Monday, January 27, 2014

Thanks For Making My Day

 To read my Grow Your Blog post and enter 
my giveaway, scroll down or click here.


Random Kindness


A few little words . . . spoken quickly . . . and probably without much thought . . . yet they made my day.


I was walking outside to dump the trash the other day and a stranger walking down to the beach said to me, "your house is the cutest on this lane.


Thanks for making me smile.


Last week on "date night", Steve and I left the theater and as we crossed the street, a young woman in a car yelled out to us, "you two look so cute".


Thanks for making us laugh.


The other day, after Lulu's bath, I took her for a "fluff and dry" walk and was stopped by two women who oohed and aahed over Lulu.


As we chatted, one of the women shook my hand and said, "I'm Gloria.  You are a hoot!"


Thanks for befriending me.


My favorite was the telephone solicitor who asked to speak to my mother.


Thanks for letting me know that at least my voice is still young.


About 25 years ago, I was exiting church and the usher handed me the weekly flyer that I normally quickly browsed, and threw away within a day or two.


That day was different.


I read a short article that literally changed my life.


The gist of the message was-


How?


With a few simple, yet kind words.


The article went on to challenge me to make at least one person feel special each day.


I accepted that challenge and it became my "thing".


At school, I greeted students I didn't know with "cute shoes", "I like that jacket", "How's it going?"


I know my words made an impact because students wrote comments in my yearbook and wrote me letters at the end of each school year about how much my comments meant to them.


The sweet comments people leave on my blog mean so much and "make my day".


And now, it is time to catch up on my favorite blogs.


And maybe, I will make someone's day with my comment.

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

The photos have no connection to this post, but I am a visual person and love to see pictures on blogs.


All of the flowers are growing in my garden right now.

67 comments:

  1. Carol, you make our day with your wonderful posts and beautiful, colorful home. Thanks for making my day.
    By the way the pictures are stunning with all your lovely flowers.
    Mary

    ReplyDelete
  2. Happy day darling ....you make mine.....with this beautiful colorful post !!!...love Ria...x !

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beautiful words and beautiful flowers made me smile. What a delightfully colourful world you live in, my friend!!

    Poppy

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hello! Thank you for leaving a comment on Comptonia. You have the most colorful blog I have seen so far...so many of the pictures remind me of Portugal :)
    Just a note: the link at the top of the page doesn't go to your GYB Party post...it goes back to Vicki's list. Which is great, but I don't think it's what you intended, as the button in your sidebar already links to Vicki's site ;)
    Have a great and colorful day!

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a wonderful uplifting post! Wonderful words that truly inspire me and your photographs of your flowers are just stunning! Have a happy day, you made my day start off with a smile. Thank you!
    Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  6. i totally agree - i think about it often ... that when i am having a bad day i need to remember that i might meet some one that needs a kind or comforting word from me ... i have to least try. keep a smile. warm at heart. pass it on.

    gorgeous blooms. those irises are breathtaking. happy day! ( :

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks for sharing your inspiring words and gorgeous photos!

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a truly lovely post. A few kind words really can make someone's day and have such a positive impact!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am loving your flowers wish my garden was a bright and beautiful at this time of year. Your flowers have inspired my afternoon at the torch, thank you x

    ReplyDelete
  10. You are so right! A few kind words can really make someone's day. We are in a deep freeze here in Chicago so your beautiful flowers make going out to work in the -3 degree weather a little easier. They remind me that this deep freeze is not going to last forever. Have a wonderful day!

    ReplyDelete
  11. For shure you are doing that with me dearest Carol
    You always bring a smile on my face when you visit me and leave a comment.
    I love this new post you wrote and it made me realise how I Miss being around people .
    The last there years have turend me into a bit of a strange anaconda
    For a long time I believed that was it
    Now things are changing the good way the best way
    Meeting inspiring women overhere who are like gardian angels to me
    Is such a blessing Thank you for being you

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a wonderful post! It is true....you do have the cutest house and I haven't even seen the other ones...lol. I love your blog....it always brightens my day. Thanks for sharing!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Aw! This is the very sweetest post! :D

    ReplyDelete
  14. Good morning beautiful soul!

    I shut down my computer last night about 6:00 after being on it all day (and loving it) but it is amazing how many posts I miss in the NIGHT! Hey, guess what? HOME AGAIN TODAY, on Tuesday, due to -40 temps! We will be making up days, but in February during previously scheduled teacher meeting days. Not bad.

    Dearest Carol, this post rings so true. I have a draft in my files that is along the same lines....and I will share it one day. But for now, your posts speaks those volumes for me. You are so right in saying how important these things we say to our students are.... I remember many years back, I had a darling little boy in my fourth grade class. I adored him. When he went on to fifth grade, I would see him pass my class to get to his new classroom. I would merely say, "HI TIM!" I had no idea how that would effect him.

    Years later, I saw his mum. She came up to me in tears saying, "You have no idea how important it was to my son that you acknowledged him in the hall." Last year, I was substitute teaching in a senior class at the high school. I saw this bearded young man smile at me, come up to me and ask, "Do you remember me?" I could not recognize him for he was an older boy....but he said, "It's me.....Tim B......"

    Like Mother Teresa said, "A kind word..........echoes in eternity."

    Be well, carry on. Anita

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love the heart with the words. You have often brighten my day by leaving comments and Thank You for that. As bloggers sometimes we wonder if people read our blogs and that is why I think comments are wonderful. You just don't know when a comment you make on a persons blog will make them smile for that day.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Carol, this was a beautiful post and a reminder to us all. Thank you for sharing!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Awww . . . what a sweet post! I love reading your blog. Thank you for reminding us if we smile at the world the world will smile back and we can make a difference.

    ReplyDelete
  18. What a great post............and oh so true........every person alive needs encouragement and we might just be that one person
    who says just the right thing at the right time...........
    Kindness and sweet words cost us nothing, and makes us feel good too. It is a great goal to make someone or as many people as you can feel special everyday. Good for you...........we are on the same wavelength..........you must have the gift of encouragement as well................

    Keep on it is a much needed gift in this culture, and I always enjoy your blog, it is always positive. Another good thing!!
    Blessings, Nellie

    ReplyDelete
  19. What an awesome week you've had getting back some of the love you give out! I'm with you, I decided a few years ago, after coming out of a vicious spell of depression, to try to brighten the day of every person I meet, and I've been working it ever since. My favorite is my daily stop at McDonald's for sweet tea, I love to make the drive-thru employees smile :) As I tell my kids, it costs nothing to say something nice to someone else - and I'm very proud to say that my 17-y-o daughter already has the hang of it!!! You are awesome, Carol! Hugs ~ Mary

    ReplyDelete
  20. What an inspiring post Carol. I will definitely keep this in mind as I go through each day. Just a kind word here and there can make all the difference in someone's life. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Carol,
    Your colorful and happy flowers in your garden are an extension of the love in your heart. In all you do, you pay it forward in kindness. I find a visit to your blog like a warm hug and always feel happier for visiting. Thank you.
    xo,
    Vera

    ReplyDelete
  22. It is amazing how a few kinds words can make such a difference. I try to always have a smile for store employees and check out people and thank them! Yes, they are working but they also need to be appreciated for the job they are doing. Random words of kindness...it does make a difference! Hugs to you!

    ReplyDelete
  23. A wonderful post and seeing flowers is fine with me...it's all white and cold here! :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. So very true! Your words made me smile. :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. This was a beautiful post and made me smile just by reading it...thank you! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  26. What a lovely post, Carol. I've always thought words are best used to make people feel good about themselves!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Such a sweet and thoughtful post...:) Your flowers are so pretty and such a variety! All that is blooming here are camellias. They are my favorite though and such a nice pop of color in the yard during a cold winter. It is supposed to be 28 degrees and raining tomorrow night! We have had a cold, rainy, and windy winter. I am so looking forwrd to spring! Thanks for sharing your beautiful flowers...enjoy!

    Blessings, Vicky

    ReplyDelete
  28. You rock! The fact that you decided to make that a daily challenge is something we can all learn from! Can you imagine if everyone practiced this?!?!?! And I have no doubt that your students loved you...I bet you impacted more than you will ever know! By the way...your flowers made me feel warm and fuzzy! To see that color during this ice cold weather is just refreshing! A happy week you!!! Nicole xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  29. Truer words were never spoken! I try so hard to be kind to others - some I don't even know. It takes so little effort on our part and we never know what impact it could have on someone else.

    Great post!! Thanks for reminding us that it only takes a kind word to make someone else's day!

    Judy

    ReplyDelete
  30. This is medicine for my soul today. I am going to try to remember the say something to make someone's day now too. I love the comments you shared that people made to you and how you put them into the Heart Collage at the beginning.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Lovely post your words made me smile and have made my day! Sarah x

    ReplyDelete
  32. Well, first off, I am jealous that you have things like that growing in your garden. I am growing icicles and snow crystals. lol

    I do the same thing, Carol. I try to say something to someone that will warm them to their core. I get more from their expression than they do from what I say to them. xo Diana

    ReplyDelete
  33. Beautiful post and blog! My first time to visit, and I'll be back! Thanks for your comment. I'm so sorry your mother lost her treasures. I don't have enough to be worth much, but at least now I have photos of them if I decide to sell them someday. Have been ill, but am feeling better so I'm hoping to post again before too long. Hope you'll visit again! Blessings, Bess

    ReplyDelete
  34. A beautiful idea and beautiful flowers. Glad I came by. Eleanor x

    ReplyDelete
  35. This post is exactly the reason why I adore you Carol! xoxo Jen You make me smile every time I read your posts!

    ReplyDelete
  36. it is such a simple thing....friendly and kind words....and they hold so much power

    ReplyDelete
  37. What a beautiful post! I am visual too, so the flowers made it extra special. I am so glad you are having such fun each day. Now that's what life is all about!

    ReplyDelete
  38. loved your comment on Olde Baggs n Stuft Shirts. Yep, middle school kids will make ya crazy but we are the lucky ones.....because they were a part of our lives and we theirs. Oma Linda

    ReplyDelete
  39. So very true, how words can make all the difference. Your garden is look very pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I loved this post,and yes it is so easy to make someone's day with simple kind words. Once you put it out there it comes back in multitudes. So glad to reconnect with you, I was out most of the year due to medical issues. So glad to be back and see you lovely colorful blog, I love color. White is my enemy, just kidding!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Being an encourager is such a wonderful attribute. It's easy if we take the time to be intentional about it, and it doesn't cost a dime. Love this post, and I have to say, you are one of the best encouragers I'm blessed to know!
    Mary Alice

    ReplyDelete
  42. Love, love this post! I feel the same and try to always offer sincere compliments and perform RAOK's, especially the anonymous ones. It takes so little to really make someone's day. :) The photos of the flowers are gorgeous! So, so cold here ~

    Finally got a new computer so I can be in blog land more.

    xo
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  43. Thanks for sharing these wonderful happy words and beautiful flowers!

    ReplyDelete
  44. What a beautiful post. So positive and powerful. I always love visiting your blog, the colors make me happy even if a word was never written. Your pictures are gorgeous. Today is not a pretty day where I live, the we have had a terrible inversion and the air is filled with pollutants and germs. So you see the beauty of nature colors made me simile and remember things will change. Thanks you so much for sharing your thoughts what an inspiration. Hugs, Karie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love this post!! It is so true that we can make someone's day with just simple kind words and a smile.
      What beautiful flowers you have growing in your gardens! Makes me dream of Spring...when it is still bitter cold here. Right now...it is -4, but feels like -17 with the wind chill.
      hugs,
      Cindy

      Delete
  45. Thank you for such a wonderful reminder of how easy it can be to do something nice for others, and for sharing all the lovely photos!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Love this post! I love to encourage and be encouraged as well! It really makes a difference! I finally added the google friend connect button to my new blog that you had mentioned. I'm glad you mentioned it~ I had to really search for it to add it to my page. Here's a link to my blog. http://justalovelyday.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  47. Thank you for such great words of wisdom. Your accompaning photos are so beautiful. It is so easy to make someone smile and takes such little effort. We can all do with a reminder.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Such lovely little moments you have shared and thankyou for the photos of the flowers cheered me up on s cold grey morning here.

    ReplyDelete
  49. So true what a lovely post! thank you for visiting me because now I have found you too....following along...happy day to you today
    Daisy J x

    ReplyDelete
  50. You just made my day! Thank you! That quote reminded me of one I read once - 'Be kinder than necessary;everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.' Kinda opens up your eyes, huh?

    Cate <><

    ReplyDelete
  51. Your words and pictures made me smile - someone asked me on the phone if they could speak to my Dad, though it was a couple of years ago now, when I was in my 40's !
    I so agree, that sometimes the simplest comment, can make such a difference to someone, great post Carol.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Good Evening Carol, Your words along with your beautiful photographs really put a smile on my face. I do love visiting your blog, because your are so energetic and you inspire me to get things done. I am going to take another leaf out of your book, by making someone's day.... in fact I am going to start straight away, by making my husband a cup of mint tea.... as I know that will make him smile.
    Best Wishes
    Daphne

    ReplyDelete
  53. It's funny, I do the same kind of comments to my pupils, thinking maybe they are not having the best of day at school... And in return, they often make my day, like last Tuesday, I was beyond tired, so I was a bit cranky, and they made me laugh: I thanked them. Sometimes, we teach other something else than litterature, something called "life"!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hello Carol, this is such a sweet and caring post. I agree that it is easy to find some little something to make a compliment to most everyone you meet, or just a big smile and a warm good morning. It can make someone's day a little brighter :) You are a sweetheart, and I can easily see that your house is the cutest on the lane. You put so much love into making it a cheerful cozy home and your front porch always says welcome in the happiest way :)
    Keep smiling.
    Your blogging sister, Connie :)

    ReplyDelete
  55. Well I'm a little jealous that those flowers are in growing in your garden right now. But I'll get over it and just be glad for you that those flowers are growing in your garden right now! Much like your story I decided many years ago that "how you treat people matters" and I hope that practicing this over those years has helped me become just a little kinder.
    By the way, if you weren't special you wouldn't have the cutest house on the lane! I know it's the cutest one I see in blogland!

    ReplyDelete
  56. What a lovely post. Beautiful pictures. Hope you have some rainy days soon.
    Ha, I get that too, people who call here and ask for my mother. :)
    If everyone tried to say something nice to someone else every day what a better world we would have.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Carol, your comments and posts always make my day! I too have tried to do this. I use to look at someone and think something about them was cute. Now, instead of just thinking I tell them. Even the simplest of comments or actions can make someones day. You never know what they might be going through. Just a simple comment can make a bad day good.
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
  58. What a lovely blog! I am so happy that I stopped by to look at all those lovely flowers and the encouragement to make someone's day. I wonder just how many people were blessed because of your post. On the flip side of heaven one day you will get to see. Isn't that exciting! Hugs Becky

    ReplyDelete
  59. Loved this post! It is so very true that words can make our day. I still remember compliments or kindness from decades ago. I'm afraid the opposite is also true. Unkind words can shape the way we feel about ourselves too. My motto is Accentuate the Positive. Mimi

    ReplyDelete
  60. What a powerful message. The world around each of us would be a better place if we all followed this wisdom. You have some beautiful flowers in your garden!

    ReplyDelete
  61. The photos absolutely have connection to this profound post, dear Carol...the beauty of these flowers are an expression of the beauty of you. Powerful wisdom you have shared, and I am of a similar mindset...kindness, kindness, and a million times kindness.
    Thank goodness for special souls like you! :)
    You have brightened my day indeed....
    Warm hugs,
    - Irina

    ReplyDelete
  62. I am a very happy woman with the help of Lord Krish Spiritual who helped me restore my relationship with my ex husband. My name is Agnes Smith and I am from Alaska, USA. I met Lord Krish Spiritual through a testimony online and I never thought I would have my ex husband back after 4 years of separation. After my contact with his email, he told me not to worry and I would really be happy as I am now. Trusting in his words was a right decision for me. After 2 days, my ex husband called me that he wants to return back to me and live with me forever and I was very shocked. This made me believe in Lord Krish is really a very great spiritual man. Today, I am very happy to write this testimony about him and want others to testify to his power as I am currently happy in my restored marriage. Contact Lord Krish Spiritual through his email at lordkrishshrine@gmail.com to help you solve that relationship problems in your marriage.

    ReplyDelete
  63. You are such nice and true person who has posted such flowers. Thanks very much I also reciprocate happiness in ur life god bless

    ReplyDelete