The Kindness of Goats

Goats like pumpkin. Well I've heard it said that goats will eat anything, but perhaps they are particularly fond of pumpkin. If this were true then my brother would be no exception. My brother, Chad, is especially fond of a pumpkin cake that our cousin Anne makes. She was kind enough to make it one time when we were all getting together for dinner and Chad has reminded her of the deliciousness ever since. Today I was speaking to our cousin and she mentioned that I should let her know if my mom and I were sticking to the plan of going to visit my brother this coming weekend. If so, she wanted us to let her know so she could bake pumpkin cake and send it with us for Chad. I thought that this was a very kind idea on her part. Well, our cousin then spoke to my mom and the plan evolved. Our cousin may now be making the trip with us, in order to deliver her cake in person. I think that this would be very interesting and kind. I'm sure that my brother would be shocked to see her. So, from the kind words that my brother shared with our cousin Anne about her yummy cake, evolved this kindness that may see Anne coming with us! I am part of a kind and thoughtful family..how great!

the kindness of horses in Tim Hortons

Horses handle straw. They love it! Interestingly, yesterday I came across a unique type of horse. I think he was unique because he was into handling straws; the drinking variety, not straw, as would be more traditional. I came across this horse in Tim Hortons. I had just ordered a drink, and with my hands full was proceeding to a table. However, I had forgotten to grab a drinking straw. This horse kindly stepped out of line, where he was, and handed me two straws. This was a very kind gesture as it saved me from leaving my drink and walking all the way back to the front of the store to grab a straw. The actions of this horse were greatly appreciated. I think Tim Hortons should think about employing horses for this express purpose.

the kindness of the McMaster staff

I am a large Irish bull. This often causes problems for me in terms of my functional performance for daily activities. However, today I was lucky when McMaster staff called to help me out of my Irish Bull moment (i.e. making an absurd comment or mistake). I was trying to have my transcript send to the college of occupational therapists, but foolishly I had written the wrong address on my fax form. Staff from the registrar's office called to tell me that they had a different address and also that they had looked it up online and the address was different from what I had. How nice of them to call! I am one fortunate person. I asked them to make the correction and send it off. They agreed. They are so kind and I am one lucky Irish bull.

The Kindness of Dexter Cattle

I recently met some very kind folks. I use the word folks because it is kind of farm like and ranch-ish and that's exactly who these individuals were. If you will believe it, they were Dexter cattle...four of them! Interestingly, they were interviewing me for a job and true to their breed they were very inquisitive. There was over an hour of questioning about my thinking around theories and practices. Although, I didn't ask them, the word of the street is that they are all descendants of one breed that comes from Ireland and dates back to the 16th century. At any rate, all of this questioning was aimed at one very specific purpose, which was to see if I would fit in with them or could be moulded to behave in their ways. They asked me if I was easily trained. I admit, in some ways I have a lot in common with Dexter cattle, as I assured them that I pick up new things very quickly and am good at retaining information. Also, like them I am inquisitive and eager to learn concepts. I am also very hardy; just like them, which they saw as a bonus because it means that I am less likely to take extended sick leave. I've heard that Dexter cattle are also very good at calving young, which is how they put it. In fact that is the reason I am needed, or at least interviewing in the first place. You see one of their own is due to give birth and I may be called in as a replacement. That is, if they like me. By all accounts, we had a good meeting and they were so kind to at least show interest in me and my potential. They said they would let me know if my services are needed and I am hoping to hear from them soon. Either way, I would like to thank the Dexter cattle for a lovely time on their little farm.

the kindness of friendly elephants

I have been told that elephants have great memories and this is particularly true in regards to their capacity for recognizing individuals and building on complex social relationships and networks. For example, a herd of elephants relies largely on their matriarch to remember and enforce rules around daily activities such as where to retrieve food. When the matriarch dies the elephants in her herd grieve for her, deeply, remembering her as time passes. Although I do not have the greatest memory and no where near that of an elephant, I do recognize and maintain deep social bonds with a number of people in my life. Therefore, I was lucky, this past weekend to enjoy lunch with an old friend. Similar to that of an elephant, I recognized my friend approaching from a distance and anxiously ran to greet her. Also similar to our elephant counterparts, we sat and reminisced about old times; fun things we did in high school and our distant childhood. We were not able to recall every detail of all the adventures we had, but we were able to capture the spirit of the times and to celebrate the deep connections we had to each others lives. I was grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with this friend. Although we demonstrated behaviours much like those of our elephant friends, I displayed very un-elephant-like traits when I realized that I forgot my bank card, just as we were going to pay. Elephants never forget, but I tend to and at the most inopportune times! Therefore, I was also very thankful for the kindness of my friend, as she lent me the money to pay for lunch. I may forget a lot of things, but I will never forget her and her kind nature.

the kindness of breastfeeding mammals

A friend just showed me the greatest kindness. I am applying for a research-type job in the area of public health and this friend just sent me a myriad of information about public health trends and research. Much of the information was in regards to breastfeeding which I believe is the study area that I would be working in, if I got this job. I am very grateful to my friend for sharing all of her knowledge with me; she is indeed a smart cookie!I learned a great deal about the benefits of breastfeeding just from reading her message. For example, breastfeeding protects mammals against certain kinds of infections and illnesses. In humans, it increases the likelihood that a person who was breastfeed will have lower cholesterol, compared to those whom were feed with formula. Most shocking was the fact that breast milk changes as mammals develop, in order to ensure that it is always providing the proper nutritional balance. The wonders of breast milk! Therefore, I have concluded that mammals of all persuasions, who have mammary glands, show their young the greatest and most life-sustaining kindness by offering them breast milk. Thanks to my friend for this information and thanks to mammals of the world for having mammary glands!

the kindness of the paradoxical frog

Several years ago, I was fortunate enough to work with clients at a schizophrenia clinic and they taught me a lot about kindness. It may be somewhat politically incorrect or at least unsavoury to compare people who have schizophrenia to those in the animal kingdom. However, I think it is also an interesting and somewhat logical (possibly unremarkable) step to compare these individuals to the paradoxical frog. One one very basic level, the paradoxical frog is a nocturnal creature and to some degree, since humans are diurnal, we do not understand the behaviours of this nocturnal frog. What happens during those early morning hours remains a mystery to us and in this same way often the behaviour of those with schizophrenia is not well understood (and often not appreciated) by those who have not experienced the disease. In the same way that the paradoxical frog is a paradox, so are those with schizophrenia, in the sense that their experiences defy intuition or logical. For example, hallucinations and delusions are not logical experiences or thoughts; they do not make sense to the casual observer, who may be trying to uncover the rationale behind them. Using this framework or line of thinking, I think its fair to say that in general people with schizophrenia have some similarities to that of the paradoxical frog. But where is the kindness component? Well, let me tell you...kindness was abundant at this schizophrenia clinic. Before heading into this experience some friends told me that it would be a scary experience to interact with people with this type of severe mental illness. Although I did, indeed, find that some of their thoughts were disturbing or unsettling, the people themselves were not scary. In fact, they were some of the kindest people I have met. I think that one of the greatest kindnesses that these people shared with me was actually letting me get to know them and sharing some time with them. Obviously it can't be easy to be in the position of sharing some intimate thoughts or questions with someone new, who has just come in and is expecting to learn from these interactions, but these people did not let this stop them from confiding in me and allowing me to understand their lives; lives that were often not easy. By allowing me a glimpse inside their lives and their minds, I was able to offer them some assistance, under the guidance of my preceptor. Often this assistance was in the form of offering support with daily activities such as money management or learning to eat healthily. Other times it was talking with them and challenging some of their maladaptive thought patterns. These clients, or paradoxical frogs, would often greet me when I arrived into the clinic and we would share pleasant chats about what they were up to. The kindness they demonstrated to me in terms of letting me into their lives for a short time helped me learn a lot about people in general and not just those with mental illnesses. However, in terms of understanding mental illness, this experience did show me that people with mental illnesses are not people whom others should be be frightened to approach. Nor are they, as some people suggest, fragile individuals. Having seen what these people encounter and endure on a daily or weekly basis and the fact that they do so while maintaining a positive perspective, for the most part, and a semblance of typical activities counteracts the idea that these people are not resilient. In fact I believe this people are remarkably resilient and also very kind.

the kindness of the safety bear

Today I was the recipient of the greatest kindness. I was at an appointment at the hospital and I had parked in the parking lot where there are automated gates and a fee necessary to lift the gates. I was on my way out of the lot, anticipating that I would pay with cash when I discovered that the machine only took credit cards. Confused, I called the parking attendant through the little speaker on the machine and she informed that that in order to pay cash for parking I would have to use a machine that was back inside the building. By this point there was a line of cars behind me and therefore my attempts to backup were unsuccessful. I was in the process of getting out of the car to tell the driver behind me that I would need to back into the parking lot again when from inside the car emerged a gigantic safety bear, dressed in full attire, as if he were the fire safety bear I had been familiar with as a child. However, the closer he came to my car the more I realized he was actually a hospital volunteer bear, dressed in the issued vest and with the requisite name badge. The bear proceeded to tell me that he could use his volunteer tag, or more specifically the barcode on it, to get me out of the parking lot. He told me to get ready to drive away and not tell anyone, as he would be in a lot of trouble if anyone found out he was helping me. Without this kindness I would really have been in a situation! Thanks volunteer bear for your benevolent act! I won't tell anyone..hahaha!

the kindness of the sea lions

As a soon-to-be occupational therapist, I am somewhat like a young sea lion, learning to navigate within its natural environment. I have some knowledge and certainly a drive to succeed, just as a sea lion is driven by its instincts to ensure its own survival. However, I am not ready to be out there, in the world alone, searching for my own prey. Therefore, I was thrilled to find out today that more experienced and mature sea lions may be willing to take me under their wing, so to speak. They will teach me to hunt by fishing the prey out of the water and throwing it onto the beach. It will then be up to me to take the skills I have and disarm the fish so we may eat it and be nourished. I am enthused, as it has been awhile since I have been able to use these skills and this specialized knowledge. Hopefully with assistance from these sea lions, I will become an efficient hunter; a sea lion able to navigate on my own. Until then I am grateful for the help these sea lions are offering to me.

the kindness of the bats

Yesterday I ate lunch with two lovely bats. We approached the meal being very hungry and like typical bats, I assumed they would eat one-third of their body weight. In order to fit in, I attempted to do the same but came up short. Anyways, we had lovely conversation and just hung around, the way that bats do. Then unexpectedly, but kindly, they invited me back to their bat cave. I had never been to their new cave, so I was very excited. The new abode was absolutely lovely and I loved how they had made it so homey. I had a great time hanging out with them and am grateful for their kindness.

the kindness of the momma bird

Momma robins feed their babies up to 400 times in a 24 hour period. That seems like a lot of work and a big commitment on the part of the mother bird. However, I encountered a similar situation the other day and this made me realize that these mother birds are likely driven to perform the acts of feeding their young by some type of maternal instinct, which must be very powerful. In my own experiences, my momma bird, who is more of a grandmotherly figure, attempted to feed me large amounts of raspberry pie. Although I did not feel the need to ingest these sweets, momma bird was very insistent that I would eat the pie. I accepted the pie under duress, but upon reflection I realized that my momma bird was simply trying to ensure that my nutritional needs were met and she was doing the best she could with what she had. Therefore, I began to see the offering of copious amounts of pie as an act of kindness. Thanks momma bird for your kind attempts to help nourish me.

the kindness of the deer

Today I met with a most wonderful and kind deer. We arranged to visit over lunch and like all good deer (at least the ones in this hemisphere)he was content to munch on various forms of vegetation. After discussions regarding the inner workings of his four-chambered stomach, I told him about what was new with me. I talked to him about my apprehensions for the future and my previous pattern of unrecognized goals. He assured me, in the way that deer do, that change was possible and even imminent. Thus, I could put my fears to rest, as there was hope that events would unfold in a positive manner within my life. It is possible that today I came across the wisest deer because he informed me that I could change a great deal about my experiences and perceptions of the world, simply by changing my thought processes. Wow! I asked the deer how he had become so intelligent and he told me that he had studied psychology for many years. I was very grateful for his shared wisdom. I also sought comfort from the fact that this deer was actually using his degrees in psychology for good, as I have yet to find any real purpose for my degree in psychology.

the kindness of everyone

Friday was the best day of my life, as it was the day that I graduated with my degree in occupational therapy. It was a long and arduous journey, but as I reflect on it, I realize that this was far from an individual accomplishment. I relied on the kindness of many people to help me recognize this goal. In this way I see myself as a worker ant; industrious, but merely one of a larger colony needed to accomplish a goal. Ants are seen as just individual cells of a larger collective intelligence and in this same way I recognize that my working hard to receive my degree was just one element that had to come together in order to help me be successful. Without a larger social network of support, I would have died like a starving ant in the sand. As Julia, one of my favourite fellow ants, pointed out, it was I who had to write all the exams and complete all the placements, in order to be successful. Perhaps then I am like a guardian ant with a large head where much knowledge about OT is stored. However,I needed other ants to help create pathways and make my journey more accessible. Recognition that I am part of a larger colony of ants is valuable, as it helps me appreciate that I am supported both in achieving this goal and also future goals. The kindness of my fellow ants is much appreciated and being able to share it with them on Friday made that day even more special.

the kindness of the helpers

Today and days leading up to this one have proved to be days of reflection. They have been days of reflection because of the monumental events which are coming up in my life, namely my birthday and convocation. I have come to realize, through reflection that I would not be celebrating these milestones without the many people who have helped me get here. They take the form of family, friends, professors and other professional people. They have treated me like a precious and valuable species, one that is worth nurturing and protecting. They have guided me in my development from being a young and naive cat in the wild to a knowledgeable creature who can find her own way and help others find theirs. They have protected me from wild and uncontrollable elements of nature, and have often protected me from myself. I am very thankful for their kindness as I wouldn't have made it this far without them.

the kindness of the Australian Cashmere Goat

My favourite thing is to drink speciality coffee while wearing cashmere. So I was thrilled to receive a gift from my favourite shearer. It was a Starbucks giftcard wrapped in cashmere. Usually receiving cashmere fashioned into shirts and socks, for a reasonable fee, is a sufficiently kind act, but the shearer was so kind today to send me this gift for my upcoming birthday.

The kindness of the cat herder

Everyone needs a cat herder in his/her life. Someone who will keep pushing you in the right direction even when the tasks seem uncontrollable or impossible to accomplish. This person's job is no doubt frustrating and often thankless, but he or she persists in attempting to keep you, as a cat, safe and disciplined. The cat herder attempts to keep you moving in the right direction, despite much difficulty including resistance from the self. Whether this resistance stems from lack of self-reflective abilities or a self-destructive nature, inherent to cats, is beyond my ability to say. However, I do know that without the kindness of my cat herder, I would have strayed long ago from a more positive and rewarding path. She provides me with knowledge, which leads me to a new self-awareness and understanding that keeps me safe from myself and other untoward influences. Even when I am a lazy cat, not waiting to take a risk, but content instead to stay purring in my favourite easy chair she encourages me to take the next step. Without her I would have long ago been euthanized in a shelter, due to a treatable case of ringworm.

the kindness of the owl

Today was an adventure, as I ran into a wise owl. I told her about my problems and she told me that they are not uncommon for people of a certain age and orientation. She drew graphs and brought up a PowerPoint presentation on her computer, all of which shed new light on my concerns. I cried telling her about my frustrations with the institutions of society. Kindly, she wrapped her large wing around my shoulder and told me that she understood my feelings. She placed my fears, about my emerging reality, in perspective and provided me with tools for use in taking on my demons. In the end, we laughed about my naivety and the youthful turmoil of my young spirit. This was in sharp contract to her wise perspective and reasoned approach to matters of the universe. When I asked her how she had become so wise, she laughed once again and said that she was an occupational therapy graduate from U of T.

the kindness of a mother cat

Today I went to see a mother cat. I asked her to groom me as if I were her own young. She was so kind. She agreed and all I had to give her in return was a bowl of milk, and two dollars in American Express Traveller's Cheques.
Thanks Mama cat!

the kindness of the convocation bee

I will soon be joining my fellow graduands at a convocation ceremony where I will receive my degree in occupational therapy. There has been much preparation for the event and I have been busy as a bee in making arranges for that day. The ceremony itself seems to be akin to the gathering of a colony of bees, crowded and hierarchical, in terms of the arrangements of grads and guests. Similar too is the social system of bees and convocation coordinators. There are those prestigious queen bees who show up in their attire and participate in the procession, as academic elites. Then there are the coordinators who act as worker bees, arranging the ceremony and preparing the venue. Although I will be present on that day, wearing my academic attire, I am far from the well-regarded faculty and post-doctoral candidates who will be there in there fancy and assuming hats. Another distinction between me and the queen bees is the work I am putting in prior to the big day. One element of preparation has been the examination of the accessibility of the venue and that is where today, I noticed, the greatest kindness. Last week, I submitted a form requesting information on the accessibility of the hall where the ceremony is held and today I received a most kind and detailed e-mail from a worker bee. He buzzed on about the physical layout and the demands of the ceremony and was very willing to work with me to ensure that things work out on that day. Since this ceremony marks the achievement of the biggest accomplishment of my life, I am very excited and eager for things to work out well. I am grateful for the kindness of this bee and feel that with his support I will be successful in having a meaningful convocation along with my fellow pollinators.

the kindness of nurses

In celebration of nurses' week, which I think is coming up, I thought that I would recount kind acts which nurses bestowed upon me many years ago. Approximately ten years ago, I was a young twenty-something just beginning to make my way in the world; like a young mother penguin making the great trek across the arctic, not knowing what to expect but hoping for the best. However, like the penguin my wellbeing was threatened, not by harsh environmental conditions, but by an internal enemy. Yes, my own immune system was attacking me. I did not know how to handle this and thus yielded to many experts to help me find my way in dealing with what would be a new normal. Just like researchers and arctic experts, who come to the aid of injured or ailing penguins, I turned to the expertise of nurses. The hospital environment is much like the harsh arctic in that there are innate, threatening conditions which place its creatures at risk. However, pathogenic bacteria like super-bugs and institutional barriers to care place clients at risk, more than extreme temperatures or lack of nutritional resources. Like an ailing penguin, at the mercy of its environment, I relied on nurses to provide me with resources, education and care, in order to navigate within my new environment. It was the kindness of one nurse that touched me most profoundly. Her name was Debbie and she made sure that my time in this less then friendly setting did not rob me of my spirit or of my dignity. Without many nurses, including the one that I have mentioned, I may have succumb to these conditions which challenged me both externally and internally. Without the kindness of nurses I may have been like many penguins making my trek alone in an unforgiving climate.

the kindness of a discount

The black bear is a regimented and self-reflective creature. The bear's routines and habits are the result of much self-awareness and self-study, in order that he may maintain survival. Therefore, I was not surprised in the least when I learned that the black bear was publishing an autobiography; a kind of inventory for himself and a resource for human counterparts who want to mimic the bear's actions in order to ensure survival. I was eager to get a copy of this work, thus I pre-ordered it from my local independent bookstore. Yesterday, I was slumbering like a hibernating bear when the call came. My copy of the autobiography, the bear's greatest masterpiece, had arrived. However, the bookseller warned me of an impending problem. The book was damaged. Unsure of how bad the damage was, I rushed to the bookstore to look with my own eyes. Crisis averted! The damage was a minute wrinkle on the back cover; smaller than the wrinkles present on the wise elderly back bear. However, my day got even better when the salesperson called the book a damaged item and gave me 10% off. The kindness of this salesperson was greatly appreciated. I went home and immediately started reading.

the kindness of meeting with the mammals

I want to be involved in the world. I'd like to help others in some way that is meaningful, like a zoo keeper who helps provide for animals and protect them against the elements. I guess this is a positive perspective on zoos and zoo keeping, I have heard many more negative takes on the whole affair. However, I would like to think that once you gain the trust of the animals and work with them to meet their needs, you are really providing an invaluable service to them. So I think this is my calling, but how do I get involved? Several reliable sources have informed me that a way to break into the system and leave a mark is to begin by volunteering. This is a method of gaining experience and it breaks the cycle of needing experience to get a job, but needing a job to gain experience. Therefore, I set out to explore my options related to volunteering. I e-mailed the "head zoo keeper" at an organization with which I am familiar. This is a man with much experience in the field and someone whom I respect a great deal. He was kind enough to update me on recent happenings within the organization; for example a recent change of location. He advised me that the best way to get involved would be to come in and meet with some of the mammals and get oriented to the surroundings. Therefore, he invited me to come and meet with him in a couple of weeks. I adored this kind overture and am very excited as this might be my way in; my way of making a real difference to animals of all kinds.

the kindness of the pigeon

Today I was sitting on the couch drinking a cup of delicious herbal tea. I had just risen from a refreshing slumber when what to my wondering eyes should appear out of the window but a flock of garbage eating pigeons. I ran outside to protect my elderly and naive beagle from this gang of terrible birds. Just as I was preparing to lift the hefty 30 pounds of beagle from the ground and run in the opposite direction, I spotted a beautiful and calming sight. Amongst the plump and ugly garbage eaters, who were beginning to tear up the lawn, sat a slim and majestic pigeon with a reddish coloured tint and beams of light radiating from under its wings. I stood frozen in time, with plump-y beagle at my feet, both of us quiet and taking in this sight. It called out, not in a regular make-my-ears-bleed pitch, but in a soft upbeat tone, like a young Celine Dion. I was drawn to this sound and thus began to approach the flock slowly. As I drew near, the fat and ugly pigeons began to separate and create a pathway so that I could approach the Celine Dion bird. When I was a few metres away from the pigeon, with the reddish tint, I saw that it was indeed a most special kind of pigeon. It was a messenger pigeon and from it's break hung a string. Attached to the string was an express post envelope. This was unbelievable. In my own yard sat an express post messenger pigeon. I held out my hand and the beautiful pigeon dropped the envelope from it's stringed beak into my it. I put the envelope into my pocket and led the bird toward the house, away from its flock. I quickly went inside the house and retrieved a bowl of milk and a twoonie. I returned to the front steps of the house to find my beagle sitting and harmonizing with the Celine Dion bird; what a beautiful melody this two animals created. I tipped the pigeon with a twoonie and a bowl of milk, which it readily accepted. After finishing the milk, the pigeon crooned to his fellow mates and as fast as they had come they were off again. Flying through the sky, led by the majestic bird. I ran inside and opened the letter. It was the letter I needed in order to complete my registration for the occupational therapy exam. Thanks to a beautiful and kind pigeon, I now have everything I need. What a benevolent bird.

the kindness of an update

It's a dying art, but I love it. Small, usually, and wrapped in what is likely recycled paper; there is nothing more beautiful and exciting than receiving a letter in the mail. I have been waiting for a specific letter to come. One that would be both an ending and a beginning. It would assist me in writing my final certification exam to become an occupational therapist; thus completing a long and arduous educational process. Being that it is a national certification exam, writing it would also signal a beginning, as it would open up the doors I needed to become a registered professional. Therefore, I have been waiting for this letter I need, in order to write it, which was coming from a school support person. So where does the benevolence come in? This school support person e-mailed me just to let me know she has been working on it and that I should receive it soon. This put my mind at ease as I am now sure that I will receive it before the test's registeration deadline and be able to send it to the appropriate people. Taking the time to send me this update was an act that I truly appreciated.
Hopefully, I will be similarily benevolent when I am in a position to help others.

the kindness of the jungle

I found myself back in the jungle, dizzy from running so fast in such a confined space. Everywhere I looked I saw tigers of various shapes and sizes. Mama tigers with their babies and lone older tigers stalking through the jungle. I fell to my knees and began crawling, in order to attract less attention. Through the thick grass I crawled, looking for my travel mate who had been lost for several minutes. I looked to my left and then high and low. My friend, in his evident yellow t-shirt was nowhere to be found and we were not even remotely close to reaching our goal of securing a location to refuel our weak bodies. Overcome by weakness from not having eaten and frustrated by having lost my way and my friend, I decide to risk danger and approach a fellow jungle creature for assistance. I crawled slowly, trying not to distrurb nearby tigers or overhead foilage, which could have meant the end for me, if I was not careful. Getting closer, I quietly called out, so that I would not risk freaking out the beast, by approaching unannounced from behind. She, the creature I identified as my potential helper, acknowledged me with a weary smile. I said hello and gently raised from my semi-prone position to expose my belly, as I have heard that this is a method of demonstrating that I am not a risk to her or her mates. Using the local dialect, as best I could, as well as explantory hand gesutres, I quickly explained my situation; my quest for nourishment. Luckily for me, this creature was kind and explained twice where I would find necessary fuel for my weakened body. She pointed and gestured and I glanced briefly at her eyes and saw that she possessed a genuine interest in helping me out of my predicament. However, it was not her eyes so much as the identifiable mark on her chest which told me that I chose correctly. I selected a creature whose job it is to help people, lost and in similar situations. She was not a threat to me. Aimed with my new knowledge, which I acquired from my interaction with this kind creature, I thanked her and ran forward through the path that I used previously. Within minutes I saw my companion, in his yellow attire. I called out, using our lanaguage and he stopped to wait for me. The rest of our venture is a blur, sometimes running, sometimes crawling to avoid the tigers, but we finally got there. We had to wait because the line was long, but pretty soon we were filling our faces with Tim Hortons in the food court at the mall. Thanks to the salesperson at the Gap, we had found our way through the crowded mall on a Sunday.

the kindness of a storyteller

Today I was in Ottawa eating breakfast in a lovely little hotel. Somewhere between my starbucks coffee and my order of pancakes I realized that our waiter was a most kind and funny older man. He showed us great kindness by taking the time to tell us richly historic stories about Ottawa and surrounding area. We were shocked to hear about how a proprietor in Ottawa sank along with the Titanic while trying to bring funiture from Europe, in order to furnish his hotel. This waiter's stories were intertwined with delicious food and great scenario; his willingness to share his stories and his time made me appreciate how fortunate we are to have people who care enough to pass on these important and interesting stories about the history of our capital city.
Hopefully I will be able to take this kindness and pay it forward to others.

the kindness of the pink flamingo

The stillness and beauty of the flamingo. Taking a moment to pause and appreciate the beauty; but what of the plastic specimens on the lawns. The celebratory birds. Today a pink flamingo arrived at my house all the way from the Dominican Republic. A celebration began as I enjoyed the sweet milk given from this prolactin-producing wonder; indeed I welcomed this bird and all it represents in my life. Just as its plastic counterpart represents for many birthday boys and girls, this magestic specimen represents a marked accomplishment in my life.Today I have began to forge through the jungle. The web of words and ideas, is what I weave my way through. I am now a blogger.

the kindness of a thank you

I am hoping that the act of writing about the daily kindnesses that people show to me will act to increase my awareness about the overall thoughtfulness and compassion of people in the world. Additionally, I am hopeful that that an increased awareness of kindness and generosity will help me to act in benevolent ways when interacting with others.
So here is the first kind act which I am writing about: Today I received an e-mail from someone thanking me for sending them some information I had promised to send. This person is a busy professional and I, by no means, expected to have her write to me just to say thank you. For her to take even a couple of minutes out of her day just to send me a thank you e-mail was very thoughtful and one which I very much appreciated.
I am off to Ottawa this weekend where hopefully I will be able to pay this kindness forward in a meaningful manner; although I don't want that term confused with the semi-bad movie with child actor Haley Joel Osment, in which he enlightens others on how to "Pay it Forward".