tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67592311709151093152012-02-10T22:49:19.964-06:00Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.comBlogger1691100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-12651944032109459492012-01-19T09:40:00.002-06:002012-01-19T09:40:40.554-06:00

Well, I almost 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

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-22320308872182989122012-01-14T10:46:00.001-06:002012-01-14T10:46:05.012-06:00

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 Resolution 12. 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

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-74401325420992497192012-01-08T10:18:00.000-06:002012-01-08T10:18:26.060-06:00

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.” Edith Lovejoy Pierce - We are only a week into the New Year, and already I wonder where it has gone. No wonder there are people that actually study our perception of time, and how that relates to our happiness. I'm not quite

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-48032128325602968902011-11-24T09:17:00.001-06:002011-11-24T09:51:31.603-06:00

I'm at the library trying to finish my thesis proposal, when I realized that we simply can't let the day go by without acknowledging our American friends' Thanksgiving holiday. Okay call it procrastinating, but that's my story..... The other day I read a post on my Team Inspire  website (a website that connects patients, families, friends and caregivers for support and inspiration) entitiled, '

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-5147488752095378152011-11-22T13:37:00.001-06:002011-11-22T16:29:52.860-06:00

A couple of weeks ago, the child psychologist that our son Garrett visits once a week (we call her Dr. Pam), introduced a book to him that has changed our lives - really. I was describing the book and transformation to a friend, and between mouthfuls of a delicious lentil curry soup at Kind Food, she simply said, "Sounds like something we should all practice." The book is titled, Have You

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-48170323995134409462011-11-06T18:10:00.004-06:002011-11-06T19:31:57.468-06:00

In his book, The Art of Affirmation, Robert Furey, writes of kindness as 'reachable moments'. Moments when people can truly be touched by affirmation, but the problem, he explains, is that these moments are "fleeting and easily missed" so we need to be attentive and observant in order to capture them. Funny, that's exactly how I feel. This quote from his book is a perfect, absolutely perfect,

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-18524960471742806232011-10-17T19:36:00.002-05:002011-10-17T21:15:58.661-05:00

Although I love politics, American politics in particular, I will spare you any analysis of the burgeoning "Occupy" movement - as tempting as it may be. Having said that, I think that there are aspects and outcomes of the movement that are worth discussing. As the occupation of Wall Street persists we are witness to the possibility of community unified by the ideals of humanity: shared, mutual

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-69325142280085071192011-10-01T18:38:00.004-05:002011-10-01T19:41:42.569-05:00

When I do workshops with adults, and children, we often play a game called the Commonalities Game (from the Big Book of Team Building Games). Everyone chooses a partner, someone they do not know very well, and with a timer set for 2 minutes each couple has to write down everything they have in common with each other. It is incredibly fun, and a great way to get people to start thinking about how

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-84746782053816795432011-09-14T09:28:00.009-05:002011-09-14T11:23:13.408-05:00

Let's face it, Paris has a reputation for it's rudeness. In fact, in a recently published collection of personal memoirs, Paris Was Ours, rudeness is a common, sometimes underlying, sometimes overt theme, in a wonderful expression of an irresistible city. I think the incivility of Parisians makes such an impression because it is incongruent with our expectations. We view Paris through a romantic

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-11188779589378913312011-08-18T18:37:00.004-05:002011-08-18T20:23:29.497-05:00

“The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.” The 14th Dalai Lama What a beautiful piece of wisdom. Not that we should be surprised, the Dalai Lama is nothing if not wise. Simple truths have a way of reaching in and touching us in quiet, yet reflective ways. This one touches me. I think of what it means to cultivate rich, fertile soil.... I have a

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-89153473863669535502011-08-08T13:24:00.004-05:002011-08-08T15:10:04.859-05:00

My husband, two sons, one girlfriend, a couple who have been friends for years, their two adult kids, and another friend of ours went camping for a week at Killbear Provincial Park. There were ten of us in total. We try to camp together at Killbear for a week every summer. It is usually an idyllic week that conjures up the kind of memories that imprint a family for a lifetime. This week was no

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-91075617650524944452011-07-19T20:31:00.003-05:002011-07-19T21:09:36.659-05:00

Every so often a story of kindness is so inspiring it becomes a movie. Usually though, that process takes many years. In this case, it's a matter of months.Recently, a young man, Allan Guei won a free throw competition at his California high school (Compton High). The competition allowed all students with a 3.0 GPA or better the chance to win a $40,000.00 scholarship. There were 8 finalists, but

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-4893871084709739762011-07-05T19:30:00.002-05:002011-07-05T20:33:38.557-05:00

Yet another interesting scientific perspective about kindness. This time in the form of wealth distribution. Scientists (anthropologists and evolutionary theorists) are suggesting that we, as a society, are inherently programmed toward fairness. In fact, it contributes to our survival.An article in the New York Times, Thirst for Fairness May Have Helped Us Survive, by Natalie Angier, presents a

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-7657128836837480162011-06-26T19:42:00.006-05:002011-06-26T20:48:21.856-05:00

A few weeks ago I shared a post entitled, The Neuroscience of Kindness. It can be summed up by the following paragraph that appeared in the post:Essentially, by practicing mindfulness, compassion, and kindness, we change the chemistry in our brains. The brain is, apparently, a social organ and positive interpersonal exchanges cause more firing of neurons in our brains, and the release of

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-27347802049056591012011-06-17T11:21:00.003-05:002011-06-17T11:32:04.848-05:00

It’s that time of year. Commencement ceremonies are taking place around the world. Young men and women find themselves at the end, of arguably, the most invigorating time of their lives. Invigorating in the sense that rarely, outside of the four years (plus or minus) of university/college, do the intellectual and social intersect to provide such a consistent, enduring, sense of power, enthusiasm,

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-19876422467981733202011-06-01T18:47:00.004-05:002011-06-01T19:05:56.330-05:00

On May 1st we moved my daughter, Brennyn, into her very own apartment (that she is sharing with 3 friends), in downtown Toronto. Last year was her first year of University, and although she loved her experience in residence, this is the next Big Step.Last week my 5 year old, Garrett, and I, were going to the Go station to pick up Brennyn for an impromptu visit. This is our conversation on the way

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-9672704445139401612011-05-17T09:20:00.005-05:002011-05-18T09:39:07.725-05:00

I recently came across an article in Parabola magazine, that explains the science behind the benefits of living in healthy, vibrant relationship with one another. It was called the Neurobiology of We, by Patti de Llosa. As a budding scientist (I am finishing my Masters Degree, and planning on doctoral studies) I love it when science affirms what I like to call 'intuitive truths'.Essentially,

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-73264582766339747472011-05-03T09:11:00.004-05:002011-05-03T09:42:24.771-05:00

I recently came across an article by Shannon Cutts, that presented a unique paradigm for the old adage 'You are what you think'. Shannon's expertise is mentoring and eating disorders, and in the Huffington Post piece she suggests that media and advertising messages mentor us. Whether or not we are aware of it, these messages and images sink into our awareness and affect our thought processes. In

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-46934686839200798852011-04-12T18:58:00.008-05:002011-04-12T20:00:37.686-05:00

Do you remember the extraordinary kindness of Charlotte the barn spider? She saved Wilbur from the slaughter house with her writing skills:SOME PIGTERRIFICRADIANTHUMBLEE.B. White's bestselling children's story, Charlotte's Web, tells a magical story of friendship and kindness through the community of farm animals and a little girl named Fern, on Zuckerman's farm. In the end, sadly Charlotte dies,

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-24052495291007086812011-04-02T19:44:00.005-05:002011-04-02T20:28:24.704-05:00

I realize that I am, perhaps, a bit late to jump on the Japan bandwagon. What more can possibly be said? Some of my favourite bloggers have posted thoughts and images that are eloquent and moving. For example, my blogging hero, David Lebovitz shared this post with beautiful images.However, last weekend when I answered a knock at the door, I was surprised to find our neighbour's two young

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-55562998436152041552011-03-28T19:12:00.007-05:002011-03-28T21:15:59.352-05:00

On April 30th students graduating from grade 8, and grade 12 will be 'shopping' for prom dresses, suits and accessories. Two years ago Deliberate Acts of Kindness hosted the first Cinderella Event. In less than 8 weeks Kara and I managed to collect over 1000 dresses, hundreds of pairs of shoes, boxes full of jewelery, and a team of volunteers that helped 100 young girls (who would otherwise not

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-27416190617719041762011-03-22T09:04:00.009-05:002011-03-22T09:31:19.495-05:00

Well, our new samples of our new bands finally arrived. The kerning is perfect (spacing between letters). For comparisons sake here is the original sample, and here is the new sample: We'll be placing our order shortly, and at the same time, sharing some special projects that will be using the 'old' bands. Maryann is full of wonderful ideas (as usual).I have a few Carolin related kindnesses, that

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-42999278068539908552011-03-14T10:28:00.006-05:002011-03-14T21:46:51.673-05:00

"People who think too much before they act don't act too much," (Jimmy Buffett). As much as this might work in Margaritaville, I'm sure Confucius has some tidbit of wisdom warning of the foolishness of acting without thinking. And if it's true that wisdom comes with age, then I shouldn't need any reminders. However, I have to confess to 'gushing without thinking', yet again. A couple of posts ago

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-88398215029005447132011-03-06T19:21:00.004-06:002011-03-06T20:27:42.773-06:00

By chance, I happened to see this evening's 60 Minutes. I say 'by chance' because we don't have cable and only get about 3 channels, so it's not often I'm sitting in front of the TV. But this evening, my husband made a roaring fire (in the fireplace) and I couldn't resist curling up on the couch and looking for something to watch. Now I'm wondering how to share the story. About half way through

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-27583306561030097632011-02-28T08:38:00.003-06:002011-02-28T09:18:50.143-06:00

I am well aware that the Toronto International Car Show is over, but it has taken this full week to recover from our Family Day experience. Admittedly I am not really a big car fan, my relationship with automobiles is purely utilitarian. Soooo, spending an entire day at an event that involves looking at and appreciating cars doesn't top my list of fun things to do on a rare day off. However, my

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-65696310928608321352011-02-26T09:02:00.005-06:002011-02-26T09:56:30.039-06:00

Ingenuity has always fascinated me. Kindness, of course, is one of my passions. So, when you combine the two, as they are in Laura Miller, I become almost incoherent with excitement. Seriously, it's what I imagine a fix must be like for addict. I get jittery, my mind races with ideas, I'm overwhelmed by all the potential for good. Right now, I'm in the middle of a fix I've just discovered...so

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-58323794704127405442011-02-15T09:16:00.004-06:002011-02-15T09:36:23.166-06:00

I need to apologize for my inconsistent (read, lack) posting the past weeks. It certainly isn't for a lack of material. In fact, I've read, witnessed, shared, and experienced, many acts of generosity, empathy, compassion, and gentleness over the past few weeks. Yet sometimes it is more difficult to write at these times. It's as if my spirit is overwhelmed by the spirit of kindness, and to try and

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-37856558160900983652011-02-03T19:14:00.003-06:002011-02-03T20:12:35.641-06:00

I wouldn't say I've been having fun exactly, but the past couple of weeks have certainly flown by. It's hard to believe that February is here and Wiarton Willie has predicted an early spring, despite the frigidly cold temperatures and mock snow storms. I've been crazy busy marking papers for the sport psychology course that I am TAing, and spending way too much time at doctors appointments.

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-52557322525105169822011-01-16T18:49:00.003-06:002011-01-16T19:25:23.802-06:00

Friday morning I stopped at my local convenience store for The Star. It is a tiny independent store and the gentleman behind the counter is Middle Eastern. I always buy my paper there, and when the LotoMax is sufficiently tempting, a lottery ticket. On Friday I walked in, saw the empty Star stand and then noticed that an elderly gentleman at the counter had the last paper. "So you've got my paper

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-84764517401855190812011-01-13T12:56:00.006-06:002011-01-13T13:14:42.274-06:00

I think being creative, letting your creativity shine, is really about balance. When we ignore our creative side - and we all have one - at the expense of work, or busyness, or fatigue, our soul begins to suffer. Creativity can be as simple as play, or even giving our imagination reign in a wonderful book. Let your creativity shine today.And when I think of beauty, I pay attention to detail.

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-13465119754484485812011-01-12T16:33:00.003-06:002011-01-12T16:58:52.366-06:00

On the morning of the 31st (yes, I'm still going on about New Year's :) I picked up my good friend Carolin - community gardener, massage therapist, artist, extraordinaire - whom I've blogged about here and here, before my morning coffee. It was worth it though because she gifted me with the most beautiful set of hand made (her hands) Heart Cards. Each of the 28 cards is a collage framed on a

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-55872704502649896242011-01-05T09:05:00.004-06:002011-01-05T09:48:11.791-06:00

As promised, I'll continue my post from yesterday about my New Year's experience at The Sisterhood of St. John the Divine convent.Here is the program we followed:Friday, December 319:00 am Registration, refreshments10:00 am First Retreat Session: Celebrating the Past - A Blessed History12:00 noon Eucharist followed by silent dinner3:00 pm Second Retreat Session: Visioning the Future -

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-68366133724429447772011-01-04T11:15:00.004-06:002011-01-04T12:15:00.877-06:00

I'm sitting at Starbucks, a place I usually try to avoid working at, due to my deep coffee addiction appreciation; but, I just had to get away from the kids out of the house. If you all haven't noticed it is already January 4th and I haven't been able to carve out a moment to share my New Years thoughts or my experience at the convent. I really, really, love my children, and now that their

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-62555582786555365252010-12-21T16:13:00.002-06:002010-12-21T16:59:24.754-06:00

I'm way behind in my blogging, blame it on the fact that I still do not have any Christmas shopping done - which would make you think that I probably should have been blogging since I wasn't out shopping - but I am spending a good amount of time stressing about it. At any rate, I've got three days worth of stories to share......So CoolI was standing in a long line at Starbucks last week (I know

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-38412874197823997652010-12-13T19:49:00.003-06:002010-12-13T20:53:05.916-06:00

Maybe it's the spirit of the holiday season, a little bit of magic from that old silk hat, because today was a dak delight. Today I was in Toronto to pick my daughter up from university (she couldn't possibly get all that laundry home on the Go Train). While waiting in the lobby of her Residence, I couldn't help but notice how the gentleman at the security desk, took a moment to acknowledge every

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-30369072171905674922010-12-05T18:36:00.004-06:002010-12-05T20:07:26.468-06:00

I realize that my posts have taken on a rather medical theme of late, but I think it is just a statistical coincidence given the amount of time of spent at the TGH this year. Recently I wrote about some of the doctors who deserve to be recognized for their kindness and compassion. And back in April I blogged about an experience I had the day I learned that a defibrillator lead had perforated my

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-73603110690994790812010-12-02T15:51:00.004-06:002010-12-02T19:33:17.211-06:00

Today, I have a whole hodge podge of neat, but unrelated items to share. So, in no particular order:The first is a biggy. Dakbands are going silicone! Originally, I chose elastic instead of silicone because I thought it would be easier to exchange dakbands with people of different sizes. To a certain extent this is remains true, however, the silicone bands are cleaner, the numbers are lasered (so

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-39012870942783656552010-11-27T18:29:00.006-06:002010-12-02T20:58:39.459-06:00

I set a record this time. In and out of the hospital in 30 hours. My fourth cardiac surgery of the year was deemed successful (actually at the time, the other three were as well!), and I'm home and healing. Even the pain is manageable, although I'm more than a little concerned about the assault my brain cells have been under with all the anesthetic that's been coursing through my bruised and

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-40629046851361764712010-11-15T18:47:00.003-06:002010-11-15T19:45:11.067-06:00

I had no plans to write another blog post this evening. I made up my mind that I was too tired - exhausted really. The 5:30 am alarm, leaving the house by 6:00 am, driving to Toronto to endure an entire morning of pre-admission tests for my impending fourth cardiac surgery of the year, next Tuesday, wiped me out. I decided to spend the evening in front of the television watching a movie that we

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-27714212619729575992010-11-12T20:36:00.007-06:002010-11-12T21:36:45.162-06:00

Tomorrow is World Kindness Day. Who knew? Not me, that's for sure.At least I learned about it before, instead of after.World Kindness Day was initiated by the World Kindness Movement, an organization I promptly applied to join on behalf of Deliberate Acts of Kindness. This is a description from their website:The idea behind the World Kindness Movement (WKM) crystallised at a conference in Tokyo

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-42308229495732577722010-10-31T20:06:00.007-05:002010-10-31T22:10:44.656-05:00

James Herriot says in the introduction to his book, James Herriot's Dog Stories: Warm and Wonderful Stories About the Animals Herriot Loves Best, it is a sad truth, that dogs do not live long enough. But he also makes this observation, "It is a reaffirmation of the truth which must console all dog owners; that those short lives do not mean unending emptiness; that the void can be filled while the

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-88454713288756757852010-10-21T20:43:00.004-05:002010-10-21T21:57:10.470-05:00

Recently I stumbled across a super TED speech by Happiness Researcher, Nic Marks. Not only is he a great speaker, witty and poignant, but the concept is foundational to the future of our planet. Mr. Marks has created the Happy Planet Index, which essentially measures national well-being against the use of resources.I guess it isn't surprising that the worlds most developed nations do not rank

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-17108165045982418992010-10-12T16:30:00.004-05:002010-10-12T17:26:48.786-05:00

Last weekend was definitely 'Over the Top'. Not only did we Canadians celebrate Thanks Giving, but I spent two days with friends at the Women of Faith conference in Rochester New York, aptly themed Over the Top. A couple of years ago I led some workshops at the Christian Camping and Conference Association annual conference - and loved it; but, this was my first time at a conference of any kind as

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-26073750529754462912010-10-01T19:27:00.006-05:002010-10-01T21:00:12.081-05:00

This was the first dak of a dak filled day. And for those of you who may share my coffeeaddiction dependency, might understand how important it is to have the necessary condiments. For me that condiment is cream. So, when I woke up yesterday and my husband brought me my coffee he announced, "There was no cream, so I just used milk." He may as well have announced that there was no coffee at all.

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-13465522029868774892010-09-27T12:40:00.003-05:002010-09-27T13:11:25.036-05:00

I receive a DailyGood in my inbox, a daily story of inspiration. Often these stories are the inspiration for my blog posts, and individuals from these stories are often the recipients of our weekly dak giveaways. The story for today was subtle, yet bold, as the title implies, and the website it originated from is interesting. The author shared a wonderful quote, which I will shamelessly include

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-7387280406458448502010-09-21T20:59:00.003-05:002010-09-21T21:14:38.362-05:00

What if I told you that last weekend our son was invited to a birthday party that involved about 15 boys from his class and another class at school.....What if I told you that this party, like so many, was held at an indoor playground....What if I also shared that the parents attending the party never introduced themselves to one another and spent much of the time on their blackberries, or

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-15967220848230171372010-09-17T13:51:00.003-05:002010-09-17T15:00:50.513-05:00

[fuh-sil-i-teyt]to make easier or less difficult; help forward (an action, a process, etc.)That certainly sounds like kindness, doesn't it? Every year I lead ( I like to think, facilitate) many workshops. Usually the theme revolves around sportsmanship. But it isn't often that I have the opportunity to participate in an event that is led by a professional facilitator. Yesterday, however, I had

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-71050923213893533612010-09-12T20:15:00.004-05:002010-09-12T21:01:52.842-05:00

A year or so ago I had this great idea to send dakbands to individuals and/or organizations that were featured in the media for their kindness, generosity, compassion, etc...Somehow I just never got around to getting myself organized enough to carry it through. Yet, the past couple of weeks, I have happened upon some stories that inspired me to stop making excuses, and start making the time. Sort

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-74132194905250002010-09-07T19:34:00.006-05:002010-09-07T20:38:21.216-05:00

On Sunday, we took my daughter to university - a day I had been emotionally avoiding for months. Both my children are now officially out-of-the-house - for the time being anyway (I'm told they come back). It seems significant. The greatest part of my job is done. Not sure how I feel about that.For weeks leading up to Sunday, if I even thought about saying good-bye to my daughter, I'd begin to

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-75466482762574350722010-08-30T19:57:00.008-05:002010-08-30T21:53:30.458-05:00

Dear Lori from Faun LakeIt isn't often that someone we haven't yet met offers us a gift. When that gift represents an aspect of that person's spirit it is rarer still. I wonder, what does that say about you, the giver? What do I know about you?I know that you are Maryann's friend. That fact alone makes me smile.I know, through Maryann, that you extended me an invitation to join you and some

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-56845812170438746152010-08-25T18:35:00.003-05:002010-08-25T19:05:29.151-05:00

Today I didn't even put the paper down before I began to write this post. When individuals can reach through (what must be) profound grief to extend kindness I believe we all evolve just a little. Such acts of generosity touch the sole of humanity.In today's story, 'An exceptional gift of life' two women, mothers of babies born four months premature, find their lives and stories entwined.

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-14508383966970156982010-08-21T16:53:00.003-05:002010-08-21T17:31:05.193-05:00

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. --Leo F. Buscaglia I facilitate workshops for sport associations and sport governing bodies that focus on sportsmanship - which is it's own special kind of kindness (and why we have sportdaks!). One of

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-82885671657592326282010-08-11T19:35:00.002-05:002010-08-11T19:55:25.218-05:00

I often save sections of the newspaper whenever I come across a story that may be fodder for a post. However, as you might guess, when I finally get around to writing I can rarely find the story that inspired me to save the paper in the first place. This is strangely frustrating, and convinced that perhaps I saved the wrong section, I spend an inordinate amount of time in my garage leafing

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-52431171406449081012010-08-03T20:12:00.003-05:002010-08-03T21:01:05.812-05:00

I had every intention of posting this story last Thursday evening - when it occurred. But, like many of my good intentions it was relegated by life. However, now that I have finally finished unpacking from our two day camping trip that began and ended with a four hour drive (note to self: future camping trips will always have a five day minimum - just to make it even with the time it takes to

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-3743424201716017862010-07-18T21:06:00.002-05:002010-07-18T22:17:59.480-05:00

Did you know that by simply using the same facial muscles that are used when smiling you can improve your mood! Researchers at Cardiff University explain that the brain evaluates mood by monitoring those those muscles. When we smile a feedback loop is created that tells ours brain we are happy. In other words, start smiling - it will make you feel better and it creates a positive connection with

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-68625152750686498512010-07-09T20:08:00.004-05:002010-07-09T21:16:05.848-05:00

This morning I was on the subway, heading once again toward the Toronto General Hospital for a check-up, when I witnessed the cutest act of kindness to date. My sister and I were sitting against the back wall of the train. The train was full. Across the isle, in the seats beside the doors, was a young man really enjoying what looked to be a breakfast burrito. Two elderly women were sitting in the

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-76033858633351437392010-06-30T10:50:00.003-05:002010-06-30T11:22:04.459-05:00

For the past couple of weeks I've had three young adults in the house, two of my own and one visitor from Belgium. Mine include a son and a daughter, the third feels like she is my daughter. They range in age from 18 to 21. (Don't forget I have a four year old as well). Last week there were two break-ups in 24 hours. My two were the dumpees. A coincidence that left me exhausted because of course

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-30536959250498836102010-06-22T21:08:00.006-05:002010-06-22T22:34:55.086-05:00

Some of you might consider this post an insignificant blip on the kindness radar, but it's the World Cup and I'm a huge fan. It has taken me a few days to figure out how to share our spectating experience of last weekend and weave in a kindness theme. Finally today it came to me: it was very, very kind of the School Bakery and Café to open at 7:00 am last Saturday so 300 (or so) Holland

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-50334306244061437992010-06-17T15:26:00.007-05:002010-06-17T16:07:25.088-05:00

Remember how I mentioned having a blog post I just couldn't find the time to write. Well, this is it. Despite being a crazy busy day (that included the best chocolate croissants this side of Paris, at Patisserie D'Or), I put my camera in the car and headed for downtown Burlington, in between lunch and a major Costco excursion. A few weeks ago we were downtown looking for breakfast treats and we

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-87458606613749966942010-06-12T18:33:00.005-05:002010-06-12T20:08:02.899-05:00

It has been so long since I've posted that now I have a little collection of post ideas to offer. A potpourri if you will. However, I will confess that this scrapping together of completely random stories is a guise, designed to alleviate my guilt, and buy me more time to cover the real story I had planned (but just haven't had time to follow up with).Story #1Last week John Wooden died, at 99.

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-78578900555853681812010-05-30T20:43:00.011-05:002010-05-30T21:49:04.936-05:00

I love birthdays. I'm not very good at remembering them, but I like to celebrate nevertheless. Thankfully my friends and family are much better at remembering birthdays than I am because my recent birthday was feted in the kindest of ways.My dear friend Carolin made the trip from Toronto. She has to take a bus, a streetcar, the subway and finally the GO train to get here. She arrived carrying

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-62613098366672542682010-05-22T12:39:00.004-05:002010-05-22T12:59:10.596-05:00

Every so often I receive a note or email that reminds me how important the Dakbands really are to community. When an individual, or in this case a group of individuals manifest the true intention of the bands with their understanding of the power of kindness to change the way we live in the world, I am hopeful. I am hopeful that we can elevate our collective consciousness and encourage choices

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-79634662205584398532010-05-15T18:28:00.003-05:002010-05-15T20:06:07.457-05:00

A friend sent me a belated Mother's Day gift yesterday. It was a link to Katrina Kenison reading a excerpt from her book, "The Gift of an Ordinary Day: A Mother's Memoir". I immediately forwarded it to all my friends who are mothers, so it became a deliberate act of kindness, making each of us richer as we passed it along.I've been ruminating about ordinariness since my first surgery, although, I

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-8425565480769597752010-05-09T20:50:00.004-05:002010-05-09T21:47:54.178-05:00

I'm not really certain where I stand when it comes to contrived 'special days' we are forced to celebrate. At the same time I do recognize the value in acknowledging and celebrating, as community, a common theme. And mothering is a great theme, without a doubt. My family gave me a wonderful day that included a long afternoon nap. Our four year old presented me with a "noisy card" (one of those

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-64316708251585813242010-04-28T21:57:00.004-05:002010-12-05T19:15:24.800-06:00

Timing is everything.Sometime around noon today I found myself in the Defibrillator Clinic at the Toronto General Hospital trying to maintain some semblance of composure as I explained to my mother, in the public waiting room, that I was being admitted, yet again. I need a third surgery to fix a misplaced lead in my heart. My Mom immediately grabbed my hand and suggested we say a little prayer. “

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-81827823980932947462010-04-21T22:01:00.003-05:002010-04-21T23:06:43.187-05:00

A friend gently reminded me today, via email, that it has been sometime since I've blogged (thanks Marty). I had no idea so much time had passed. My last blog, April 5, was two days before finally leaving the hospital after a month long visit that included two surgeries involving my heart. Days are much shorter at home and recuperating has absorbed all my energy, but I am grateful for the

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-31126023842675493062010-04-05T19:25:00.003-05:002010-04-05T19:54:51.824-05:00

“Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself than of other people, nor does it mean having a low opinion of your own gifts. It means freedom from thinking about yourself at all.” William Temple (1881-1944)I like to think of the dakbands as a tool to help each of us achieve that freedom. The Canadian International Documentary Festival (Hotdocs) begins on April 29. The schedule looks amazing.

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-30305892842431443902010-03-31T08:10:00.003-05:002010-03-31T08:47:30.919-05:00

Unfortunately I was readmitted to the hospital last week due to complications with my new defibrillator. I am now recovering from an emergency surgery to replace the leads. Hopefully I'll be home and on my healing path to a full recovery today. As cliche as it sounds, I never would have imagined myself spending the better part of month in the hospital. Life is sometimes like a Belgian fog, it

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-56268166724750479922010-03-23T18:38:00.004-05:002010-03-23T19:16:21.724-05:00

The British Medical Journal reported a study that suggests our happiness is directly impacted by the happiness levels of those around us. In fact, our happiness levels can be affected at three degrees of separation....the happiness of a friend of a friend can improve our own happiness! But really, anyone who understands the dakband concept already knew that. Kindness spreads happiness, and

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-19574186156319730442010-03-11T08:15:00.004-06:002010-03-11T08:33:08.907-06:00

I've known Carolin for many, many years, we went to massage therapy college together. Our friendship has endured the peaks and valleys of growing-up, of marriage, divorce, children, heartbreak, and personal discovery. She is a bright light in my life. She is generous, wise, independent, beautiful and kind. Above all Carolin gives voice to community. It is difficult to count how many community

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-46841584183392744862010-03-09T16:21:00.002-06:002010-03-09T17:16:02.846-06:00

Well, this is day 8. Yesterday I was told to expect to be here for the week, so I figure I better start focusing on the positive, and share some daily act of kindness that I am experiencing.Yesterday was a doozy. First a good friend from the home church I attend came up to visit. While we were chatting, another good friend who I've blogged about here and here, Maryann, arrived with a picnic feast

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-51280091247164409752010-03-08T07:42:00.002-06:002010-03-08T08:12:46.264-06:00

Well, I'm still in hospital.....but there are some pretty cool ambulance drivers sporting dakbands now (they transported me from hospital to hospital).“The best portions of a good man's life, His little, nameless, unremembered acts, Of kindness and love.” —William Wordsworth(1770-1850); poet I like that these acts of kindness no longer have to be unremembered. That these acts of kindness, the

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-55780743017215808862010-03-03T21:22:00.002-06:002010-03-03T21:38:50.872-06:00

I won't bore you with all the gory details, but I was admitted to the hospital yesterday to have all the concerns with my heart taken care of. It has been a pretty scary, stressful couple of months, so although most people wouldn't be thrilled to be in hospital I'm actually relieved. Having said that doesn't make being here any more enjoyable though :) It is still a hospital, not a spa.However,

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-10764578635370874152010-02-26T11:40:00.002-06:002010-02-26T12:31:49.984-06:00

I don't often devote much time to the effort required to understand why we as individuals are not, as a rule, more kind, generous, compassionate. I prefer to focus on outcomes, solutions and encouragement. However, as a researcher I also know that it is important to understand the factors and variables that contribute to concerns and issues. As such, and because a recent personal experience

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-89060446160722270752010-02-22T18:14:00.004-06:002010-02-22T19:12:48.018-06:00

Unfortunately the photo in this post is not mine, my photos are about twenty years old and not of a quality even worth scanning. Yet, the picture in my mind is so crisp and clear that it includes a sound track as well.The Cliffs of Mohr stretch for an impressive 8 kilometers along the west coast of Ireland in County Clare. They fall precipitously to the edge of the ocean seven hundred feet below.

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-39160369778001539442010-02-18T13:28:00.003-06:002010-02-18T13:51:48.972-06:00

A couple of days ago I posted about a woman who is leading a wonderful study of Joyce Meyer's The Love Revolution, Tara. I need to share an example of exceptional kindness that typifies Tara. Last week my cardiologist told my husband and I that I would be admitted to the hospital mid-week (yesterday). I was in desperate need of a Miss Clairol moment and decided that I better visit Tara - she is

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-34730538918404425422010-02-17T16:14:00.003-06:002010-02-17T16:19:24.089-06:00

I may be the last to know, which makes this post somewhat redundant, but it is worth mentioning anyway because it is just plain cool.The Toronto Star is free during the period of the Olympic Games. As a newspaper addict, I reeeeaaaalllly appreciate this unique and bold marketing concept!If you learn of any neat stories of kindness relating to the Olympics in any way, please share them as a

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-71186901109029193662010-02-14T12:45:00.006-06:002010-02-14T14:09:32.576-06:00

I'm not sure what the Valentine's Day equivilent to Scrooge is, but you might just consider me one after reading this post. However, in my defense, I think that Love in general is an awesome cause for celebration and awareness. Having said that, let me frame this post for you:Yesterday, I was invited to a womens' study group. A good friend (and excellent hair stylist), is co-leading the group

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-76227748531456256372010-02-11T12:48:00.005-06:002010-02-11T13:00:09.412-06:00

This is the first in an occasional series that will feature photos from journeys that have inspired me. Moments captured for reflection and sharing, because sharing is a pillar of kindness. Where best to start than the City of Brotherly Love, and it's famous Love Park.

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-67572306623144348702010-02-08T12:39:00.002-06:002010-02-08T13:13:54.325-06:00

I came across a quote this afternoon:Practice hope. As hopefulness becomes a habit, you can achieve a permanently happy spirit.Norman Vincent PealeThese days I am absolutely practicing hope. But it made me think about practicing kindness. Dakbands help us to practice kindness, to make kindness a habit, so that our character - the essence of who we are - becomes kind. I believe that kindness is

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-43470515744125078352010-02-05T14:41:00.002-06:002010-02-05T15:16:15.054-06:00

I apologize for the long absence, although my first (and only) post of the New Year was about new beginnings, I'm really looking for a 'redo'. The new beginnings have been a little more than I bargained for quite frankly. Since that lonely post I have been diagnosed with a rather serious heart defect and as a result, lost my drivers license. Then, last weekend my husband was rushed to the

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-84243617358273643562010-01-11T09:19:00.003-06:002010-01-11T10:27:03.367-06:00

Happy New Year!The New Year is off to a frantic pace, in my mind at least :) Where did the first ten days go? Today is the first day of quiet and solitude in my house. Everyone back to school and work, and I am drinking in the silence. I love New Year's Eve, the first few days of the New Year. I try to find time and space for reflection, to envision all the possibilities the new year offers, to

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-19993114060170358422009-12-29T14:03:00.000-06:002009-12-29T14:04:14.523-06:00

Well Christmas day has come and gone, which means I have some catching up to do. I owe you all five dakband stories. I did give away dakbands everyday up until the 24th, but the truth is I cannot for the life of me remember them all. This is the truth. Really. I do remember the 23rd though.......it was an exceptional day for dakband giveaways.Despite that neither of us were remotely close to

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-5307521460846512782009-12-20T18:36:00.004-06:002009-12-20T19:17:02.931-06:00

I'm going to do my best to try and remember the dakband tales from last Thursday until today, but being severely sleep deprived, I'm not sure I'll remember much past the last hour. Thursday evening I returned home after an evening out to find my beautiful Mojo (my dog) whimpering on the couch. An emergency trip to our vet, and a sleepless night preceded a diagnosis of a herniated disc - not good.

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-84820530741372957542009-12-16T22:02:00.004-06:002009-12-16T22:41:13.657-06:00

A good friend, who never fails to inspire me, and whom I have blogged about a few times in the past, suggested the title for this post. I explained earlier today, over a phone conversation, that I had to catch up on my dak giveaway reporting because, although I have not posted for a few days, I have been giving away my daks! So here's the update......Saturday, December 12: this, unfortunately,

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-24573148544717414282009-12-11T18:56:00.003-06:002009-12-11T19:05:06.041-06:00

Tonight we were leaving Ye Old Squire, after our Friday night fish & chips (delicious as always), and as we were leaving a twenty-something gentleman held the doors for us. I gave him some christmas daks (green and red) with my usual speel, "These are for acts of kindness in our community. One is for you to keep, the other you can give to someone else doing something kind." His response, "Cool.

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-75058800674897827342009-12-11T09:40:00.003-06:002009-12-11T10:10:55.218-06:00

The few of you that follow my little blog are probably thinking that my 'advent dak project', as I'm calling it, is taking on a similar on-again-off-again trajectory as my attempt to blog every day for a month. But you would be wrong. My failure to post about my dakband giveaways for the 9th and 10th, was not because I forgot, or didn't give any away, or was too busy....or any other regular

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-75242481801062610282009-12-08T22:04:00.004-06:002009-12-08T22:23:40.286-06:00

Today I was mailing our oldest son a care package - an exam tradition - so I was once again in line at the post office. I had no choice but to bribe Garrett with a striped Egyptian hippopotamus (daddy speak for zebra) that he found amongst a pile of plush toys in one of the aisles. While I was preparing the package and trying to keep Garrett from playing with the striped Egyptian hippopotamus on

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-54973028094719682422009-12-06T22:44:00.004-06:002009-12-06T23:01:22.588-06:00

When we overslept and missed church, I knew that I might have missed my only opportunity to give away some dakbands. With three assignments due in the next two days I was fully committed to locking myself in the office and staying there until one of those papers was finished!So while packaging some dak orders (okay I did leave the office for a few moments), I put a few extra sets in each order! I

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-78051829524442077012009-12-06T10:07:00.002-06:002009-12-06T10:27:36.257-06:00

I did not forget to give away my dakbands yesterday, I just ran out of time to blog about it!Yesterday was good dakband day in fact. Armed (literally) with my red and green festive bands I left the house early to start the day with my sisters kick boxing class. Perhaps it was the physical exhaustion, but I did not give any bands away at the club. Not to be discouraged I picked up my husband and

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-87634118297013101792009-12-04T18:14:00.003-06:002009-12-04T18:38:26.521-06:00

Of course I am somewhat biased but I love the intentionality of kindness. Whenever I am consciously looking for opportunities to give the dakbands away, for the most part, I find kindness everywhere.Today in the five minutes I carved out of a ridiculously busy day to make a run to the post office to mail dakband orders I found myself behind twenty people mailing christmas cards and packages. My

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-19328638325421531542009-12-03T22:10:00.003-06:002009-12-03T22:33:07.819-06:00

We arrive at the local Ikea with only half an hour before the ball room closes for the evening - and we had promised Garrett he could play in the ball room. We quickly sign him in and rush upstairs to get some shopping done. Not fifteen minutes pass when the entire store learns my presence is required at the ballroom. Of course I am at the furthest point from the ballroom and can't for the life

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-30757839877026175782009-12-02T18:08:00.003-06:002009-12-02T18:24:54.384-06:00

I'm sure this won't be the first or last time during this dak giveaway extravaganza, that all of a sudden I realize it is 5:00 pm, I'm going home to make dinner and unless there is a fire, won't be leaving my house for the rest of the evening - and I haven't given away any dakbands! And for some reason, the fact that it is dark exacerbates my panic because it feels like midnight. I begin to

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-76911992718861878762009-12-01T19:05:00.003-06:002009-12-01T19:45:36.588-06:00

I hesitate to share this, since my first attempt to blog everyday for a continuous month took me about six weeks. Yet, I am inspired by the season of Advent, the first of December and the fact that today I addressed all the teachers at a local high-school that is implementing the dakbands. I want to model for them the possibilities I speak about. Sooooo........I am going to try and give away a

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-30936980413627258332009-11-29T21:52:00.002-06:002009-11-29T22:07:43.168-06:00

Some time ago I signed up to receive a weekly newsletter/video from Karma Tube. I receive inspiring videos of people, projects and communities that affirm for me the power of kindness to kindle hearts around the world.A few weeks ago I saw the video of Daniel Beaty. It isn't about kindness. It is about courage, self discovery, and healing. It is powerful. The kind of power that must be shared and

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-59495054666479972342009-11-16T20:31:00.004-06:002009-11-16T21:50:37.340-06:00

kindle [kin-dl] - to light up, illuminate or make brightAs the moon kindles the nightAs the wind kindles the fireAs the rain fills every oceanAnd the Sun the EarthSo your heart will kindle my heartTake my heartTake my heartKindle it with your heartAnd my heart cannot beKindled without youWith your heart kindle my heartThese are the lyrics to Kindle My Heart, the theme song from the movie The

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-58311804976785618912009-11-06T13:29:00.003-06:002009-11-06T13:41:01.319-06:00

Two mornings ago I was having one of those days, and it was only 8:30 in the morning! After dropping our son off at school I stopped at Starbucks for a much needed double long espresso. Apparently, half the community needed one because the line up was loooooong. When I finally made it inside the doors, I couldn't help but over hear the Barrista (hopefully that if a unisex title) chatting to each

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-81548620572324561082009-10-29T21:45:00.004-05:002009-10-29T22:02:36.818-05:00

I know our project has only been up for few days, but I have to confess that we are really discouraged by the paucity of votes people. There are friends who have sent out our plea to 400 or more people!! Well, you know how the saying goes, when the going gets tough, the tough......get creative!So, we have made up these really neat postcards, that we are going to handout, along with a free pair of

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-8010137128599351772009-10-25T12:31:00.005-05:002009-10-26T19:45:45.849-05:00

We are officially celebrating the long overdue launch of our new website. Please take moment to visit and explore. We are very proud of the results and want to thank our awesome developer Sam, who has worked tirelessly all these long months for pittance. There is still alot of work to be done, and features we want to add, but it is all a matter of funding. And speaking of funding......With the

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759231170915109315.post-83407396022535947372009-10-08T18:42:00.006-05:002009-10-08T19:07:08.143-05:00

I recently found this quote on the website of Margaret Wheatly (author), "Human kindness manifests only in relationship." I immediately followed every link, listened to her podcasts, read her articles, and went to Chapters to buy her book. Time well spent!I believe however, that her quote has it backwards. I would suggest that it is perhaps more true to suggest, "Human kindness manifests

Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16174347596912041756noreply@blogger.com0