giving

Celebrating #Giving Day from the Heart and in Memory of Kylie

Celebrating #Giving Day from the Heart and in Memory of Kylie

Kylie loved her toys. She had a whole basket full that resided in the kitchen where she could choose which one she wanted at any given moment.

This past year, the red heart, which had been at the bottom of the basket for quite a long time, all of a sudden, became one of her favorites.

The white bear was one I picked up about six months ago at a second-hand shop. It just called out to me to bring it home for her.

They now bring me some comfort as they rest on our bed. Though the presence of Kylie being gone is such a large void. Crawling into bed last night, my heart heavy with grief. I so wanted to hug her again.

Realizing it is #Giving day today I thought what better way than to celebrate not only giving, but giving in honor of someone you love and something that is meaningful to you.

Most of Kylie’s toys, except for the heart and bear, I am giving as a donation to a second-hand shop for another dog to love. 

I tend to get overwhelmed with all the charities that need help because I wish I could help everyone.

Which to choose?

And then it came to me. I decided to donate to a local organization, Holyland Donkey Haven and Sanctuary, that rescues, rehabilitates, and teaches about donkey care.

Why donkey’s?

John and I always fondly referred to Kylie as our little donkey because of the way she sat on her haunches. While she wasn’t pessimistic like the donkey character, Eeyore, she did have that relaxed, laid back way about her and so often she just reminded us of a donkey.  And also because of my love of donkeys and hoping that someday I can volunteer and help with them, as this is a dream of mine.

And so this becomes so meaningful as a way in which I could narrow it down and give what I could for this day of giving in memory of Kylie, who gave John and me so much…and it’s her beautiful heart and giving that will remain in our own hearts for eternity.

And in the spirit of giving, I want to say a grateful thank you to each of you that reached out to us and your generous giving of love and support with the loss of Kylie. Thank you so much. We are never alone in this journey of grief, as we have all walked this path more than once…and so your understanding helps as we journey forward.

Much love and gratitude,

Barbara

It’s a Random Act of Kindness Kind of Day

2014-02-24 11.37.05As I mentioned in my last two previous posts, I cleaned out my writing cottage big time this weekend. Two garbage bags full that went into the trash, and two and a half garbage bags going to my local St. Vincent de paul tomorrow.  I also cleaned out many, many books.  I think close to 100!

I was on a roll and took my purging into the house and have another large bag full that I’ll be donating. I feel so light and free!  A whole new energy emerges when you can let go.  I do have to admit though that when I was done, sitting at the end of the day exhausted, but a good exhausted, I became a bit melancholy.

Frankie popped into my mind. I realized much of what I had let go of was attached in some shape or form to her. Writing my first children’s book to all the work we did together. At first I felt myself begin to tear up, but then I smiled. Frankie presented herself in spirit congratulating me on this step and also reminding me she will live on always in the one place that matters—my heart.

This morning I was excited to do my yoga practice in my cottage, and wow, that was amazing.  I can’t really describe the new energy I feel in my space, but it feels good and right.

So today I am doing two random acts of kindness.  A set of all my books is being sent to LoveyLoaves Special Needs Dog Sanctuary in Florida. I love what they do to help disabled animals and know they can always use raffle items for all the events they do. I’ll also be working with them next fall in presenting at their Arts for Carts event via Skype.

Two of the books by Jenna Wongrich I will be sending to a friend that I think will enjoy them as much as I did (I can’t say who though as she reads my blog now and then…. so shhhhh, it’s a secret!). I’m going to think about my other books too that I’m no longer keeping and giving thought to who may like some of the titles. Then I’ll send a special care package to those people as well. Tammy Stroebel from RowdyKittens does this and I think it is such a cool idea.

The other book, my book, Through Frankie’s Eyes is going to Lisa Smith Putnam.  Not a random act of kindness, but she will be interviewing me for her radio show Your Pets, My Dogs, next month. I’m looking forward to that!

Time to bundle up and head to the post office and spread some joy.