Skip to content
FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $100 CAD
FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $100 CAD

A Simple Act Saved Me + Comfort Zones Be Gone + She Was More Thirsty

Good Morning from Prince Edward Island, 

Put the kettle on, it is time for a cuppa and a chat. 

A little late getting here this morning. The high winds knocked our power out for a few minutes and it took time to redo some of the blog that did not automatically back-up. 

First things first todays’ PEI Covid News 

I bowed my head before lights out last evening. I gave thanks for the day and sought guidance about what I was to write about today.

When I awoke, the first word that popped into my brain was KINDNESS, and so it is. 

“Nothing is ever lost by courtesy. It is the cheapest of pleasures, costs nothing, and conveys much.” ~ Erastus Wiman

I remember a time when life was dark. I could see the light at the end of the tunnel, but all I could see was a ‘train’ coming full speed towards me. It was a very dark tunnel.

Something simple came along to pour a bright light into the tunnel.

A group of people from a local church mailed a card to me with words of support and thoughtfulness.

It was all I needed.

That act of kindness enabled me to stand up and push back on the negative ‘train’ of thought. The simple act of sending a card is a potent example of how kindness and thoughtfulness can help someone.

This quote represents the card and the power it had on me.

"I bring you the gift of these four words: I believe in you." ~ Blaise Pascal

Kindness is being friendly, generous, and considerate. Affection, gentleness, warmth, heart, empathy, and compassion are words associated with kindness. Being kind sometimes requires courage and strength.

I am learning to get out of my comfort zone and do something different is a blessing to others and meself.

Getting out of a comfort zone has proven to me to be period of ‘growth’ as it inspires me to see things differently. I find it helps with thinking more creatively. It is also energizing.

When I started this blog several years ago, all I could think about was how I couldn’t do this. I am not a writer. Who do I think I am? Who cares what I think? Who will want to read it? I decided to get out of my comfort zone and show up every Saturday morning and write. Get out of my head and into my heart, and if nobody shows up, I will write for myself.

Over the last year, your comments have been so kind. I appreciate you sharing encouraging words through the comment section.  And many of you have commented to me in person while at the shop; thank you.

“I never met anyone who, after being paid a compliment, did not feel better.” ~ Hadrian

This CBC story of an NHL star's mom donating a kidney to an arena manager is fantastic. An example of the boomerang effect of kindness. What an excellent example this is. I love this act of selflessness and compassion.  Read here.

One of the most difficult things to give away is kindness; usually,
it comes back to you. ~Anonymous


"A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its
vicinity freshen into smiles." ~ Washington Irving

May 1, our new blog Tea & Toast will come to life. We seek friend and family food stories.  Also collecting stories of ‘random acts of kindness’ experienced. (thank you to all who have submitted to date.) More info here about Tea & Toast.

Here is a sample of how short your writing could be. I read about this simple act of kindness in a Reader’s Digest article.

I forgot about the rules on liquids in carry-on luggage, so when I hit security at the airport, I had to give up all my painting supplies. When I returned a week later, an attendant was at the baggage area with my paints. Not only had he kept them for me, but he’d looked up my return date and time in order to meet me.  —Marilyn Kinsella, Canmore, Canada

If speaking kindly to plants helps them grow, imagine what speaking kindly to humans can do. ~ anonymous 

+

"If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way."
~ Napoleon Hill

Have a wonderful weekend and be kind out there. 

With love from Prince Edward Island,


Bruce + Millie

"A smile is a curve that sets everything straight." ~ Phyllis Diller

ps. Your Morning Smile

Question on second-grade math quiz: "Tony drank 1/6 of a glass of juice. Emily drank 1/4 of a glass of juice. Emily drank more. Explain."
My grandson’s answer: "She was more thirsty."
Previous article Happy News + Rewilding + Magicians Dilemma

Comments

Ann Kingery - April 24, 2021

… Saturday, April 24th… a sunny, blue-sky day in Colorado… with Bruce and his lovely choices of music! A great way to start the day… thank you… /Ann

Pam - April 4, 2021

I love your blogs- you are indeed a writer, but this is the best one of all. Thank you for representing Islanders so well- with kindness. I always miss the kindness and light hearted banter and community mindedness of the people of PEI. I shall return the favour by sending every Calgarian I know who visits PEI to the Preserve Co.

Mary Larson - April 3, 2021

Our local newspaper carries the “Kindness is contagious “ column, where the author shares stories of kindness. Info@nicolejphillips.com. Also: nicolejphillips.com.
She also has a “Kindness podcast.”

Phil Britton - March 29, 2021

So look forward to Sunday. Just knowing you have something written that I know will brighten my spirit or make me stop to think listen and reflect on the stillness that is there. The videos are so timely to your message but also they seem to have been placed there for just me for the time and space I’m in at the time.
thanks for keeping them coming.

Julie MacKenzie - March 29, 2021

I love your blog. I look forward to it every weekend! You, indeed, are a writer & a very good one. ;)

Carol Prickett - March 29, 2021

Your blogs continue to bless my Saturday mornings with peace and hope. Thank you!

Patricia Takahashi - March 29, 2021

Thank you once again Bruce. From my cloudy snowy window out west, my maritime heart is always warmed after reading your blog

Penny Wright - March 28, 2021

You are a writer!!!

Evelyn Yantis - March 28, 2021

You are indeed a gifted writer! Your blogs are amazing, inspirational, full of humor, and full of practical advice!! Thank you for a glimpse into PEI life and wisdom! Please keep them coming! So. California, USA 🇺🇸

Susan Mayo - March 28, 2021

I don’t know about the speaking kindly to plants? I planted, a bit late in the season, with one of my favorite plants, Sweet Peas. I’ve had success in the past, but the last couple of years, the growth is anemic at best, and never lasts to flower. And I speak kindly to all of my plants! I used to say I have brown thumbs, but I lost that title when I harvested a pumpkin seed from a pumpkin decoration that I paid dearly for, and had it to almost to finished stage. It’s mama pumpkin was gorgeous! I had read an article about growing pumpkins while on a trip to Arkansas. Straw or a plate was necessary for putting under the pumpkin was the advise that I took away, and the stem broke on my beautiful, with a 37 inch girth, pumpkin. Probably a few weeks shy of the orange, yellow and green coloring it would have taken on. I still showed it off! All of my plants receive words of kindness! Even the Sweet Peas!
Always enjoy and appreciate you and your blogs. I would never have thought that you dealt with darkness in your life, yet, the beauty in that is that you can probably spot it in others because of your struggle, and you can, and are a source of encouragement. Spot on Bruce.
Hugs and blessings from sunny California!
Suzi.angels (aka Grammy!)

Leave a comment

Comments must be approved before appearing

* Required fields