Karmageddon*

And so Good Friday is upon us...it began in the most un-holy of ways, which is waking up at 4:30am for no apparent reason with my two year old and not being able to fall back asleep. It could only go up from there really.

But truthfully, I was sort of stumped today. I contemplated many random acts of kindness for the day, but couldn't figure out what sort of connected with me. First thing I did was figure out I wasn't really sick. I mean, no cough today, only a mild headache, so yes, I could visit my friend with newborn twins. I began scouring recipes trying to figure out what the best dish would be to take over there. I decided on a warm French stew with crusty bread and Zinfandel. I don't often make stew. It is not in my repertoire. But after Lucy died, I got only two meals--my friend Laura made my favorite spinach pie she does so well, and another acquaintance brought a picnic basket with lamb stew, crusty bread, and red wine. It was January and colder than a witch's tetita. It was a beautiful night for my husband and I; we felt warmed and loved and remembered. I wanted to give her that feeling too, of being loved and warmed.

So, off I went to the market. I decided this was my random act of kindness. In the parking lot of my market is a Starbuck's. I always very very occasionally stop off before shopping for a latte. So, I stumbled up. "Uh, I know this sounds strange, but today I would like to do some random acts of kindness for strangers, and I wanted to buy two five dollar gift certificates to give to strangers so they can buy themselves a coffee. It is sort of pissing down rain out there, so leaving it on a car seems wrong. Can I pay for them and leave them for you? Then the next two people that come in after I leave, can you please use it towards their order?" And she beamed.
"Wow, that is the coolest thing I have ever heard. Sure I can."
"Can you wait until I leave, because I don't want anyone to think they have to thank me?"
"Sure." She concocted my drink, and putzed around back there for a few minutes, then came back to the counter. "Um, Starbucks would like to pay for this project for you today."
"WHAT?!"
"It really is such a great thing. People don't care about others anymore. Starbucks wants to support you."

This is the thing about doing random acts of kindness. People do kind things for you right back. In fact, after my last post, I received this email:

Thank you for your great words regarding the kindness of strangers as well as sharing your world with so many. It’s good to be reminded and to remember.

Au Bon Pain would like to share some kindness with you and your family. Please send me your address and we will mail some treats.

You know, I mentioned the bakery in my last post, and truth be told, yes, my loving devotion to a company is easily won through free baked goods.I heart you, Au Bon Pain.

Back to today, I ended up buying an extra five dollar gift certificate from Starbies, and writing this note:

hi, i know this must seem strange, but i have decided to do some random acts of kindness for strangers today. so on this rainy friday, treat yourself to a coffee, tea, baked good or whatever. enjoy it and remember be kind to someone today.

I would like to say I picked a random vehicle, but truth is, I picked a hybrid, because karmically, it balances my SUV. I put it on the door handle, and went to do my shopping. How can doing something so pollyanish feel so revolutionary? I had this conspiratorial feeling walking through the market. Was it her car? His? The fish monger? Who? I had a temptation to ask them to send me an email, but in the end, I decided against it. I want it to be anonymous and thankless. The card was still on the car, now soaked when I went to my vehicle. I do wonder what happened, but I just have to assume someone somewhere enjoyed a mochaccino or some other gooey froufrou drink that they never splurge on.

I even donated the $1 to a food bank when the cashier asked. Hey, I was trying to be good.

I returned home, sort of buzzing. On my front porch is a beautiful bouquet of flowers.I bounced on my toes. YIPPEE. Flowers! I opened the card to read this:

Dear Angie, Here is the our International Babyloss Convention Random Act of Kindness for you. With love, Sall and Jess.

You know, Sally and Jess, you made my morning. Thank you for your act of kindness. I haven't stopped smiling.

So now it is your turn. What happened today during your random act of kindness? Did you get anything back? How did you feel? Did you see a reaction? Tell me.

*I wish I could take credit for this phrase and Good Friday, but this was coined by Danny Wallace, the author of Join Me. The book that gave me this idea. I still think he wouldn't mind me stealing it in the name of RAoKs.

EDITED TO ADD: I totally forgot that I took a picture of my daughter this morning in a gorgeous shirt made my my lovely, extremely talented co-clicker Jen. She is amazing and kind, and just sent it to us, you know, just because...talk about random acts of kindness. She has opened an ETSY shop called Little Star Shop. Go spread the love, folks. Maybe surprise someone you love with a handmade shirt. And get a load of my little baby in her beautiful shirt. OH, Jen also sewed a little butterfly button on the cuff for Lucy. Talk about making a lady cry.