Kindness from a Stranger

I’m often caught off guard by the kindness of strangers. Maybe it’s because I’m too busy to see everyday occurrences of unsolicited good deeds. Or perhaps I’m just hanging around the wrong places. But the rarity is probably what makes those moments of undeserved goodness so special and memorable.

I was the recipient of such a good deed this week. I was fervently typing up an freelance article (ironically, about volunteerism) when a knock at the door sent the puppies wildly crashing down the stairs to who could be gracing up with their presence. The postman had visited, like an everyday Santa Claus, and left a package on my stoop. With the passion of a two-year-old on a sugar high, I pounced on the box, eager to see what awaited me.

Inside, I found this mysteriously wrapped parcel:

After untying the ribbon and folding back the brightly patterned fabric, I discovered:



Cute stickers! A handmade book of recipes! A pretty journal the color of ruby red grapefruit! And a cookbook titled The Best Bake Sale Ever Cookbook! Wheee!

This pleasant surprise to my day was actually the wonderful work of blogger Frugal Hostess, who shares DIY projects, lifestyle advice, and guidance for living a frugal yet satisfying life. She had a contest on her blog where participants merely had to comment with their favorite baked good to enter. Well, my challenge was deciding on my favorite. So I wrote in “rum-soaked tiramisu” because of the fond memories I associate with it. And by random luck (or fate!), I won.

So, someone I know only from the internet shipped me this amazing package of goods! Wow. Just plain wow.

Other acts of kindness from Internet people or complete strangers:

- Fellow NH-ite @Sully lent me David Meerman Scott’s book on The New Rules of Marketing and PR and when reminded that I still had it, simply told me not to worry about it and to forward it on.

- A friend I know purely through Livejournal has been giving me comprehensive advice on running and triathlon training, despite being in the middle of a house sale and busy up to her eyeballs.

- A customer recently gave me a Lindt chocolate truffle. (Yes, I take candy from strangers!). Surprisingly, it was not the first time that has happened.

- Former NH-ite @EmilysPearl offered to let me crash at her place if I ever make my way to NYC.

- Aspiring career coach @tboyum spent a whole evening talking with my about my career goals and giving me good advice on pursuing my dream career.

To those of you who have been kind to me and I have forgotten to mention you here, I apologize and thank you also for your selfless giving of time, talent, and treasure. I strive in my life to pass on the favors you have done for me and hope that others do the same for you.