NaBloPoMo Prompt to Feed a Child: Universal Children's Day

Today's NaBloPoMo post is one I can answer in one short sentence to summarize this writing prompt's questions: "Are you the funny one in most groups? What kinds of things do you find funniest?"

Instead, I would much rather blog about Universal Children's Day which happens to be tomorrow.

I learned about International Children's Day years ago when I was studying a program at a local college, Children: Our Challenge based on a book with a similar name, Children: The Challenge by Rudolf Dreikurs. The course/program no longer exists; I believe it ended years ago too.

However, the point being that children are important. Just because they are smaller in size with developing brains doesn't make them less important. They count. They DO matter!

I love children, perhaps because I am an older version - at times when I feel comfortable and/or carefree, i.e., couldn't care less (what others think) - with a strong inner childlike nature. Now, do understand that there is a difference between childish and childlike, though indeed I can display the former just as well at times, when I get set in my ways, i.e., stubborn in my thinking! ;)

However, there is a more important issue that pulls at my heart strings and I hope tugs at yours to take action:

"The United Nations' (UN) Universal Children's Day, which was established in 1954, is celebrated on November 20 each year to promote international togetherness and awareness among children worldwide. UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, promotes and coordinates this special day, which also works towards improving children's welfare." (http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/un/universal-childrens-day)

And it is for that reason, that I post on the following -

"Tell us how you think we can eliminate classroom hunger. Imagine what India would be like if no child goes hungry and an entire generation is educated."

Taking a lesson - pardon the pun - from a local school board that runs a number of warm and healthy breakfasts, they have received healthy donations of money - possibly food too - in order to provide such a service. Breakfast can be fresh fruit such as bananas, yogurt, even pancakes, as well as a drink of juice or milk.

Quoting one of my Indian blogging friends who wrote about the subject, Vinodini Iyer:

When blogadda invited bloggers to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children by writing a post that promised that bloggadda would feed a child, who is an Akshaya Patra beneficiary for an entire year, I couldn't help but do my teeny bit as a blogger for that one needy child I might be able to reach out to, by means of this post. The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation headquartered in Bangalore, India. The organisation strives to fight issues like hunger and malnutrition in India. - See more at: http://vinodinii.blogspot.ca/#sthash.3RpL196H.dpuf.

We all require energy in the form of food to nourish and fuel our bodies: that includes the brain. That gives children the energy and stamina to learn and to do well in their studies.

Have you ever noticed, for example, how hungry you get when you study, hard? That is why! And what happens when you're hungry: are you able to concentrate? Likely not or not very well.

Now imagine a young child in class unable to concentrate or learn because their tummy is rumbling, they are SO hungry. To feed these children a nourishing meal is vital to their education. In India, the cost is only a few rupees that provides one square meal a day for a whole year. Imagine that?!

"For every blog post that is written for this cause, BlogAdda will sponsor meals for an Akshaya Patra beneficiary for an entire year, as a part of their Bloggers Social Responsibility." (http://blog.blogadda.com/2014/11/11/blog-to-feed-a-child-akshaya-patra-blogadda)

"The Akshaya Patra Foundation is the world's largest non-profit organisation. It is an Indian NGO providing the mid-day meal to 1.4 million children in every day." (http://www.akshayapatra.org/)

I am going to #BlogToFeedAChild with Akshaya Patra and BlogAdda. (See details at http://blog.blogadda.com/2014/11/11/blog-to-feed-a-child-akshaya-patra-blogadda).

P.S. My apologies for this hasty post but I am on a time crunch due to an unexpected factor (which is why in part I am using a number of quotes.)

From the Kindness of Strangers

Photo credit: google search on law of attraction

Today's NaBloPoMo prompt is the following: Tell us about one time that you benefitted from the kindness of strangers.

Though I can be a pessimist at times, I do believe in the general goodness of people. That is, I believe there are more good people - and that they perform kind deeds - than bad in the world, despite the portrayal of the media otherwise.

I know some people - one in particular - who would disagree and that's ok. It's everyone's right to believe what they will; however, how is it working for them? And, does it work for you?

Instead, why not take heed of the 'law of attraction' or LOA for short. It is a spiritual principle which you can read about it here, though I do not like the example they cite as it's not necessarily so cut and dry, black and white like that: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_attraction_%28New_Thought%29. It's actually more like the message in the box in the picture on the top of this post! ;)

I had actually written a blog post inspired by a particular incident on this very subject. I entitled it A Kind Stranger: a Samaritan named Rob and I believe I felt such compassion when I wrote it: I was extremely grateful.

Simply put, a man who was a stranger came to my aid when I fell and injured myself about 2-1/2 years ago. You can read the short story here: http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2012/06/kind-stranger-samaritan-named-rob.html (dated June 17, 2012).

A brief video interruption that is rather touching - moved me actually - that I saw on Facebook yesterday that I'd like to touch on the theme of kindness from strangers:

Post by D - la Repubblica.

One other story that I'd like to share that I will never forget, though I think some of the details are a bit hazy is as follows:

Years ago when I was a young student, studying full-time and working part-time to make ends meet while living on my own, I met this man who happened to be the brother of a man my sister dated or was dating.

We befriended each other and he had asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I was about 21 or 22 at the time and all I could think of was a live pine tree as a Christmas tree. However, I told him that that might not be allowed in my building due to fire regulations, though I wasn't !00% sure.

One day, about a week or so later, after I arrived home from a very long day of school and work, I opened the door to my apartment unit. To the delight of my eyes and nose of the look and smell of a large, live pine tree! My mood immediately brightened as I was SO ecstatic. I wanted to call him but figured it was too late, so waited to thank him the next day.

Photo from google search

If memory serves me correctly, I think the tree was already decorated, albeit partially as it was a large tree. The following day or shortly thereafter from what I recall, we both decorated the tree while playing Christmas music in the background.

That seemingly small gesture was a big deal to me. It was HUGE and truly didn't care to receive anything else that Christmas. It is a memory I shall always treasure forever. Though he has since moved back to Europe from whence he came, that particular Christmas will always be remembered as a special one, and in my heart as a fond memory.

Photo credit: google

Likewise, I was also the giver of kindness to a stranger: In Pay it Forward...with an Umbrella!, I wrote a post dated February 3, 2012 on how kindness prompted me to act the way in which I did. Read to find out how: http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2012/02/pay-it-forwardwith-umbrella.html.

How has a stranger paid you a kind deed? And how have you been a stranger to help another in kind?

Posts of the Controversial Kind!

Photo: courtesy of Solus Decor Inc.

Today's NaBloPoMo prompt is, "What is the most controversial thing you've ever written on your blog? What compelled you to write it?"

I swear I thought I had only written one or two controversial posts, but over time I see that I had written a number of posts that potentially could be considered as such.

Rather than single one out, I would like to list them all from my perspective. And then, if you have the time and/or inclination to read them - all?! - you can let me know your thoughts through your feedback (known as comments) on this blog post and/or the others that I link to. Enjoy? ;)

Going backwards from the most recent in terms of controversy - wondering if I should do it the other way around as my favourite, A Matter of Degrees is listed at the very bottom - The 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month, in part due to the title and also due to my referencing spiritual and secular references. That might struck a nerve or chord with some people. See http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/the-11th-hour-of-11th-day-of-11th-month.html.

What compelled me to write it was initially the blog prompt for that day, "If you could permanently get rid of one worry, what would it be?" as I had seen these question or one like it on Facebook once it not twice recently. Thus, I thought it a good one to address.

Fear is the opposite of love and fear is underneath the emotion of hatred may be controversial points to some. It may also be controversial due to a question I ask about war and thus purposely wrote with the theme of Remembrance Day in the background.

On Friday, September 12th I bared my soul like never before: for ME it felt controversial to post it! Entitled, LOA: Suicide, Homicide, and Me could have potentially been extremely controversial because of the two questions I pose at the end: "Was I a 'victim' of my thoughts/feelings/circumstances? How did the Law of Attraction play out in this (true life) story?" as I could have been, ahem, murdered. Yes, you did read that correctly. (http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/09/part-3-suicide-prevention-week.html)

Similarly, my post Self-Love: Suicide Prevention from the previous day was also somewhat soul-baring, and could have been rather controversial as well for I ask a potentially blazing question: "...are you ready to hear my lesson concerning suicide? And what I believe may be a lot of other people's lessons, primarily women (considering the culture/society we live in)?" That’s a strong statement in the form of a question! (http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/09/part-2-suicide-prevention-week.html)

Part 1: Aftermath of a Brilliant Comic’s Death: Funnyman Robin Williams could have been a potential volatile post as I discovered a comment on Facebook blasting the ALS organization. I think it had to do with appropriation or rather misappropriation of funds. Without divulging details, I suggested to my readers in a follow-up comment to do their own research: http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/08/part-1-aftermath-of-brilliant-comics.html

Do You See What You WANT to See? (An Enigma to Solve) was my take on a rather preposterous theory. Did I say that right? Check it out and tell me what YOU think? ;)
http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/07/do-you-see-what-you-want-to-see-enigma.html

Tribute to Women: (Happy?) International Women's Day could have been possibly threatening for me considering the number of hockey fans there are in Canada. I accused a local newspaper for featuring the men’s hockey team front and centre of the front and back pages when the female hockey’s team should have been splashed on them! (I'm sure I'm not the only one who thought that!)

Now I am NOT a hockey fan; however, I was so upset by this outright non-display that I wrote a letter to the editor, though I believe it did not get published. I was upset – not surprised though unfortunately – that women are still treated the same as eons ago, discounted to say the least.

I was especially angered when the theme for this year for International Women’s Day was get this: "inspiring change" that is, inspiring change for women. Such a paradox when you witness stuff like that. What else is new?! When will women become first-class citizens instead of second-class as often seems to be the case? Not surprisingly, no one touched the comment box, at least yet! ;) (http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/03/tribute-to-women-happy-international.html)

Last year on Remembrance Day I wrote, Part 1: Peace in Times of War where I asked a rather controversial question that I will not repeat here. Read and see if you can discover it for yourself! ;) And also controversial in that a lot of people will disagree with the concept of the law of attraction which is what I infer. I understand if you disagree to disagree as I wasn’t there at one time either! (http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2013/11/peace-in-times-of-war.html)

The Dance of Politics is a tricky post as we just had a municipal election in the Vancouver area, though thank goodness perhaps that I didn’t repost this on or before last Saturday when it was the actual day to vote! (http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2013/05/the-dance-of-politics.html)

June 12, 2012 prompted the following post, A Year Later: Canuck Jerseys for Sale in response to the second riot Vancouver had after our local hockey team lost the Stanley Cup championships again! What does this ay about ahem, certain individuals? I have to be careful what I say here...

Similarly, Aftermath of an Almost Glorious Victory was written in response to Vancouver’s first hockey riot about a year prior to the second one. When will we learn?! (http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2011/06/aftermath-of-almost-glorious-victory.html).

Contests and Competition is written with some controversial comments, including that I would love to interview President Obama if I could. Some people, no names mentioned, would take major offense to that, vehemently disagreeing and/or forbiding me to do so! (http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2011/03/contests-and-competition_09.html)

A Matter of Degrees was my earliest and I believe my favourite controversial post. My third writing and I was already brave enough to tell the world what I thought of degrees, not speaking of the weather! ;) Read here for details: http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2010/08/matter-of-degrees.html

Which post or posts did you find most controversial, and why? I would appreciate hearing from you!

Soulful Sunday: Favourite 2nd NaBloPoMo Weekly Posts - Mine and Yours

Photo by Roberto Kaplan

It seems that my post entitled the 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month
was favoured this past week with some interesting dialogue initially fuelled by my question:
http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/the-11th-hour-of-11th-day-of-11th-month.html

Another post that brought up some interesting dialogue - forced kindness vs. spontaneous acts of kindness - that followed a few comments behind was my post on Thursday. Envy AND Kindness: What a Combo! was my attempt at writing on two prompts, one on something I admired about other bloggers, and also on the theme of World Kindness Day (http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/envy-and-kindness-what-combo.html).

Thank you again to all of you who read my posts and especially those who commented on my posts this past week.

...now, it's my turn to salute some blog posts that I've particularly enjoyed this past week.

I enjoyed reading Mary Burris' post, Sir Duke on Stevie Wonder with some surprising facts about him that I didn't know about. Check out http://jinglejanglejungle.blogspot.ca/2014/11/nov-13-2014-sir-duke.html.

Similarly, Francene Stanley's post, The Cost of a King's Desire, http://511580395457358476.weebly.com/blog/the-cost-of-a-kings-desire had some rather startling news about King Henry VIII in how he changed the course of Christianity.

SanchLivingLife's tribute to her parents on 30 Letter Series: Dear Parents was endearing - http://www.livingmyimperfectlife.com/dear-parents/.

Speaking of parents, Meena Menon's post on A Father's Gift is a lovely tribute to her father and I think men who are like him as well. Read http://meenasspace.blogspot.in/2014/11/a-fathers-gift.html) to find out why.

Sanch again with A Fairy Tale about her real life story fictionalized that may give some women hope: http://www.livingmyimperfectlife.com/a-fairy-tale/.

Shailaja Vishwanath's post, Anything you want- #FridayFictioneers was an unusual twist on a gift of a dream destination (http://shailajav.wordpress.com/2014/11/13/anything-you-want-fridayfictioneers/).

On a more fun note, Whatta Blunderful Day by Rajlakshmi H Boruah on exercising was amusing and made me laugh. http://destinychildosheen.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/whatta-blunderful-day.html

Cat Graham's post on Mannequins was also a fun and unsuspecting read: http://cattitudeandgratitude.blogspot.ca/2014/11/mannequins.html

Did you get a chance to read any of these posts? And did you find them as enjoyable as I did? Have a great blogging and/or reading week!