Ruth hosts our Poetry Friday today HERE at her blog, There is no such thing as a God-Forsaken Town. Thank you, Ruth!
It's Random Act of Kindness week and you can find out more about it HERE. There's a poster you can download and a coloring page along with many ideas. I did this with students in my teaching years, printed out some pages upon which they could thank someone after "catching" them doing a "RAK".
There is much need in our world now. I'm sure you all know this. It's almost the one-year anniversary since our pandemic lockdown. Things are a little better in the cases, but still not much better for those who are unemployed, needing money for rent, food, broadband access. Now, this week, the extreme weather in the south has added to the burden for millions. I do donate to as many organizations as I can but try also to do the little things that I hope at least give some smiles. This week, with our own below zero temps, I remembered something I did years ago, to create an ice lantern. All you need is a bucket, a slim cup and something to hold it in the water until freezing. Set outside and let the temperature do the rest! “ Be the light that helps others see.” Anonymous
A favorite poet wrote this a few years ago. I've shared it personally more than once, hope it speaks to you all during this special week.
When Giving is All We Have
Alberto Rios
One river gives
Its journey to the next.
We give because someone gave to us.
We give because nobody gave to us.
We give because giving has changed us.
We give because giving could have changed us.
We have been better for it,
We have been wounded by it –
Giving has many faces: It is loud and quiet,
Big, though small, diamond in wood-nails.
Its story is old, the plot worn and the pages too,
But we read this book, anyway, over and again:
find the rest HERE
Dear Linda, that ice lantern is warm and wonderful! Never seen such a thing, so thank you. And I love the poem too. Giving DOES have many faces... lovely reminder. xo
ReplyDeleteMidst that amazing cold, it was fun to see if I could create the lantern, & this week of so many, it felt like a punctuation mark for this year of such need and giving. Thanks, Irene
DeleteOH, how neat! I think we have enough cold to make a lantern like that. Love it. The Rios poem is wonderful. I've saved a copy for my students. I share poetry on Fridays with them too. Thank you, for the poem and the light. I always feel like you help me see when I visit here on Fridays.
ReplyDeleteI imagine many of you can create on of these lanterns, Linda. I hope you do! And I hope your students love the Rios poem. Thank you!
DeleteFirst time seeing an ice lantern -- such a cool idea. Thanks for sharing the Rios poem and reminding us about the importance of kindness. A little does go a long way and the world desperately needs all it can get.
ReplyDeleteI agree very much, Jama. Kind people make me feel good every day, whether out in the world or online. Thanks!
DeleteWhat a cool ice lantern. And the poem on kindness is just right for this week (year) of so much need.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kay. I love the poem, am happy to share it as much as possible!
DeleteI love this poem, especially "Giving is, first and every time, hand to hand,
ReplyDeleteMine to yours, yours to mine." You give me poems. I give you mine.
I love our sharing, Margaret, yes, giving poems is a lovely act of kindness. Thanks!
DeleteI love your ice lantern! The poem is a perfect one from you -- you give so much in so many ways!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary Lee. It feels like all of us do on Poetry Friday! Hoping your weekend is a good one!
DeleteYou are the kindness I love to see in the world, Linda. The way you share poetry, the way you share your 'light' in the ice, and your overall giving spirit. Thank you! :)
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you, too, Bridget. The Poetry Friday goodness helps a lot!
DeleteSuch a lovely poem, Linda. The first two lines really grabbed me. Love the lantern!
ReplyDeleteLove this poem and your ice lantern! Here are my favorite lines:
ReplyDelete"Giving is, first and every time, hand to hand,
Mine to yours, yours to mine."
It's beautiful to consider giving hand to hand and receiving in return. Thanks for reminding us that it's RAK week.
What a beautiful reminder about kindness and giving! Thanks for sharing, Linda.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Janice, Ramona, & Rose. I'm glad you enjoyed the post, sending some kindness to you with it.
ReplyDeleteLinda, your posts are always ringing with kindness. I love the final lines: "together, we made
ReplyDeleteSomething greater from the difference." So true and so important to remember.
Linda, finally I get some quiet time to chat with you. I love the poem you shared, especially this thought: "Giving is, first and every time, hand to hand,
ReplyDeleteMine to yours, yours to mine." Thank you for always sharing your kindness with others, brightening social media with your offerings and sending back comments to all. I have been fascinated with your ice lantern photos on FB and shared that with my husband this morning. I was just going to send you a question on how did you make the ice lantern when I read this post. What a wonderful way of sharing warmth. Thanks for being the light that helps others see.
Oooh I want to make an ice lantern, to say "thanks for the giving." I like these lines of Albert's:
ReplyDeleteGiving has many faces: It is loud and quiet,
Big, though small, diamond in wood-nails.
Thanks Sally, Carol, & Heidi, we had snow last night, now it's a beautiful, sunny & bright day, a good one for a walk. I hope you can manage an ice lantern. I love the evening lighting! Giving seems especially important this week with the tragic events occurring in Texas & other states. Hoping this next week brings relief.
ReplyDelete