Kathy Jo

It's been awhile since I have seen this girl and so we decided to go to lunch.  It was fun catching up with Kathy.  Her holidays were put on hold while she waited for her new grand to enter this world.  Her daughter started showing signs of labor months early and Kathy was just waiting to go when she was needed.  I believe the baby actually waited until her due date or close anyway.  Kathy has missed a few of our girl outings so I wanted to at least get her out for a little bit.  I would have tried to plan a get together with the other gals too but with so many schedules that is difficult sometimes...this was quick and easy.  I just want to say that Kathy makes me smile....after receiving a "scatter sunshine" bag she has been making up some and giving them out to others that she feels needs them.  I love it!

I can't believe how busy life is these days and how fast time really does go by.  In ways I am glad but in others I'm not.  I enjoy all that is happening but I'm one that wishes or would like to be involved in more.  By that I mean with my family and friends.  I enjoy having fun with the ones I love but have realized that it's impossible to spend the time I would like with everyone.  I guess if I gave up some friendships it could happen but I am not willing to do that.  I love all my friends and I'm just glad for the time when I do get to be with them.  Lunch is an excuse....a yummy excuse...but really it's about the visit.  My mom and her neighbors use to have a "Pepsi" visit where they would sit and visit at their own house while they enjoyed a drink.  Funny how times change. ☺

I'm thankful for "lunch dates" and friends and family and life and time!

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)