Somehow I again forgot to request “no straw” with my water. But maybe I’m forgiven. Wait staff at my usual breakfast spots and a few bars never bring me one, so I forget that at some places people put them in drinks automatically. Why no straw? Straws don’t degrade easily; they increase trash; and I don’t particularly like them. So for me they’re a waste.

Lately, I’ve been concentrating on getting Spirit Moxie’s book written and published, and apparently, I’ve forgotten to write to you in this period before the book is available. But I remembered our motto: “little things that can change the world.” I do live this day to day and realized I could share a few little things from my past two days. 

But first, coming soon, is THE book: Moxie Moves: 10 easy ways to make a powerful difference. It will be available both as an eBook and as a paperback. Eventually, it will even be available as an audio book. It will give you another take on Spirit Moxie and the importance of making a difference. I’m spending my days nervously, and excitedly, looking for loose ends both in the text and the details of publishing it.

Apparently, I’m also spending my days forgetting to say “no straw” when I order a beverage.

However some little and some not so little things have happen as they should and do. Every Saturday, I go to our local farmer’s market. While I’m there, I always collect a hug from a woman selling a newspaper that covers stories about the concerns of street people. The paper is sold  by homeless or otherwise indigent people, instead of their begging for money. Somehow I never remember the name of the woman I stop to see, although she regularly bawls me out for being outside with wet hair and tells me about her dog and her husband. So, I figured I’d ask her name! (Again.) This time, I entered it in my phone and, with her permission, took a photo to go with it. As I walked around the market, I realized that these, too, are little things. Connecting with others. Learning names. I also realized I wanted to tell this story to you. So, I found my newspaper seller again. “Do you care if I use your picture on line?” “No,” she replied, “don’t do that. There were these people…[and another story ensued].” “OK, so I won’t use your name,” I said. “Oh, you can use my name,” she answered. “Just not my picture.” So here are other little things. Respect everyone. Ask for permission. Her name is Julie in case I need you to help me remember it.

Sometimes a little thing is honoring and responding to what you think should happen. I attended a local festival with friends and mainly wandered. But three little things worth mentioning happened. The first was my loading a bag of clothes I no longer wanted or needed or didn’t fit into my friend’s car when he picked me up. He was planning a thrift store trip soon. 

The other two things happened by my following what my body wanted to do which is part of the challenge of just being present and of loving your body. The first thing began by writing an email to friends I thought might also be coming to the event. And ended up with my sitting next to them listening to a great reading of a short play/piece created by a friend of their grandson (relationships are like that) about a coal mine explosion (you need to trust me on this one!). The other thing happened right before my ride was ready to leave the event. I realized I hadn’t seen the river near where the festival was held, and I felt a kind of longing. So, I took off and got as close to the water as I could. Somehow, this felt healing—although I didn’t know I needed healing.

Plus, for me there are the ongoing little things such as to remember to smile, ride public transportation, and use libraries.

There were certainly more. But not using straws, honoring people’s names and preferences, recycling, supporting friends, and. listening to my body is a pretty good list for two days. 

I’d love to know if this kind of is post useful. What little things did you experience during the past two days? Sending love. And, if you like, a hug.