Saturday, April 24, 2010

Saving Starfish (and Blog Candy)


I love starfish. I've never found one of the beach, but I have spied a few in tide pools and have a few large dried ones in my home. I had to put one in my new set! :) When I was in college I heard for the first time a very famous short story by Loren Eiseley that has been retold many times and ways with different characters, that I really want to share with you. (if you've heard it before, I'm sure you won't mind reading it again) Here is one version (replace the people with a woman and child, or whatever speaks to you.) :)


"Saving Starfish"

An elderly man was picking up objects off the beach and tossing them out into the sea. A young man approached and saw that the objects were starfish. He asked, "Why in the world are you throwing starfish into the water?"


"If the starfish are still on the beach when the tide goes out and the sun rises high in the sky, they will die," replied the elderly man.


The young man countered, "That is ridiculous. There are thousands of miles of beach and millions of starfish.
You can't really believe that what you're doing could possibly make a difference!"

The wise old man picked up another starfish, paused thoughtfully, and as he threw it to the safety of the sea, he said, "It made a difference to that one."


Later that day the young man returned and helped the elderly man throw starfish into the sea
.

It's not really about starfish, of course, but how doing little things for one person at a time can change their life, and ultimately, change the world. There is always something each of us can do. I just love this story.

I have one more "Gifts from the Sea" set I would like to give away, two ways to enter your name! ( If you already bought the set (thank you!), not to worry, I can get you a different set if you win.)

Leave me a comment below telling me about something small you remember a person doing for you that really made a difference.


Next, please leave a comment on Carolyn King's blog telling her "Happy Birthday!" because it is TODAY. This is a one day candy, so you have to go do it now LOL! I think that small thing will really make a difference in her day... (I hope!)


I will announce the winner late tonight.


I want to thank you all for the little things you do for me: leaving encouraging comments that make me want to make each blog post better than the next, emails with advice that really helps, prayers that really lift me up, posting a card online using my stamps, the list goes on and on... there are days when things just aren't going well and your perfectly timed act of kindness turns it all around. :)


God Bless,

Melanie

83 comments:

  1. I Love this new set - about as well as all the others!! I
    remember the first time someone came up to me at Hobby Lobby and asked if I had a coupon, and when I said I didn't - they gave me one! I pay that forward now, nearly every visit there. It's amazing the number of people who didn't know about printing their coupon online before shopping! It was appreciated, and allowed me to get something that I would normally never have purchased - but 40% off nonsale was perfect!

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  2. Now I'm off to wish Cammie a great day! Thanks for sharing that!

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  3. Well, being #1 is not a good thing to win, but whenever I think of someone who has done something for me I think back to when I had cancer surgery when I was 32 years old. I had to travel from NE to OK to have the surgery and of course didn't know anyone there. There was a kind nurse who would come in every day to give me backrubs and just talk. She was so kind. I sure wish I knew her name so I could tell her that I still think of her 30 years later and how she made that lonely and scary time so much better for me. I LOVE the set you have created. And yes, I have read the saving starfish story before but it is well worth reading again and again. So very true! That nurse surely didn't have time to give everyone backrubs but it certainly made a difference to me.

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  4. With tired toddlers in tow many years ago, a very kind person with an armload of groceries encouraged me to go ahead in line at the cashier... it made my day ! Love this set ... I love ALL your sets ! Hugs !

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  5. Melanie, I love your new set and the Starfish story was very moving.

    When my little brother was about six years old there was a Holiday shopping bazaar at school. He bought me a little plaque with a picture of an orange/yellow/black owl. I have always tresured it and have it on my desk. btw, there is 8 1/2 years between us.

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  6. I just left Cammie a Happy Birthday wish. Thanks for the chance to win your new set.

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  7. This is going to be one of my favorite sets! This time of the year my grandchildren bring me little wildflowers they find in the field near my house. Sometimes it's just the little head of the flower, but I get all guishey inside when they do that. There's nothing that will give my heart a lift like their sweetness.

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  8. The Sea has a special place in my heart and I am so loving this new set! There have been so many different incidents where someone has done something special, but at 72 I have a hard time remembering at short notice. I will think about this all day and I know I will remember eventually!! I also stopped over to wish Cammie a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

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  9. I've read this soooo many times Melanie and I love it just as much each time. I DO have your set, of course!!!

    I think ONE thing that was done for me that made a difference was when I got some advice on HOW to take better photos of my cards. I feel I not only learned how to do this better, but it also made me realize that someone believe I have enough talent to take time to help me be better. OTHER friends since have added to my self-esteem and done all they can to give me tips and assistance. I feel so much better knowing I have friends that care enough to help me in my dreams. (Thank you) Off to visit my Kermmie. *wink*

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  10. My father gave me an article once about someone's trials and tribulations and at the end of the article you find out it was Abraham Lincoln. This was always a source of inspiration to me when I was down in the dumps--all from a simple article.

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  11. Fabulous sneaky peeky! I don't go out a lot these days (turned into a desk potatoe-sitting by my desk with my computer) but last week I attended a stamping event as a teacher and got paid extra. That was a really nice gesture. :o)

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  12. JudyI(St Louis MO)April 24, 2010 at 8:50 AM

    About a year after my mother died, I did something that we normally would have shared together. A good friend of hers said to me, "Your mother would be so proud of you for doing that." It really meant a lot for that particular person to say that. I have used the starfish story recently. Mom passed her love of picking up shells on the beach to me. I would love to win this set.

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  13. Many years ago, a friend of mine called me (during the time I was going through my divorce) and asked me how long it had been since I had gotten dressed up and went out to dinner. It had been a long time, so he took me to downtown Chicago for a great, fun evening and an awesome dinner. He was like the brother I never had, and sadly a year later he was killed in a head-on crash. That evening became all the more special because he was so thoughtful, and now it is one of those very special memories. He was a wonderful friend.

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  14. I love the Gifts from the Sea set, it is so 'peaceful'. I have a granddaughter who is disabled. I have experienced many kind, thoughtful people who will take time to smile at her or hold a door open for her to enter or even speak to her. It warms my heart as she is close to mine.

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  15. Love this set and thank you for the opportunity for some blog candy!

    When I was in high school, I was partnered with a girl in cooking class. We weren't friends, we just did our cooking assignments together. Near the end of the year, our cooking teacher had a non-food assignment where we had to tell the class about our partners. My partner knew everything about me - favorite color, likes, dislikes. I knew nothing about her. I was mortified when I realized I spent all this time with this person and never 'listened' or noticed the special things about her - I was so self-centered! That experience (and her attention to people) woke me up and I try to learn at least a little about every person I meet.

    Silly, but the experience has stuck with me for over 20 years.

    Christl

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  16. We moved to small town USA, 2 years ago & it is amazing how friendly people are here... willing to share plants that they bought, offering a smile, holding the door open, there are so many things that make a trip into town an enjoyable experience... but this week I had something happen that meant a lot to me. I was on my way home & my battery in my van was acting weird, I pulled into a little place & asked them if someone would be willing to jump my battery so I could get home. There were 3 filthy mechanics, who were willing to stop what they were doing to make sure my boys & I could get home. They were so helpful. I was so thankful for them. On the way home, the boys & I talked about paying it forward.

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  17. I just left Cammie Birthday wishes!

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  18. Before I even read the story on your blog it popped into my head when I read your title. Our CEO at the Credit Union read that story at our Employee Enrichment Day in January. As a credit union we are there to serve the community one person at a time. I liked the story then and smiled when I read it again on your blog. Thanks for reminding me that saving one can make a difference.
    Last weekend I was telling my boyfriend about being the guest designer for Theresa and I was showing him the stamp set and some of her cards. I told him that I want to make cards like her one day and he said that I already do. He even said he likes mine better. Well, that made me smile from head to toe. :o) I'm smiling now as I write this. I am always in awe of all of Gina's design team. I am always trying to strive to do better with my work as a result. And when he told me that, it just meant so much. And he was sincere and he can be very critical of some of my work.
    I love the sentiments in your new set and one is on it's way to my house right now. I think I will make him a card with it when it arrives. :o)

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  19. As the mother of a son with Autism, I was overwhelmed and feeling like a failure. A woman in my quilting group came up to me one night and told me that she just had to tell me how much she admired me and what I was doing for my son. That's all it really took for me to see I was making a differece in Kevin's life. I Just needed someone removed from my immediate family to say so!
    Recently that lady passed away suddenly and left two teenaged children. I had the opportunity to share with them how she helped me and the difference she made.
    Teresa Blue

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  20. I think I may have already shared this with you, but I was shopping at Costco and struggling to get my load of groceries, a cranky toddler and an unwieldy cart when a man came by and offered to put my cart away for me. It seems like such a small thing, but really he recognized my struggle and offered help. Not such a small thing and anyone with a cranky toddler in public knows that the sooner you can get home, the better everything will be for everyone!

    I just have to tell you how beautiful I think your new set is. I'll cross my fingers that I have the lucky number today.

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  21. I have had seerveraal neck surgery and was in alot of pain one day at a retreat and one of the lady had bought a very nice chair that had a neck rest on it and she gave in to me and sat on the ground. I was able to enjoy the retreat much better. Now I always look and think if there is some way to make someone life a little eeasier I do it.

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  22. I love the starfish story as well. I can remember when I was a young girl and would go with my father at times when he called on customers. While i was sitting nearby he would either wink at me or if he was close enough he would just put his hand on my shoulder to reassure me that he remembered I was there and that he would be done soon. He was always someone that made you feel special. I have always tried very hard to live up to what I learned from him and to try to make a difference in someones's life as often as possible.

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  23. Fabulous new set. I love the realistic drawings you have done for all of these shells.

    I have gone to Cammie's blog and wished her a happy birthday.

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  24. What a beautiful stamps set and great story!
    A little thing that made a difference in my life... my boss actually expressing a "thank you" and complimenting me on my job well done. There is nothing like feeling you are representing your boss and her business in a good and positive light and that the customers recognize that!

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  25. beautiful set!

    a little kindness that I always enjoy is whenever someone takes time to leave me a comment on my blog or in my gallery about my cards. Those comments always encourage me and make my day!

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  26. Your set reminds me of a trip with my family to Seattle. We went to a beach on Peuget Sound and there were live starfish and critters in all of the shells everywhere. I had never seen them live before. I was mesmorized by watching them on the posts of the piers and digging themselves into the sand.

    A few years ago my New Years resolution was to do something kind for someone every day that made me make an extra effort. It has now become a part of my life as second nature. The best thing I ever did was to make that resolution to start my mind in the set of doing something for someone else daily.

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  27. I just left a birthday wish for Cammie!

    Thanks for offering a great blog candy gift!

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  28. It is when someone says Thank you for simple things that reminds me that everything we do is important no matter how small a task. Your story is amazing.

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  29. I wished Cammie a Happy Birthday and told her how her birthday was the anniversary of a blessing to the people around her.

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  30. my 14 year old daughter has a special gift of being able to understand people, one day when I was feeling particularly low, she came up and gave me a hug, kissed me and said I love you. it was wonderful, no questions, I did not have to speak, it was wonderful.
    Sandra

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  31. I wished Cammie a Happy Birthday on FB!

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  32. When I was having brain surgery my BFF had to go out of town for business and couldn't get out of it. She was so upset that she couldn't be there that she sent her DH to take her place. I think that was so sweet, plus my DH really like him and it was good for him to have a manly man around. Thanks for a chance at the beautiful set.

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  33. This is such a beautiful set, Melanie, thanks for the chance to win!
    Just as Terri said...I too have had someone come up to me at a craft store to make sure I had a coupon..so sweet!!
    I've done this a few times at the grocery store and peeps are so appreciative.

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  34. I paid a birthday visit to the fabulous Cammie!

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  35. stampandweave from SCSApril 24, 2010 at 10:28 AM

    Thanks for sharing the starfish story. I needed to hear that again. Often, we're hindered by what we can't do rather than just doing what we can for who we can with what we have and where we are.

    There are so many things people have done that have made a difference, and it's been good to reflect on them. Several stand out in my mind right now, among them the love notes a little boy gave me and the light-up-her-face smile and warm hugs from a little girl, both children of friends.

    The other one that meant a lot wasn't really a small thing at all. A friend knows I need warm PJs in order to sleep well in the winter, and she has made me several pairs of fleece PJs as surprises from time to time. They warm my heart as well as the rest of me.

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  36. stampandweave from SCSApril 24, 2010 at 10:32 AM

    I wished Cammie a happy birthday!

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  37. Such a great story! I am fortunate that my daughter's school is a wonderful community, and everyone there has happily pitched in to help when I've had to do things for my young son with CP. It has made my life so much easier knowing I have so many people happy to help out whenever they can!

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  38. Mine may sound silly but I will always remember my 6th grade teacher. i am the oldest of 4 girls and still believed in Santa Claus in 6th grade when someone made fun of me my teacher Mr. Pina stated in front of the whole class that he too was a believer. Bless the man. Fir years i did the same for anyone who questioned it in my class.

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  39. What a great subject Melanie. I would have to say my Mother in Law is the one who did something thoughtful (she always does). I was not able celebrate Easter due to illness. Very unexpected, she sent hubby home with a little Easter basket with chocolates and a wind up bunny. It was a small thing, but surprising and really cheered me when I needed it. I will go say Happy Birthday to Carolyn now. I love this stamp set and starfish too! Thanks for the chance to win it. (((Hugs)))

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  40. One time my car wouldn't start and I had my two little ones with me at Wally world. One nice guy gave us a jump, never will forget that... I think about it every time I see him there...

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  41. Thanks for the chance to win your new set and for the inspirational story! About a year and a half ago I was in the hospital for a week and when I was discharged my daughter came to pick me up since my husband was at work. She got me in the car and told me, "You are going to come home with me; I'm not going to take you to an empty house!" That's what she did and so many other little things to make me comfortable when we got to her house. It was so nice to be "mothered" by my daughter!!

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  42. Headed off to extend birthday wishes!

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  43. My aunt is English, and for my eighth birthday, she took me to see the newsreel (yes, I'm "that" old!) of the coronation of her queen. I felt so grown up and special.

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  44. Wonderful set....Thanks for the chance to win one!
    There are many ah ha moments from comments by friends...I appreciate them all! With stamping in mind, I am still blown away by the wonderful encouragers I am meeting...now I not only love to stamp, but have the privilege to share what I know, and teach... doesn't get much better at 70!
    Jan

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  45. I love starfish too - such simple lovely creatures. A small kindness that always brings a smile to my face was the morning that I was out of Diet Coke (liken it to being out of coffee), my car was in being fixed and I was just grumpy. My DBF rings the doorbell and there he is standing with a McD's large DC in his hand and a smile on his face. It was such a goofy small thing but it totally touched my heart...

    Now off to wish some happy birthday to a certain someone. Thanks for this great chance!

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  46. Love that story! The first thing that came to mind, is when one of my students was moving away, and he said, "Lori, you are the best teacher I have ever had, and I will always remember you." I knew this young man for about 2 years, and I'm glad I made a difference to him, his life is going to continue to be very hard. Off to wish Cammie a happy b-day!

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  47. This is a beautiful set Melanie! It's definitely on my wish list! I have been blessed by many wonderful people in my life. Just recently a gentleman stopped me and my friend as we were walking just to make sure we hadn't broken down. He giggled when he found out we were just walking for fun but it was nice of him to ask.

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  48. Ooh and I wished Cammie a happy birthday too!!

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  49. I love this story - It's such a great reminder of remembering the little things that you appreciate others doing for you and doing that for others.
    I remember a time when I was getting ready to give a speach about encouragement for a ladies goup. I was nervous and my DD wrote me a little note that said "Mom, I know you'll do great." That was such a great encouragement to me - it even made it into my speech that day!

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  50. Just left Cammie a Birthday Wish - Thanks for 2 chances to win!!

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  51. So many stories of people helping me or my family come to mind...but a recent one was a great neighbor took care of digging up the very tall weeds behind our fence when my husband could not do it himself last year. This year my husband cut all his weeds and sprayed Round-Up on them. We are so lucky to have a great neighbor. Thanks for giving us a chance to read all these wonderful heartlifting stories and a chance to win a great prize!

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  52. When my oldest daughter was about a year or so old, all of her milk had spoiled and I had no money home with me. The store the closest that I could walk to, no car either, wouldn't give me credit until my husband got home from work, appprox. 2 hours. I was cring and a gentleman neighbor whom we hadn't met before asked what was wrong and when I told him, he calmed me down somehow and said he'd be right back and about 10 min. later he came back with not a pint of milk (about 10 cents then) but a whole gallon. When my husband got home, we tried to pay him back and he said "No, just pass it along someday." 17 or so years later the story repeated only this time I was the cashier/manager working in the nearest store this crying lady could walk too. She got a gallon of milk free and when the husband came in to pay me I just said "No,just pass it along." I told him the story and I'm sure he will/did pass it along. This still has the power to make me cry. There truly are angels on this earth.
    Sorry this is so long. I love your work and would like to win this set but someone who needs to be uplifted hopefully will win it. Thanks for the chance.

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  53. You have a big heart girlfriend. Love you!(PS...thanks for the birthday love!)

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  54. I usually have Christmas eve dinner at my house but knew early on that I was starting my radiation treatments and that it would be difficult for me. We made arrangements to have it at my sisters. I had my treatment early christmas eve and by the time I finished, the drive from Boston to CT and then on to my sisters would be too much. I was so tired. I called to say I could not make it.
    They turned around an brought Christmas eve dinner to me. It is my most cherished memory.

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  55. I had a long rough day at work and a fight with my boyfriend. My friend met me at closing time with a sundae from DQ and let me vent. It was sooo sweet and I instantly felt better.

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  56. Sea set surprises us with double blessings for Christmas legends of starfish and sand dollar retelling the prophets of old message now serving as a reminder for us this day! I'm so blest! Thank you.
    I'm one of those HL coupon printers who shares in store only to be blest. Smiles and quiet screams of joy from brides-to-be and moms with little ones 'buy me' to cover with a not far enough stretching greenback bless me richly!
    Then there is always that right turn into bumper to bumper morning rush traffic gifting or being gifted with a new position in a lane moving forward. Thanks to all the whomevers on this bolstering blessing!!
    Off to wish happy birthday blessings on this special day. PIF
    Pay It Forward utilizing cyberspace.
    Mel, have GKD make a book of all the PIFs experienced or shared. That would be some fine download to include in a booklet card for a hospital visit or shut in visit!! or just a family around the table conversation starter.
    Keep Looking UP!
    mt23stamper

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  57. I love this set!! I spent (and still do spend) alot of time on the beach even got married on a local beach.

    I have had lots of little things affect me so much from others but just 2 months ago I was sick and also had thrown my back out shoveling snow the night before (DH was in Haiti) so I phoned my friend who I babysit for to let her know I would be unable to take her 1 year old that day (never had to not take him before and hoping it doesn't happen again) anyways I was upset about it and worried that she would be upset... around 4pm she showed up at the door with a plate of supper for me (roast, potatoe, squash, carrot, gravy the works.. oh and a slice of cheesecake for dessert... she also stayed and brought my 1 year old downstairs to his highchair fed him and carried him back up the stairs for me. I was SO thankful that she wasn't upset.. forget bringing the meal and saving my back by taking my little guy up and down the stairs for me. She said it was nothing she had made supper for them anyways and her hubby wasn't going to be home until 6 so she just took a plate up for me and ran it down since she knows how much she hates cooking when she's not well.

    <3
    Darla

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  58. I remember the kind hearted people that came to take care of my children when I had an accident. I had gotten hit by a teenager learning how to drive. I had my three children with me and they were crying because they were so scared. Nearby a daycare was being held. One of the daycare women came and asked if the children could come and play with the other children while we took care of the business with the police. I was forever grateful for her to take them.

    Thanks for the chance to win.

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  59. This set is great and so was the story. I teach the Nursery class at church each week and am always touched when a parent says thank you for watching their little one during worship, giving of my time so they can take some personal time for themselves.When I was a young Mom another Mom did the same for me, and I truly appreciated her devotion to the children.

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  60. Off to wish Cammie a big happy day!Thanks for your kindness to us all!

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  61. What I really like about "From The Sea" is that it is detailed enough to turn out works of art with supplies I have on hand. Love the Copics but it is one area I haven't gotten into...yet!

    To give of oneself is the greatest of kindness. I have had much kindness shown to me but Agnes popped instantly to mind. Lupus has taken much of my eyesight. We had one "stamping hole" in town and it wasn't long before friendships formed over the years with those who were continually in classes together. I so missed that when I was unable to take classes anymore. Out of the blue Agnes calls and asked if I would like to have a play date at her house. She doesn't drive so I take my Disabled Transit service across town. Agnes is a true stamper if ever there was, I don't think she has a stamp that hasn't paid for itself. She has a new pile of cards always ready to share with me. Picking out my favorites she patiently goes from start to finish helping me through the delicate details that I can no longer do on my own. We each have at least 1 masterpiece by the end of the day. Our day together never fails to renew my enthusiasm and I am one happy little stamper! I know of many things that Agnes could do with her precious time off and am so honored and grateful she gives it all up to spend a day with me many times a year.

    Glenda

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  62. Years ago, when my son had to be placed in a facility for troubled teens I was in a state of grieving for months. Everywhere I went I saw "families" and part of ours was missing. In the mail came a notecard from a friend telling me to take care of myself because the rest of my family needed me. I still have the note. Perhaps receiving a note from someone so long ago that meant so much to me is one of the reasons I enjoy making/giving cards to others now.

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  63. One of our nephews has been battling leukemia since the fall of 2008. Last fall,he developed serious complications following heart surgery. My dear friend always wants to know any updates of his condition. I texted her, asking for prayers...again. Her reply was "it is the least I can do, and the greatest thing I can do". It still brings tears to my eyes. I treasure her friendship so much!

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  64. Melanie, first off, I love your stamp sets! I am so glad I found Gina K designs and your blog:)
    Now for my story, it happened about 20 years ago when my boys were preschool age. We were over at a friends and the boys were playing. My girlfriend, Eroca, was excited because they were going to pick up a truck camper that weekend. In the basement lay the roll of old carpeting from upstairs (I think the wood was bare). She commented that although they needed new carpeting, the camper was coming first, cause, "Sandy when my kids grow up they won't remember anything about carpeting but they will have memories of the vacations we take in the camper!" Now in my family, the house always came first so this was a real eye-opener for me. We lived with orange shag carpet in our living room for another 15 yeas so we could take our boys camping and visiting with relatives in Ontario. I never forgot that spending time with your family is more important than anything! Thanks Eroca and thank you Melanie for your inspiration and chance to win more of your superb stamps!! Now to birthday gal:)

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  65. Lets see. One special moment of great appreciation was when I had my hysterectomy and really felt like poo. It was my first day at home alone, and out of the blue, my friend popped over and brought me a basket of flowers from her garden and a full dinner to put in the oven when I was ready. Such a simple gesture, but so very thoughtful. As for the stamps, I used to go to the beach every weekend and during the summer 3-4 times a week.....so this set holds a memorable place for me.

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  66. A veteran friend of mine marches in the Anzac Day parades each year, whether he feels like it or not. His witness reminds people like me of the sacrifice our War Veterans have made and of the ultimate sacrifice those who cannot be there have made. My friend writes:

    I suppose that I will march again this Anzac Day. I’ll cringe when jets and helicopters streak away, And split the sky with fury and the roars of war. Yet I will march again this Anzac Day, To honour fallen comrades, as I have before.

    There will be fewer of us at the March this year, And I will march, to honour those who can’t be here. Another year of death and illness has taken toll, More names have now been written on that final Honour Roll. Although there will be fewer at the March this year, I will march, to honour those who can’t be here.

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  67. I love that story, Melanie! Thanks for reminding me of it. I remember when I was a freshman in high school (I graduated in '72, so that's a long time ago). We really had very little, certainly no money for 'extras'. I qualified in my gymnastics class to go to state competition, but no way could we afford it. I cried myself to sleep that night, knowing that I could probably make my mom so proud! The next day, after I drug myself to school, my gym teacher told me a party that wished to remain nameless, had told her to be sure I had whatever I needed for as long as I needed it. To this day, I do not know who that angel was that allowed me to participate!

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  68. Off to wish Mrs. King a wonderful day! How sweet of you to do this for her!

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  69. really love this set. Years ago, when times were pretty tough, a friend came by just before Christmas, and took my grocery list off of the fridge and bought everything on the listand more and signed it PAID IN FULL - MERRY CHRISTMAS, sure made our Christmas and I will never forgot Mrs. Browns kindness. Hugs n' Stuff, Lynne

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  70. There are so many things as a teacher that have made a difference but there is one in particular that I still remember. My first year at my current school I had a student who was very young (I taught K) and struggled- both academically and behaviorally. I had long conversations with his mom and just loved that little family. At the end of the year she wrote the sweetest note that just made me cry. It was misplaced through that summer (somehow it didn't end up where it was supposed to be) and I don't have it anymore but I still remember it.

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  71. I love this set!! One of the best things that ever happened was a college instructor of mine knew what a horrible year I had had and she went out of her way to get me tickets to my favorite sports team as a secret santa present. That was the only present that I received that year from anyone and it made my entire year! It was totally unexpected and I have gone out of my way to make sure that I pass on an unexpected present to someone else whenever I can from then on. Random Acts of Kindness are truly unexpected blessings! I wished Cammie a Happy Birthday before I posted this short story.

    Your sets are always beautiful and I would be so very thankful to actually win one of them. Thank you for being so generous.

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  72. I always love the new releases from Gina K! As for my story, I had something happen like that to me just today. I was at IKEA with my daughters and we saw that they had the big candy bars on sale for 3 for $2.50. You needed to have a coupon to get that deal and a gentleman saw us looking at the candy. He handed us a coupon and said we might need it. Wasn't that nice of him? I love it when stuff like that happens. I always try and return the favor in the future - pay it forward! Thanks for a chance to win, too!

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  73. I'm back; just wish Cammie Happy Birthday. YAY.

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  74. My first note didn't show up, so am trying again. I apologize if it repeats. I live a mile from the ocean and we always throw starfish back into the water...have since we were kids. Favorite memories abound, but one of my earliest is of my 13th birthday. Being a Leo, I was totally into lions. At a toystore I saw this BIG stuffed lion (plaid sports hat and matching shorts; he was about 4 ft tall). Offhandedly I said to my little sister that she could get me that for my birthday; knowing she couldn't, it was just something I said. Unbeknownst to me, she had a neighbor take her back to the store and she spent all her money (all of it - we only got 25-50 cent allowances back then). He was so big she wrapped him in two paperbags, one over the top and one the bottom of him and planted a huge ribbon on top. That was the best memory ever. That she would spend all her money and risk getting in trouble from our parents (which she did), meant the world to me. Almost 40 years later, Leo still sits in a corner in my room; his neck is a bit wobbly due to old age and moves over the years, but he's still with me as is the extra special memory of what my little sister did for me.

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  75. This is a beautiful set! Gosh - there have been so many small things that have made a difference for me - maybe because I have been blessed to develop the habit of noticing these small things and being grateful for them. A recent example is a letter from a friend. she wrote it while on a silent retreat this year, (that we had both attended the previous year.) It was a letter that expressed her thankfulness for our friendship. It meant a lot to receive that letter - because she took time from her personal retreat time to do it - and because we often forget to tell those we love what exactly we are most thankful for in them. Hey - how about we all take a moment in the next few days - stamp a card or grab one form our stash (you *know* we all have one!) and send a note similar tot he one I received, to someone who has done that small something for us that meant so much - and let them know that! :)

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  76. I'm sure I could think of lots of wonderful things that people have done for me, because I have been blessed with friends and family that are so special! But the one that comes to mind is a present from my daughter. When she was in high school she took a jewelry class. And she surprised me by making a necklace for me. It's a very special piece of jewelry to me and I cherish it to this day! Love your new set and thanks for the chance to win!

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  77. I love your story....my memory of someone ......I was in an car wreck....and my friend who was with me was hurt....this gentleman stop to help....he took her to the hospitable which was only about 1/2 mile away.....than came back for me and took me....she had broken her arm......and I was 7 months pregnant....and he came back for me.... he had a two seater car....to this day I still don't know who he was......(

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  78. This was a great story! I like to feel something little happens every day and today was special with my grandson telling me,"Meemaw, you're a good cooker", as he ate all his dinner!

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  79. Last month I was having a particularly bad time with my illness that has me practically housebound, when a parcel arrived in the post. It was from a girl I had got friendly with via the internet, with crafting being our main topic of interest. The parcel was jam packed with stamps. I couldn't believe that someone I had never met was sooo kind and generous. There are some really good people in the world.

    I have just been and left Cammie some birthday wishes.
    Hugs,
    Trish

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  80. Recently I asked my children (34 & 29 years old) to take a weekend trip to Chicago to see my brother (their uncle), cousins,and great aunt. Both wanted to make the trip. What I found at the 1st gas stop, "No Mom, you're paying the hotel and car rental!" Dinner stop...my daughter basically said the same comment her brother had said. Ultimately my children picked up the tab for meals and gas for this wonderful trip to see family! It felt weird with them paying...aren't parents always paying for the kids? They felt the trip was a 3 way split...what a wonderful feeling knowing your children have reach adulthood is such a very gracious way!!

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