Progress notes on 29 days of giving challenge!
I didn’t realize how much time had passed since my last post! Am life-deep in trying to get a creativity (off) center up and running in my town. I’m meeting so many people! Everywhere I go I just walk up to folks and ask if they want to be involved in some way with the project, beginning with getting on my email list. Almost everyone says yes! Was going to post info about my trip to the Mark Twain Museum in Hartford, but will do that perhaps next week.
I’ve also been enthralled with the 29 Days Of Giving Challenge I started on September 15th. It’s been remarkable to say the least. Every day I need to find someone or something to be thankful for and find a way to show that. I openly compliment people more. I drop off little gifts. I show gratitude to unexpected things like the gorgeous maple tree in my yard or my legs for being strong enough to take me around the neighborhood.
I feel more connected to the goodness in my life. Sometimes if I’m wondering what can I give to someone else, I close my eyes and go through my day. Sure, enough I find something and sometimes more than one person to give thanks to.
On a thankful publishing note, I had an essay published in Skirt! Magazine. It’s probably my 5th time in that magazine. They publish far less essays than they used to, so I feel even more thankful to be selected. If you’d like to read it, it’s called My Messy Marriage.
Wishing you a day filled with thanks for the goodness in your life!
G.
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Congrats on the Skirt article G! Just wonderful writing. Many good lines, this among my faves: “drawers are not friends.” I don’t have a pile at the end of the dining room table, but I do have a big wire basket that I just rip and throw stuff into. Even if I never look at it, I’m comforted knowing it’s there as a source of immediate inspiration. Sounds like life is very sweet for you right now, and your creativity center sounds amazing. There’s a place in my town called ART BEAST, a drop-in play/art center for kids. I’ve always thought we adults need something like that as much or more than the kids.
Hi Patty,
Many thanks for the essay read. Wire basket is a great idea! That way, it’s all neat and tidy. Unlike my massive pile. I love Art Beast, what a cool name. Yes, adults are the ones who need the play center. I keep telling everyone. The kids are fine. Concentrate on the adults.
The house we wanted for the center got sold, interestingly enough a few days after we said we wanted it and no one else did. It was historic and in need of work. Not sure how someone swooped in that quickly. So, we will find another one that i’m sure will be even cooler.
Appreciate the comment. Off to get someone’s gift for today. G.
I was getting a little curious how your 29 Days of Giving Challenge was going and glad that it has given you such joy. I must admit that although I have had it on my mind, I have not been as successful in doing something giving each and every day. In general, yes, but, as specific as I wanted to be, no. Oh well, life is a process and just trying to do a little good each day is a full day for sure.
I loved your article in Skirt, just hilarious and so real, too. I think I have mentioned that I have a whole room of Rotary stuff that takes up about half the floor space in boxes and stacks and the Lovely Miss TK is pretty good about it, but, I know I have to make a better effort to clean it up a bit now and then.
Enjoy the remaining days of Giving and I am looking forward to hearing more about whatever interesting encounters took place. Hugs and good thoughts to you, G.
Hi Lou,
Honestly, signing up for it made me take it more seriously. Know one is checking up on me, but I feel like I made a promise to myself. It’s not that hard. For example, one day I was thinking, what will I give today and to whom? Then I went to the dentist and thanked my hygienist for being the best hygienist I’ve ever had! It’s as if I’ve become alerted to that which is already in front of me. If that makes sense …
thank you for reading the essay! Glad Miss TK understands the necessity of The Rotary Room. It can be a nice “giving” to clean up the mess a bit before asked. I think I will do that before the 29 days are up! Many thanks for such a fine idea.
See you. G.
Hi Giulietta — I can relate to what sounds like your enjoyment of getting to collaborate with people as much as you’ve been doing. The collaboration is the best aspect, for me, of working on the show I’m producing.
Chris, collaboration is a lot of fun and feels like we’re making the human connection. I like the title of your post, as a singer …
Thanks!
j.