Aunt Dorothy - I had a difficult growing up, with 2 alcoholic parents, my aunt Dorothy's house was a safe place, she is my role model for kindness, acceptance. She had no children of her own but had many nieces and nephews (and greats... I was one of the great-) she would make these oatmeal, caraway seeds cookies that I loved and she would make them just for me. All the food at her house was delicious... because it was made with love? I don't know... but I do know that the instant I went into her house, with the tick tock of the big grandfather clock, the maple, mahogany and oak furniture crafted by her brother, and the smell of those cookies or turkey or mashed potatoes or whatever.
the way she looked at me, as if I were the only person in the whole world. "Oh Debbie, she would say, I'm so glad to see you." and I knew she meant that. she would wrap her arms around me and I didn't have a care in the world. we had a secret language of smiles.

On Instagram, I saw the image of a sign in a parking lot. It reserves the parking space for someone who is willing to complement a stranger! So easy to do!

A friend sent me this link to a video series called Something Beautiful in the World. Three filmmakers, four continents, 12 short films. Starting in January 2024 they set out to make and send videos that enlighten, lighten, inform, cuddle and cradle the viewer. A KindLook for sure.

My friend came over this morning and listened to me talk for 30 minutes straight. She didn't interrupt me. She listened and smiled. That's a long time for a person to listen without adding anything, subtracting anything. Just being present.
A big kindess to me, it did cost her 30 minutes, it did require her attention, but other than that, it cost her nothing. I am so grateful.