On my way through town the other day, I noticed a group of about twenty kids on the sidewalk holding signs…
THE STORY
…They were elementary sized, wearing matching shirts and holding up signs on both sides of the street. I of course assumed they were holding a car wash at one of the nearby businesses to fund raise for a youth group of some kind. As I got closer and could actually read the signs, I realized that wasn’t the case.
These small humans (with a few adult chaperones) were holding signs that said things like: “You Are Special”, “You Are Important”, “Someone Loves You”, and “You Matter” among others. They were smiling and waving at every single car that passed. And how could you not smile and wave back at such an overwhelming display of kindness? It actually made me tear up a little bit. They were doing their little bit to try and make the world a better place. And I think that we can all agree that we need more of that right now.
The world is currently an uncertain and sometimes ugly place, and I believe that it’s more important than ever for each and every one of us to do our little bit to make it a better place. Whether it’s a smile and a kind word to a stranger, an unexpected compliment, holding the door for the person coming in behind you or simply using manners (remember those?), even the little things can make a difference.
The sad thing is, when I was the age those kids are, there was no need to stand along the road with signs telling people that someone loved them. People were simply nicer. They were kinder to one another and most people knew they were loved by someone, and the world wasn’t yet the terrifying mess that it is now. Don’t get me wrong, I realize that ugly things went on and that there were mean people in the world. For God’s sake I grew up in a house with one. What I’m saying is that overall, as a society, human beings were not quite as off the rails as they are today.
And I think we each have a responsibility to help get things back on the rails. It’s hard not to think, “I’m one person. How can what I do even matter?” I believe that it does matter. Even if it’s just a drop in a very big bucket and even if that bucket has holes in it, it does matter. So go ahead and smile at the person you pass on the sidewalk. Hold the door for the person coming out. Compliment the checkout girl at Walmart on her gorgeous hair color. Make sure the people that are important to you know that you love them. Stand on the side of the road and hold a sign if that’s what it takes damn it.
THE OUTFIT
I’m loving this ivory floral maxi dress that I recently received c/o Shein. It’s lightweight so it’s perfect for the heat of summer, and by the same token that will make it a fabulous layering piece once cooler weather returns. And I can’t tell you how happy I was that it wasn’t too long for my 5’2″ elfin-sized self. That’s the main reason I often avoid maxi dresses; I’m simply too lazy to go to the seamstress to get them hemmed.
Although it’s pretty, I thought the dress needed a little something added to it. Initially I was going to go with a belt, but then I remembered this tie front swimsuit cover up that I wear as a long vest/duster. Since it too has a high-low hemline they were made for each other don’t you think? And speaking of the high-low hemline, I love that it shows off my super cute ankle tie sandals that I found at Payless. Bonus points for the sandals because the heel is the exact height of my robot boot so no limping was involved. I could almost walk like a normal person which was a pleasant change.
THE TIP
Layering, even in the summer, is the easiest way to add something to an outfit that needs a little pizzazz.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Dress: c/o Shein; Vest/Cover-up: JCPenney (Similar); Sandals: Payless
**Jord Wood Watch Giveaway**
What could possibly be better than a wood watch? How about $100 towards a Jord Wood Watch of your own! Simply click the link, enter your name and email address and you’ll be entered to win $100 towards the watch of your choice. One lucky person will win, but everyone who enters receives a code worth $25 once the contest ends!!
The giveaway will close June 25, 2017 at 11:59pm. Both the $100 and the $25 codes will expire on September 30, 2017.
