“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
-Leo Buscaglia, author (1924-1998)
My two favorite lapdogs!
As readers of “Donna & Diablo” know, this blog is dedicated to telling stories of life with my two favorite furballs: Lola Bug & the Beau Man. These wonderful creatures bring untold amounts of love and laughter to my life. (Alright, alright, in the spirit of full disclosure, they’ve been known to introduce a wee bit of frustration every now and again, too–just yesterday Beau coughed up what was left of the plastic shoulder guide to David’s laptop computer case after he’d worked it over. Color me naive–I thought the little darling was taking a nap in the laundry room 😦 )
Although Bug and Beau’s myriad small kindnesses never fail to warm my heart, today’s post is about the kindness shown to me by two fellow bloggers–folks I’ve not yet had the pleasure of meeting in person who nonetheless enrich my life in ways large and small most every day.
The first is David Kanigan, author of the fabulous blog “Lead.Learn.Live.” David is a wonder: funny, insightful, provocative, prolific–his posts give me a reason to pause, ponder, groan, guffaw, or giggle virtually every day. One of David’s posts this morning, “Warm. Soft.Rain,” absolutely made my day. In it, he mentioned one-word associations that sprang to mind for some of his blogger friends, and the one he linked to me was ‘happy.’ A simple pronouncement, yet one that warmed me to my core.
I AM happy–incredibly so–and it tickles me pink that my happiness is perceivable, even to those who know me only through my presence online. I’ve been through some rough patches in the last few years, and it wasn’t all that long ago that ‘happy’ would have been far from the first adjective I would have been assigned. But my life has changed dramatically and today I am happy more days than not, and blessed: with a man I adore who loves me dearly (at times in spite of myself); with friends who frequently leave me speechless (and those who know me know this is no mean feat) with the love, patience, and generosity of spirit they show me; with two wonderful dogs who every day make me feel like I’m the greatest thing since sliced bread; with my health; and with the ability to grow in some form or fashion every day. So thank you, David, for that wonderful compliment.
The second blogger I would like to thank is Mimi Krumholz of “Waiting for the Karma Truck.” Mimi is a constant source of inspiration for me. She is warm, witty, generous, and genuine. Her humanity shines through in every post. Mimi has encouraged this neophyte blogger in so many ways–she never fails to ‘like’ my posts and comments just as frequently. The knowledge that someone out there is listening, and responding, to my musings is more gratifying than I can say.
Mimi has also graciously nominated me for not one but TWO blog awards: the ‘Beautiful Blogger’ Award and the ‘Sunshine Blogger’ Award. Though I have not yet fulfilled the mandates associated with receiving these wonderful acknowledgments (but I will, I promise I will!!), this delay should in NO way be seen as a lack of appreciation. I am, quite simply, touched beyond measure that Mimi would feel compelled to confer these wonderful awards on me when I am so new to the game. This simple act of kindness is deeply appreciated and gave me just the ‘atta girl’ I needed to continue in my quest to grow and develop as a writer.
Simple acts, brief interactions, yet so meaningful to me. As Mark Twain said, “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear, and the blind can read.” I hope that all those reading today can feel how much I appreciate their sharing a little bit of their time with me through this blog. The boost it gives me is beyond measure.
Donna & Diablo 
It is amazing how small kindnesses can lift one’s spirits and, yes, the kindnesses shown by other bloggers in their comments is uplifting. They certainly do lift my spirits; as do you.
Also I wanted to let you know how much I like your gravatar / photo image of you.
Something about the image as it shows contentment yet productivity at the same time and this is inspiring to me. 🙂
Ohhh, Elizabeth, what a lovely thing to say! Thank you! I think this little ‘blogging world’ is pretty darn special. And thank you for your comments regarding my gravatar–the photo was taken on a vacation in the West Indies last summer and I was, indeed, content. I love it that my feelings shine through…. 🙂 Be well….
🙂
Lori, it’s great to meet you and I’m grateful to Mimi for the intro. Thanks so much for saying hello … and for introducing me to David’s blog, too. I loved your guest post over there, and every word of this one. Mimi’s right. Another Sunshine Blogger 🙂
Hello Simon! Lovely to meet you, too! Thx very much for not only stopping by my blog, but also following it! I am most grateful. Mimi is a wonder–I feel blessed to have found her and doubly blessed that she has introduced me to so many people, yourself included. David is fabulous as well–I am sure you will find his blog by turns amusing, astounding, and inspiring. I look forward to more exchanges in the future. Warmest wishes….
Lori, this morning I had the pleasure of coming across your blog. How lucky for me!
I agree with you on David and Mimi. Their blogs are wonderful.
Hello Susan! Thx so much for visiting–I really appreciate it. Hope you’ll come back again frequently. And yes, David and Mimi are the bomb! 🙂
Lori, I posted a lengthy comment on David’s blog this morning. I loved that you were a guest blogger on his site, but I wanted to make sure you knew how much I appreciated and enjoyed your perspective on Joan Didion…hugs, m
I saw that, Mimi, and it *warmed my heart*! Your kind words made my day, hell, my month! 🙂 I was absolutely blown away by David’s generous offer and wanted to do the honor justice. Glad that you found my post of value!
It was fabulous – really, really wonderful writing..
Thank you Lori. Your post warmed my heart…
I’m so glad–it came from the heart.
Aww… I understand the simple joys those fuzz-butts can bring. Just last night Paisley, my Dobermutt, sat at my feet, somehow sensing I was a little upset about something. I knelt down and loved her for a second. She just sat there.
This coming from a dog that ate all my furniture… You should see the damage the poor recliner I’m sitting in has suffered at the teeth of her mouth.
Thx so much for checking out my blog and for the follow! It’s wonderful to connect with a fellow dog lover. And Paisley sounds adorable! During my life I’ve had the privilege of being owned by three Dobermans–they are the best dogs in the world! :-). And it truly *is* incredible how wonderfully intuitive these animals are–they always seem to know when a good cuddle is in order. Give Paisley a pat for me….
Conser her patted. ❤ She is quite the lover!!!
They all are! People think they’re soo ferocious, but mine were the biggest group of snuggle bugs you’d ever want to meet. I miss them everyday!
Bless that Beau – he probably was napping until the lure of the laptop case called to him. I don’t know what to say Lori – and I don’t think I can adequately thank you. I am flattered that you would even put me in the same category with David – for he is without parallel in so many wondrous, talented ways. I think he inspires before one even gets to the message – it’s the pre-emptive knowledge that he always brings it without fail.
Your posts bring joy – it’s that simple and that complex. Your happiness is palpable and contagious and is blended with a smidge of self-deprecation that makes me love you all the more (and given that we’ve never met in person, this is cyber-love I guess). Sharing genuine happiness is difficult, for typically the negative voice is always louder, bolder, demanding attention. Yet your voice soars above that. You make me laugh, your love for your wonderful fiance, your furry babies, your warmth – embraces all of us who get to read your posts. It’s a pleasure to respond, for I feel like we’re having a conversation of sorts. I think I’m the one who should express appreciation to you – for you have encouraged this neophyte, made me smile and hope – and given me much to talk with Archie and Teddy about (note to self – tell Archie that the computer bags are off limits). You are happiness Lori – even on the days when you may not always feel it – and as such, you are the gift. Thank you…many hugs, m
🙂