Maybe I’m just touchy-feely, living in the land of “fruits and nuts” (i.e., California), and a tree-hugger, but I don’t mind being open about my beliefs regarding giving love as often as possible. I will keep this post short and let the video speak for itself. Words can’t describe how much I love the message here.

This is my version of what it means to celebrate the holidays (and every day).

(If you’re having trouble viewing, go directly to YouTube.)

Special thanks to Caroline for pointing her readers to this video. I appreciate you, Caroline.

Thank you to YOU for being here today. Visualize me offering you a clutch of daisies and accompanying you for a walk in the park. Feel the gentle breeze invigorating you and the glistening sun touching your face. ~xo

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Love! Love! Love! ~ The Embarkation

About two months ago, I posted the results of a project that quickly became near and dear to my heart. Maybe this project hit home for you, too, as this post received the highest number of comments (>100 including mine) and the most traffic at my little ‘ole piece of earth in the blogosphere thus far. Love is powerful!

Today, I want to tell you about some of the lasting effects I’ve felt from giving love freely with no expectations or strings attached. In short: I was blown away.

A Quick Recap

During late summer, my good buddy Tess Marshall proposed an idea for me to join her in giving forty random acts of kindness and love to others in one month. We chose to photograph a few of the projects when the act of taking a snapshot seemed natural or to not ‘take away the essence’ of the love giving. Our acts ranged from small tokens of appreciation like a smile or a sticky note of encouragement, to larger, more elaborate projects.

(For a refresher, check out my Love!Love!Love! post, and Tess’ 40-things post right now. Then, come back.)

Lasting Effects

• I set the intention to give love without expectation and this never posed a problem in the least. Giving was a blast and built momentum like a snowball rolling down a mountain.
• I must admit that the small acts where I hid away surprises, but didn’t stay to see what happened, still have me wondering. I don’t stay up a night thinking about it, though.
• Goodness and love came back to me BIG TIME, and usually not in the same way or from the same person. For example, I brought a breakfast treat for a neighbor, but it was actually a different neighbor who surprised me with a loving gift not too long ago—out of nowhere.
• As I was amidst giving, new opportunities for giving love constantly revealed themselves. For example, my intention was to leave some bills at the coffee shop for the next person in line, but after I finished that mission, I met little Fiona on my way home and introduced myself. I learned that by keeping my mind open to love, I found outlets and needs all around me. The portal has been open ever since.
• Angels have picked up the torch and performed their own love missions: Belinda posted about giving love forty different ways, Lauren chose to give 56 acts of kindness (to celebrate her birth years). Tony felt moved to ponder the power that words like love harbor in today’s world. Keith published a moving post about keeping our eyes open for opportunities to give. My good friend Anna is performing 31 acts for her 31st birthday this month. You all rock! (If you know of people I neglected to mention, please let me know. I’d love to hear about them.)
• I continue to give love freely and to randomly carry out love missions. I feel like I’ve permanently embarked on Lori’s Love Boat.

My good friend and second-cousin-once-removed Chris (no kidding there) enjoyed the Love post, too, and has been keeping his eye out for ideas for me. Not long ago, he pointed me to this video (below) as an idea for a future love mission. I want to do this, too! What a cool idea. (Thanks, Chris!)

(If you’re having trouble viewing the vid, click here.)

What say you? I’d like to know if you have been given a random act of love or kindness. How did it make you feel as a receiver?

P.S. Thanks to everyone who has been patient with me of late, I’m way behind in the blogosphere. I’ll catch up soon! I’m sending waterfalls of love to you all. ~xo

P.P.S. That darling Davina is featuring me at her site today. I responded to a 9-word creative writing challenge she posed at her site and she’s featuring my submission. Thank you, lovely muse! It’s an honor to be recognized by you.

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{Reading time: ~6 minutes}

Having been named one the top ten personal development blogs by someone I admire, Annabel Candy of Get in the Hot Spot (thanks Annabel!), I suppose it’s time I acknowledge that many of my posts could fall into the personal development space.

I blog about writing, creativity, fitness, wellness, storytelling, leadership, and science. It’s fair to say I really don’t fit into a niche. A thread that ties together my posts might be supporting others while infusing personal stories. I tend to resist proffering advice unless I’ve done something myself and can use my experience as a vehicle for discussing a topic.

To embrace the Personal Development genre for today, I’m offering my Top Three Tips for topics that I find interesting, including some which I have yet to write about at JaneBeNimble.

Take these with a grain of salt and a dash of humor, too. Thank you.

Three tips to bring more love into your life

1) Give more love. (I gave 40 acts of love and will be writing about the snowball effect this created).

2) Love yourself.

3) Love the planet.

Three tips to become a vegetarian

1) Don’t try to substitute meat with meat-molded-veggie-tofu-like products (you’ll only be disappointed). E.g., no Tofrukey for me! Try a lentil taco (mmm) or a Portobello mushroom sandwich (double mmm).

2) Spend the spring and summer butchering chickens in a factory, then the fall and winter helping out on an overpopulated cattle yard. That will work wonders for you to see where much of your food comes from and how shitty this is for us and our planet.

3) Make a commitment to keep around your home lots of fresh produce, spices, dry beans, nuts, and the like, and investigate ways to cook them (or eat raw). Yum!

Three tips to enjoy sex

1) Tell your partner what you want. He/she can’t read your mind.

2) Masturbate. Self love is essential and fun.

3) Don’t be self-conscious. Being comfortable with yourself and your body is sexy!

Three tips to declutter

1) Donate your books or send to friends, and start using the library.

2) Go through your stuff and think, “Am I hanging onto this for a memory?” Stop clinging to the past and start making new memories without the need to hang on to physical pieces of them.

3) Stop buying stuff! If you have to have a new something (pen, shirt, jewelry, car, doohickey, etc.) give away or donate something you already have before you buy more junk to replace it. (And read this post about living with less.)

Three tips to be more healthy

1) Energy in should equal energy out. Don’t eat more than you burn. Simple, isn’t it?

2) Get a good night’s sleep.

3) Exercise.

Three tips to help you sleep

1) Stop consuming caffeine: coffee, black tea, Red Bull, chocolate. If that seems impossible, stop consuming caffeine after 11 AM.

2) Get off your stinkin’ computer, or stop using other light-emitting devices, at least two to three hours before bed time. Studies have shown this wavelength of light can interrupt sleepy time.

3) Refer to the above category, “Three ways to enjoy sex.”

(Note: If none of these work, read my Ph.D thesis about RNA aptamers as decoys for transcription factors. Zzzz…)

Three tips to find treasure

1) Remove the couch cushions, you’re almost guaranteed to find enough to feed the meter.

2) Check your coat pockets from last winter. No joke here, I used to leave a few bucks in my winter coat pockets just so I’d be surprised the next fall when I grabbed the coat and reached into the pockets! I know, I know, how lame! But, it surprised me every time to find a few bills in my pocket. Whoo hoo!

3) Look in the mirror. You are a treasure, see yourself and all your beauty. Give of yourself to others.

Three tips to deepen your friendships

1) Ask for help.

2) Don’t judge the actions of others, try to put yourself in their shoes.

3) Send a little package, and this does not mean buying more crap. I sent someone a sand dollar I found on the beach the other day. Also, a little note in one’s mailbox can mean more than you think.

Three tips for writing better posts (or email messages, or short stories)

1) Please, please, please proofread your work. I read my prose forward, backward, and then have my Mac read my work aloud for me, too. It’s amazing what you’ll catch when you hear or read aloud your work.

2) Cut 10-20% of your words from your original draft. This is still difficult for me, but I’m working on it.

3) Live! Adventures and experiences make for savory stories. Then, infuse these nibblets into your writing.

Three tips to enjoy being a stepparent

1) You don’t have to be your stepkids’ mom or dad, and they probably don’t want you to be, either. But, you can be their friend and even their confidant.

2) Share your spouse’s love—and yours—with your stepkids. There’s plenty to go around. Love is a renewable resource!

3) It’s pretty cool, really, to have people in your life who love you as a stepmom or stepdad. Savor this special relationship.

Three tips to learn to draw

1) Grab a pencil and go! Find an object on your desk to start. I drew an acorn the other day that rocked!

2) Find a book about drawing, but don’t delay. Tips are great, but they aren’t near as valuable as practice.

3) Don’t over think it. Do it!

Three tips to meditate

1) Get comfortable. I lie on my back, arms across my chest.

2) Start by breathing in, over about four or more seconds. Breathe out, for four or more seconds.

3) Follow your breath, counting from one to seven. First inbreath is ONE, then say or think a sound or word on the outbreath; I usually say ohhmmm. When you get to seven, start over.

(Disclaimer: Obviously, there is a myriad of ways to meditate, this is my version.)

Three tips for finishing a marathon

1) Find a good pillar of support: a coach, mentor, fellow runner, or running group. Sign up for the race that will give you six to eight months to train.

2) Steadily increase a long run each weekend, no more than 10% each week, with your longest run two to three weeks before the marathon. Run a shorter run about every third or forth weekend to help your body recover and rebuild.

3) There’s really no need to run for longer than about three hours during your longest training runs.

Three tips to meet a mermaid

1) Become proficient swimming in the ocean with no wetsuit or other implements, e.g., snorkel.

2) Think of yourself as the magical, beautiful being you already are—mermaids love people who already love themselves.

3) Swim at least 2 km from shore, preferably to an area with a current. Be open to possibility.

Ta da! Thanks for humoring me.

My questions for you:

If you’re a blogger, what blogging “niche” do you fill? Or do you think about this as much as you think about your toenails?

Or, what three tips can you proffer for us in the comments?

Or if you don’t blog, what entices you to read blogs?

Create a great day! Love to y’all.

[Photo courtesy Alaskan Dude via Creative Commons license.]

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Can someone please help me find my socks?

They’ve been blown off my feet.

My post today has two parts, a introduction to a very special author and her book, and a meet-n-greet with two women breathing change—while walking the walk. I couldn’t help but to spend time today glowing about these women. (Does the screen already seem brighter to you?)

I love stories and can’t seem to stop talking about them. Whether it’s a story shared by the water cooler or a masterful shamanistic story, stories move us. Stories heal.

A friend sent me a copy of Robin Easton’s book titled “Naked in Eden” and I dove into it with no expectations. I trusted the sender not to send me tripe, but was not quite sure what to expect.

[I'm not an affiliate, I don't sell anything or make money from my blog. Click all links as much as you feel compelled. I'm trying to develop a platform not a business. Is it working? Please don't answer that question. Thank you.]

Here’s what I discovered while reading Naked in Eden…

Masterful story telling: Robin knows how to tell a story and keep a person hanging on every word. Try it, that’s a difficult skill to master. I’d love to take a meandering walk with Robin, I will bet good money she has some great stories up her sleeve!

Laughter: I loved Robin’s glossary of Aussie Slang. Since her hubs is Australian, the glossary helped me process some of the conversational text. I wasn’t totally lost, but a few words had me guessing until I referenced the glossary. Plus, now I can sling some phrases to my Aussie blogging friends and sound cool. There’s also a hilarious analogy about how hard it is for some of us to ask for directions, but I’ll leave that as a surprise when yewse read the book. So funny!

Adventure: That’s Adventure with a capital “A.” You’ll be taken from snake encounters, to cliff scaling, to crocodile-populated waters back to butterfly births and the deeper meaning of the circle of life. Holy Racing Heart, Batgirl Robin, you really know how to get my ticker pumping. (Tick tock, defibrillator, anyone? George, can I get a jump?)

A deeper meaning—connection to Nature: Robin lived in a rainforest with her hubs with very few supplies, including clothing, and deepened her relationship with Nature. I could relate to many of her words having grown up on a farm, eating food raised using our own hands. To know where one’s food comes from is a lost story these days. Her story had such a strong impact, I still think about it several times a day. And, no, it’s not all about food, it’s about connection and our relationship with our Mother Earth.

Don’t take it from me, other Divas have also written about Robin’s book, too. See Tess’ post, Patty’s post, and Evita’s post, for starters.

As an aside, no one asked me to discuss this book here at JaneBeNimble or at Twitter. I’m writing this because I want to, I’m a tree-hugger, I love this planet, and I’m an unapologetic bleeding heart. I’m not going to stop talking about this topic and spreading the word until we do something to raise our collective consciousness to reconnect our relationship with Mum Nature.

Breathing Change

I follow a blog near and dear to my heart—Susannah’s photography feeds my soul just as much as her writing. I happened across a guest today at her blog, and they both use actions, not just words, to incite change.

These are my kind of gals!

The post is titled, Changing the World, One Breath at a Time. Susannah’s guest, Marianne Elliott, is a writer, a human rights advocate and a yoga teacher.

It’s difficult to summarize Marianne’s rich experiences, but here’s a brief snippet from her About page:

“Later, in Afghanistan I headed up a new provincial office for the United Nations Mission in Afghanistan, where I learned the difference between striving for change and being of service. These days, I aim to be of service.”

“In my spare time, I co-wrote a UNIFEM report on Gender-Based Violence in Afghanistan. I wrote it in my spare time because there was no other time to write and I thought it had to be written.”

I suggest you visit to learn more about her.

I could say so much about both Susannah and Marianne, I love how they choose to expend their energy. I have decided to follow Susannah’s lead by taking up Marianne’s offer to help others by signing up for a 30-day online Yoga program with Marianne. Taking a sort of Karmic pay-what-you-can approach, Marianne is donating every dollar to those in need and suggests we donate only what feels good. See specifics here. (Registration is open now until October 3rd. Again, I get nothing out of mentioning this other than the opportunity to help others and feeling good in the process. Mmmm…)

I want to focus my energy on mindfulness and breathing, so this is perfect timing. The course can be tailored to your needs (e.g., I’m concerned less about flexibility and weight loss, more about stress relief and meditation). I was pointed to an article recently that discussed a study where mindfulness (meditation) was shown to improve the physical and emotional well-being of people with MS. (Thank you, Debbie!)

The synergy of life never ceases to amaze me. We all are surrounded by people ready to help. People doing good things in this world. If we keep our eyes, minds, and hearts open, the answers will come.

Do something today. Love someone. Love someone even if it’s difficult. Especially if it’s difficult.

Click to register

Thanks for being here today!

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“When you tell a story, you tell it to all creation. It’s cosmic. It never goes away.” ~~~ Hugh Morgan Hill, a.k.a. Brother Blue

Storyteller Hugh Morgan Hill regarded storytelling as a sacred duty and a path to universal harmony. I couldn’t agree more.

Storytelling actors and performers on the stage aren’t the only storytellers, we all are storytellers as we share stories about our experiences with others.

The best stories will guide us but not tell us what to do. It is up to us, the reader or receiver, to follow the path that beckons us.

This process reminds me of a successful coach/student relationship. A good open-water swim coach might show the swimmer where the ocean rip tides exist and the location of an ideal exit from the water, but she won’t move her student’s arms and legs for him. It’s the coach’s responsibility to guide the swimmer, but not do it for him, and the student’s responsibly to learn from the experience.

I am fascinated by stories communicated to us through myths such as the story of Perseus (Greek mythology) and Pele (Polynesian mythology). The mythical story is a vehicle for learning how to grow in the world. But, we need new myths that help guide us through modern times, too.

Where does the role of storyteller, myth, and shaman intersect?

Shamans represent a belief system or conviction, not necessarily a religion, and can serve roles as healer and teacher, and have been known to share poetry. Shamans help to maintain the physical and spiritual well-being of the tribe.

Historically speaking, it may be possible that shamans hold the oldest belief system in the world. In many cultures, shamans believe when they call on the spirits, they will respond. This strikes a resonant chord with me. If I sit with the intention to create poetry, sketch, or to write a story, it “magically” happens. I’m not implying that I am a shaman (or maybe I am?), but I believe we all innately possess the tools at our disposal to dip into the sea of creativity and well-being while improving the lives of others in the process.

I believe that by storytelling, we are also raising the collective consciousness. Whether you’re a published novelist, a blogger, a parent, or a friend, the experiences you share with others encourage growth into each person’s own heroic mythical moments. These moments ripple to others to inspire those around them.

We must not only give what we have, we must give what we are. ~~~ Désiré-Joseph Mercier

When you’re ready to receive information, it will come. You can discover your own guiding myths through novels, movies, plays, or music (for example). Remember the last time you read a book and felt the author was speaking directly to YOU?

I do. And this happens almost daily.

You, the storyteller shaman, have important work to do. Yes you!

Launch your heroic journey and when you reach the other side, tell us about it and the message will be revealed to the people who need to see it. The heroic journey might be raising children, lessons from illness, caring for an elderly parent, a spiritual quest, or giving love freely, but know you are on a heroic journey every day.

Also as important, as we answer the call and reach safe waters, choose yet another journey. Or, let it choose you.

Joseph Campbell said it best, “We all have a hero’s journey to share. The greater life’s pain, the greater life’s reply.”

This post was inspired by many of my life teachers who have shown me, through their storyteller shamanic prowess, messages I was ready to see. Some I will link here, some have made it to their next journey beyond this life, others are yet to be realized. (Forgive me if you do not see your name listed here, know I love you all, including you if you’re here reading. This was meant to be.)  ~xo

Jay for showing me how to love unconditionally and heroically.

Tess for showing me how to give AND receive with an open heart.

Simon and Evita for for opening my eyes to possibility and healing.

Sara and Davina for igniting my creative force.

Justine for sharing her heroic journey (in writing and life).

Tony & Cassy for adding to my pool of renewal and faith.

Patty for being a fellow storyteller extraordinaire and Shero.

Tim for being my brother (from another mother). 

All of my family and friends, thank you.

[Photo courtesy NASA via Creative Commons license}

Join me in the comments to discuss. I’d love to hear what you have to say.

P.S. Have you performed a random act of kindness or love you’d like to add to the LOVE fest? I’d love to hear about it.

♦ For more storytelling, visit my Front Porch to laugh and join discussions about life with a variety of people from all walks of life.

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Take pride in what you do. The kind of pride I’m talking about is not the arrogant puffed-up kind; it’s just the just the whole idea of caring — fiercely caring.   ~Red Auerbach

I read this quote today and it set my soul on fire. The ends of my fingertips are still smoldering.

Of the career paths I’ve walked in my life, I can say with gut-wrenching honesty I fiercely cared about my various vocations.

I’m saying this in a non-puffed-up-kind-of way, of course.

Sometimes my feet burned from the hot coals as I traversed the path, but when things mean enough to me, I’ll keep walking until I get to where I’m going. Plus, now I have some pretty neat callouses to give me cushion so I can continue walking the fierce-caring walk.

Having been formerly employed as a full-time writer, I suppose to some people that qualifies me as Writer with a capital “W.” I even still have an active Press Pass (yeah, with capital “Ps”). That said, anyone who writes is a writer in my eyes—Pass or No Pass.

As my good friend recently remarked to me while he was figuratively holding me on his shoulders during a pep talk, “You ARE an author. Own it!” (Thanks, mate! Shaka that and thanks for the reminder.)

Damn straight! And same to you. If you want to write, get to it! Don’t waste a second.

And while you’re at it, bring your caring ferocity along for the ride.

Blogging is a large slice of my writing activity and I approach all my writing efforts with that same fiercely caring heart. I want people to not only read my writing but to feel it down to their marrow. Can you feel it?

Think about this for just a few seconds: while you’re doing what you do in your life, whether it’s your regular day job or a weekend hobby, do you fiercely care? When you write a post, do you feel it in your bones and do your best to transfer that energy to your readers?

Why are you still reading this?

Head to the comments and tell me about something your fiercely care about. Or grab a piece of paper and a hot pink Crayon and spend five minutes describing the last time you did something you fiercely care about. Remember that feeling and bring it to more of the things you do.

Can we start a caring revolution?

As a follow-up to my previous post, THANK YOU for reading my and Tess’ posts and for your comments. I was blown away! I am confident that many people will feel loved as a result of YOU.

[Photo courtesy Mike Baird via Creative Commons license.]

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(Here’s to Tess Marshall for opening my world to LOVE! this month. Tess, you are amazing and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I appreciate you!)

How sweet that our RAOKA (random acts of kick arse) posting for August landed on September 1st. September also happens to be my birth month (Sept 8th is the big day). Woot! My good buddy Tess emailed me out of the blue in late July to ask me if she could celebrate my birthday with me by doing something extra special. It is my big FOUR OH after all.

Tess sent me this link to a post which features Robyn celebrating her 38th birthday by doing 38 things for others. I LOVE! the idea, too! So, I joined Tess to celebrate by performing forty random acts of kick arse love for others (wander over to Tess’ blog to check out her forty things, too!).

Kazaw! Shazam! What a LOVE! trip it’s been!

You are invited to my virtual raoka-love-forty-things birthday party, with a challenge!

My gift to you:

At noon your time today, give yourself a big hug from me—I’m so grateful for your wonderful presence in my life!

Your gift to me:

Perform a random act of love today and come back here to tell me about it in the comments. It can be anything from the smallest smile to changing someone’s life. I can’t wait to hear what you did! Happy Birthday LOVE! to me.

In the mean time, here’s how I spent the month of raoka-birthday LOVE!

READY????

ONE: Purchased a book of stamps and taped them to a local mailbox with a note saying, “Please take: use to send your love to friends or family.”

TWO: I brought breakfast to my elderly neighbor and made sure she knew she can ask me if she needs anything. A few days later she knocked on my door to express the gratitude in my actions. I felt love and think she did, too.

THREE: When I’m out on a walk, I often see a young girl hanging out in front of a particular store front. I’ve always wondered about her (why is she there?). I stopped one morning to say hello and speak with her, she seemed lonely. Her name’s Fiona and her mom works in the store. She is ten years old and on summer break. She seemed really glad to meet someone so we chatted and laughed for about twenty minutes. Now when I see her, I take the time to stop and say hello and it warms my heart to hear her say, “Hi Lori! How are you today?!” I think she needed a friend (and so did I).

FOUR: Tell my mail carrier thank you by putting a love note and Starbucks gift card in my mailbox.

FIVE: While I am not super active on Twitter, I’m there briefly a couple times a day. I’ve warmed up to Twitter and have met a lot of good friends there. I aimed to base 90% of my Tweets around #love. Here are four examples:

SIX: I saw a police officer walking to his car. I stopped him to tell him thank you for his service to our community. He smiled, shook my hand, and asked my name. He was incredibly gracious and I could tell he really appreciated hearing thank you for a rather thankless job. (This made my heart smile.)

SEVEN: While I understand the purpose for spiders as a natural part of the environmental milieu, they still creep me out. I rescued a spider one afternoon by scooting her on a piece of paper and taking her outside. Eep! I think this was the hardest LOVE! act I carried out all month (pun intended). Remember my last attempt to rescue an arachnid? Yipe!

EIGHT: Spelled LOVE! using quarters on one of my favorite sculptures in the park, then walked away with a huge smile on my face. (The next morning, they were gone.)

NINE: I wrote a letter to a long-time friend from high school just to say hello and that I was thinking about her. Then, I wrote one to her parents, too. I spent a lot of time at their home as a kid and want them to know I love them.

TEN: When I’m able to swim, I LOVE! it. As I enter the pool area, I’m required to check in at the front desk and there is always this groovy chicka there—she’s very pleasant. I introduced myself (instead of whisking by) and told her how much I appreciated her working there so that I can swim. Her name is Hilary. I then told her I know another woman named Hilary who is the kindest, sweetest person ever. She smiled and now I’m delighted to know her a little better.

ELEVEN: I am loving the organic produce brought to a local drop-off station by a committed, caring, loving community group. I’ve become much more healthy and I own them deep gratitude and love. I wrote a testimonial for their website and furnished them with a few photos I often shoot—the produce is too beautiful not to keep a record! Here’s to you, the garden of eden!

TWELVE: I live in a complex of units with a fountain at the center in a common area. I noticed the fountain basin and water was getting really dirty so I decided to chip in and clean it myself. I love water, and now the sparkling fountain is much prettier! As the residents walked by, they all had huge smiles and many expressed their gratitude. Check. Mate.

THIRTEEN: While walking up a rather steep hill, I saw a cyclist climbing the hill. I gave him a lot of encouragement and he had a huge smile on his face because of it. Woot!

FOURTEEN: I noticed a a couple moving into our complex this month and happened to be walking by, so I introduced myself and welcomed them. I also told them to knock on my door if they ever needed anything. It was great to get to know them a little better—great people!

FIFTEEN: I mailed a hand-written letter to my aunt, with whom I haven’t communicated in many years. I love her very much and wanted to make sure she knew how much she means to me had how positively she’s impacted my life. I love her and she means the world to me.

SIXTEEN: While I was out on a walk, I saw a construction worker taking a break. So I stopped and told him hello and to have a nice day. He returned the sentiments and we both turned away smiling.

SEVENTEEN: While picking up coffee one morning at a local coffee shop, I decided to pay for the person behind me in line. I paid the cashier and then gave her a $10 bill and asked her to use it for the next person and give him any of the remaining change. She seemed confused and didn’t speak English well. She said, “You want change for the bill?” I said, no, I want you to use this for the next person. She said, “What? I don’t understand.” I said, I want to do something nice for a random stranger. Can you give him this? She nodded, seeming confused, but I think everything turned out as I had planned. It was kind of funny, actually. I didn’t stay to see what happened.

EIGHTEEN: I am in constant awe and feel deep loving gratitude for those who serve others. I took a moment to send love to our President, Barack Obama (via a contact form @ whitehouse.gov). This must be one of the most stressful, thankless jobs out there, and I appreciate his service to our country. Love to you, Mr. President.

NINETEEN: I stopped by the ocean life guard tower to ask one of the lifeguards what I can do for them. I said I appreciate their service to others and wanted to thank them somehow. He directed me to the head lifeguard and he said while they couldn’t accept money, they always love food! So, I walked to my favorite taco shop (vegetarian! yummy!) and got them some bean burritos. When I walked back, I think they were really surprised and couldn’t believe it. One lifeguard actually said this, “You’d be surprised, a lot of people never say thank you. We make 30–40 rescues a day, and of course they’re often stunned, but they often just run away embarrassed.” His eyes were misty. “Thank you so much, ma’am, this really means a lot to us. We really appreciate it!” They then introduced themselves, asked my name, and all gave me a huge salty hug. I think this had to be one of my favorite days this month. I had no idea they rarely hear a, “thank you.”

TWENTY: While I was at the taco shop, I told the cashier what I was up to, and she was excited about the idea and introduced herself. I asked her (Natalie) if she wanted to sign a note with me for the lifeguards. So, she did! (The lifeguards liked that, too.) I then asked if there was anything I could do for her as one of my forty things. She said she didn’t want anything, but if I could she’d love it if I tried to avoid using plastic bags and switch to canvas or at least paper, since the paper can be recycled. I LOVE! this girl!

TWENTY-ONE: I made a point to use zero plastic bags this month. I rarely ever use them, but occasionally I use one at the store if I forget my canvas bag at home. Not this month. If I forgot my bag, I had to walk back home to get canvas. I did it for Natalie and I think it definitely got me into the habit of never using plastic. How awesome is that? Big LOVE!

TWENTY-TWO: I went to a local veterans’ memorial site to pay my respects and send my love to the fallen and their loved ones. I had never been here specifically to take time to read the inscriptions and be with those who have gone before me. I was deeply moved. I spoke to a man who was mounting more “new” plaques on the wall and we had a very special moment. Two strangers, to people’s hearts sending love far and wide. I shed many tears this day, but they were tears of love and gratitude. Here are just a few photos from that day.

Soul sister and code breaker Julia Keelin, WWII {LOVE YOU!}

Soul Brother Virgil Hoffman, Vietnam, {LOVE YOU!}

Soul sister Tanya Blane, SW Asia, {LOVE YOU!}

Tracy Greenamyer, Gulf War, can't stop thinking about her. {LOVE YOU!}

TWENTY-THREE: When I’m out for walks, I usually walk by this one hotel with a doorman out front. I’ve lived here for over five years and I think I’ve always seen this particular doorman occasionally all these years. I decided it was time we met. I walked up to him early this month, introduced myself, asked his name and told him his smiles and candor have always brightened my days. His name is Benny. Then, I said, The next time I walk by, I’m going to say, “Hi Benny! How’s your day?” And, I’m going to be sincerely asking. I want to know. He smiled a mile wide. Sure enough, a few days later, I walked by and said, Hi Benny! How’s your day? And he said, “Hi Lori, it’s great! Keep smiling!” Holy Smiling Doorman Friend, Batgirl, this is fun!

TWENTY-FOUR: People were sitting around a table outside the grocery store with people taking donations for the local music society. When I had purchased my groceries, I also picked up five SuperLotto tickets for the California Lottery. When I exited the store, I gave the five tickets to one of the people behind the table and said that I wanted to give them the five lottery tickets as my donation and if they win they can certainly keep the money for the music society. I have no idea if they actually won, but it was a fun time for all of us.

TWENTY-FIVE: I love my local art museum across the street. I bought two tickets to the museum and approached two people outside who looked enamored by the museum, offered them the tickets, and briefly explained my love-birthday-forty-things mission. They turned out to be architects and college buddies (one local, one from Boston) who hadn’t seen each other in decades. We ended up talking for quite awhile, hugged goodbye, and the local guy gave me his business card and told me if I ever needed anything, to please contact him. Awesome day!

(I electronically smudged the information for his privacy.)

TWENTY-SIX: My neighbor gave me a key to her home to water and watch over her plants on her balcony while she was away on vacay. My hubs helped me make sure all was going okay and also to clean the area prior to her return (thanks sweetheart! I love you!). I also left a little giftie surprise for her. (She’s delightful and I love giving her LOVE!)

TWENTY-SEVEN: I sent a couple of little surprises to a few of my friends in Australia. Just ‘cuz. Because I love them. Plus, how cool is it that I can physically send something half-way across the world for the cost of a couple cups of coffee? Amazing…

TWENTY-EIGHT: I focused on picking up rubbish on the beach instead of looking for more additions to my shell/sea glass/random treasures/sand dollar collection. While I usually try to spot and throw away things during my walks, this time I made it my focus. I love the beach and loved making her more beautiful.

TWENTY-NINE: On days I go for walks, I almost always, purposefully, walk by a certain lovely home with gorgeous roses. I often pause to take in their wonderful aroma—amazing! I once told “The Rose Lady” hello while she was pruning and she struck me as a very kind soul. A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a note thanking her for her gorgeous flowers and stuck it on the landing by her door. (The next day, the note was gone. )

THIRTY: I bought a gift card at the grocery store, turned around after paying for my goods, and gave it to the woman behind me. She was, maybe, in her 70s and I thought she was going to start crying. She said it was one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for her and thanked me profusely. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about her—I find it disturbing that this beautiful woman, in all these years, hasn’t experienced more kind acts shown to her than a goofy gift card. Really? (Please do something for someone today!)

THIRTY-ONE: I called both my mom and mother-in-law one day, with the sole purpose of telling them I love them. I am a lucky woman to have them in my life.

THIRTY-TWO: I don’t fuss over my hair much, but when I get a trim, I look forward to spending time with my favorite lock-cutter. Tony is awesome, has brought me much joy and healing energy this year, and I love him. I brought pastries one morning, on a pretty plate I had painted, to his shop for him and his clients. (I kind of feel bad about this one, actually. I don’t eat pastries and I found out neither does Tony [good for him and our healthy habits]. We agreed he’d display them because they are so pretty, but not eat them. Yay!)

THIRTY-THREE: While standing in line with some produce, I saw a woman behind me who looked agitated, angry, and upset for being stuck in line. I looked her in the eye and asked if she’d like to take my place in line—I was next to be helped. Her expression softened and gratefully accepted my offer. (This happened on several occasions, and I think I’ll do this a lot more in the future, too. Five extra minutes in line is not a big deal to me.) Life is good.

THIRTY-FOUR: I told a dear friend, who I love very much, how much I appreciate her. (See the top of this post…)

THIRTY-FIVE: I’m pretty sure the readers of this blog know by now I have MS. I emailed my neurologist to express my gratitude for her time, wisdom, and attention. I think it’s amazing she interacts with me via email when I need her input, and I appreciate her candor. She’s really great and I’m happy to know her.

THIRTY-SIX: I mailed a hand-written, heart-felt letter of encouragement to my three twenty-something step daughters. I love them very much. I want nothing more than for their lives to be filled with love.

THIRTY-SEVEN: During my check up at the hospital this month, I was not feeling so great. I had to give blood for analysis and was none too happy about it. Since the hospital where I’m treated only treats veterans, my phlebotomist asked me about my military service. She was funny, kind, and we ended up laughing a lot. I thanked her warmly for her service to others working at the hospital and she was immensely grateful. By the time my blood draw was over (including placing an IV port), we were both laughing so hard and hugged each other goodbye. Now, that’s my kind of day! LOVE! it!

THIRTY-EIGHT: I spent the month helping Lauren Lankford drop love bombs on unsuspecting recipients. I love what Lauren is doing: once a week she rallies hundreds of people to meet at a site/blog to encourage someone having a rough go of it with a comment. (To get involved, join the team or follow @dropalovebomb on Twitter.) P.S. My love bombing is not stopping!

THIRTY-NINE: I love libraries. I checked out four children’s books, including a personal favorite (and sometimes my nickname!) The Lorax, by T.S. Geisel, and inserted a crisp, new one dollar bill along with a note encouraging the finder of the bill, then returned the books to the library drop box. The notes were all different, but here’s text from one, “This is only the beginning of the treasures you’ll find in books. Keep reading! Love You, ~xo”

FORTY: A BIG HUG TO YOU AT NOON TODAY, FOR AS LONG AS YOU WANT, FOR YOUR PRESENCE IN MY LIFE! THANK YOU! (In the photo below, I’m hugging my favorite tree, it’s getting a hug today, too!)

Hugs to you! (See, I told you I am a tree hugger!)

Head to the comments and please describe any love mission you’ve performed (big or small) this month for RAOKA: LOVE!, or to help me celebrate my birthday! You are awesome!

Stay tuned for next month’s theme: Grace (chosen by M at The Exception).
♦ July’s theme post: Trust
♦ June’s theme post: Wisdom
♦ May’s theme post: Serenity
♦ April’s theme post: Family
♦ March’s theme post: Laughter
♦ February’s theme post: Passion
♦ January’s theme post: Gratitude
♦ December’s theme post: Wacky!
♦ November’s theme post: Beauty
♦ October’s theme post: Kindness

The RAOKA mission seeks to remind us that Random Acts of Kick Arse happen all around us—and also to spread the spirit. Each month, us RAOKA team mateys vote on a new theme based on your submissions.

On the first Wednesday of each month (US time zone) we invite everyone to post about what we’ve observed, passed along, or created. During the first ten days of the month, contact me with your theme ideas for the next month.

I’m at the helm of the RAOKA Crusade with my team mateys Lance, Gayze, and Zeenat. Check out their LOVE posts along with other crusader posts linked at the bottom of this post.

Be Involved in RAOKA!

If you’d like to become a Random Acts of Kick Arse Crusader—here’s your chance:

1. Propose a theme by contacting me the first ten days of the month or simply follow along with our monthly themes and spread the Random Acts of Kick Arse!
2. Write a post about what you have been up to and publish it on the first Wednesday of each month if you are in the US (for other parts of the world, check out your corresponding day here). If you would like a reminder emailed to you each month or would like more information, please contact me. If you don’t have a blog, you’re welcome to play along in the comments.
3. When you see my RAOKA post published, add your details in the form below including the URL address of your own RAOKA post and the title of your blog in the “Link Title” field. This will then automatically create a link to your post for others to see what kind of arse kicking you’ve been up to. See the following link as an example (link 1).

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I write every day. I have stories to tell.

Sometimes I craft just a few pages in the morning (a la Julia Cameron’s morning pages). Sometimes I write much more: short stories, blog posts (obviously), or poetry. And, like many authors, the goofy shit I’ve done in my life—adventures, wrong turns, and walls climbed—inform much of my writing.

Every now and then I correspond with readers of my blog, friends, or even relatives who say they can’t imagine writing anything interesting about their lives. “I’m just a normal bloke, I’ve done nothing interesting.”

Peh!

I beg to differ. There can’t be anything further from the truth.

When I hear this I die a little on the inside.

Maybe it’s my love of the art of memoir and deep love of storytellilng that has helped me understand this, but everyone has loads and loads of stories to tell. I promise. Trust me.

Case in point, when I write my Front Porch posts, I have always approached the guest (not the other way around) and I know intuitively he or she has a story to tell. We all do. I ask a few questions, we start talking, and I have yet to have a guest on my Porch who wasn’t absolutely interesting, engaging, and chock full of amazing stories.

I also believe telling our stories can be healing. When I wrote this post I felt incredibly alive and full of life. The act of writing incited these feelings.

I want to give you a challenge today, because I know you have it in you.

If you’re into it and want to give yourself a dose of love and healing, leave me a comment where you describe a time in your life in the context of one of these questions in fifty words or less (ten words are fine!), but stretch yourself and see yourself as the interesting, awesome, and lively person you really are.

1. Describe a time you were in severe physical pain, but you also happen to be a demigod. And the pain is only transient.  (Example: My gut felt like it was punched by Muhammad Ali, but, below the pain rose a great life force. Immediately the glowing energy ate away the pain and I rose like a Phoenix.)
2. Describe a very sensual moment and only use oblique references such foods or colors to detail your feelings. (Example: The berry sweetness kept me close. The touch was like the feeling of suede on a warm summer day. I could not contain myself.) [Feel free to leave an anonymous comment if you want. Express yourself—expression holds healing power.]
3. Describe something you still can’t believe you did to this day. (Example: I was fiery angry and needed an outlet, so I bought a tube of toothpaste and squeezed the entire tube into the trash can. [Yes, this really happened.] )

You have stories. You are awesome. I want to hear you roar.

[Photo by kevindooley via Creative Commons license]

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One question in particular made me quite contemplative.

I’m paraphrasing here, but he asked what song I would want played at my funeral. Having thought I might bite the big one on more than one occasion in my life, seriously, I had actually thought about this question before. I’ve never feared death and hope when that day comes knocking, you’ll remember this song and hum the tune (or sing at the top of your lungs) to celebrate life and my next fantastic journey.

In case you’re not familiar with the song I named for Tony (one of them, anyway), I thought I’d post the lyrics along side a You Tube video for weekend chillaxing.

The first time I really listened to the lyrics, I swear the Earth stopped spinning, for just a microsecond.

This sums it up, baby cakes. Thank you everyone for your time, thoughtful comments, and attention while I basked in Trottersville this week. And, thank you Mr. Single, for just being you. Have a magnificent weekend!

Watch the video via You Tube (click here if you’re viewing via RSS). The video is 5 min. 46 sec. in length and is supposedly the first network appearance of the Indigo Girls back in 1989. Their performance revs up right at the beginning. I love their conviction.

“Closer To Fine”

Songwriters: Keith Hunter & Emily Ann Saliers

I’m trying to tell you something about my life
Maybe give me insight between black and white
The best thing you’ve ever done for me
Is to help me take my life less seriously, it’s only life after all
Well darkness has a hunger that’s insatiable
And lightness has a call that’s hard to hear
I wrap my fear around me like a blanket
I sailed my ship of safety till I sank it, I’m crawling on your shore.

I went to the doctor, I went to the mountains
I looked to the children, I drank from the fountain
There’s more than one answer to these questions
pointing me in crooked line
The less I seek my source for some definitive
The closer I am to fine.

I went to see the doctor of philosophy
With a poster of Rasputin and a beard down to his knee
He never did marry or see a B-grade movie
He graded my performance, he said he could see through me
I spent four years prostrate to the higher mind, got my paper
And I was free.

I went to the doctor, I went to the mountains
I looked to the children, I drank from the fountain
There’s more than one answer to these questions
pointing me in crooked line
The less I seek my source for some definitive
The closer I am to fine.

I stopped by the bar at 3 a.m.
To seek solace in a bottle or possibly a friend
I woke up with a headache like my head against a board
Twice as cloudy as I’d been the night before
I went in seeking clarity.

I went to the doctor, I went to the mountains
I looked to the children, I drank from the fountain
There’s more than one answer to these questions
pointing me in crooked line
The less I seek my source for some definitive
The closer I am to fine.

I went to the doctor, I went to the mountains
I looked to the children, I drank from the fountain
There’s more than one answer to these questions
pointing me in crooked line
The less I seek my source for some definitive
The closer I am to fine.

We go to the bible, we go through the workout
We read up on revival and we stand up for the lookout
There’s more than one answer to these questions
pointing me in a crooked line
The less I seek my source for some definitive
The closer I am to fine
The closer I am to fine
The closer I am to fine

Have a beautiful weekend, everyone! Keep spreading the love! ~xo

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Happy day everyone. Tomorrow Jannie Funster will be here on the Front Porch if you’d like to say hello. In the mean time, I thought I’d share this ditty with you.

I happened upon a comment yesterday and the last line stuck in my mind like glue. I can’t stop thinking about it so I thought I share it here.

“Thank you for this post. Blogging is certainly a team sport.”

This comment was made by Jered over at Virgin Blogger Notes (thanks for that, man).

This line stuck because I realized something about myself, why sometimes blogging is a bit of a struggle for me: I tend to relate blogging to running a marathon (a steady pace wins the race) or a cycling event (tune the body, mind, and machine and the three will get you to the finish line). But, those are individual sports—I need to remember the team. We need each other to grow, we need the huddle.

Okay, I need to back up.

I noticed Jered’s comment at my first visit to Virgin Blogger Notes because my blogger buddy Tess from The Bold Life had a guest post over there. It’s always great to meet new friends to I hopped over there to say hello. It’s one of the best posts I’ve read about blogging and social media, so I highly suggest you get your eyes over there soon.

Having thought about the huddle and team sport approach, I want to share with you three bloggers I recently met and very much enjoy. I hope you’ll head over there to say hello, introduce yourselves, and similar to what Tony has once said, tell them Dr. L sent you.

(Yes, I AM a doctor but not the kind that treats people. That said, I might be able to clone you if you need an extra pair of hands at home or work.)

Ready, set, go! Three blogs to fuel your day…

Happiness Hunters is authored by Petteri who happens to live in Finland (cool!). One of the things that draws me to his site is photography. WOW! Beautiful! He writes about a cornucopia of topics and his writing will compel you to want more. When I go to his site I feel like I’m opening a box of chocolate truffles and regardless of the flavor, it will be a tasty treat! Currently he’s chronicling his recent travels in Europe, including photos that will make your heart melt.

Want to save the currency to travel to Europe? Just visit Petter’s recent posts.

Here’s a quote from Petteri to savor:

“It doesn’t matter where you are at the moment. What matters is where you are going and that you have the will to grow mentally, evolve, and adapt to whatever life brings on your way. Your life is going to be full of positivity and great things if you so choose.”

Thanks for your effort at Happiness Hunters, Petteri!

Joshua Noerr has a way with words, and I like to drink them like a fine wine. He’s spent a great deal of his life involved in combat sports and knows how to translate that energy to his posts. I see him as a wonderful story teller who uses his own experiences to learn and help others grow.

Even though I don’t consider myself in the personal development genre, here’s a favorite quote of mine from his site that showcases his generous spirit:

“Personal development is a little selfish, and that’s ok. Do it for you, there is nothing wrong with that. If you notice [...] issues starting to pop up, recognize them for what they are, and keep moving. If you need help with anything, reach out to someone. If you can’t think of anyone right away, hit your old buddy Josh up. I don’t have all the answers, and I never will, but sometimes it just helps to get it off your chest.”

Thank you Joshua! Keep up the great work.

Today would be a great day to pop over to tell the blog’s author, Meredith, hello as she posted about her one-year blog anniversary yesterday (Aug 11). Like I’ve said in her comment section one day, “Oh la la, where have you been all my life?!” Her photography and writer voice make me melt like butter in a hot pan. Can you hear the sizzle?

Here’s an example:

“It is my experience that there are always more opportunities for photos than we can possibly use. I find myself in exactly this posture with regard to my story ideas. If I were to live for 500 years, I’d never get to all the good ones in my notebooks. That’s just the way it is. The world is bursting with creative energy. That’s no reason to get in a hurry, to become anxious and afraid to miss something great.”

Thanks for sharing your art and your self with us, Meredith!

Have a great day everyone.

Pop over to the comment box to say howdy (or just leave me a smiley face ) and then head over to these Virgin, Bold, Happy, Mindful, and Enchanted pieces of heaven.

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