Thanks again for the kindness shown on this blog – I am grateful for the friends I have “met” along the way.  Hope you’ll stay with me as I journal my experience with international students….

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• New Blog For Me (thekindnesskronicles.wordpress.com)
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To Be Happy…Volunteer (and eat lots of fruits and vegetables)

“The upside of volunteering is well-documented… When people contribute to their community or an organization they are passionate about, they lead happier lives, have lower rates of depression and may even live a little longer than those who do not volunteer, according to a research review of more than 50 studies.” 

volunteers (Photo credit: americanlibraries)

Read the full article HERE.

Make a resolution that can make a difference not only in the lives of others but your life as well. A great way to start the New Year!

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• Volunteering – a healthy New Year’s resolution (napavalleyregister.com)
• A New Year of Volunteering (volunteermaryland.wordpress.com)
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See how you rate them! Enjoy…

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I mentioned in a post, some time ago, that I am now hosting international students.

International students (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I decided to write about my experiences (and theirs) in a new blog called “Denver Host Stories”.  Stay tuned for the first entries by the end of this week .  Follow along on the adventure – and if you have hosted students I want to hear about it!

Happy New Year…

It’s been an interesting journey and I have learned a lot. I have met many great people along the way, and have come to admire so many more who have made me laugh, think, cry – and challenge me to use my imagination and just write! Thanks to everyone who has made the journey with me. I will continue in 2013, although I don’t think I will commit to a daily entry. That proved a bit challenging for me. I will say that I am committed to posting about the things and people I see and hear about that are kind, compassionate, and good. We don’t see enough of that today; we need to hear more good than evil.

I hope you will continue along the way with me. I wish you a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. Not happy in the things you have, but the love you give and get. Not necessarily healthy in body, but definitely in mind and spirit. And not prosperous (only) financially, but in every relationship and decision and choice – may you prosper in your soul.

2013 – it’s going to be a great year!

I am posting this in the hope that someone who reads this will know someone who knows someone who…well, you get the idea.  This is the type of story that needs sharing – please watch the video and pass it on!

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Peace On Earth (Photo credit: yeejeh)

On the CBS Evening News, Scott Pelley interviewed Nazi death camp survivor Elie Weisel about “Peace on Earth”.  Mr. Weisel suggested that it is up to all of us as individuals to be part of bringing about world peace by simple gestures like helping others.  “Sometimes a handshake has the power of a [olive] branch” says Mr. Weisel.  Watch the full video HERE.

I wonder (as Scott Pelley would say) how we can continue with our small acts of kindness and simple heroism to bring Peace on Earth.  I think I may just have found a resolution for 2013.

What about you?