It's February - random acts, winter movies, uplifting moments... and more.

The questions this week are a bit challenging.  My favorite movie with a winter setting?  Do you have one?   Random acts of kindness vs. feeling helpless.  How do you handle them?  Read on.


  1. February 17th is National Random Acts of Kindness Day. It lands on the calendar one day after National Do Something for a Grouch Day (February 16) which somehow feels related. Perhaps the 16th inspired the 17th?

Tell about a time you performed a random act of kindness or were the recipient of one. Will you make an effort to perform a random act of kindness on the 17th? Share details if you're so inclined, and if you have something specific in mind.

Well, I don't do random acts of kindness often enough!  It's obvious because I have to wrack my brain to think of a time.  Oh my.   But, I guess I can consider that I have started picking up the litter on a road not far from me on a regular basis. In a sense I have adopted the road.  It's a beautiful "cut through" road that is wooded and lovely.  But, many people throw trash out of their cars and it has annoyed me for a while now.  So, about a month ago I bought a "trash stick" (the stick with a sharp point on it) and I take big black plastic trash bags out... and I park my car, and walk up and down and gather up all the litter.  It's mostly beer and soda cans and bottles, and fast food bags, cups, etc.  It's obvious that people throw stuff purposely.  I just don't understand it.

I have been disgusted by the amount of trash all around these parts for awhile, and I felt I could not complain about it without at least doing my own "little bit" to help the situation. 


On the official Random Acts day I WILL try and do something! 

2.What's the most uplifting or encouraging thing you see happening in the world right now? You may have to dig deep for this one.

Wow. I love this question because we so often focus on the negative things... and TV feeds us so much bad news all the time.  

Right now, I love the "Stayhumbleandkind" movement that Tim McGraw has started.  He has a song on his new album called "Stay Humble and Kind" and therefore he is now asking people to send in videos of others who do things in life while staying humble and kind.  He showcases the people/videos on his social media.

Looking at the bigger world-wide picture, I will say that the countries (mostly in Europe) that have opened their arms to the refugees coming in from the Middle East is uplifting to see.  I know this is a rather big campaign topic right now here in the states, but I truly can not see how anyone can not be compassionate to those who have had to flee their homes, communities, their countries, due to war. I am reading a book right now called "Nightingale" (by Kristen Hannah) and it's about the brave people who hid Jews in France during WW2, and those who helped downed pilots sneak safely out of German territory.  Oh, yes, there's a love story blended in... but it's an exception history read.  

3. Black olives, black currants, black grapes, black beans, blackberries, Oreos...your favorite food the color of night? Your least favorite on the list?

Of the foods above, I will say I like black beans the most.  I love southwestern and Mexican food.  Of course I love Oreos too, but I try not to eat them.   My least favorite?  I don't think I have ever had a black current... so I will go with it. 

4. A while back I read (here) a list of twelve things you should do before you turn 50. They were-

travel when you have the chance, take care of your skin, learn a foreign language, make exercise a habit, leave a toxic situation, stop caring what others think about you, stop worrying, volunteer, spend time with your grandparents, pledge to work less, learn to cook an amazing dish, and seize an opportunity as it arises

What do you think of the list? What would you add or remove and why? If you're over 50, have you done all 12? If you're not yet 50, have you done any at all? What's on the list that you haven't done, but would like to do?

Since I am almost a decade over 50, I think a few things might be too late for me!  lol  During my years before turning 50 I did learn to make exercise somewhat of a habit, and I did my share of traveling.    I'm not sure about spending more time with my grandparents.  They are all deceased now.   I didn't get to spend much time with them when they were still living because I was caring for my children, and living across the United States from them. 

I think before 50 is a hard time in life to think of oneself in general.  Jobs, family life, etc. eat up many, many hours... so to learn a new language might be pretty difficult.  I think as a nation we all need to make volunteering more a part of every day though. So, I like that it is on the list.


5. Besides the classic Christmas flicks, what's your favorite film where winter plays a part in the setting?  

My favorite movies do not have a winter setting.  I love "The Sound of Music,"  "Wuthering Heights," "Bull Durham,"  "The Wedding Date,"....  oh!!  How about "Doctor Zhivago"?   I love that movie!  And it certain has some very cold, wintry scenes of Russia.  





6.When did you last feel helpless, and what did you do about it?

I think anytime a loved one is sick you feel helpless.  Or, if you have had a friend who has lost a loved one.  I have had both experiences.  It's frustrating because you want to do something, or say something, to better the situation.  But,  sometimes you just can't make it "go away" and that is definitely a helpless feeling.   You just pray, and wait.

 
7. Share a favorite proverb. 

 It's on a plaque above my bathroom mirror.  "Forget your age and live your life."   I don't know if it's really a proverb.  But, I find it helpful!

 

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

I missed "The Bachelor" Monday because I watched the Grammy Awards.  I thought some Grammy moments were wonderful...I especially loved the Lionel Ritchie tribute and then seeing him get up and sing along.  I wished more would have been done to remember Glenn Frey.   I liked Carrie Underwood and Sam Hunt's duet.   Also Chris Stapleton and Bonnie Raitt... honoring BB King.   I felt bad for Adele because she was struggling with the bad sound.  And Taylor Swift was disappointing with her opening number.    Did you have a favorite?? 

Have a safe, warmer week.  Come on Spring!!