tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67592311709151093152024-03-14T03:46:18.734-05:00DaklifeDaklife:
A blog about Deliberate Acts of kindnessElainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.comBlogger192125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-22472880467568751542014-02-24T08:00:00.000-06:002014-02-24T08:00:40.640-06:00<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Valentine Fairies</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just had to get this post up before the end of February. It's been almost a year since I've blogged, which seems unbelievable. Yet when I cast my gaze over my shoulder at the past twelve months I am amazed at the distance I've traveled given the difficult path I was on. It feels wonderful to be centred in the present, with such an exciting and hopeful future. One thing is certain though, I would not have survived without the kindness of friends and family. I was literally saturated with kindness and support. So thank-you to my amazing sister and her family, my parents who are always 'there for me', and my dear friends - you know who you are.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are so many things to share. Firstly, and not necessarily related to dakbands, although people's feedback has certainly been kind! I have launched my new <a href="http://www.stillpointsolutions.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">coaching website</span></a>. Please take a moment to have a look.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perhaps most importantly we have made some awesome programming changes to our website making it SO much easier for you to look for any stories associated with your dakband, and now you can share your story in just a few clicks. And you can share your story to all your favourite social media sites!! Imagine sharing your dakband story to Twitter and Facebook! And we have more changes coming!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wanted to leave you with an inspiring story of kindness that manifested on Valentine's Day in Vancouver. My dearest friend Ainslie (of <span style="color: orange;"><a href="http://www.ainsiewear.com/" target="_blank">AinslieWear</a> </span>Fame), and a couple of her friends dressed up as Valentines Fairies and visited <a href="http://www.providencehealthcare.org/hospitals-residences/st-paul's-hospital" target="_blank">St. Paul's Hospital</a> to cheer up the patients. Wow. (Ainslie is in the red scarf). I'll have to send some dakbands to those girls :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's good to be back. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be kind today!</span>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-53874305626041467832012-12-16T19:29:00.002-06:002014-02-20T16:36:08.692-06:00Sticky Note Kindness
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I recently attended a positive psychology course with <a href="http://www.positivematters.com/about-us.html" target="_blank">Louisa Jewel</a> of <a href="http://www.positivematters.com/index.html" target="_blank">Positive Matters</a>. It was a wonderful two days, and as one might
expect at a positive psychology workshop, I met some incredible people, whose stories I hope to share over the
next week or so.</div>
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To begin, a story that takes place at a school in St.
Catharines, Ontario. Perhaps it can remind us, although our hearts are heavy
with sorrow, and aching for the families of Sandy Hook Elementary School, of
what can be inspiring and transformative about school.</div>
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Early, long before the school bell rang, 20 young people set
out to encourage their fellow students with 1000 acts of kindness. Although the
event was meant to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day, there was nothing
random about this at all – it was carefully planned, and one might even say in
fact that it was a Deliberate Act of Kindness (which is really the best kind!).</div>
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In their own words, and pictures, here is their story…..</div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>What
inspired you to do this? </b></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5ZaTUdIDbgIov7huT1yhvh5cZMirwuCrz0PQFss8DJO8SMsLFZe4s4mZ-JdEmb2z-3ySXdQcWd90S60L6ZnlCFqtUwA4b21UxIUVPJymKRRBXdossgTMwkt1Rh-7TK4nDfQzkSnmYaDJ/s1600/photo2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5ZaTUdIDbgIov7huT1yhvh5cZMirwuCrz0PQFss8DJO8SMsLFZe4s4mZ-JdEmb2z-3ySXdQcWd90S60L6ZnlCFqtUwA4b21UxIUVPJymKRRBXdossgTMwkt1Rh-7TK4nDfQzkSnmYaDJ/s200/photo2.JPG" height="140" width="200" /></a>Our club, Mosaic, decided to do
something for random act of kindness day so we were brainstorming ideas. We
were inspired by another school in our area who also had the idea to post
anonymous sticky notes with compliments on them. We wanted to do something
special because we felt like our school really needed something like that to
happen. </div>
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was the reaction of your friends and others at the school? </b></li>
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Of course there were mixed
reactions from the people in our school. The majority of people were in awe
when they walked into school that day, and they thought it was cute.I saw a lot
of people just slowly walking down the hallways, reading each different sticky
note as they passed (some even took a few for themselves to keep). We got a lot
of positive feedback from all the students and staff. We didn't advertise that
we were the ones that did it, so no one thanked our group personally but there
were posts on facebook and instagram thanking whomever did it! The only
negative feedback that we got was that it was a "waste of paper", but
the smiles and the compliments that we got made it all worthwhile. </div>
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this little project inspired you to be more aware of kindness, and to do
more? </b></li>
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YES!!! </div>
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is the best thing about being kind?</b></li>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best thing about being kind is seeing the smiles and
knowing that you made it happen. </div>
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Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-3007591067887954672012-11-14T08:07:00.000-06:002014-02-20T21:08:27.920-06:00Dak News and Interviews!<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What to share first? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Isn't that a great position to be in? I'm feeling super blessed with kindness today. I struggled with posting yesterday in honour of World Kindness Day and all, but here at Deliberate Acts of Kindness our default position is that <i>everyday</i> is world kindness day, kindness isn't random it is a conscious choice that inspires human flourishing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So to begin, we have a school board, <i>yes an entire school board,</i> from Jacksonville, North Carolina - <a href="http://onslowcounty.schoolinsites.com/" target="_blank">Onslow County Schools</a> - that have just received their first shipment of customized dakbands!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9LkojgIACWTleoi6obea6KFCZR6m0TbRb8xfmNi1yLiyT2uFjQFBx080ejDcec0d-JDwv8zEq9Wr4RGWDRjCboqnn33pH_cTPQf_UI63mmpAVDBXjloSjeQg1IbjOUU-zJDrP4hEoesg/s1600/DSC00821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9LkojgIACWTleoi6obea6KFCZR6m0TbRb8xfmNi1yLiyT2uFjQFBx080ejDcec0d-JDwv8zEq9Wr4RGWDRjCboqnn33pH_cTPQf_UI63mmpAVDBXjloSjeQg1IbjOUU-zJDrP4hEoesg/s320/DSC00821.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We cannot wait to see the stories, and travels, of all the dakbands that will connect Onslow County School children and teachers to their community and the world. When you receive a blue dakband be sure to share your story on the website!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another great dakband story deserves some attention and page time. A few months ago I received an order for some bands from an organization called the <a href="http://www.karmaklub.org/our-vision.htm" target="_blank">KarmaKlub</a>. An initiative that a couple of mothers were inspired to launch a few years ago. I thought it would be great to do a little Q & A with Julie, one of the founders. Here it is:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: orange;">Can you tell us a little about your
organization and how it can to be?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The karma club was formed when myself and Tanya
decided to turn our kids weekly "play date" into something more
meaningful. We decided that instead of playing, the kids could come up with
ideas on how we could give back to our community through acts of kindness. That
was 7 years ago and we are still going strong!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: small;">How did you come up with the name for your project?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have always believed in Karma, and thought it was
important to teach our kids about it. The name just came to me one day and I
liked it...Karma Club, kids for kindness.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: orange;">How does kindness support your philosophy?</span><br />
Our motto is "kids for kindness"...so everything we do is based upon
how we can spread kindness to others.<br />
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</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: small;">How did you learn about the dakbands?</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
I learned about DAK bands when I received one from my niece in Yellowknife. I
immediately realized that it would be a great fit for our club--and so I
presented it to them.<i> <span style="color: orange;">(did you read that, Yellowknife!!)</span></i>
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<span style="color: orange;">Does wearing the dakband contribute to your personal outlook and awareness as
far as kindness is concerned?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wearing the band reminds me to be on the lookout for
kindness in action.<br />
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</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: small;">Have you given a dakband away yet?</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">No, I have not given mine away yet--as I still need
to register it!<br />
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</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: orange;">Anything else you would like to add, please do</span>.<br />
We have told the kids that there will be a prize awarded at the end of the year
for the person whose band has travelled the farthest. It will be interesting to
see what comes up.<br />
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Thanks for everything you do. Julie</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Julie, thank-you, and everything YOU and KarmaKlub do - you make the difference! </span> </span>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-59514446637057648942012-10-04T10:54:00.003-05:002012-10-04T20:02:16.546-05:00Jones Soda Kindness <style><!--
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It is just so encouraging when profit driven companies <i>practice</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR – in the
business marketing world). Which, really in simple terms translates as:
integrity, community engagement, relationship building, and employee wellbeing.
In the past few months I have come across a couple of really <a href="http://blogs.hbr.org/taylor/2012/08/its_more_important_to_be_kind.html" target="_blank">inspiring stories</a>
that deserve dakbands, and recently I experienced the profound effect of such
corporate compassion. </span></div>
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About nine months ago a dear friend, Rick Hill, a member of
my home church group was diagnosed with cancer. Last Saturday we celebrated his
life at his funeral. He died a pop star – literally. </div>
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His beloved wife, Dena, entered a picture of Rick in a
contest to appear on the label of Jones Soda. Their picture won. When the
company learned that Rick had died, they provided the root beer with Rick’s
label for everyone at the reception. Nuff said. Go buy some Jones Soda!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8HFF3U3bWCo/UG2tf6i1ukI/AAAAAAAAAlM/oDwpiSZLSFQ/s1600/2012+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8HFF3U3bWCo/UG2tf6i1ukI/AAAAAAAAAlM/oDwpiSZLSFQ/s320/2012+-+1" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDBS-ADQeH9Omtegafw8Cn__-MSxt-2E3q82YBI3E-gbEyzyB-w7ceMgwX-YuLPyuaWTznzf2zZ2sp4kG5RRNV4h-76c_y4tXo0kHgY9H2flG2y-uBUCYGhoZ_xBOjS0ScByni7Pj-Et2/s1600/rick.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDBS-ADQeH9Omtegafw8Cn__-MSxt-2E3q82YBI3E-gbEyzyB-w7ceMgwX-YuLPyuaWTznzf2zZ2sp4kG5RRNV4h-76c_y4tXo0kHgY9H2flG2y-uBUCYGhoZ_xBOjS0ScByni7Pj-Et2/s320/rick.tiff" width="250" /></a></div>
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It should be noted that the picture above epitomizes Rick - shoveling snow in a kilt (sporran and all), work boots, a leather jacket and a cowboy hat (he made that kilt himself!). How we will miss you, and your kindness. <br />
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<img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/daklife/ElaineSig.png" />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-68939854824241351552012-09-17T19:41:00.000-05:002012-09-17T19:41:21.048-05:00No More Chemo Kindness
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I first met Jason when he was about 14 or 15 years old. He
and my son, Kohen, became friends, united by their mutual passion for
skateboarding. Jason was quite unlike any of Kohen’s other friends. For one
thing, he was about six and half feet tall, had girl-long hair, and a mouth that
could rival a sailor. He was also brutally honest, funny, smart, and those big
brown eyes had a depth and wisdom beyond his years. He soon became number two
son.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdSbxkvnudmNzv6QFovxg-yXCVxOgBENPyD-aqJfDxf5UFCMTrgvJIXU1t5n9SnVugV3tajixIrkfSwW1TeGEiCFp9m0bgemdUEYBTemtWLFb8dbNDdrnT1zItuL4vCfo_6Uy7y2nfvBj/s1600/me+and+jay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdSbxkvnudmNzv6QFovxg-yXCVxOgBENPyD-aqJfDxf5UFCMTrgvJIXU1t5n9SnVugV3tajixIrkfSwW1TeGEiCFp9m0bgemdUEYBTemtWLFb8dbNDdrnT1zItuL4vCfo_6Uy7y2nfvBj/s320/me+and+jay.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Kohen and Jason</div>
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Admittedly, as someone who learns the hard way, he made some
poor choices after high-school that derailed him in some ways, but probably
accelerated his personal growth and development in other ways. He accepted
responsibility, and his punishment, with his usual reflective wisdom (which his
mother and I often hoped would become foresight instead of hindsight:). Little
did we know how Jason’s experiences would provide him with the strength and
endurance needed to face cancer.</div>
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Last Christmas, he was diagnosed with Stage 3, Hodgkin’s
Lymphoma. He was 21. It had spread to his chest and abdomen. For the next six
months he spent every other Wednesday in a chemo chair while a four drug
cocktail slowly dripped the equivalent of draino into his veins, scouring away everything in its’ path –
we hoped. I was fortunate enough to be his chauffeur on most days. And although
I know he dreaded the poking and prodding, the fatigue and sickness, the
isolation of sitting in that chemo chair, I looked forward to our time together
in the car. We talked about pretty much everything with Jason’s frank and
insightful wisdom. I’m not sure who helped who more on those car rides. </div>
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On August 15<sup>th</sup>, we made what we hoped was our
last chemo drive to Hamilton. Then the waiting began. Waiting for the results
of the six-month Cat scan. I find it difficult to describe in words, that
tension of tempering hope with reality. I can’t imagine what it must have been
like for Jason. September 5<sup>th</sup> was Results Day. On the way I asked
Jason, on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the greatest despair ever, and 1 being
the complete opposite) how disappointed he would be if he needed just a couple
more treatments – just to be sure what to expect if the news was not what we hoped. Without hesitation he said, “A ten.” I
wasn’t looking forward to the appointment.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTu2-Vdyfp9-vpvEOmAW9BlqbDHVKlmsg7VaTfxg4ThYInIvJMJuOu_Xc6KRqfGByMmuppKasX7BIv07mTEypEzXXwNIajrmgCK1JVapN9Ooz1v4gDyqgwBEuC6bVCkzGN0TL7y7W9gbsh/s1600/DSC00594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTu2-Vdyfp9-vpvEOmAW9BlqbDHVKlmsg7VaTfxg4ThYInIvJMJuOu_Xc6KRqfGByMmuppKasX7BIv07mTEypEzXXwNIajrmgCK1JVapN9Ooz1v4gDyqgwBEuC6bVCkzGN0TL7y7W9gbsh/s320/DSC00594.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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Last chemo treatment</div>
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By the time the doctor came into the room all I could hear
was the blood pounding in my head. She began talking about size of the lymph
nodes, but ended with, “We can stop the chemo.” I’m pretty sure that’s all
Jason heard. Five powerful, hopeful words. The doctor wouldn’t say he was
‘cured’, but definitely in remission! The only thing left to do was decide
where to have our celebratory dinner. Jason picked Kelsey’s.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzU7OYf_I6YaYM1lVMe1vGAduQ6iw4Tbftqb6vble3cF1uqmOyjCAPkryZHSu-llNsHqJtWybszz_wGiuY7HxZr9FDayU2LRHzMZPDIwjR9seuQSrpCr6qZedRqk672mZwmUlHvyQOZHCI/s1600/DSC00807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzU7OYf_I6YaYM1lVMe1vGAduQ6iw4Tbftqb6vble3cF1uqmOyjCAPkryZHSu-llNsHqJtWybszz_wGiuY7HxZr9FDayU2LRHzMZPDIwjR9seuQSrpCr6qZedRqk672mZwmUlHvyQOZHCI/s320/DSC00807.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Celebration Dinner</div>
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We packed up the car with my six year, Jason’s girlfriend
Dana, her son Caleb, and my son’s father, and headed out to celebrate. When our
waitress, Danielle, asked us what we were celebrating I almost cried, “As of
today, Jason has been declared cancer free.” Then she almost cried. A few
moments later she brought out all our appetizers and explained that the
manager, Brian Moore, had gifted them in honour of the great news. After dinner
he came to shake Jason’s hand and congratulate him. I gave Brian and Danielle
dakbands – of course. We took pictures and basked in the glow of kindness.
Thank-you Brian. Kelsey’s is now our new favourite restaurant.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kQmwXN0YhKLDccATezptBQA3Be0bPK0fWOhEdFtTdswqnvbmMLNShgSZoC2PS1SyNHB3Sbx-JJHjmcahOihejdix1vPWYBmIgN1XrAmuS8GEfkfzm38o9HmsG9cgwaOZJcLiN0-PcUEb/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kQmwXN0YhKLDccATezptBQA3Be0bPK0fWOhEdFtTdswqnvbmMLNShgSZoC2PS1SyNHB3Sbx-JJHjmcahOihejdix1vPWYBmIgN1XrAmuS8GEfkfzm38o9HmsG9cgwaOZJcLiN0-PcUEb/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kelseys.ca/location_map.php?id=538" target="_blank">Kelsey's</a> kindness</div>
<img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/daklife/ElaineSig.png" />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-9915828801243145932012-08-16T16:00:00.001-05:002012-08-16T16:00:27.187-05:00Wonder and Happiness <style><!--
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A friend recently asked her FB friends to share their
secrets of ‘being’ happy. This is an incredibly <a href="http://www.tansy.ca/" target="_blank">gifted artist</a> wondering about the essence of happiness. She received 31 replies. I was
not one of them, but I’ve been thinking…….</div>
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My six and a half year old (who recently, upon seeing a
picture of me receiving my Brock Alumni of Distinction Award, remarked, “Mommy, you looked
absolutely beautiful. That must have been hard work.” So I’m on fence about his
kindness) asks me at least <s>500</s> 50 times a day, “Don’t you <i>wonder</i>
about…..” It could be anything: how he managed to get both legs in one leg of
his shorts, how his ALL his lego ended up under the table, how he stayed in the
lines while colouring, how all the webkins managed to meet at the bottom of the
stairs for their staff meeting. Needless to say, wonder isn’t always the word
I’m thinking. But what is amazing is that he always asks about my wonder when
he is happy. </div>
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Etymologically wonder originates from the 13<sup>th</sup>
century word, <i>wundor</i>, and came to mean the emotion associated with some
marvelous, astonishing thing. The dictionary describes the verb as meaning, <i>to
be curious about</i>. So Garrett is constantly asking me if I am astonished,
curious, even marveling, about his accomplishments – about what makes him happy.
And when I take a deep breath after the fiftieth time to remember this
perspective, I realize that wonder and happiness are connected.</div>
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In a recent<a href="http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_be_happy_fine_print" target="_blank"> article</a> on the Greater Good website, Sonja
Lyubomirsky, professor and author of the 2007 book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/159420148X?ie=UTF8&tag=gregooscicen-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=159420148X"><i>The
How of Happiness</i></a>, reveals some of her research about happiness.
Interestingly, she has found that individuals who express gratitude are
likelier to be happy, and she describes gratitude as <i>wonder</i>, among other
things. But more perhaps even more importantly, she tested whether or not kindness increased
happiness. </div>
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Guess what? It does. In fact, individuals who performed
different acts of kindness throughout a week experienced a greater increase in
happiness than those performing the same act over and over again. I wonder how
she might feel about the dakband project :) </div>
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Here is an incredible video that expresses wonder.</div>
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<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://0.gvt0.com/vi/zLZMxRP_F5w/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zLZMxRP_F5w&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zLZMxRP_F5w&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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<img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/daklife/ElaineSig.png" />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-60585225338280095482012-08-07T09:59:00.002-05:002012-08-07T10:00:10.303-05:00Sunflower kindness<br />
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The other morning I was sitting on the patio, reviewing photos from my trip to Scotland when I noticed some commotion amongst the sunflowers in my garden. I picked up my camera and took a few shots without really knowing what exactly I was capturing. Suddenly I saw this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41eDyY2YpZ6qvq2oMc5l1FUEsMRC38p88n_hG7hILrCIU_yydMwV5l5zvjSbGRKrjI4qNYY5PYl7mH97kpicwVDVlKGpqShDQ0Zfdu_2hG6idyET1X8be41lE5RXZNiR6amlQtMYNIOdw/s1600/DSC00585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41eDyY2YpZ6qvq2oMc5l1FUEsMRC38p88n_hG7hILrCIU_yydMwV5l5zvjSbGRKrjI4qNYY5PYl7mH97kpicwVDVlKGpqShDQ0Zfdu_2hG6idyET1X8be41lE5RXZNiR6amlQtMYNIOdw/s320/DSC00585.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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No wonder I couldn't see him, he (or she!) was camoflaged. See if you can find him in the next pictures:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_QRqDpsUDqCumMQ6wBNTrjHc9jbNUQ-PSQWLYv0GN9O4P26ziG-ufZgLoLxs80Sf1zd4grbOQSQox3J_nrFGblnwBZQNY2jJwgx3n_eWPAAyFGNb4Qo0o-qt2fzDdEQHO4SsLqcDsNbW/s1600/DSC00586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_QRqDpsUDqCumMQ6wBNTrjHc9jbNUQ-PSQWLYv0GN9O4P26ziG-ufZgLoLxs80Sf1zd4grbOQSQox3J_nrFGblnwBZQNY2jJwgx3n_eWPAAyFGNb4Qo0o-qt2fzDdEQHO4SsLqcDsNbW/s320/DSC00586.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsF523RaaaS5Gt0cJsi_l5YvE7FOgOdwY1_t_R-qD14JOalu5XdzKlNSdlAuetkmXuHgeHhhyNIJLRXT4Y6kPrT_r8e4T6aa5PJf3h2O1IBRPBlYWeIcY-dtEVbrsfjzHT8GsvS3hTSssF/s1600/DSC00587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsF523RaaaS5Gt0cJsi_l5YvE7FOgOdwY1_t_R-qD14JOalu5XdzKlNSdlAuetkmXuHgeHhhyNIJLRXT4Y6kPrT_r8e4T6aa5PJf3h2O1IBRPBlYWeIcY-dtEVbrsfjzHT8GsvS3hTSssF/s320/DSC00587.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's like Find Waldo!<br />
When I tried to get closer he and his mate flew off contentedly full I'm sure. But then I noticed another sunflower gift:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7Db11oj5oqYFrR650qpU6pKjYsXFgo4Csu437PM2ruXHiWxax_9hLzRtIagOlFWHvhr-M35Kg713Ps1gxjyDHBQTE6l0IOtn1bJA42SePXJBWTJQkw_Rfvfl4MTW_UReq19FUMCft5P4/s1600/DSC00584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7Db11oj5oqYFrR650qpU6pKjYsXFgo4Csu437PM2ruXHiWxax_9hLzRtIagOlFWHvhr-M35Kg713Ps1gxjyDHBQTE6l0IOtn1bJA42SePXJBWTJQkw_Rfvfl4MTW_UReq19FUMCft5P4/s320/DSC00584.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I'd sure like to try this honey!<br />
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Find your blessing and there you will also find kindness.<br />
Elaine <br />
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<br />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-81103789942168060442012-08-02T10:43:00.000-05:002012-08-02T10:43:48.763-05:00Nice Hat! <br />
As I was walking my pooché, Mojo, this morning, an elderly gentleman cycled past and shouted out, "Nice hat!" I shouted back, "Thank-you!"<br />
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It changed the course of my day. I felt prettier, more confident, happier, and even considered chasing after him to give him a dakband; although admittedly my hat would have looked a lot less attractive squashed against my head with one hand, while the other dragged my small, white dog down the street simultaneously trying to wave the cyclist down. As I considered my options, I became aware of how difficult it was for me to simply accept the compliment without offering something in return, or even worse, deflecting it in some manner. I love to compliment people, in fact I make a point of complimenting a complete stranger every day. Yet, I struggle to accept the same gestures offered me.<br />
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Giving a compliment is certainly a deliberate act of kindness. Graciously receiving a compliment is also a deliberate act of kindness, both to yourself and the person offering the compliment. On an intellectual level I understand this, on an emotional level, well, let's just say I need practice. So I Googled, 'how to take a compliment' and this is what I found - it is great advice. Take four minutes to watch this video!<br />
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Practice today. Give someone a compliment, a complete stranger. Tell them you love their perfume, or their shoes, or whatever. Be aware of how they receive the compliment. Be aware of how their face and body language change, lights up. Be aware of how <i>you</i> feel. Now when someone compliments you, consider all these things and let your light shine. Just say, "Thank-you."<br />
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Here is a pic of my nice hat, and our beautiful Jaime.</div>
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<img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/daklife/ElaineSig.png" />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-8807463861360682022012-07-31T13:46:00.001-05:002012-08-02T10:10:17.426-05:00Blessed!
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I keep a gratitude journal. Every night, before I close my
eyes, I acknowledge the moments, and gifts that enriched my life throughout the
day. The idea being, that our awareness of what enriches our life is heightened
by the commitment to focus on it everyday. Often my perspective shifts as I
begin to reflect on what made my day richer: the riot of colour from the garden
on the corner that explodes as the sun rises, the shade of grandmotherly maple
trees as I run through the oppressive heat, picking sun ripened tomatoes from
the garden, the inspiring intellect of individuals committed to problem
solving…..finding a twoonie that enables me to buy that second doppio long
espresso.</div>
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Recently, however, I had an encounter that triggered a deep
and meaningful expansion of my understanding of gratitude. A window of lithe,
beautifully dressed mannequins lured me into an unfamiliar store (which is
saying a lot because I am really not a shopper in any sense!). Lamenting the
fact that the dress might reveal a few too many bumps and lumps, the storeowner
reassured me that I looked beautiful in the dress, and then graciously added, “
My mother blessed me with huge hips, and I wear that dress proudly.” </div>
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I bought the dress, and ever since I’ve been thinking about what
it means to be blessed. Imagine, as a woman, feeling blessed with big hips.
Blessed means: to bestow good of any kind, glorify, divine favour. Which is to
say that this woman recognized her body, whatever the shape and size, as a
glorious, divine, gift – and she appreciated it, celebrated it, in fact. Now,
this is not a lesson in female body image and self-acceptance (although it
never hurts), it is more of an insight into what it might mean to consider,
each day, how we have been blessed.</div>
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Where gratitude means thankfulness, and it is good to be
thankful, blessed implies a gift that we have been given undeservedly, just
because we are glorious images of the Divine. All that is required is a tiny
shift in consciousness from, I was <i>cursed</i> with big hips, to, I was <i>blessed</i> with
big hips. The choice is ours. While I believe that recognizing how we have been
blessed each day inspires gratitude, the gratitude is an <i>outcome</i> of the
awareness that we do nothing to merit such gifts. It’s a matter of choice and perspective.
A lot like deliberate acts of kindness. </div>
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In essence what I am suggesting is a reflective practice, in
practical terms, of advice we have all heard countless times in our lives:
‘Count your blessings’. I imagine, as I think about it, that it was always
meant to be a daily practice, to cultivate gratitude and awareness and
compassion. It’s a simple shift, but an important one. I think from now on I’ll
keep a <i>Blessed Journal</i> and nurture gratitude from the inside out.</div>
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I recently was blessed with some amazing experiences in Scotland, a country of extreme beauty and hospitality! </div>
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<img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/daklife/ElaineSig.png" />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-35819346504878069442012-06-13T21:06:00.000-05:002012-06-13T21:07:31.471-05:00Dutch Mammas <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmhE0RvD9-t1rmRNRF_Q0UwjsSi4Yz0gPD9B-w1d9AIwe92P8-VeaWv9cyPFKYmJXMkTkewwN06p_hOh3ry4rOQ3-x5fpfSpHBI6blVS6AE_pKeWtiXB0OT39fZsYWvzoYfkCeA0CVBUu/s1600/333728_10150454393507477_430022350_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmhE0RvD9-t1rmRNRF_Q0UwjsSi4Yz0gPD9B-w1d9AIwe92P8-VeaWv9cyPFKYmJXMkTkewwN06p_hOh3ry4rOQ3-x5fpfSpHBI6blVS6AE_pKeWtiXB0OT39fZsYWvzoYfkCeA0CVBUu/s320/333728_10150454393507477_430022350_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I don't usually lead with a photo, but really there isn't any other way to <i>describe</i> Dianne, my crazy, beautiful, sensitive - and need I say, FIT - friend of 34 years ( I might be amiss if I didn't add, Dutch).<br />
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She has too many talents to list, and I adore her for all of them. Best of all, she loves her Mama, who is equally tall, beautiful and Dutch.<br />
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This is from Dianne for her Mom.........<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqejTfWAt4M1V2ePX1cSzUjARwAF894rYAhoAPMU_Ojo8bnU3Okj_9QDz68pEx8S0pykjN87sbfBJBzhsgQRXqUNcMSPflIrjR4sq2k-YXg9uHlTmhxPztv5IjkcsWvbFMDEvetiTKJKsg/s1600/210099_126176477458677_391925_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqejTfWAt4M1V2ePX1cSzUjARwAF894rYAhoAPMU_Ojo8bnU3Okj_9QDz68pEx8S0pykjN87sbfBJBzhsgQRXqUNcMSPflIrjR4sq2k-YXg9uHlTmhxPztv5IjkcsWvbFMDEvetiTKJKsg/s320/210099_126176477458677_391925_o.jpg" width="135" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Like many of us, one of the ways our mothers show us their kindess and their love is through food!! My mom is certainly one of those moms. <br />
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She knows what my favorite Christmas dessert is (her homemade butter tarts....ooooooh, the saliva starts flowing at the mere <b>thought</b> of those labour-intensive culinary treasures!) and she <u>always</u> makes sure there is a batch waiting for me at Christmas.<br />
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Likewise, everyone in the family has a favorite food item that she lovingly prepares for each of us when we go to visit, or when she comes to visit us (cookie tins and coolers arrive packed full!) . It might be her special ribs, or her trifle, or her peach pie, or her lemon poppy seed cake, or her Cornflake cookies, or her shortbread cookies, or her pea soup, or her mincemeat pies, or her special cabbage, or her OLIBALLEN ( a Dutch specialty which used to be our New Year's Day treat) .<br />
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And everyone in the family knows that those treats get made for each specific person who particularly adores that food. She spends hours....days.... in her kitchen in Burlington happily preparing these goodies for us. <br />
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She is a master in the kitchen.... she is a pro. And she is such a loving, selfless mother, grandmother, stepmother, mother-in-law, wife. I adore her for soooo many reasons, and I could undoubtedly go on, but I was asked to think of how she shows her kindness, and this was the first of many examples that came to mind. <br />
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So there you have it.... my first instalment of <i>Betta Hoeve - The Kindness Queen.</i> In the next instalment, you will hear about how her <b>worrying ways</b> are also manifestations of the loving kindness for those who she holds dear.<br />
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Dianne Hoeve (a proud and appreciative daughter)</span></span></blockquote>
<img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/daklife/ElaineSig.png" />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-76789575488089099162012-06-05T21:16:00.000-05:002012-06-05T21:16:05.213-05:00The Almost Party Kindness <br />
Shortly after we turned 40, a good friend from France, <a href="http://charlesnealselections.com/wine/savoie/quenard-chignin/" target="_blank">Catherine</a>, expressed (in a manner uniquely french and therefore evocative) how this milestone birthday had triggered waves of self reflection and nostalgia. At the time I was busy getting married (for the second time), moving, blending families, starting a business, and apparently, was not as self reflective as I might have been - sadly for me. However, the intervening ten years have revealed storylines that require some reflection and evaluation. Let me assure you that time flies whether you are having fun or not. Although friends and family were making celebratory plans, I asked them if I could gracefully bow out to take some much needed time for rumination. Their generosity and understanding were the best birthday present ever.<br />
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As it turns out one weekend is hardly enough to assimilate the events, loves, losses, and choices of 50 years. So I've decided to take the <i>entire</i> year to celebrate and contemplate. I'll share my discoveries and epiphanies here. To start I'd like to share some of the birthday kindnesses I've experienced so far.<br />
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The birthday invite to my Almost Party, made lovingly by the most wonderful, creative genius, <a href="http://daklife.blogspot.ca/2010/05/birthday-kindness.html" target="_blank">Carolin</a>.<br />
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Birthday bonfire hosted by one of my bestest, most intriguing, intellectually inspired friends, Michael, and shared with two of my bestest, forever friends extraordinaire, Brian and Eileen.<br />
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Me, trying to contain all the love, adoration and gratitude spilling all over my beautiful daughter, Brennyn. She gave me two incredible pieces of art she created, during her studies at OCAD.<br />
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This is one of them.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXibqBspoFVjZf0_9_BTQfVErzIIWMNcf9aRfNGXN8nlthb0MtBn3Y-4rYXMOc54I2TwgdqxS_2BNZa8tcRBBwHr_c3_4C9RkBr9S1Q_fJT7mfd4Spyhw0Xb61t6qJ_EFQzK7eB980im2/s1600/P1000951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXibqBspoFVjZf0_9_BTQfVErzIIWMNcf9aRfNGXN8nlthb0MtBn3Y-4rYXMOc54I2TwgdqxS_2BNZa8tcRBBwHr_c3_4C9RkBr9S1Q_fJT7mfd4Spyhw0Xb61t6qJ_EFQzK7eB980im2/s320/P1000951.JPG" width="320" /></a> Then Garrett couldn't wait to give me the "splendid" gifts he loving selected. Apparently he tried on every hat in the store before finally settling on this lovely, white number. Please note the "fabulous" colours of the accompanying necklace!<br />
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I spent this past weekend in Vancouver, celebrating with Kohen and Jaime. Every moment was a treasure. We walked, ate, laughed, ate some more, walked some more, and words can't express how I miss them already....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnz8zFuDU2IyU18rzFslIGpXBtc6UIm3J2lyGv2FqHw4thZrvD0boMJ69Mk-TJyXdD9QuhrPUB4eHP_bW7OSNlJPdTkllBl_qgnX-ruFRSq1Lp9oKMEMI2Pe20iAtWdhiQCuVJCDTrqFQ/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnz8zFuDU2IyU18rzFslIGpXBtc6UIm3J2lyGv2FqHw4thZrvD0boMJ69Mk-TJyXdD9QuhrPUB4eHP_bW7OSNlJPdTkllBl_qgnX-ruFRSq1Lp9oKMEMI2Pe20iAtWdhiQCuVJCDTrqFQ/s320/photo.jpg" width="240" /></a> <br />
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While in Vancouver I stayed with one of my oldest friends. She has always been, and remains an inspiration to me. She is an artist, a dancer, an entrepreneur, explorer and sage, but to me she is just <a href="http://www.ainsliewear.com/" target="_blank">Ainslie</a>. Thank-you.<br />
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And to think, I only have 11 more months to celebrate (and reflect).<br />
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<img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/daklife/ElaineSig.png" />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-54123135190622954852012-05-21T20:27:00.000-05:002012-05-21T20:27:59.452-05:00Jaime Love <br />
When I invited Jaime, my son's girlfriend, partner, love, to write about <i>her</i> mother I didn't expect this. I was excited about her contribution because I've listened to her share stories about her childhood, and they were rich, and deep, and magical. I wanted to share that experience with you. I also know that Jaime has a relationship with her mother, Cheri, that expresses beautifully, daughter-mother love. I am incredibly moved that she included me.<br />
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Cheri, Happy Mother's Day, today and everyday.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59Mf5YEbs5dEvEaH5DNLD3LNpnsCWrekKuQ-L4HoyfGk1E62UP1Ac_gkAfWO0BJ_4CcJNPWqF242FrfO1ypGfV8WW0LNzEUo-fw6Tif88rD6BsI3jsjskZ7LGf_LE5V0oyqCibv9yYzbU/s1600/jaimeandcheri.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59Mf5YEbs5dEvEaH5DNLD3LNpnsCWrekKuQ-L4HoyfGk1E62UP1Ac_gkAfWO0BJ_4CcJNPWqF242FrfO1ypGfV8WW0LNzEUo-fw6Tif88rD6BsI3jsjskZ7LGf_LE5V0oyqCibv9yYzbU/s320/jaimeandcheri.tiff" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12.0px;">“I told my Mom about you.” Kohen said as we walked along Union street on a crisp Autumn day in Kingston, Ontario. I remember my footing as we cleared the intersection as well as the golden sunshine slinking below the tree-line waiting for dusk. I remember everything from that moment because those words are poignant, saturated with meaning, and resonating to this day.<br />
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<i>I</i> have always been close to my Mother. I have always heralded her as this beacon of strength, reason, and compassion. She see’s the world in a spectacular and vibrant way and has taught me to breathe, see, listen, and experience with raw and liberated intention. She was, and continues to be, the first one I call for, cry for, smile for, and love. <br />
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I adore Kohen for the ways in which he loves <i>his </i>Mom. He knows what love is, and has learnt it from her. I know that we share this unshakable bond with the women that brought us into this world. Sharing this gives us more reason and strength to love ourselves and each other in ways that are amazingly positive and nurturing. The four of us, while maybe not obvious, share this incredible connection. We all call each other for support, for laughter, for consolation, and for affection. We draw inspiration and wisdom from each other. This gives us strength to put our best selves forward and to project kindness, love, and compassion onto our own individual environments.<br />
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Kohen and I know what kindness and love is because of our mothers. We are continuously learning and experiencing while practicing this knowledge so that, we too, can grow older sharing this light.</span></span></blockquote>
Jaime makes love feel like a beautiful blanket she has unfolded, and wrapped around your shoulders. <br />
<img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/daklife/ElaineSig.png" />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-10866231808085217782012-05-16T07:34:00.000-05:002012-05-16T07:42:26.190-05:00MOM = WOW<br />
To continue our honouring of Moms throughout the month of May, I have a story that perhaps has already crossed your FB or inbox in one way or another. It is about a mother's love. The other day I saw a card that illustrated how M-O-M spelled upside down is WOW......this is a WOW MOM.<br />
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I don't want to canonize Lacey Buchanan, she lives with enough pressure without the rest of us holding her to inscrutable standards, but I do want to honour her creativity, courage and beauty. She is beautiful, very much like her name, delicate and transparent. And she shows us the deep truth of true beauty - how the eye of the beholder can transform how others see.<br />
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For me, the most moving part of the video is watching Lacey's expressions. Motherhood could probably be defined through these expressions. <br />
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I hope you'll take a few minutes to experience the transformation.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/fyaQAnp8Yzw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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You can find a great article about Lacey <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/US/mothers-inspiring-video-blind-baby-viral/story?id=16335288&page=2#.T7OY7r_k8y8" target="_blank">here</a>, and join her on FB <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lacey-and-Christian-Buchanan/434165646613413" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/daklife/ElaineSig.png" />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-43349273345731699712012-05-06T08:45:00.000-05:002012-05-06T13:50:07.682-05:00Ainslie's Mom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtubIX-L1KLano2vdWGSyYZIJrO7cvuvydtMl9cEok74T9YKG1gJOz0D-wx7dOr0ktoDPtuu0MLUpG3hTsQOs_7C2qUAgRA88xhZcaYCbPhR6A3-MVjUqsQc02hngCmOiY6ryJazhyphenhyphenNo8f/s1600/Ainsliesmom.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtubIX-L1KLano2vdWGSyYZIJrO7cvuvydtMl9cEok74T9YKG1gJOz0D-wx7dOr0ktoDPtuu0MLUpG3hTsQOs_7C2qUAgRA88xhZcaYCbPhR6A3-MVjUqsQc02hngCmOiY6ryJazhyphenhyphenNo8f/s1600/Ainsliesmom.tiff" /></a>My mom has always volunteered her time. As long as I can remember she has been involved with many worthwhile organizations, from church to seniors homes, and women's groups that support communities locally and overseas. Now, at 80 (something) she still volunteers. She is really remarkable that way. She spreads kindness through her service to others, lending a hand wherever it is needed.</div>
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I now volunteer because of her example, and I thoroughly love it! <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ainslie xoxo</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks </span> </span>Ainslie for sharing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMhuriEGamcnJH9mrSmqERDDJjF-PeSIs-j67aUwviszVK2rxcYhOFabmd1XB-h9lTm4HWRIwKxD73LmpFV6JGrnNLdsC7RWpwYSJxDoCRPkle6-CwIp3IG6KMMhQm2mmkIuB33BlfOQa/s1600/Ainslie.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMhuriEGamcnJH9mrSmqERDDJjF-PeSIs-j67aUwviszVK2rxcYhOFabmd1XB-h9lTm4HWRIwKxD73LmpFV6JGrnNLdsC7RWpwYSJxDoCRPkle6-CwIp3IG6KMMhQm2mmkIuB33BlfOQa/s200/Ainslie.tiff" width="200" /></a>For those of you who are not aware, Ainslie and I have been friends since high-school. Best of friends. From her days as a principle dancer at <a href="http://www.balletbc.com/" target="_blank">Ballet British Columbia</a>, to her current role as incredibly successful entrepreneur and business woman (see <a href="http://www.ainsliewear.com/" target="_blank">Ainsliewear</a>), she has been an inspiration - much like her mother Selma, whom I adore. Whenever I get the opportunity to connect with Selma, she has some wonderful story about some wonderful, exotic place just visited. These are some of the most precious gifts I think that she has passed on to Ainslie, her curiosity and adventurous spirit. I feel blessed to be part of their lives.<br />
<img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/daklife/ElaineSig.png" />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-16319816771865235562012-05-03T10:34:00.003-05:002012-05-03T18:41:07.935-05:00Celebrating My Mother's Kindness<br />
I don't know how it got to be May already, but the signs are unmistakable: big yellow bags dirt dotting driveways, the sounds of lawn mowers and that intoxicating smell of fresh cut grass, garden centres springing up in parking lots and early morning walkers and runners celebrating sun and warmth after a long, dark winter. And of course, signs and messages everywhere reminding us to celebrate our mothers. So I've decided to do just that, by inviting friends to write a guest post about how their mothers influenced their perception of kindness. Scattered throughout the month we'll share stories and memories celebrating these amazing women.<br />
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I'll begin.<br />
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When I sat down to consider how my own mother influenced my perception of kindness I realized that the task I'd given so many friends was not as simple as I imagined. Not that I can't think of innumerable ways in which my mother is kind, there are just <i>too many</i> to express easily. I have many vivid memories of my mother extending herself to the service of others. Yet it is only through hindsight I recognize her selflessness as acts of deliberate kindness. At the time it was just my mother being herself. For example, although she had four children under 5 at home, and we lived out in the boonies, she took a course to help illiterate adults learn to read and write - then she learned to drive so she could go to their homes. She always took care of neighborhood children and families whenever there was a crisis, all the time, cooking, canning, sewing, for her own.<br />
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I'll never forget the summer we spent driving to the west coast (and back), camping (in a tent) along the way. Four kids and a car sick Labrador in a station wagon for three long weeks. Somewhere in the prairies we came across a hitch hiker, my mother told my dad to stop and pick him up - how times have changed :) Well, he must have been desperate because he spent the next four days squeezed into the back seat with us. This was my mother, she could spot a stray soul from a distance. She still can. I love that about her. I love everything about her.<br />
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And it probably explains why, at sixteen, I showed up at home with two penniless, french guys who were traveling around the world - without even a call to warn my mother that they were with me. They walked into the restaurant where I was working and I could just sense they needed family. They stayed three days (and for years afterward, we received post cards from them, as their adventures continued).<br />
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I guess my mother expressed her kindness best through family. She knows that family is not defined by relatedness, but by relationships. Thank-you Mom.<br />
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Last year was my parents 50th wedding anniversary - I love this picture of my Mom</div>
<img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/daklife/ElaineSig.png" />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-45355399216970618032012-05-01T21:53:00.000-05:002012-05-01T21:53:32.011-05:00The Spaces Between Us<br />
I recently came across a wonderful article at one of my favourite sites, <a href="http://www.brainpickings.org/" target="_blank">Brain Pickings</a>. It provides an <a href="http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=13eb080d8a315477042e0d5b1&id=3b7a8e097a&e=4c12ac61ae" target="_blank">excerpt</a> from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0415481341/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=braipick-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0415481341&adid=1DBEAX95B1WQKZDNQTD4" target="_blank">David Goslings' book</a>, <i>Science and the Indian Tradition: When Einstein Met Tagore</i>. Most of us know who Einstein is, but if you're like me, you were probably unaware that Tagore was an Indian philosopher and poet, as well as, the first non-European to win the Nobel Peace Prize for Literature. In 1930 Einstein invited the then 69 year old Tagore to his home in Berlin. Gosling calls the conversation between the two great thinkers, "a masterful meditation on the most fundamental questions of human existence".<br />
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At one point Tagore is describing how he perceives humanity and the universe as inextricably linked. He compares humanity to matter. Matter is made of tiny particles that have gaps between them, although it appears to be solid. Humanity is made up of individuals, but we are inextricably linked by relationships. Using Tagore's model it stands to reason then, that the quality of the relationships, the energy that unites us, makes us solid, gives us form by teaching us about love, values, morals, and principles of truth, compassion, and kindness, determines how we exist.<br />
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While contemplating the magic of this analogy I stumbled upon some research about social capital. Social capital was first described in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_capital" target="_blank">1913</a> like this:<br />
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<i>"I do not refer to real estate, or to personal property or to cold cash,
but rather to that in life which tends to make these tangible
substances count for most in the daily lives of people, namely,
goodwill, fellowship, mutual sympathy and social intercourse among a
group of individuals and families who make up a social unit… If he may
come into contact with his neighbor, and they with other neighbors,
there will be an accumulation of social capital, which may immediately
satisfy his social needs and which may bear a social potentiality
sufficient to the substantial improvement of living conditions in the
whole community. The community as a whole will benefit by the
cooperation of all its parts, while the individual will find in his
associations the advantages of the help, the sympathy, and the
fellowship of his neighbors (pp. 130-131)."</i></div>
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Interestingly, research suggests that <i>neighbourhood</i> social capital<i> </i>helps to generate more social capital between individuals and this in turn has a protective effects against depression. Instead of a vicious circle we have a virtuous cycle. I think that social capital is the gap that makes us appear solid, whole, united. I like to think that dakbands help to generate that social capital by reminding us that we are all part of the same Universe, inextricably linked - and how we treat each other matters (pun intended).</div>
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</div>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-55002913222673062542012-04-19T10:08:00.000-05:002012-04-19T10:08:48.872-05:00AWESOME! <br />
Okay, let me start by saying, "I don't get out much." So when I heard on the radio that Neil Pasricha was going to be signing books and announcing his number one most awesome thing- after four years of blogging and two international best selling books - at <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/storeevents/" target="_blank">Chapters</a>, I immediately thought, 'I can give him some dakbands', followed by, '...and wear my new shoes.' Okay, it might have been the other way around.......when a girl finds a $400 pair of shoes for $50 (yes, this is awesome!), any excuse will do.<br />
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However, I didn't consider the ramifications of standing in line for two and half hours in these babies. Let's just say that if my daughter hadn't come to my rescue with a pair of flats, so I could walk to the car, I might have become a permanent fixture at the store, unable to move. As it is, a day later I'm still limping. Taking them off was AWESOME!<br />
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And despite the pain, even the wait in line was awesome because I met some great, interesting people. Adam - who went to school with Neil's sister Nina - and I had a wonderful chat about everything from work to Belgian chocolate. I don't know the name of the young woman who in empathy offered me her chair while saying, " your shoes <i>are </i>beautiful"; but, I hope the shoe gods bless her. Yes, I gave her a dakband.<br />
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When I finally got to meet Neil, I was a bit delirious. I think it was a combination of the screaming pain in my feet, the fact that I hadn't eaten in about 8 hours and the <a href="http://www.daklife.blogspot.ca/2010/03/magic.html" target="_blank">arrhythmias</a> (probably due to the previous two). I think I babbled. However, it was all worth it. I gave him two dakbands and he seemed genuinely impressed. I think that is what struck me most about him, his ability to sincerely, and generously, take a moment to connect with every person that approached his table. Picture after picture he smiled leaving each fan feeling a little more awesome than when they arrived.<br />
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So what was Neil's 1000th most awesome thing........ check it out <a href="http://1000awesomethings.com/2012/04/19/1-anything-you-want-it-to-be/" target="_blank">here</a><br />
<img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/daklife/ElaineSig.png" />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-85843981400795891152012-04-14T06:28:00.002-05:002012-04-14T06:28:18.273-05:00What Caine has taught me<br />
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Usually, I am one of the last to jump on the band wagon of any kind - due primarily to the fact that I often don't even know there is a band wagon until the ride is over. However, in this case I think I'm an early adopter thanks to <a href="http://www.karmatube.org/" target="_blank">Karma Tube</a> and their weekly video. I recommend you hop on because this <a href="http://cainesarcade.com/" target="_blank">11 minute video </a>deserves your attention.<br />
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Caine, the gentle, innocent, and unwitting, nine year old star of this short documentary has changed the direction of his life, and perhaps the lives of many others with some cardboard boxes, imagination and the simple faith of childhood. Watching him commit so completely to his project and vision, and then waiting expectantly, hopefully, for customers, is almost painful.........until Nirvan arrives. I won't reveal anymore. It might diminish the joy you are certain to experience.<br />
<br />
Caine's arcade reminds me of the power of creativity and imagination, of what can happen when children put down technology and play. And Nirvan is an astute, and wise arcade authority, who has shared a beautiful story through his film. In recognition I am sending Nirvan some dakbands registered to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cainesarcade" target="_blank">Caine's Arcade</a>. I hope that maybe Caine will even use some dakbands for his arcade prizes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQG0kCIXh4GXJSdRxc0C_8onag6xtiCjfgHYhpF-nebxhWagMQtvx4YOaXggs07-kiL4ODcbTBCIjXK_PM8bma6aVhwIaHZ14733psqObz5arLtxrdbs0RuK52qbiyRChfj-9PhT6ic3_/s1600/DSC_0419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQG0kCIXh4GXJSdRxc0C_8onag6xtiCjfgHYhpF-nebxhWagMQtvx4YOaXggs07-kiL4ODcbTBCIjXK_PM8bma6aVhwIaHZ14733psqObz5arLtxrdbs0RuK52qbiyRChfj-9PhT6ic3_/s320/DSC_0419.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/daklife/ElaineSig.png" /></div>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-32632195811208613862012-04-11T13:01:00.001-05:002012-04-11T13:01:09.432-05:00PINK DAY <br />
Today is International Day of Pink. And it has nothing to do breast cancer. Wearing pink today is about encouraging tolerance and compassion in an effort to stop bullying. Why pink? Well it's a wonderful story and warrants re-telling, even if you've heard it before. The condensed version goes like this:<br />
<br />
A grade nine student wore a pink polo shirt on his first day of high-school at Central Kings High School, in Cambridge, Nova Scotia. The significance of that simple fashion choice would have profound consequences that no one could have predicted. The young man, who has never been identified, was bullied mercilessly and threatened with a beating. But, two young men in grade 12, heard about the incident and responded with an attack of their own - Ghandi style. They went into town, bought every pink shirt they could find and then rallied as many friends as possible through Facebook. Hundreds of students came to school the next day in PINK. Needless to say, the bullying stopped. (the original story can be found <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2007/09/18/pink-tshirts-students.html" target="_blank">here</a>)<br />
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As a mother of a son who was the victim of a scandalous <a href="http://www.daklife.blogspot.ca/search/label/bullying" target="_blank">bullying incident</a>, at FIVE years old, I cannot even express the emotion I feel when I think of this story. Such courage, such wisdom and such kindness......it's no wonder it inspired an international movement. Bullying is a cultural problem, and requires a cultural response. Pink day worked because there was strength in numbers, compassion, and empathy.<br />
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Equally inspiring is Lady Gaga's recently founded organization called, <a href="http://bornthiswayfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Born This Way:</a> "The Foundation is dedicated to creating a safe community that helps
connect young people with the skills and opportunities they need to
build a braver, kinder world."<br />
<br />
Their mission is based on three pillars: <br />
<br />
Safety: creating a safe place to celebrate individuality<br />
<br />
Skills: teaching advocacy, promoting civic engagement and encouraging self-expression<br />
<br />
Opportunity: providing ways to implement solutions and impact local communities.<br />
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A braver, kinder world. That sounds like a conscious decision.<br />
<img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/daklife/ElaineSig.png" />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-17348921594783110172012-04-10T16:40:00.000-05:002012-04-10T16:41:05.145-05:00Toot, Toot...<br />
That's the sound of my own horn, in case you're wondering. Under most circumstances I wouldn't blow it, but this is about the dakbands, and I'm really proud of the recognition.<br />
<br />
On March 31st, along with 34 other recipients, I received the <a href="http://www.brocku.ca/news/19034" target="_blank">Brock Alumni of Distinction award</a>. It was a fabulous event and we were all lavishly feted. To be truthful, compared to the accomplishments of some of my colleagues, I had no idea why I was a recipient. Except, as you can see in the photo below (which was broadcast on an incredibly large screen for everyone to see), that the dakband project was partly responsible for my selection. Now that's exciting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvu0h3kA4oIy8vZcCUImAsguE5WEH_vV8bEfS-_LBDFepry54K7jzuQqp0hQf5CU8HEvK3xAH1iaUali1Rcnf835k7BZsYkErpud_yuf01lQ_-P3cRjbf77hqZJ6eD1B_HT3-wDNaJd8I/s1600/DSC00058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvu0h3kA4oIy8vZcCUImAsguE5WEH_vV8bEfS-_LBDFepry54K7jzuQqp0hQf5CU8HEvK3xAH1iaUali1Rcnf835k7BZsYkErpud_yuf01lQ_-P3cRjbf77hqZJ6eD1B_HT3-wDNaJd8I/s320/DSC00058.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was inspired to share about receiving the award after reading about a concept called <a href="http://www.livescience.com/14165-parenting-compassion-life-skills.html" target="_blank">self-compassion</a>. As someone who is generally quite demanding of herself, I'm coming to a new understanding of what it means to be kind - to myself. A novel idea for sure. Yet, as research indicates, people who are self-compassionate are kinder, more giving, and more supportive within their relationships. <a href="http://www.self-compassion.org/" target="_blank">Christine Neff</a>, an expert on self-compassion, sums it up like this: Self-esteem is present when we succeed. Self-compassion is a way of relating to ourselves kindly when we fail. So, although the award is certainly a boost to my self-esteem, as I explained earlier, I was overly focused on the achievements of my colleagues, and in comparison I didn't feel as worthy. However, self-compassion teaches that the judgement and comparison are not necessary. The success, accomplishments, the light, the beauty - whatever it is - of others, does not diminish my light, my success. It seems simple, but requires practice. I think I'll give myself a dakband.<br />
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<img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/daklife/ElaineSig.png" />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-81129194893266345712012-03-29T21:01:00.000-05:002012-03-29T21:01:41.515-05:00Everybody has a story...<br />
........that could break your heart. That is a line in a wonderful
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5Qf0-zBmkE" target="_blank">Amanda Marshall song</a>. The consciousness that surrounds deliberate acts of
kindness reminds me of that song.
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Now, who can read the mind of the<br />
redheaded girl next door<br />
Or
the taxi driver who just dropped you off<br />
Or
the, or the classmate that you ignore<br />
Don't
assume everything on the surface is<br />
what you see<br />
'Cause
that classmate just lost her mother<br />
And
that taxi driver's got a Ph.D”</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
That consciousness demands that we make choices to look
beyond what is visible, and treat each person with the dignity and respect that
their personal story deserves – because, one thing I know for sure, everyone <i>does</i> have a
story. And kindness could change their narrative, it could even change the
ending.</div>
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A few weeks ago the weekend paper featured an <a href="http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?sid=203" target="_blank">unusual article</a> celebrating the life of a young women the journalist met posthumously.
It was a rich, elegant painting of a life lived with joy and charm, and
abundant kindness. Like all great paintings it moved people, and united them
through their appreciation of it. The outpouring of esteem for Shelagh (the
woman in the story) has been profound, to the extent that the response to her
life and story has become the story. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am not surprised. Catherine Porter, the journalist, lifted
the veil of anonymity and revealed to us all why it is so important we make
choices to be deliberately, consciously kind, empathetic and generous with our
lives. Not because life is too short and unpredictable, as it was with Shelagh,
but because it not only enriches our personal stories, but impacts the
countless lives we cannot see.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
As the song goes…</div>
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<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
So
dig deep<br />
(Dig
deep)<br />
Deeper
than the image that you see<br />
(Dig
deep)<br />
Lift
the film and let your true self breathe<br />
(Dig
deep)<br />
Show
the world the beauty underneath</div>
<br />
<img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/daklife/ElaineSig.png" />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-50652455793188277482012-03-02T16:13:00.003-06:002012-03-02T16:13:49.659-06:00They're Here....They are finally here. Can I say it again? FINALLY.<br />
I think it was worth the wait.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1MQ8SfObqQQhUMg0-6hx5EVcZ2lGs4_8DwEtQnb1mVJCwBfY7dkU0l86kbCQnuWsfb2QrU5-Q03m9OETTrSJ9cqmwa2zW2bGhZjN6rbV9DvumNVKx15L1rdt3Ww-HfwZWpkmc4Mv9M-x/s1600/DSC_0377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1MQ8SfObqQQhUMg0-6hx5EVcZ2lGs4_8DwEtQnb1mVJCwBfY7dkU0l86kbCQnuWsfb2QrU5-Q03m9OETTrSJ9cqmwa2zW2bGhZjN6rbV9DvumNVKx15L1rdt3Ww-HfwZWpkmc4Mv9M-x/s320/DSC_0377.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I still have to reformat and update our Store (in fact I have a lot of work to update the website with the new bands - so please be patient), so if you want to order our new bands please use the <a href="http://www.deliberateactsofkindness.com/ContactUs/tabid/61/language/en-US/Default.aspx">Contact Us</a> form on our website.<br />
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We also have our first custom order with the new silicone bands. A huge shout out to <a href="http://portal.nearnorthschools.ca/sites/schools/wferris/Pages/default.aspx">West Ferris Secondary School</a> in North Bay!!!!<br />
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Their awesome bands:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjsJIsF5_WdVRFewUdaPsUZLVfXwxF8K2vTwkLfckVC6bU8PRCFu2xrdD-zikXNcS9cgSga4PSdY-4poTwsIY4jc2Mrfxoh2d9rEXlKv2bS7zzZLLJx1_pOasDMXm6MXgRyA5fcIOi6bn/s1600/DSC_0375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="94" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjsJIsF5_WdVRFewUdaPsUZLVfXwxF8K2vTwkLfckVC6bU8PRCFu2xrdD-zikXNcS9cgSga4PSdY-4poTwsIY4jc2Mrfxoh2d9rEXlKv2bS7zzZLLJx1_pOasDMXm6MXgRyA5fcIOi6bn/s320/DSC_0375.JPG" width="233" /></a></div>
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I've already given away three new bands.....<i>SO much fun<b></b></i>.<br />
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Okay, okay, this is premature......but I'm bursting with excitement, we are now investigating a <i>dak app</i>...... more news next week.<br />
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<img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/daklife/ElaineSig.png" />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-64202274326900253162012-02-24T09:54:00.003-06:002012-02-24T09:54:50.010-06:00Introductions....<br />
Some introductions are in order, in fact I should really apologize for taking so long to do this. These are people who can change your life. These are young adults with vision, hope, humility and most of all, wisdom. It is not only their accomplishments that will change our lives (think cure for cancer), but their stories also reveal the power of the human spirit to transform misfortune into success.<br />
<br />
I first met <a href="http://trevorbodogh.com/" target="_blank">Trevor Bodogh</a> (pronounced, bodo) through an email, where he boldly introduced himself. I was smitten (in a motherly way :) immediately, and arranged to meet him at a local Starbucks. Our one hour meeting turned into half a morning, and now I believe our paths are connected forever. He is a performer, motivational speaker, and source of endless, jubilant energy. Take a moment to get to know him through his amazing website, and this great video.....<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xvP-nwRtxII" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
Now the next introductions are virtual, meaning I've not really met them personally, but I would welcome the opportunity. These girls have recently won the <a href="http://www.siemens-foundation.org/en/competition.htm" target="_blank">Siemens Competition</a>, a prestigious math and science competition for high-school students in the U. S. <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57358994/calif-hs-student-devises-possible-cancer-cure/" target="_blank">Angel Zhang</a>, 17 years old, took home a $100,000.00 cheque for finding what is suspected, as a cure for cancer..... <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/14/samantha-garvey-homeless-teen-intel-prize-house_n_1206360.html?ref=high-school&ir=High%20School" target="_blank">Samantha Garvey,</a> a <i>homeless </i>17-year-old has spent two years researching mollusks in a salt water marsh on Long Island; and, 17-year-old Shree Bose from Fort Worth won for her research on a chemotherapy drug, cisplatin, and in the 15-16 age group, Naomi Shah won with her study of the effects of air quality on lungs, focusing on individuals with asthma. This is the TEDTALK featuring the these amazing kids!<br />
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<br />
So cool.<br />
<img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/daklife/ElaineSig.png" />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-12651944032109459492012-01-19T09:40:00.002-06:002012-01-19T09:40:40.554-06:00Almost<br />
Well, I <i>almost</i> got to surprise you all with our new bands - which I've been heralding for least six months now. The unveiling I had planned for tomorrow will now have to wait until February 15th. I received an email from our suppliers on Monday morning (I'm only now coming to terms with the news), that the entire order had been printed on the wrong side of the bands :( So, once again I leave you with an image of the new, improved, dakbands.....and hope that once they arrive you'll be sharing them all over the place.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvm_lXg1xuVyJQfguSQ92vp46ros94DTRdDYRMFf84N5ZuSDLKNLuj13VzauMD6ADz2CGQvWn4JQhVTyCWGph-qtEmBA9k_-AXJIsobYoM2zZJCFiKZBidBVclN4jFNxORk-oQiXqBPFK/s1600/DSC_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvm_lXg1xuVyJQfguSQ92vp46ros94DTRdDYRMFf84N5ZuSDLKNLuj13VzauMD6ADz2CGQvWn4JQhVTyCWGph-qtEmBA9k_-AXJIsobYoM2zZJCFiKZBidBVclN4jFNxORk-oQiXqBPFK/s320/DSC_0183.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And here is a photo from Facebook that a friend posted to my wall.....<br />
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and here is my version.......<br />
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<img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/daklife/ElaineSig.png" />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-22320308872182989122012-01-14T10:46:00.001-06:002012-01-14T10:46:05.012-06:00Resolution 12<br />
<br />
I recently came across an article about a really cool site that encourages people to make public declarations of their New Year's resolutions. But instead of making the resolution about yourself, you make it other centered, service oriented. It is called <a href="http://www.resolution12.com/">Resolution 12</a>. Did I say this is really cool? And would it be too obvious if I pointed out how kind all these resolutions are? How many dakbands are involved here!<br />
<br />
I wanted to share my New Year's collage, because it lists my resolutions, which, are pretty much other centered, but I forgot to take the picture :( So instead I am going to share some resolutions I'm inspired to make for each of my children.....<br />
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<br />
For Brennyn,<br />
I will support and join you on your journey to be healthy and fit ( in fact I love the accountability of doing this together). I will encourage you to make wise choices, listen to your heart, and to be gentle with yourself. I will be here for you whenever you need, regardless of the circumstances. I will tell you I love you everyday, and if I can't speak with you, I'll be thinking it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCukt3IpDwbzf0uSawZcHmfRjzhAX_0afXQj1yADOrxLDeoTLC1gNsjIwfkKiVs_5RmuGxqpQY8Nz8W_XedlgMj-bdx4FX7Q0ZFZzNLPVc5frW6qlGbyUXpJsSO_BlVdsxMAHAGOk7Eb1/s1600/brennynblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCukt3IpDwbzf0uSawZcHmfRjzhAX_0afXQj1yADOrxLDeoTLC1gNsjIwfkKiVs_5RmuGxqpQY8Nz8W_XedlgMj-bdx4FX7Q0ZFZzNLPVc5frW6qlGbyUXpJsSO_BlVdsxMAHAGOk7Eb1/s320/brennynblog.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
For Kohen,<br />
Wow, things have changed so much for you already this year. Congratulations on your new job as a professional geologist! This year I will do my best to support you, from a distance, however you may need it. I will watch you grow and transform, and celebrate every success with you. I will offer you my insights and guidance, probably even when you want them least, but it will always come from a place of unconditional love.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKoJQIZ0m12gq3fgj8YxnSefCUGroT0K6y3PhaTyMOHM1cSpVwKQ1VVs-Os2gwF2vEbEq2zGpUReLeTxD6JSjtcYHrDJQE6F6AM6LKarwfWpFboWCtFp7G3K2rkwGDz40CrBKUUfIG4tU/s1600/kohenblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKoJQIZ0m12gq3fgj8YxnSefCUGroT0K6y3PhaTyMOHM1cSpVwKQ1VVs-Os2gwF2vEbEq2zGpUReLeTxD6JSjtcYHrDJQE6F6AM6LKarwfWpFboWCtFp7G3K2rkwGDz40CrBKUUfIG4tU/s1600/kohenblog.jpg" /></a></div>
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For Garrett,<br />
I will hold you, protect you, and love you unconditionally. I will do everything in my power to ensure your needs are met, you heal from the past and are able to grow into the amazing person you are. I will work on my patience, learn whatever it is I need to, to support you. I will cherish your love, creativity, and imagination.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEpCmAdz3yV7ct5gZhFuNVAirTpioxn41ROPAXWtY8rSGumAasZhvOckFVcuibY-sPxVzztKG7MX7N3kEnqT-Vu2wFCRn3oZ63eP2wUx04kFugzxxxt_HZ8hNvna9C6eGlabsCvVFHwJ20/s1600/garrettblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEpCmAdz3yV7ct5gZhFuNVAirTpioxn41ROPAXWtY8rSGumAasZhvOckFVcuibY-sPxVzztKG7MX7N3kEnqT-Vu2wFCRn3oZ63eP2wUx04kFugzxxxt_HZ8hNvna9C6eGlabsCvVFHwJ20/s320/garrettblog.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
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For all my other family and friends, I will do my best to be a good friend, to encourage you, support you, and join you on whatever parts of your journey we can share. Most importantly, I hope to model kindness and compassion and serve you in some way that enriches both our lives! <br />
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<span id="goog_32821961"></span><span id="goog_32821962"></span><br />
<img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/daklife/ElaineSig.png" />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0