Lately, I have been watching this occur and it does make me feel a bit bad. I have made more of an effort to smile and say hello to the person even though we don’t see eye to eye on many things. I think as a teacher I am a role model and that I have to hold myself in a way that I would want my students to see even when I know they aren’t watching me. Otherwise, I might fall into the status of hypocrite.

So, I think it is harder to be mean than it is to be kind or even indifferent. It takes a lot of energy to get up in the morning and work at being cruel. So, for me, I choose kindness and I hope that you do too. Not only will it make you a better person, but it makes you a better role model for others.  Yes, I will be the kindest person that I can be as often as possible.

Cheryl was our new pug’s foster mom for a few weeks. What makes Cheryl amazing is not her genuine interest in animals, but that she puts action to her beliefs. Cheryl has an assortment of dogs at her house. Some are hers for life. Many of her personal pets have every sort of disability you can imagine, yet they seem very happy and content. She saved many of them from sure death in pounds or the hands of people that could not and would not keep them. Then, there are the foster dogs. These are dogs that need a furever home like our Harley, but until then they will be treated very well and just like family at Cheryl’s house.

Nothing is too much for any of these dogs. If they need medication or to see a vet then Cheryl sees to it. Maybe they need special sleeping arrangements or to be separated from other animals, then she finds a way to make them at home and as comfortable as possible. She pays for endless things such as spaying, shots, and other needs not to mention food and transportation.
Cheryl is one of a kind. She not only gets nothing monetarily from doing this, but she ends up spending a great deal of her own money on dogs that could head out the door any day. For her, it is a true labor of love. People like Cheryl don’t come along too often, but you know them when you meet them because their kindness shines through.

Kindness comes in all forms and it isn’t just about being kind to other people. If you meet someone like Cheryl, throw a bag of dog food or a gift certificate their direction if you are able. They will appreciate it and so will the animals that they care so much about. You can never be too kind and Cheryl is a fine example. Not only do we now have a beautiful pug, but a new friend as well.   Kindness does matter.

Well, we have a beautiful new family member or will have her as soon as she is spayed. Harley is a 14 month old fawn colored, AKC registered pug that weighs in just over 16 pounds and is as sweet as she looks! We were so excited to find her and can’t wait to have her home. Since discovering her earlier this week, we have visited her twice at her current foster home. The foster mom, Cheryl is an amazing lady with a heart as big as you could imagine. She not only has been helping Harley find a new home, but has countless other dogs just hanging out waiting for the right people and if they aren’t found, then they stay with Cheryl in quite a nice little setting!

Stay tuned for more posts and pictures of Harley as our journey begins. Nothing says kindness like a nice, new, lovable pug! I have wanted one forever and now my dream has come true!

There is a “POLAR EXPRESS” train ride on Thanksgiving weekend that I just knew my 4 year old nephew would LOVE. His parents can’t afford it right now and kids are only that perfect age once where they still believe and are excited by everything Christmas. So, I booked the ride as well as a hotel stay for them near the ride.

To say they were thrilled might be an understatement. All 4 of them are so excited and the little guy, well, he simply can’t wait to ride the train with Santa. I will get a pedicure another time because for now, I am just thankful that my kindness paid off for some of my loved ones. Remember we can make the world a better place one act of kindness at a time! What have you done lately to be kind?

Anne changed the way I looked at the environment and more particular because I am surrounded by it, how I look at the Adirondack Park and what decisions are made about it. Her books made me laugh, cringe, get angry, and cry, but most importantly they made me think. Although she has not written in quite some time, it is funny where I run into Anne LaBastille fans. My sister-in-law recently had one of her books sitting by her which started a great discussion about this amazing author. I was at a friend of my mothers and there on her bookcase were Anne’s Woodswoman books.  The best part of finding other fans is that it always brings about a great discussion that ends with the wistfulness of living ourselves at Black Bear Lake.

There will never be another Anne LaBastille, but her memories, teachings, and ideals will be preserved forever in her writings. She will be missed by many and it is my personal hope that her kindness for creatures of all species will be spread in generations to come because KINDNESS MATTERS!

These two ladies weren’t likely friends. I mean they were always kind and compassionate people, but I never imagined our paths would cross and our bonds would become so strong. One of the ladies was my boss and not just my immediate boss, but an upper level boss whom I respected and admired. I even turned to her for advice on things that were business related. Then, she retired and we spent a few dinners together which has turned into a great friendship. The other lady of our trio could not be more different than I am about things. She has coordinating everything, cooks like a television show host, and knows anyone that is anyone in our community.

Recently, I was talking about what on earth has made (3) so unlikely people become such good friends. The response from one of the ladies was simple, but so true. She stated, “We have the important things in common such as kindness, humor, and honesty.” You know what? I think she is right!
Remember not to rule out friendship in the most unlikely places. I am sure glad that I didn’t because it has been very rewarding.
Be KIND to others and to yourself!

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As some of you may or may not know, I have struggled with my weight for my entire life. It wasn’t fun, but as a child it could be absolutely horrendous and now I watch one of my nephews beginning the struggle with the same exact issues. He is a good boy and he is fun, but he is struggling. Maybe Jamie Oliver will come to his school and help out, but if not, it is up to the rest of us to show kids the right way.

The show is on ABC on Friday nights at 8pm EST and I would suggest you watch it with your entire family. I think it will start some great discussions and there is nowhere better to start than in your own home.