Pay it Forward

For several years I have been involved in a silly little game called "Pay it Forward".  It all started when I responded to a post similar to this:  "To start this year off I'm participating in this Pay-It-Forward initiative: The first 5 people who comment on this status with "I'm in" will receive a surprise from me at some point in this calendar year-anything from a book, a ticket, a visit, something homegrown or made, a postcard, anything!  There will be no warning and it will happen when the mood comes over me and I find something that I believe would suit you and make you happy.  These 5 people must make the same offer on their FB status so we can form a web of connection and kindness.  Here's to a more enjoyable, more friendly and love-filled year!"

I was excited and posted right away after my first comment (actually after each comment for the first 2 years) and made gifts and got them right out to the ones who commented on my post.  It was fun making gifts for  others.   Funny thing is I never received a gift until this past December. (I received homemade toffee)  It was the first time in 3 years that I actually got a gift for responding.  A few months later I received a cute bag of thank you cards from the very first person I saw do this.  She said she had it ready but never got around to sending it....but finally did.  It made me smile and was a pleasant surprise.  I hope when my recipients receive the gifts I make for them they are equally surprised and happy.

This year after receiving the Toffee I reposted.  Twelve people responded and so I decided that I would just make a gift for everyone. I knew it couldn't be expensive since I was doing 12 and I also knew I wanted to include a positive quote since I love quotes.  This is what I came up with.  I have made half of them and started delivering them today.  I will work on the rest at my convenience. (wink)  Since I have delivered these gifts I have been watching to see if the receivers are going to post and offer their Pay it Forward...so far no one has.  I'm not giving up on anyone and do have my eyes watching.  (maybe I will remind them since that's the whole point of receiving....to Pay it Forward)