her blog has so much info to help you get going! DJ Change always has great articles. I never know what kind of tweets I'm going to get from Kim because she "tweets about art, film, comedy, twitter, design, tech + music. i love pop culture, sunshine + laughter/ #ROFL. =)". Larry gives us random thoughts from Hawaii. Then there's The Art of Joy. A group in Scotland that is using beautiful art to fund raise for various groups. Josh takes amazing photos. Jessica helps people with marketing on a budget and she helped me to understand twitter when I first started using twitter. Susan helps others find happiness. Adam is fun to keep up with. Great ideas and articles from Designriffs. Again, there are many more that I love to keep up with, but you get the idea!

Ashton may have reached 1,000,000 followers first, but I'm spending the weekend looking for the best, brightest and uniquest people that I can follow. Who knows, maybe I'll be the first person on twitter to FOLLOW 1,000,000 people!

"Wherever there is a human being there is an opportunity for a kindness."~Sallust