A SHAMELESS THEFT (of an idea)

This is a shameless theft of a blog post.  I just think it's a really cool idea.  I have left paperbacks with a note in them for the finder to read and pass on, but this seems like fun, as well.  I always wonder when I do something in secret for someone else who will find it, if it will help brighten their day, if it will make that person smile.  I have several cotton dish cloths, wash cloths and pot holders I've crocheted, I am going to find some jars (or maybe zip top plastic bags?) to leave them in.

 

A SHAMELESS THEFT (of an idea)

  

http://anestforallseasons.blogspot.com/2011/03/jar-project.html

Have you heard of  ‘pay it forward’ or ‘random acts of kindness’?  The idea is that you’ll pass along a good deed or a small gift (like a paperback book) anonymously by placing it in a public place to be ‘adopted’ by the person who finds it – or in the good deed category, maybe you’ll pay for the cup of coffee of the person behind you in line or secretly shovel a neighbor’s sidewalk.  These little things can make us feel great!  It is great to give as well as to receive.
Then, I ran across this idea.  Basically, you take a jar and lid that would otherwise go in the trash or recycling bin and place something small and pretty in it.  Then, you leave the jar in a public place for someone to happen on – to brighten the day of the recipient.  Since it’s unlikely that you’ll see the recipient find the ‘gift’, you just have to trust that your small token will be well received.
So, here’s my plan.  Gather all those jelly jars and other clear containers that I’d normally throw away.  Then, I’ll crochet a small item – a potholder or a flower, for instance – place it in the jar and leave it somewhere along my daily journey – probably in the atrium of the hospital where I work.  I’ll go one step farther and mark the jar with a small piece of paper that says ‘FREE’ on it.
I’ll also print up a batch of small notes to tuck in each jar stating that this is a Happiness Project.  Then, there’s a good chance that the recipient will think of a way to ‘pay it forward’.
My note will say:
I crocheted this little gift to brighten your day.
Please accept it with an open heart.
Now, it’s your turn to do something that will put a smile on the face of a stranger.

AAARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow.  That about covers everything. 

Since my last post, my father had a blockage removed surgically from his femoral artery in his groin, my husband had another (#6) stent put into his heart, I found out my husband had been having an online affair with an old girlfriend for 4 years, my kidlette and I moved out and too the dog, my husband started therapy and begged my forgiveness and we moved back in, my father's patch on his femoral artery failed and he almost bled to death at home, when they repaired the patch on his femoral artery, they found that he has a MRSA infection internally at the surgical site, my mother went from ok vision to severe cataracts in 3 months, my kidlette had a kidney stone that she couldn't pass and she had to have surgery, my youngest daughter is dealing with her ex threatening to move out of state with her son, and my back is getting worse and worse all the time.

Did I ever mention I don't watch soap operas?  LOL  They just seam boring in comparison to my everyday life.  I am so grateful I know how to ground and center myself.  Since I am the only one of my generation in the area, everything is falling on my shoulders.  Dealing with the issues with my husband has also been excruciating, we are going through therapy, and I have made it abundantly clear that I will not tolerate any form of infidelity ever, but all that is topic for another day.

Meanwhile, life goes on and on and on,  even with all the trauma, chaos and confusion, I still have to do the laundry, pay the bills, luv my puppy, cook the meals, do the shopping, and try to do a little house work as well.    Trying to find the balance, trying to hold the joy and wonder of life, learning new crafts.  I've learned to do the Byzantine weave chain maille,

I'm learning to spin yarn using a drop spindle, and I'm learning to make glass beads using the Lamp Working technique. 

Well, not sure how to end this post.  I needed to vent, let myself know that I'm still here, brag a bit about my new knowledge, and just say hi.