Today's Forecast: Crazy Busy

We're getting close to the big day now and you know if you've been out there at the mall or just the mall parking lot - it is crazy busy. Which often means people are sharing anger, frustration, and impatience instead of love, joy and peace. It's easy to get caught up in the negativity of the season. Sooo...next time you get a grumpy sales clerk (who spends all day at the mall for very little pay) or get stuck behind those slow mall walkers (meanderers, wanderers...you know the ones) or someone takes "your" spot - try to let it go and remember what this hustle and bustle is all about.

And when you do encounter someone who absolutely made your day or went out of their way to give you a hand - say thanks, Merry Christmas, buy them a coffee, or if it is a clerk (maybe write up a compliment card). I noticed a couple of weeks ago that my local grocery store has them right at the front and even a desk to fill them out at with drop slot included. I filled one out for a lovely cashier but waited till I got home and had a moment to think(then dropped it in the mail - surprise, surprise right?) Also, my mail carrier received a card with a coffee on me - he does work hard and it's a simple thing. What I love is that he wouldn't have been expecting it.

Thanks to all of you for the mail that make my trip to the mailbox a happy journey.

Adding three to the mix: Surrey x 2, Norway x1

236/1000

And They're Off!

Today...I sent out the Christmas cards! What a great feeling that my little creation (in more ways than one -you'll see) will be making its way near and far to loved ones, friends, and family. A little sweetness in their mailboxes to remind them of times spent with us, whether it was yesterday or years ago, mail is a lovely reminder of so many things. It was a busy day at my local post office and in various comings and goings I saw someone sending a special little girl boots and another sending out a stack of Christmas cards and still another ready with a brown paper wrapped package ready to go (I can only wonder at the goodies inside).

The last time I was in, I overheard a customer say to one of my mail ladies that it was so busy and she replied, "I love this time of year." Perfect!

Adding an amazing number to my count - here are the stats! 69 new pieces of mail - in one day!

Delta: 18, Surrey: 19, White Rock: 1, Langley: 4, Richmond: 3, Burnaby: 1, Vancouver: 4, Chilliwack: 1, Kelowna: 1, Osoyoos: 1

Northwest Territories: 1, Alberta: 1, Manitoba: 1, Ontario: 4, PEI: 1

New York: 1, Michigan: 1, Washington: 1, Iowa: 1

Germany: 1, Norway: 1, South Korea: 1, U.K.: 1

233/1000 oh yea!

Pay It Forward, Pass It On, Make It Matter...

Adding 23 glorious pieces of mail to the total today! Actually, I visited my ladies at the post office yesterday (Natasha and Wendy). It's been busy lately as the flurry of holiday mail builds (love it) but they always have time to say hi and chat with my daughter too. Apparently yesterday was National Pay it Forward Day so a perfect day to get some heartfelt envelopes into the mailstream (photos, thank yous, long overdue letters). It would be great if we all paid it forward every single day but sometimes we get lost in our own little worlds and having a National Day for Kindness (so to speak) is a good kick in the pants (too violent when speaking of kindness?) to get out there and appreciate, encourage, and dare I say, love our neighbours in a free hugs, non-judgmental, pay for your coffee, let me hold that door for you, add these cans to your food bank box kind of way. We can all do something, everyday to make someone's life a little better. What's on your agenda for the day?

Lookout Delta (7), Surrey (3), Richmond (1), Osoyoos (1), Kelowna (1), Manitoba (1), Ontario (3), Yellowknife (1), Iowa (1), Norway (1), & Korea (3).

It's the little things - like running your hand along a chain link fence just 'cause.

164/1000 and almost time for Christmas cards (okay, it's time, I know because I have received one already and I'm normally ahead of the game but...time to get to it). My first Christmas card is one I am going to hand deliver to a neighbour that always decorates her house in the most beautiful, creative ways for holidays (her recent Halloween and now Christmas decor is so lovely). I don't know her but plan to drop her a little greeting (it's nice to know someone notices your hard work right - who could you recognize today?)

Happy writing, giving, and paying-it-forward fans and followers and public in general.