Crossing Barriers

 Kruz, 4, delicately guides his precious self onto my lap placing both little hands firmly on the steering wheel to enjoy a little dirt road driving back to the house.   "Do you wanna drive to Patricia's first?" I asked. With little hesitation he cruised effortlessly toward her asphalt drive.  Jack, 6, was cool as a cucumber as we gathered our Grocery toys to see if anyone was home.

Little did he know he was helping mommy brave the new neighbor barrier. We opened up like a tulip in late spring as we settled in in Patricia's home.  Her friendly nature accepted us, even though her memory faintly remembered our last interaction.  Each time the connection gets stronger and the memory deeper.  Neighbor visits are good for the soul.

The children were polite, not one single argument.  Patricia new when I needed her help to solve a problem.  She new me just as my own grandmothers do.  Grandmothers make the best friends.  She said I could be her granddaughter-no questions asked.  That's a very special connection.

...to be continued...motherhood calls.

"Love thy neighbor" is a statement to practice.  When we practice love, we act in such kindness.

It took Jack an hour of running and playing to finally take control and get dirty in a neighbor's garden!  He is not quite sure why he is helping others yet but he sure enjoyed the Rootbeer afterwards by writing his name on the bottle with a sticky note and permanent marker.  

 Kruz will always take a gardening tool away from anyone just to be helpful.   He sighs, "Whew!  I am sure digging a lot in this garden."

Find a Need, Filled a Need

It takes time, effort, and a little stick-to-it-ive-ness to conquer spring mowing for a neighbor down the road today! Not only were Joel Robibson's landscaping skills put to the test, Patricia and Bethany enjoyed a nice visit and cruise to Dairy Queen. What a splendid day to #payitforward!

Volunteer Park Clean Up Day

One man's fish hook injury facilitated a need to clean up our lake. It turned into quite a lovely event in Lakeside, Montana as residents gathered to clean up around Flathead Lake on 4/20/13. The sun shone on a parking lot full of helpers big and small facilitating small talk and smiles while huge bags full of miscellaneous trash poured in. Local companies donated food and drink making the clean up day sweeter for Volunteer Park enthusiasts.

Different People Do Different Things

Go Getters 

Believe and respond to the famous words of inspirational leaders by prioritizing what is important in your life.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."  

-Margaret Mead

The Heart of a Child

A little boy asks his dad at the market if he can give the check out lady a hug. He walks around the counter and sweetly wraps his arms around her legs for a squeeze which ignites smiles all around in a genuine act of kindness for helping he and his dad buy their food. #Win, win. #payitforward

Today we continue on the path to happiness, wellness, and success.   Here is to now and the people we will meet.