Wednesday, June 30, 2010
My One "Big'' Give Went Bust! : (
The idea was to give two unsuspecting people here in my town tickets to see Twilight, which (amazingly) started today! How perfect. Right? Well, as it turns out everything that could happen to prevent me from getting the tickets happened, and indeed I did NOT get them! I don't know whether to feel bummed or to trust my instinct that everything happens for a reason?
After the month of giving that I've had though, I'll have to choose the latter! I've enjoyed every minute, and every smile that I saw in response to something I did or gave. This month has reinvigorated me, and has inspired me to step up my (OSF's) giving again, especially the creativity aspect. After all of that how could I possibly end the month with a frown. I can't! :O
I don't know why things turned out the way they did today, but I'm gonna trust that it was for the best. AND hey, tomorrow begins a NEW month! With 31 more days to make more people smile (that's one more day than this month). Maybe I'll get to start it off with a bang? Who knows...
Thank you all for hanging with me this month, and indeed this first year of OSF! May we have many more months, and years giving together, and making the world kinder one smile at a time. I LOVE you all, each and every one of you. :)
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
More Smiles Spread Today
Well, just a few minutes after entering the store the perfect situation arose to do just that! As I stood on line in the Customer Service Department, I had my Smile Spreader Bag on my shoulder,

Now, as this exchange was going on, there was another Customer Service worker watching the whole thing (by the way she was smiling at the whole thing). In fact she was the one assisting me with my return. Was there any way I would leave without offering her one? NO! :) She too accepted and picked the one she liked best. I left them both smiling, I was too, as I walked off to meet up with my family.
I have given out LOTS and LOTS of the Smile pins and I just don't tire of seeing those smiles come up instantly (that's kind of my favorite part), and stay put for a quite a while in most cases too! How lucky am I that I get to do this? Thank you to everyone that make it possible. : )
Monday, June 28, 2010
Stories to Make You Smile
1) I had an appointment with my Oncologist today. I went prepared with candy for the patient waiting area (again, this is kind of becoming a habit for me). I took individually wrapped soft mints, and this time I added small smiley stickers to each of them. I filled the heart shaped candy bowl with as many as would fit. On my way in to see the Dr I stopped and gave the rest (a grocery bag full) to the receptionist to keep it going. Well my son, whom accompanied my husband and I to the appointment (but whom waited in the waiting area while we were in with the Dr. ) told me that while I was inside two kids that were waiting with their parents each took a piece of the candy. They ate the candy and removed the stickers and put them on their shirts! He said they were giggling and smiling, and happy as they did this, and he also said that it make him smile to see their reaction. I was thrilled to hear about the whole thing, which of course made ME smile! I am glad that he did that, because now I get to share the story with all of you and hopefully spread the smiles even further! It always amazes me how many smiles could come from one small act of kindness. :)
2) A few days ago I wrote about the Magnificent Day of Giving I had. On that day there was a server that I wrote about, the one with the twin daughters. Well I stopped in that restaurant today to get a salad to take out and ran into her again. She remembered me and gave me a big smile. She told me that she kept the OSF smile card that she'd pinned to her apron on there for two days! I guess that what as long as it lasted. I was amazed that she did that. It was just a piece of paper after all. Anyway, I of course, had my Smile bag with me and I offered her a pin of her very own. She was SO excited and immediately showed it to one of her co-workers saying "look a smile for YOU!" Then off she went to take care of her tables. Wow I just loved her enthusiasm, and willingness to share her smile with someone else! After paying for my food, and made sure to give a smiley pin to the cashier (she was the person that the server lady showed her pin to). She too was very excited, and she had a big smile on her face. She asked if I had made it, and when I said yes her smile got even bigger!
I hope these two stories put a smile on YOUR face, and I hope to have more and more like them to share. :)
Saturday, June 26, 2010
To Our Stamp Fairies...
Thursday, June 24, 2010
What a Magnificent Day of Giving!!!
We began with lunch at the Golden Corral (buffet is the best option for me these days because I can try different things, and if something doesn't agree with my VERY senstive tongue I can easily try something else!). Well, before we even starting eating I was given reasons (plural) smile. My girl A, whips out these wonderful items that she picked up for our OSF "happy mail" package. Really cute stuff that I am SURE will put a smile on their recipients' face. Well as she was showing me the stuff (it was spread all over the table) our server noticed and asked if she was selling the stuff. Of course her answer was no, that they were for giving. She (the server) also noticed the Smiley pins (we both had our OSF bags with us filled with pins) and she said "ooh smiles!" Thanks to that reaction I wanted to make sure to give her one before we left.
Well after our meal, during dessert, she came over and A gave her one of our round smile cards with the tip. Would you believe that she took the CARD (not a pin mind you) and using her name pin attached it to her apron! We were trying to tell her no. That's not what that's for, but she spoke little English and we spoke little Spanish (me, none) so I don't know if we got the point across. Anyway, we proceeded to show her the Smiley pins in our bags and asked her if she wanted one. She immediately said that she wanted two, one pink and one with purple. We looked at each other, because generally we like to give one per person, especially when we're giving them out of our bags like that. BUT then she explained that she wanted them for her twin daughters. Awwwwwwwwwww. How could we say no to that? She was so grateful and thanked us several times. Then, while I was up getting more of the black jelly beans (don't ask) she brought another server over that wanted one. After that there was yet another server, this one A. had met on a previous visit, and she gave her one. So before leaving that restaurant we gave out a handful of Smiley Pins! Not bad right?
Before heading home we dropped by the hospital. Well specifically my oncologist's office. They were not expecting me, so this was a surprise. As always I was greeting with love love love! The purpose of my visit was to see Dr. C. He is my Dr's partner, and is a hematologist specializing in blood disorders and blood cancers. Well he is from Brazil, and on a recent visit he'd asked if I could do a green and red pin for him, to represent his country. Of course I said YES. I also went a step further and did one of the awareness pins for him. I used turquoise fabric with orange floss to represent Leukemia. He had already left by the time we got there, so I left it for him with M. She's one of the nurses' assistants, whom I love! I hope he likes them and enjoys wearing them. Oh! I should mention, that these are not his first pins. I gave him one before, which he wore faithfully. I was also told that he "borrowed" one from one of the girl's in the office LOL. He likes what OSF is all about.
I also made and left one for the new Dr (I think he's doing his residency or something similar, in that office). Hope he likes his too.
Finally, before leaving the office we stood in secretarial area talking to the ladies up there and boy was that fun! First there was a young lady, L.F. that I had met a couple of months ago ( I think she does billing) at which time she requested a badge reel smiley. She gave me the address to mail it to, and that was that. I had not seen her again since then. I FINALLY got to her badge reel a few weeks ago. When I was packaging it up and preparing it for shipping I was hoping that she will be thrilled upon receiving it. Well today I found out that, indeed, she was over the top excited about it when she received it! The address that she'd given me was at her job, so her coworkers got to see what it was AND her reaction. She said she screamed and yelled as if I had sent her a million dollars! WOW, could anyone ask for a better reaction that? I don't think so!
Then there is S. She's our "in-house" (at the doc's office) Smile Spreader. I needed to give her some pins for her Smile Spreader bag, as she had given away all of the ones she had (go S.!)Well, remember A. is with me, we start talking about how she and I found each other (that is a story for another time, remind me to share it one day) and the next thing I know I am sobbing like a baby while trying to express how amazing she is, and has been to me personally and to OSF. Well, after about 2 seconds, there was not a dry eye anywhere! We ALL were in tears LOL! It was really an incredible moment and as I type this I am smiling (NO not crying! LOL). I am so grateful to have A. in my life and when I'm trying to express that I get really emotional. Also, those are some really wonderful women (and an amazing male nurses' tech too!)working in that office, with such great attitudes and caring hearts. I love them all!
OK, so how many pins do you think we gave out today? The answer is THIRTEEN! Yep between lunch and the office we gave out 13 Smiles. As A. would say, the best part is imagining the ripple effect of those pins. How many people will see them and smile? We may never know the answer, and it doesn't matter really, but it just gives me chills to think that you can touch a lot of folks with ONE small act of kindness!
It's still early. Maybe YOU can do something kind for someone today. What do you say? :)
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Roll Call :)
(I just want to give a shout out (recognition) to those of you that do read and leave comments for me. I appreciate you, and if it weren't for you I would really feel all alone "out here"! :) )
A New Blog Feature!
Monday, June 21, 2010
OSF Year In Review "Interview"
Q: What made you want to start OSF in the first place?
A. I had seen a lot of people with their own giving projects or blogs and I wanted one of my own. One that reflected who I am as a person. For example I really love to craft and make things and I wanted that to be a part of any project I did.
Q: Who influenced you the most in becoming the beautiful person you are?
A. First of all, thank you for thinking that I am a "beautiful person". That's always nice to hear. To answer that question I would have to say my parents. Even though I had a challenging childhood because of my parents' divorce, I still managed to draw from the best qualities of both of them. My mom is extremely creative AND giving, and my dad was (deceased) very generous. I would love it ,if at the end of my life, I was described as creative and generous. That would be awesome.
Q: One year into the project, are things the way you envisioned them on year ago?
A: Hmmmm, good question, I would have to say NO. That is because I didn't have a "vision" at all. When I started OSF I didn't have a "plan" (I still don't). I just jumped in and started. All I knew is that I wanted to GIVE and that's what I (we, my son was and is very much involved in in this) did. Just started giving. We're still doing that.
Q: What's been your happiest OSF experience of the past year?
A: Wow, hmmm. My happiest (I've enjoyed them all!) would have to be the Merry Christmas Mail give. It was a LOT of work BUT the feeling I got from providing some cheer to kids, and a few adults too, is indescribable. It solidified what I have always known to be true, that small acts of kindness can have BIG impact on the recipient (and the giver too). And that's what OSF is about, small acts of kindness.
Q: Speaking of "small acts of kindness" can you elaborate on the OSF motto "On a mission to spread smiles with small acts of kindness", why did you choose that?
A. I chose that motto because I wanted to make sure that I kept my "mission" with this project simple and manageable. I have noticed in my years of living that not having or being able to do a LOT prevents people from doing ANYTHING. So I chose to focus on "small things" because they are less intimidating and it's more likely that I'll do them!
Q: What are you most proud of regarding OSF?
A: I am most proud that my son thinks that OSF is a good idea! And that at 14 he encourages me to keep it going no matter what. In addition to that, I am proud that I've created something that has touched a lot of people in a positive way, and that has the potential to touch so many more.
Q: Is there anything that you did or didn't do that you would change?
A: Yes. It would be that I would say YES to offers to help sooner. Initially I considered OSF to be a "personal project" and it actually caught me off guard that people wanted to help me with it. Thankfully my eyes were opened, and I see that OSF has inspired others, and as I result of that people want to assist in keeping it going. I have gotten much better at saying YES, and that has been great for OSF. :)
Q: How, or has, OSF changed you as a person?
A: I wouldn't say that it has changed me, but I think it has made me more of who I always knew I could be. I've always felt that I was "born to give". OSF has shown me that that is true. I feel that there is still more I can do in the way of giving and I hope I have the opportunity to do it.
Q: What is your vision for OSF in 1 year, 5, years, 10 years?
A: Ah, the "vision" question. Honestly, that's a very tough question for me. Taking my health situation into account, I really live day by day, moment to moment even. I would just say that I would like OSF to improve every day, and every year, that it is in existence. I hope it somehow touches thousands and millions of people. Is that a satisfactory answer?
Q: OK, well do you have any new ideas for OSF for the up coming year that you can (will) share? A: Well, nothing specific at this point, but I will say that I would like to do some community projects where I can get my neighbors and especially the local children involved in giving. I'd also like to make OSF "online" more interactive, getting our readers and followers involved more.
Q: Have you set any goals for OSF for year 2?
A: Well I have set a goal for myself regarding OSF. I would like to personally stitch 100 Smileys each month, for the next year. As with prior goals I don't know if I'll be able to do it, but I sure as heck am going to give it a I try! This will begin in July. So here goes...
Q: Is there any advice you would give to someone that wanted to do a project like OSF?
A: I would say GO FOR IT! Don't over think it or you will likely talk yourself out of it! One thing I would add to that though, is only do that if you feel in your soul, in your gut, that this is something you should do. Otherwise it might be better to support and assist another project that is already up and running, that "speaks" to you.
Q: Is there anything you want to say to your readers/followers?
A: YES! Gratitude, next to giving, is very important to me. I want to say the biggest, hugest "THANK YOU" to everyone that has been a part of OSF, in any way, this past year. Whether it was as a giver to the project or a recipient, I appreciate you! There were some people that gave majorly to this effort, and while I don't want to name them here, I hope you know that I know that OSF would not be what it is today with you. Also, I hope you all will stick with me for and weeks and months and years (God willing) ahead! I am open to ideas on how to make OSF better and to make more people smile. If you have any don't hesitate to send them my way. This last year has been amazing and I hope gets even better from here!
Friday, June 18, 2010
STAMPS = Smiles!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
"Charity" begins at home :)
Monday, June 14, 2010
How Would You Spend $5 Contest Winner is...
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Photo Friday - On Sunday! LOL
It was my intention to post this weeks Giving Challenge photos on Friday, so that I could use that catchy title -"Photo Friday", but it wasn't to be. That's OK though, they're here now and that's what counts right?. :)
These are the candies I put in the candy dish that is out in the waiting area at my Dr.s' office. They are Baskin Robbins Mango flavored hard candies. I couldn't resist adding a little" happy" to each treat, so I put a small Smiley sticker on each one. I think they were a hit, because when I went back on Friday (a day after I put them there) there were just 3 left! It's a good thing I brought more candy, not the same kind though. This time it was mints, the soft butter mint kind. YUM I love those!

This is Brian. He is the hubby of my online friend, and faithful blog follower, Dawn. He is holding up the newest addition to the OSF lineup of offerings. It is the Smile Angel pin! I sent it to Brian because he has serious health challenges and I wanted to send something from OSF that would comfort him during difficult times, and make him smile at the same. I hoped that he would like it and judging from the photo I think he does, and maybe the cat does too? Thanks for the photo Dawn!
Here is a closeup of the Smile Angel. I did this one in blue, but other colors are available. :) More info on how to get one of these is coming soon! :)

Now, I could've sworn that I had a couple more pictures to post, but for the life of me I don't remember what they were! Oh gosh, I think I have "chemo brain" (can't remember stuff thanks to the chemotherapy drugs) LOL. I will check my photos and if/when I find them I will be sure to post.
Have a wonderful Sunday, and don't forget to do at least one thing today to make someone smile! :)
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
New Contest - This One's for the KIDS :)

Believe it or not some of OSF's biggest fans are children! Actually, that does not surprise me one bit as kids are generally happy and smiling, and eager to spread that joy on to others. So for this contest I thought it would be fun to turn to the little ones (ages 4-12).
Here's the deal. The mission of OSF is to spread smiles with small acts of kindness. I chose that wording specifically because a lot of people won't give anything at all if it can't be something big (aka - expensive). I have come to learn that sometimes the smallest thing can mean so much to someone. So for this contest I would like you to tell me how would you spend $5 to make someone (or several people) smile? The winner will be chosen based on the creativity and uniqueness of the idea submitted, and will receive $5 to put their idea to work!
So come on kids! I want to hear your great ideas of ways to put a smile on some one's face. Post your idea in response to this blog entry. Please include child's age in the post. All entries MUST be submitted by midnight of June 13th. The winner will be chosen on Monday, June 14th. ONE entry per child (so make sure it's your BEST idea!) You must have your parents permission to enter.
Monday, June 7, 2010
29 Gifts Book Giveaway - And the winner is...

Sunday, June 6, 2010
The Week In Review - Pictures

Oh this is a good one. It's not a give I gave, but I just wanted to share. I have given Smiley pins to most of the staff at our local Starbucks, and I include a Smile Card with each one. Well, I guess one of the recipients wanted to help spread smiles, so they taped one of them on the cash register for all the customers to see! Wasn't that nice?
This was Friday's gift. $5 to the busboy at a local all-you-can-eat pizza restaurant. Leaving a tip is of course customary when you eat at a restaurant, but most people don't at this place. I think it's because it's "self serve" and you don't really have someone waiting on you. There is however, a bus person that will clear your plates as you eat so that your table is not cluttered with dirty places. On this day our plates were not cleared, not even once during our entire visit, even though a bus boy was present He came close to our table, even bumped my chair with his cart LOL, but no plate pick up. That's what made this a gift (no strings attached) and not a tip (for services rendered). I am happy to say though, that the recipient was thrilled and gave us a BIG smile, and he also apologized for not clearing the table sooner! I think we made his day, and that was a gift to us. :)
I LOVE gumball machines. Seeing one just makes me smile. I guess it's all the pretty colors, and knowing the smiles they bring to little faces. This is the machine at my local Publix.

What can be better than a nice gumball on your way in or out of the store? How about a FREE one! I slipped a quarter in the machine and left it for someone to find. I wanted to make sure that it was noticed, so I left a smile card too.

It's difficult to see in the photo but the quarter is actually holding the smile card in place! I wish I could have seen the reaction of the person that found it. I can only hope that it made them smile, and who knows... maybe they put another quarter in and left it for someone else. Now that would be really cool!

I look forward to week 2 of the 30/30 Giving Challenge! I hope some neat giving ideas come to me. I don't mind doing something I've already done, but it's always fun to come up with creative gifts you know? :)Thursday, June 3, 2010
Day 3, Wow What a Day of Gifting and a Nice Reminder
The gift that I planned to give for sure was the 2 dozen Smollies in a cute little tin that I picked up from Target not long ago (a pic will be posted tomorrow). I thought it might bring some smiles to the patients (and the nurses/techs too!) receiving their treatment. My nurses are so supportive of my OSF efforts and they were thrilled about it. The only "problem" was deciding where to put it - in the front room or in the chemo room? I will leave that up to them! LOL
Most of the other gifts were totally spontaneous (I always love those) like giving Smiley pins to everyone that was in the room. This turned out to be the best thing I could have done, as there were two patients in particular that I would say that really NEEDED a smile right at that moment. When I saw what they were going through my heart was moved to do something, and while I wasn't sure as first that a "smile" was appropriate (or enough) I offered them anyway. And I am glad I did! In doing so I was reminded that it's not what you give, but why you give that's important. I think those two patients got that I was just trying to reach out in some way, and I think they really appreciated it. My hope tonight is that they are both feeling much better, and that I helped at least a little to brighten their days. I thank them for receiving my humble gift in their time of discomfort and pain. That was generous on their part. I am grateful for this experience today and inspired to for future giving.
Tomorrow is day 4 and I haven't planned anything in particular. Maybe I'll just see what comes up? :)




