A Glass Full of Water

A week ago, while visiting our neighbours Judy and Dayle, I couldn’t help but notice a few handmade woollen dolls in their lounge. My curiosity was piqued and I asked Judy what sort of dolls she was making. “Izzy dolls Steve.” Of course, my reply was, “What’s an Izzy doll?”  In brief, the story of the doll is that it’s a symbol of Canadian peacekeeping and humanitarian work. It was inspired by Master Corporal Mark ‘Izzy’ Isfeld, a Canadian military engineer who lost his life while clearing land mines in Croatia. Mark often carried these dolls made by his mother Carol to give away to children in war torn areas. The dolls brought comfort and joy to children who experienced loss and trauma.  Volunteers around the world, still knit and crochet these dolls to give to children in need. They cannot be bought or sold for financial gain.  Jenny, a life long friend of Judy’s  who lives in Hervey Bay, north of Brisbane, also makes these dolls.  She leaves them in random pl...

Michelle and Gordon set up their Airbnb called Joyce’s Place nine years ago. It is a self-contained cottage on a quiet road in the heart of Raglan and is recognised as a favourite of all the guests who stay.  This neighbouring property/business has hundreds of excellent reviews… ‘One of the best we have been to, peaceful, cozy, cute, private, we can’t wait to go back, comfortable, clean, well appointed, delightful host, awesome spot…’  Now I know that many Airbnb’s have similar comments, but Michelle excels in thoughtful gifts for all her guests, such as a freshly cooked sourdough loaf and shortbread. The delicious smell of this food greets guests as they walk in the door. Val and I have tasted her sourdough and it is the best bread ever! Table spreads and breakfast cereals are also included as well as basic toiletries. The guests want for nothing.  I asked Michelle what she wanted for her guests and she replied, “A Raglan experience and vibe.” She is succeeding. Recently...

Since starting my kindness blog in March 2023 and sending it firstly to family and friends in New Zealand, today, readers in 75 countries have read my blog. I continue to write what I think people need, not what they necessarily want.  Starting with my own country, the list begins…New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, China, Nepal, Russia, Ukraine, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Portugal, Lithuania, Serbia, Albania, Uzbekistan, Kryrgyzstan, Czechia, Bosnia/Hertzegovina, Hungary, Germany, France, Netherlands, Poland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Armenia, Romania, Croatia, Slovakia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, USA, Jamaica, Mexico, Honduras, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Equador, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Iraq, UAE, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco, Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana and South Africa....