Free Range Friday ~ Random Acts of Fineness

Nat'l Coalition for the Homeless

Food plays a part here but in the form of nourishing body and soul  rather than cooking one particular dish, in a way that goes far beyond the satisfaction of serving and sharing a well prepared meal. 

When I read about Mark and Ismini Svensson, who, instead of a big wedding reception decided to travel the 50 states of the US doing random acts of kindness (inspired by her father's sudden death while at a charity event), all I could think about is how many ways we can feed one another, be it with food or small kindnesses or pitching in with physical labor to further along a good cause. If someone is hungry, of course, a kind word or act can only go so far, but if it is what you have to offer, it is what you have to offer. Offer it.

While the number of cities in the US banning public feeding of homeless, hungry people grows (the number is significantly higher since the linked article was written), there are plenty of people continuing the work of sharing food with those who need it. What a crazy paradox for the 'richest nation in the world' to be actively and legally trying to keep poor people hungry.

Of course, not everyone can go to all 50 states (or countries or whatever your part of the world calls the smaller sections of your country), but we can turn our eyes to our own and our surrounding neighborhoods to see what opportunities exist to give someone a reason to smile. Even if it is just giving your own smile first; it's that simple.


When the Svensson's 2 year country covering trip of random acts of kindness was over, they started a non-profit to keep the giving going, Stay United, a site full of good ideas and actions that can be replicated anywhere or just be a catapult for your own random acts to make your world a better place. 

To those who have been in need and been given to, one person's random act can be a life changer. Make it a good act. Along with the Stay United site, here are some more kickstart ideas. 

Have a feed the faceless Friday. Do something fearlessly.

Life is Beautiful, Don't Forget

Spending the last few mornings at different beaches (looking for water that won't leave my fingertips numb) has been an excellent way to start the days. The colors, the freshness, the warm shower afterward - it is like getting a massage and a mini mind retreat in two hours, refreshing and mellowing all at the same time. 

Melones offering

The first turtle egg pen I've seen this season. Hooray!

Sunshine on my shoulders (ear worm time)

This lobster trap - I don't know its story but what looked like old weathered wood was really very barnacled plastic. Still cool looking though.

How to make a privacy fence, island style

The moon was still up

Nature's towel rack

Since she was wearing a coat, the water temps didn't matter

On getting back to the house, an island style slip and slide was being set up. A hill, a tarp, water, soap and boys. Mix together and slide!

That works!

Have a throwback Thursday. Do something tensionless.

Que? I've Got Moon in My Ears, I Can't Hear You

Over the last few days of Spring Beauty, there has been a change, literally, in the weather. Spring is usually only a breath here, drawn in and out on heating up air currents as Summer (that season that lasts through Fall) comes closer. 

Living in a place where we are as likely to be outside as inside much of the year, weather is not a casual conversation filler; these current cool nights filled with moon really are the conversation. The wonder of still needing something to cover up, the beauty of the moon from whatever your vantage point, the crashing deluge that sends one flying to close windows or hatches - all are equally valid as centering the days and nights. And when the moon is full? All hands on deck. Your hands.

Joy

I was waiting in the car when I saw this boy in the side view mirror. He was having such a free joy time, reminding me of many a mud puddle I'd splashed in, dug in, made pies from (presenting them proudly to my father who, of course, pretended to eat them). I took all of the photos in the mirror and then cropped out the mirror - better than taking a chance of stopping his fun, even if making for a less than clear photo. Better.

The moon has been incredible the last few days and nights. Even if we didn't get the total eclipse, she still has been putting on quite the show.

Some crazy beautiful sky and clouds. 

Cloud shadow

No, Skittles, I'm not taking you surfing today

We have been getting outbursts of rain and rainbows. 

Dakity - Semana Santa raft ups

Faster than the moon but not really

Last night's mesmerizing lure

Sometimes Culebra is about the moon, sometimes the sea, sometimes the wind or sun. To not be locked up away from the sea and sky, to hear the rhythms of the Earth and to have most of the people I know around here be in the same appreciation and awareness zone - priceless. No matter where you are, you can look at the moon, even if she is just a glimpse between buildings in her passage overhead. Don't break your neck, but do try to catch her, she is 1000% RDA approved.

Have a moonlit Monday. Do something multiplied.