Tuesday, November 24, 2015

#ShareHandmadeKindness Week 4 - Strangers (And a Visit With Alex)

Remember Alex from Costco?

If not - you can read about his story and the kind things you all did for him here.

Since this is week four of the Share Handmade Kindess campaign Jennifer McGuire has running, and the focus this week is being kind to strangers, I had an idea.

I thought I would go up to Costco and tell Alex welcome back and ask him to do something for me.

He was so excited to see me and after we got all the hugging done, he told me he treasures that box of cards you all sent him. He described them as "works of art." I'm sure they were. You are amazing humans. He said to be in such a social job, and then go home to sit and watch awful daytime TV with no one to talk to is not really anything he'd wish on anyone, and so you brightened those days - thank you so much. He's getting around great.

I went into the store and bought small Costco gift cards, and put them into the cards I got from Jennifer at the beginning of the campaign (she handmade those, by the way - beautiful hand-foiled cards with great messages). I asked Alex as he was greeting people today to find a few who looked like they could use a fun surprise for their shopping trip. Most people  are hurrying trying to get things done for their Thanksgiving meals (I saw lots of carts with turkeys in them), and Thanksgiving isn't an inexpensive meal, really - so I thought a gift card from a stranger might be a fun outcome of Jennifer's challenge this week.

He was thrilled to do it, and we sealed up the envelopes and he stuck them in his pocket for the fun day ahead. After a selfie, of course. 


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This week's challenge really speaks to me for a lot of reasons. I have a little sign I painted with my favorite verse on it.

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. ~Hebrews 13:2*


The ability to do something kind for someone who doesn't know who you are multiplies the magic, I think. The random act of kindness in a drive through, for example. The Art Abandonment Project is a great example of this too - and many times people come to the group to post that they've found a piece of art just at a very low moment in their lives, and that it made a difference. Think how that must feel!

As a person who has rescued every sort of bedraggled feral animal possible all her life, I believe that being kind to people or animals who have no ability to thank you is one of the most rewarding ways to make a change in the world.

So please do something for a stranger this week. Do whatever it is you can do to make the circle of light around you a little bigger. There may be a shadow that needs you. :)

Today, I'm using them to wish some strangers a happy Thanksgiving.

I used Brusho on a full sheet of Fabriano hot press watercolor paper and then cut it down. Then I die cut leaves from white panels with the Leaflets Framelits and put a card together. Here are the fronts and the backs, which I stamped with the Hero Arts A Bit of Kindness stamp (25% of the profit from the sale of these stamps is donated to the Kind Campaign) :



And here is one on a car - I put them out in the parking lot of the place I get my hair cut since I had an appointment today. I like putting them on the driver window because I don't always notice things people leave under my windshield wipers :).



Loveyameanitbye.

*PS - I knew I had this verse on my blog somewhere so I did a search while composing this post. Oddly enough it was three years ago to the day as I'm writing this. The spirit of Thanksgiving past.

101 comments:

  1. A splendid idea, Lydia .... I know you warmed many hearts at Costco with your thoughtful gifts! I love the scripture you shared in your post!! How nice to see the photo of Alex and to hear that he is getting around so well! It was great fun making a card for him .... thank you for giving your readers an opportunity to be an encouragement to him as he recovered from surgery.

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  2. How awesome of you, Miss Lydia, to spread a little cheer. I'm happy to see Alex is doing well and that he enjoyed the cards.

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  3. You truly are a shining light sweet Lydia in this fallen world! Such a blessing you are! By your actions, you answered someone's prayer! Holiday's can be hard on some and by this small act of kindness, they can know that God does hear their prayers, even if they are silent. It's so touching to hear that those cards still bless Alex to this day and that he is doing well. God Bless him! I love that something as simple as paper, ink, a stamp and some kind, encouraging words can bring such joy to someone's heart. It still brings a tear to my eye to hear someone say that a card I gave them months ago still touches them today. What a blessing to have you in my life! (((BIG HUGS))) my sweet, dear friend! A blessed Thanksgiving to you and your family! <3 that verse!

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  4. Your wondrous 3-year-old writing continues to bless more and more ... just like you do every day.
    And I LUV these cards! How did you know that I have a leaf die cut ... just laying around on the cutting cabinet? It was obviously waiting for me to see this.
    Happy Thanksgiving, Lydia!

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  5. This is awesome! You brighten so many people's day I'm sure. I love that Alex got to be part of this because you brightened his day too!

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  6. Not nearly as cool as gift cards, but yesterday after 10 minutes of parking lot driving, maneuvering my way to get my PIES (clear in the back of Costco) then 90 million other "only get at Costco" items, I was ALMOST NEXT IN LINE to check out.... **woot** I see a man behind me with 1 pie and **shudder** squirt whip! I tell him, why dont you go ahead of me !!!! The look on his face, seriously little things mean a LOT! I can only imagine the thrill of finding a beautiful card onmy car! YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!

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  7. This post made me tear up!!! What a fabulous thing to do!!!! I bought someone's CFA behind me in the drive through a couple of weeks ago and I smiled all afternoon from the fun!

    Thanks for the fun ideas!

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  8. I just love you. I love your heart. I love your crazy personality. It's RARE to find someone filled with these qualities and you my friend fit that bill. This story is what it's ALL about. Thanks to Jennifer for starting this amazing campaign. Many, many people will be touched. XO

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  9. You are a freaking genius! I'll be littering people's windows soon, so check to see if I'm in jail. You'll know, because I'll be silent on FB. Love Alex, and I love that you made him a conspirator! I'm thankful for both of you! The cards are pretty nice too. >wink <

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  10. Wonderful post from a truly wonderful person! What a great thing to do and your message is so needed right now. Thank you for your inspiration.

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  11. Pretty! I love the color of the leaf and the stamping is awesome! Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful day!

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  12. It's so great to see Alex! I was one who sent him a card when he was recuperating! This is such an inspirational blog post - I love your ideas to spread kindness and joy!

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  13. Great random act of kindness and card idea!
    You are so right when you say, "to do something kind for someone who doesn't know who you are multiplies the magic"!

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  14. This is AMAZING! Love the gift card idea. Bless you! And gorgeous cards you are leaving them in the Driver's side windows! Love it!

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  15. "Do whatever it is you can do to make the circle of light around you a little bigger. There may be a shadow that needs you"...I am deeply touched by those lines in your post and beyond deeply touched by the actions you took to make that 'circle' brighter and shadow lighter. You're a gem...and now I'm off to read Alex's story (after I blink away the tears). Consider my heart very much warmed...
    ~carol

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  16. I love these! and those leaves are amazing! Jennifer has good talented friends. Thanks for sharing!

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  17. Another great idea! All of Jennifer friends are so......special. You make beautiful cards and I'm sure everybody loves there surprise of kindness.

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  18. A fun thing to do definitely. My daughter and her husband have done that at Wal-mart. People from their church will donate money and they purchase gift certificates. It would be great to receive one when you really needed it. Just like the card on the windshield. Nice job. Thanks for pitching in to help Jennifer, also.

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  19. Leaving a note on the door always gets to the person, not on the window always is seen.
    thanks for another great idea on the gift cards.

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  20. Lovely kindnesses expressed!! Warms my heart to see this. Beautiful work with the brusho! I would love to try them out! Thank you for sharing! -Cortni Hoover

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  21. The cards are beautiful. What a thoughtful idea to give some gifts to those who might be in need. We never know who needs help - and when we ourselves might need a helping hand.
    thanks for sharing.
    Happy thanksgiving.

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  22. You are one of those Angels, friend. I am so grateful that you are in my life!
    Love you ❤️

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  23. This is so touching, so inspiring! I can't wait to start on this project-bless you.

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  24. Lovely acts of kindness--thanks for sharing!

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  25. Another awesome idea . . . thanks for sharing!

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  26. How inspiring! I'm going to do the same & hopefully brighten someone's day!

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  27. Wonderful ideas and
    I'm sure people loved
    getting them!
    Carla from Utah

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  28. Great ideas & post! Very inspirational!

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  29. Your cards are beautiful. The Costco shoppers must be thrilled. And Alex probably had a great time sharing in your plan.

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  30. Your cards are beautiful. The Costco shoppers must be thrilled. And Alex probably had a great time sharing in your plan.

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  31. What a fun idea, I bet your friend had a great time giving those out to people!

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  32. LOVE your cards! What fabulous ideas for spreading kindness.

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  33. You are truly an awesome person! Your cards are so beautiful & the look on Alex's face as you took the selfie is precious!

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  34. What a nice surprise.
    Melissa
    "Sunshine HoneyBee"

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  35. Sweet! Such a nice way to share with strangers and you never know what a difference it can make.

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  36. Gorgeous cards! Love them! Fantastic ideas, I will be scraplifting this, I might do it for Xmas instead of Thanksgiving for obvious reasons ;) ...There is a very nice lady that will do Alex's part at my local SAM's club, maybe I will enlist my kids too! TFS!

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  37. Amazing picture of the two of you! So happy. Your gift card idea was so great. So many people struggle to make the holiday meal special cost wise. I am so sure your gift was appreciated. Improbably would have cried. Thank you for sharing your fabulousness!

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  38. Love he cards and I am also certain you made Alex's day as well as others.

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  39. Your leaf cards is fantastic!! I love everyone's ideas but yours really caught my eye. I can't wait to try that out!!

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  40. How so nice of you. Thank you for sharing cheer!

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  41. Lovely ideas. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  42. Love these ideas and YOU too! I stumbled onto your blog via Jennifer's and am happily surprised to see that you use Stampin' Up! products as I am a demonstrator and get a kick out of seeing that others in the crafting world use the products! Love your spirit Lydia. God bless you.

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  43. Love this....love the inspiration all of you ladies provide. Thanks for sharing. Happy Thanksgiving!!

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  44. YOU are SO KIND and THOUGHTFUL Lydia!!!
    THANK YOU for sharing these WONDERFUL ways to #sharehandmadekindness!!! The cheery notes on the cars are sure to bring a smile and I think you have DOUBLED the KINDNESS with Alex at Costco - you KNOW you will make strangers HAPPY with your KIND gift and it will bring Alex JOY each time he gives one out - AWESOME!!!
    PS - please don't include me in the prize draw, I just wanted to say THANK YOU :)

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  45. Lydia, your kindness (like Jennifer's) is amazing. I am thinking of a few unique ways of my own to "pay it forward", so with Jennifer's leadership in taking the initiative of this campaign, maybe we card makers can help make this world a kinder, gentler place to live in. Lets try and keep this "ball" rolling in the New Year!

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  46. I will go back and read the story of your friend, Alex. How kind of you to help out even more people with your kindness. It does matter, and strangers will notice, and carry on the event in their lives.

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  47. Love your story about Alex and now getting him to help you brighten someone's day. Love the card under the windshield wiper too! :)

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  48. Beautiful cards and a wonderful way to distribute them. TFS

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  49. Gorgeous cards and what a great story! Off to read part 1. (Looking forward to VSN!)

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  50. Thanks for all you do Lydia... I love that verse.. it keeps me calm ....Stay calm and entertain on... ! Happy thanksgiving.

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  51. The cards are beautiful! And the thoughtfulness behind them is even more beautiful!

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  52. What an awesome way to spread the kindness further by enlisting the help of Alex at Costco. Love the car door window idea too! Thanks for sharing.

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  53. A wonderful idea, Lydia! Angels do walk among us.

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  54. Thank you for sharing your story and the bible verse.

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  55. Beautifully created cards, love the sentiments. Happy thanksgiving.

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  56. Beautifully created cards, love the sentiments. Happy thanksgiving.

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  57. Oh wow! I'm definitely in love! I love leaves and their amazing beautiful fall colours!!!! Thanks for sharing and I hope you have spent a magic Thanksigiving Day!

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  58. Your cards are as lovely as your spirit! The scripture above is so true, so meaningful.

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  59. I am sure your today kindness is well surprised the strangers who received your gift card!

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  60. Love your cards and the idea of placing them on the driver's side window instead of under the wipers! I agree we sometimes don't see or overlook stuff under the wipers. Thanks for sharing!

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  61. I am sure there were a lot of smiles on a lot of people's faces.

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  62. Oh, what fun... A double gift as he got to have the happiness of giving, too!

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  63. What an awesome way of sharing kindness.

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  64. Beautiful cards, I haven't read the stoty yet but I'm going to do it.

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  65. This is a GREAT idea!! I wish we could have all been there to see the smiles on people's faces when Alex handed ou the cards!!! SO SWEET!

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  66. What great acts of kindness. You not only gave the recipient a surprise but gave Alex the pleasure of making someone's day a little better. And the cards in the windows is a great idea. I would love to receive a surprise tucked in the window. You are special to be so kind.

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  67. Oh how sweet is that?! I'll bet her had a blast passing out your lovely cards, and I'll bet you really brightened some peoples lives today! :D Good on ya'! :D TFS girl and bless you. :D

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  68. I love the Alex story. And how you enlisted him with this year's good deed. Brilliant to put your cards on the driver's window. How many times have you gotten in your car and on your way before you see that thing flapping under your wiper blade? ! Me too. LOL These are all amazing! Thanks, Paulette S.
    craftqueen417 at yahoo
    http://paulettesprettypapercrafts.wordpresss.com

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  69. What a kind caring woman you are . May all your acts of kindness be returned to you threefold. Blessed Be

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  70. So creative. Thankful for your sharing the kindness today.

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  71. I am a firm believer in the saying "its the little things that count" Your kindness blossoms BIG!! Thanks Lydia for sharing.

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  72. You have such a kind heart, I'm sure all those people really appreciated your gift. Hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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  73. Awesome cards! And what a great thing you did for Alex after his surgeries and I'm sure he loved being involved in your recent acts of kindness this Thanksgiving!

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  74. Awesome story and fabulous idea to give anonymously to strangers. You've brightened the day for many, including me seeing your post. Great job, Lydia!

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  75. I love that idea! It's good to see Alex doing well. It is so nice of him to help you out. Thanks for sharing!

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  76. How incredibly generous of you, and to receive a beautiful card too. What a lovely sharing handmade kindness story. Thank you!

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  77. How sweet! (and I've probably seen Alex at some point in time!)

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  78. How thoughtful and inspiring! Thanks for sharing!
    Judy

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  79. That's just a beautiful way to share kindness...I love the driver's side window idea. And your cards are absolutely beautiful!

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  80. LOVE the watercolor leaves. They are so beautiful!

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  81. I'm a little late to this post, but I love it. I joined the FB Art Abandonment group so I could be inspired. I finally took several cards I made, sealed them in cello bags along with a stamped envelope and left them different places. I only know where two ended up and who knows where the rest went, but it made me happy knowing someone's day might be brightened. Your cards are beautiful and I don't know that I would have thought of coloring the entire watercolor sheet and THEN cutting it apart with dies. Great idea!

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