R16, D8

[IslandGirl]

Today is my friend/client's birthday, and I can only imagine how jarring it is for her to mark the day with neither her husband nor her mother. I've sent her a couple of emails this week, and today I posted on Facebook:

"Peaceful birthday to you!
Equanimous birthday to you!
...doesn't have the same ring to it, does it?" 

And I wished her a relaxing and restorative day. Tonight, I went through my old emails. Two years ago, I sent her a list of 57 things I liked about her, which she loved. So I re-sent it, along with two new items.

Yesterday, I made a decision that I would incorporate Halloween into my giving. Three years ago, I turned off the lights and hid in my bedroom on Halloween, because I didn't have enough money to buy candy. It was a horrible, horrible feeling (and I didn't handle it all that well - LOL. I think I eventually put a note on the door saying, "No candy - please come back next year." Yeah, kids love that.)

I really didn't want to go through that again this year, but it wasn't looking like I had a choice. Then, yesterday, I received the small paycheque that allowed me to make a payment on my rent. Out of that, I kept a little for my own needs, and I decided that my two-day gift would be (today) to buy and (tomorrow) to give out Halloween candy. And I decided to spring for the good stuff - not Cadbury, but still the "desirable" chocolate. After a couple of years here, I know what the local kids like...and what they leave behind. I definitely gulped a little at the cash register; this was already a huge stretch - about 1/3 of what I have on hand, and more than I've given in a long, long time - and the display had the wrong sign in front of it, so the price was slightly higher than I'd expected... but I committed to it and got excited about it. After all, how many days of the year can you give to so many people at once? (I'm the one person who doesn't like candy, so I fully intend to give it all away.)

I also emailed my sister in Philly and texted my sister in Boston to say I hoped they were both warm and safe.

Now for a funny tangent. That "loonie in the leaves" that I left last week? It's still there. Today I noticed that the leaf-blowers had come by, blown away the leaves... and they left the loonie. I can't believe nobody has picked it up yet! 

Hope all of your had a good Tuesday. Cheers!

 

[Deb~ Community Manager]

That loonie is there for just thr right one to pass by and find it. I think your treats will be very sweet! xoxo

[Lois55 wwt]

Your gifts to your friend were very thoughtful. I am sure your love and support mean a lot to her on this difficult day, and reminding her 57 plus 2 times how much she is special has got to be priceless to her. I hope your sisters are both okay, I have said prayers for all who have been impacted by this horrific storm, and will add them.

I think you are going to make a lot of kids happy with your treats tomorrow. Our city has moved trick or treating to Friday because of the storm. Take care, bless you for all that you do.xoxo