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(photo by Elaine A. Russell)


Tomorrow, November 13th, is World Kindness Day.
In honor of it, fellow bloggers Anyes and Se'Lah are co-hosting
A Random Acts of Kindness Day out here in blogland.


I am a big fan of the whole "pay it forward" concept.
For the past 4 years, I have challenged myself to: do something nice for someone...
or give away an item...
for every day of the year ( and so far, I have met my goal ).
I do this by donating to local charity sources, giving spontaneous gifts to friends, listing on Freecycle,

doing kind acts when I can ... and even sneaking surprises onto people's doorsteps.

There are so many ways you can help someone else out... the ideas are endless.
The point is ... do it. Not only will you help someone else out...
but the feeling you get from it?
Fabulous.

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So... I've been busy the past couple of days ... trying to clear out some stuff that we have had stashed in our garage

... and it's been interesting ♥

Today I listed 18 items on Ebay... and I am continuing my listing of stuff on Freecycle... (one item for every day of the year --and this is my 4th year). The other night I listed a bunch of stuff in my Etsy store... but I have a small ton of things yet to list.

It's been a long process... and I still have a long way to go yet. But I also know that I am on the way to getting it done. Currently, I am going thru stuff I had stashed aside with the hopes of selling at some point... and just never did. Then ... it will be a matter of going thru all my craft and jewelry making supplies. The hardest part is going to be the TON of fabric that I have stashed in the attic space above the garage. Alot of it was my grandmother's... who was a very talented sewer. Then it was my sister's stash... and she did alot of quilting.... and now I have added to it all as well.

It has become a huge amount of stuff.

~~~
There are major studies being done on hoarding behaviour. Now... I am not a hoarder... not even close. But I do know several family members that do have that tendancy. It is very interesting to read the psychology behind some of the habits...

(look HERE)...

Freecycle, framing, and Flying Star

photos by Elaine A. Russell

One of the blessings of having remodel work done, is that it is sort of an adventure.

Right now, we have one working sink (kitchen) .. one working shower (hall bathroom)... and lots of plasterboard dust all around (framing walls). With 4 people in the house... it's going to be a testament of patience.

And right now.... we are doing well.

Another benefit is that I am slowly going thru things again. Because the workers are putting in a different doorway to the garage, we had to move all my craft/ jewelry making stuff and tables, as well as a heavy duty work bench and alot of tools. Today I hope to go thru alot of it and potentially get rid of some stuff.
Yesterday I was able to give away some buildings supplies ( lumber, cinder block , etc )...gotta love Freecycle (http://www.freecycle.org/). I have been a member for several yrs, the last 2 of which I have donated an item or more for every day of the year. I think it's an awesome program, and seems to help alot of people who are both looking to get rid of/ or get ... good used stuff.

A final benefit, is that we are getting to sample some of the great food places ABQ has to offer. The hubby and I have always enjoyed eating out and exploring ... so this is a real treat. The other day we went to Flying Star up on Coors and Alameda (http://www.flyingstarcafe.com/), and last night we went to Nothing but Noodles (http://www.nothingbutnoodles.com/). Great food.

*Pictures are from that Flying Star location.