Random Acts of Kindness Week

The week of February 9 - 13 has been declared Random Acts of Kindness Week by the United Way. We, at Boomer Diva Nation, are proud participants---not just this week--- but EVERYDAY. We are promoting our D.A.R.K. Campaign in conjunction with the United Way.

(D.A.R.K. stands for Diva Acts of Random Kindness)

We hope you will join us in our efforts to make the world a nicer place and that you'll do it for longer than a week.

Here's today's D.A.R.K. story from Diva Betty Lynch:

Today it is raining in East Texas. It is that kind of rain that makes getting the umbrella out, just a nuisance, but raining enough you want to get out of it because before to long you will be soaked. On my lunch hour, I had to run to Barnes and Noble to pick up a book I had ordered. Going through the parking lot I stopped and let about 10 people (at different times) go in front of me so they could get out of the rain. One man had a small child in his arms that he was trying to cover to keep from getting wet. I didn't even think twice about doing this for these people.

I got back to my office and our parking lot is across the street. I had my umbrella, but when I approached the street, this car stopped in the middle of the street and motioned for me to cross. Just what I had done to those people at the Barnes and Noble parking lot who didn't have an umbrella. I was paid back for my kindness. People can be so thoughtful.

Betty Lynch
Author, My Country Kitchen Cookbook
Member, Boomer Diva Nation

What it Means to Cherish Family

I buy plane tickets to special family events for relatives who can't afford to join us on their own. When my husband and I renewed our marriage vows in a sacramental church wedding last year, we were glad to offer tickets to two relatives we wanted to be there—and this year to one who is joining us for the holidays. While this isn't always an easy expenditure for us, it reflects our shared values about family. We know these loved ones are living on sparse incomes, and even though it's a stretch for us to buy the tickets, it's one we are more than willing to do. It's well worth it to have family with us at these cherished times.

Joyce Mason
Member, Boomer Diva Nation

Mi Casa is Su Casa

My home is always open to kids.. and I have always taught my kids to be kind so my daughter knew a few kids that had been kicked out their homes for one reason or another and they stayed here, not all at once (lol!) We always talked them into going back home, and we always let the parents know they were here. Our thinking was at least they were not roaming the streets.


Barb Ireland
Member, Boomer Diva Nation

Reach Out & Touch

Last week, I saw a family who attended a speaking engagement that I had at Lincoln University this morning on the side of the highway with their car that had broken down. I pulled over, let them use my cell, drove them to the gas station and they got a tow. Felt pretty good.

Teeky3
Member Boomer Diva Nation via Fab 40

I've Got Time on my Hands

One day last week, I was at CVS on my lunch hour. I had plenty of time and I had several items in my cart. I walked up to the checkout counter and was waiting on the person in front of me. This lady came up behind me with a toddler and he was restless. She had two things and I told her to go ahead in front of me. She said, "Are you sure?" I said, "sure" I have more items than you, please go ahead. While she was paying, I noticed a fireman with two items in his hand. So I again said, "sir, go ahead in front of me." He said, "Are you sure? I said, yes, I have more time than you do." He said, "thank you. I'm diabetic and I really need to eat something quickly." I told him I was diabetic too and I understood. So he paid and thanked me as he walked out.

Then I checked out and went back to work. It really made me feel good to be able to let two people who needed to get out of the store quicker than I did go ahead of me. How many times do we let others who have less in their cart ahead of us? This is going to be my new motto.

Betty Lynch
Member, Boomer Diva Nation

Teaching Your Children about the D.A.R.K.

Last Friday there was a Christmas party at our church. I was in charge of decorations and the children to sing a few Christmas songs. Thankfully I don't do it by myself, others help, and the music I just passed on to our children's chorister.

It was good, a full house and many attended. As I packed up the last of the decorations (with help) I saw that those who where in charge of clean up still had much to do. I volunteered my kids and I to help out.

Next time you are at a party, dinner, etc. check with your host, see if they'd love some help cleaning up.

Name Witheld at Member's Request
Boomer Diva Nation

Having a God Moment

I was on a chat board with some authors and this one suggested that I announce that a percentage of my royalties go to charity. I said to him, "but it's not true." and he replied, "So what. No one will know." Well, I was, to say the least, utterly appalled!

But he got me thinking.

So I'm wondering....Should I donate a percentage and to whom? Well, you know how dense we all can be....I'm sitting, working on Cedar Woman, the TV is on behind me because I listen for story lines, and for the first time in YEARS that I can remember, an "Operations Smiles" commercial comes on. Could have blown me away! DUH. HELLO! My child was born with cleft lip and palate!

So, I called them, and we are arranging for me to be a donator and for them to send me their logo for my sites. How cool is that?

I am so pleased with this. It's like a "God Moment."

Debra Shiveley Welch
Member, Boomer Diva Nation