I never cease to be amazed by the kindness of people. Right now, I am going through a very rough patch and having good and bad days. Out of the blue, someone called me this morning to check on me. He had been thinking of me and just wanted to say hi and keep my head up and hold on to hope. I hadn’t heard from this person in a few months but he had been talking with a mutual friend and heard things were hard. He didn’t want to intrude, but he wanted to let me know – just let me know – he had been through the same thing a few years earlier and that my kind words of encouragement then, helped him – a lot. So he was returning the favor.
I received an email from a lovely young woman who asked a friend for my email so she could connect and let me know, things would be okay and to just say hello.
A lady in the grocery store yesterday, before she handed off her shopping buggy to me, wiped the handle with one of those wipy things and smiled and said, here ya go!
I received a card from a distant friend with a picture of a cat hanging onto a tree limb with the words “Hang in there!”
In the big hard times of life, the smallest gesture takes on the biggest of importance. Simple kindness. Nothing elaborate,just….simple kindness.
It’s been a bad day but all of sudden, I feel lighter in my heart.
In spite of bad things, good things are still there. I am reminded to pass along those simple kindnesses. The smile I give to some stranger, may be just what they needed. The time I slice out of my day to hug a friend, may make a lot of difference to them at that moment. We all rely on the kindness of strangers who quickly become unstrangers.
kanzen sakura 
Mar 26, 2014 @ 16:23:22
I’m so sorry to hear it’s not a good time for you. Want to lend my good thoughts and lots of cyber hugs to you. Hope things change for the better real soon. love, Paulette
Mar 26, 2014 @ 16:31:22
Thank you for the good thoughts and those wonderful cyber hugs. I’m doing my best to keep looking up – may take a little time, but things will get better! In fact, cyber hugs makes it bettr all ready.
Mar 26, 2014 @ 17:29:24
❤
Mar 26, 2014 @ 16:45:32
Sorry to hear life is a drag right now. I hope your invisible angels lighten your load. 🙂
Mar 26, 2014 @ 16:55:30
My angels are very visible and you are among them. Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 20:45:35 +0000 To: thspencer51@hotmail.com
Mar 26, 2014 @ 21:33:39
😉 If I can help, I`ll be glad to.
Mar 26, 2014 @ 21:37:20
Thank you. Just remember me in your prayers and/or positive thoughts. that helps more than you know. Bless you. Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 01:33:41 +0000 To: thspencer51@hotmail.com
Mar 26, 2014 @ 22:24:07
A.n.y.t.i.m.e. Toni 😉
Mar 26, 2014 @ 18:46:51
Dear Kanzen, “In the big hard times of life, the smallest gesture takes on the biggest of importance. Simple kindness. Nothing elaborate,just….simple kindness.” Perfect.
Know I hold you in my heart, my prayers, and as we’ve said, you have faced and triumphed over much tougher things. Some stuff just comes out of nowhere and knocks the wind out of you. Breathe, Kanzen. Slow, gentle breaths. You are surrounded by friends who care. Love HuntMode
Mar 26, 2014 @ 18:50:00
Bless you, dear heart Huntie.
Mar 26, 2014 @ 19:25:55
Ah, I accept, Kanzen. Thank you. Have you been told today you are a beautiful blossom? You are.
Mar 26, 2014 @ 20:06:08
again, bless you. between you and Ella, I’m sitting here sniffing, snuffling, and smiling. Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 23:25:56 +0000 To: thspencer51@hotmail.com
Mar 26, 2014 @ 20:24:46
Elby, That Cat! is highly indignant with me… He had actually stood up and stretched in your honor and we’re talking tall here – 2.5 feet I think.
Mar 26, 2014 @ 21:32:27
Elby – that’s right. I couldn’t remember his royal emperorness’ name. Please to scratch Elby behind his ears and tell him he is the Rhett Butler of the West Coast. Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 00:24:47 +0000 To: thspencer51@hotmail.com
Mar 26, 2014 @ 21:53:26
Tomorrow, you think? No, no, I’ll do it right now! Grin.
Mar 26, 2014 @ 21:54:54
Elby, That Cat! loved it, purred loud and clear, scrunched up his blue eyes to slits in pleasure….
Mar 26, 2014 @ 22:04:57
Samcat the Ripper loves that as well. He wrinkles his nose and snuffles.
Mar 26, 2014 @ 22:05:42
Atta girl. Go for it.
Mar 26, 2014 @ 20:57:16
Watch this video. It will cheer you up.
Mar 26, 2014 @ 21:04:30
This is wonderful! They make beautiful harmony! thank you. This truly made me smile hugely. Thank you. I’m going to check this group out for more. Very interesting in appearance and yet, so classic. I like new things! 🙂 Thank you again. The kindness of (un)strangers – perfection.
Mar 26, 2014 @ 21:14:47
Do it slowly. I only discovered this band about 3 weeks ago, and I’ve discovered a whirlwind of info about them that will make you nostalgic for this video in a short time.
But this was also my intro to this band, and they sound just as good live. Give or take background noise which they can’t always help.
Mar 26, 2014 @ 21:26:13
Again, thank you muchly. I like all kinds of music and am not a snob about any medium. I think this will start some fun research.
Mar 26, 2014 @ 21:37:05
I listened to a lot of steampunk bands. Steampunk as a genre is like visual kei (which I also love) in that it’s more about how you look than what you sound like. But some steampunk bands look great and sound crap. The only other artist in this genre I’ve liked many songs by is Doctor Steel, who I’ve posted about recently on my blog.
Of course, he’s retired now. But still, lots of things to see and hear. And in the chap-hop genre, Mr. B the Gentleman Rhymer is also good, and possibly the inventor of the genre besides.
Mar 26, 2014 @ 21:38:18
ahhh, I guessed right. I’m new to Steampunk. but they look and sound great. Always a plus. Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 01:37:08 +0000 To: thspencer51@hotmail.com
Mar 26, 2014 @ 21:58:10
What’s that bit at the end?
I don’t know if there could possibly be an equivalent to ‘chap-hop’ in America, but I’m sure someone could rap about large-wheeled bicycles over some ragtime.
Mar 26, 2014 @ 22:03:26
Trust me. I’m sure someone would discover, decide chap-hop sounds tres cool and do some kind of strange gangsta-cowboy hybrid for it.
Mar 26, 2014 @ 22:09:46
1984 – lol
Mar 26, 2014 @ 22:13:23
Yeppers. You nailed it – grin.
Mar 26, 2014 @ 23:04:01
My Google-Fu is masterful, plus I remembered that song.
Mar 27, 2014 @ 10:47:35
Your google fu is masterful indeed. You have obviously worked and done well to strengthen this talent. I dropped of suddenly last night, cut short as it were (haha) by my husband who chose to use my 8″ chef knife instead of the paring knife to peel and apple. I did so enjoy our conversation! I am going to find time to search out more music. thank you again! Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 03:04:06 +0000 To: thspencer51@hotmail.com
Mar 27, 2014 @ 18:37:33
Did he hurt himself? Whoa. What ‘out there’ or different music have you discovered?
Mar 27, 2014 @ 18:48:29
Yeah. He forgets how sharp I keep my knives so he gave himself a nice slit. But he’s fixed and no longer leaking oil (I sometimes call him Tin Man like he sometimes calls me Spock).
Mar 27, 2014 @ 19:00:04
Fascinating.
Mar 27, 2014 @ 14:17:48
http://kanzensakura.com/2014/03/27/wooo-hoooo-better-than-freshly-pressed Please go to this link. I am giving out awards like a wild woman and want to be sure you go and pick out what you want. Thank you for following my blog and thank you for your blog.
Mar 27, 2014 @ 18:40:13
Thank you for you.
Mar 26, 2014 @ 21:15:56
I will also give you this, in case you don’t find it.
Chap-hop!
Mar 26, 2014 @ 21:24:34
Perfect after a moody haiku! I never had fighting trousers but I had a dancing blouse. It was worn for serious get down disco inferno…
Mar 26, 2014 @ 22:08:20
Well, Edward, those ARE something! Disconcerting and I’m still grinning. Thank you, both of you!
Mar 27, 2014 @ 07:47:52
Would a big, fluffy hug help?
Mar 27, 2014 @ 10:00:11
From you? Wow! Always. Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 11:47:53 +0000 To: thspencer51@hotmail.com
Mar 27, 2014 @ 14:16:43
http://kanzensakura.com/2014/03/27/wooo-hoooo-better-than-freshly-pressed Please go to this link. I am giving out awards like a wild woman and want to be sure you go and pick out what you want. Thank you for following my blog and thank you for your blog. Thank you for nominating me for awards….
Mar 27, 2014 @ 17:12:33
Thank you so much! I hope you’re feeling a bit better.
Mar 27, 2014 @ 17:15:31
I am You always make me smile. My favorite award is the Inner Peace one you gave me. It is treasured.
Mar 28, 2014 @ 05:04:06
That pleases me.
Mar 27, 2014 @ 09:03:58
Best wishes from far away. My favourite line at times like these are taken from the song “The Living Years” my Mike and the Mechanics.
Don’t yield to the fortunes you sometimes see as fate
It may have a new perspective on a different day
and if you don’t give up,
don’t give in
it may be ok”
Mar 27, 2014 @ 09:59:47
Excellent! I shall keep these lines in mind. Thank you very much. Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 13:04:01 +0000 To: thspencer51@hotmail.com
Mar 27, 2014 @ 14:16:29
http://kanzensakura.com/2014/03/27/wooo-hoooo-better-than-freshly-pressed Please go to this link. I am giving out awards like a wild woman and want to be sure you go and pick out what you want. Thank you for following my blog and thank you for your blog. Thank you for nominating me for awards….
Mar 27, 2014 @ 13:24:09
It is so true that sometimes we will never know what a kind word or gesture to another person might mean to them. I know you will get through this difficult time. Hugs and prayers!
Mar 27, 2014 @ 14:11:38
I thank you for those prayers. AND http://kanzensakura.com/2014/03/27/wooo-hoooo-better-than-freshly-pressed Please go to this link. I am giving out awards like a wild woman and want to be sure you go and pick out what you want. Thank you for following my blog and thank you for your blog. Thank you for nominating me for awards….
Mar 28, 2014 @ 09:46:02
Yes I will. Thank you very much!
Mar 27, 2014 @ 21:45:46
I, uh, could use a little more of this. Waiting to feel a little bit better to go out with Cimmy and get to know our neighborhood a little better.
Mar 27, 2014 @ 22:25:00
Well, hope you feel better soon. Taking a walk with Cimmy sounds like a good incentive. Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 01:45:49 +0000 To: thspencer51@hotmail.com
Mar 27, 2014 @ 23:52:00
Mother Nature is wiping the floor with me, Toni-san, and I’m having a difficult time getting any relief from my current treatments.
Mar 28, 2014 @ 10:12:58
I just saw this–I hope the intervening time since you posted has brought a shift in the wind for you, my friend. I just keep picturing you getting up and jamming with John Travolta to “Saturday Night Fever!” Smiling…Sending hugs and love
Mar 28, 2014 @ 10:19:06
Thank you for those hugs! Getting better, rembering how I need to choose my attitude and to keep looking up. I also did a post about awards. Please read and snag yourself some! It’s my parade and I’m on the last float throwing out coins, candy, and awards.Woohoo!
Mar 28, 2014 @ 14:38:47
Aw, I’m so sorry to hear you’re having a rough go. But I’m so glad (un)strangers could provide a little sunshine in your day. Hang on to it and I hope things start looking up for you!
Mar 28, 2014 @ 17:24:53
It’s about attitude. I reminded myself of that pep talking someone just diagnosed with cancer – what kept me going during a similar time in my life and how that attitude and faith kept me going. So I gave a pep talk to both of us!
Apr 05, 2014 @ 12:52:24
Kanzen, We have become acquainted via Hunt, and have exchanged several likes and comments over the last few weeks. I am truly sorry you are having difficulties, and hope you find a way suitable to you to climb out. I know your friends, acquaintances, strangers, and budding friendships such as ours helps you. Please take care, and know you have support far and wide. – Bill
Apr 05, 2014 @ 13:43:28
I do thank you very much Bill. it’s been some hard days but I am moving up and mainly, because of the support and prayers of such persons as yourself. I really do appreciate your kind words and they have given me a good reason to smile today. – toni Date: Sat, 5 Apr 2014 16:52:25 +0000 To: thspencer51@hotmail.com