#txfpayitforward

[crossedbeams]

Today, after foodbank chaos and low blood pressure donation issues, I finally pulled off some #TXFPayItForward goodness! Going through all of my book samples from the last year I made up 6 selections of the best stuff, bagged it and wrote a little note to accompany each bag. I took them into town where I was due to finish my Christmas shopping and as I went, I gave the bags away to people who looked like they needed a boost. I got to share some lovely moments with the recipients, from reading a picture book with a bored kid in a cafe to helping out a Big Issue seller with some books she could give as gifts and share with her kids. It was only a small gesture but I feel like I got to pass on a fraction of my privilege to those less fortunate. I'm hoping 2017 will be a more positive year and that I will be able to be more of service in it, to volunteer more and to give more. But all things start small so I hope my story of working with what you have gives you some ideas of your own, and that as a fandom we can focus on working for good as we go forward together.

[jamofappreciation]

I got to see a couple tonight that I haven't gotten to see in so long. I took them cookies and a card and ended up staying for cheesecake, tea, and It's a Wonderful Life. I love them so much; it always makes my heart ache with joy (could I be a little more cheesy?) when I see people I love so much after ages of being apart.

[jamofappreciation]

I cannot believe it's the 21st already. I've got to do the final push for the card project! But first we're doing some caroling tonight for some families around town. 🎄❄️

[jamofappreciation]

GIVEAWAY

I am giving away this little journal! It is very cute, very soft, and it was made in Thailand where I’ve been a couple of times, and I got it while I was there. If you’re at all interested (I know it’s small) keep reading. :)

HOW TO ENTER:

You do not have to follow me to win. All you have to do is reblog with what you'd fill these pages with, as well as something kind you've done for someone this month, or an act of kindness someone has paid you. What you say won't have any effect on your chances of winning, as long as there's something there. :)

EXTRAS:

I will use randomizer to pick a random winner on Christmas Day. :) I will write a little note in the front for you, and if you have any experience with the stick figure episode guide, I’d be happy to draw a stick figure scene of your choice, or any stick figure scene within my range of stick figure talent. :) Obviously you have to be okay with giving me your address.

[a-january-girl]

Yes. This is me, posting a picture of a crate full of vegetables, at my feet, on the street. No no, I did not lose my mind, I just gotta explain… The amazing and lovely @crossedbeams encourages all of us to post some positivity, this time of year, which I find extremely heartwarming! So here I am, sharing my positivity with the fandom. Yes, these vegetables are positivity, you heard me. Cause this crate I filled is for my 85 year-old neighbor who’s too sick and cannot leave her home. She’s a widow and her kids don’t live around, so they’re not often here and so once in a while, I volunteer to go run her errands, and today, got her grocery list that included vegetables and bread. I’ve been doing this, doing her grocery shopping whenever I’m out doing mine, ever since we moved in the apartment next to hers six years ago, and it’s still going on even though we moved to a house at the far end of the village. I love being able to help her in any way I can, and she’s so happy to heat some coffee for me when I come around with my arms full! 😉 See? It’s so easy to share the love and help around. Will you do it too? Share your positivity with #TXFPayItForward ❤

[jamofappreciation]

@chileananderson is wonderful, and this is just a little post to point out why. Mary writes some amazing fanfic that, if you are a fan of beautiful stories about Mulder and Scully, you should all read. Also she has been a part of the stick figure episode guide, which I THINK you guys have been enjoying. :) She’s been the best partner to have in that, not only because we each seem to take really long breaks at the same time, but also because her drawings are adorable and her sense of humor comes through in those little tiny Mulder and Scullys. 😉 And lastly, she’s just a really great person whose positive presence makes a huge impression. If you aren’t following her and you have the dashboard space, please please do. You won’t regret it.

[whatfallsaway]

I have 4 little girls in my life that mean the world to me. My 2 best girl friends each have 2 daughters. I am blessed they call me Auntie.

I wanted to get them Christmas gifts this year with a “Pay It Forward” feeling.

I have been a supporter of @freethechildren for years. Each year in my classroom I read the story of Iqbal to my students and get them empowered to become leaders and helpers for children all over the world. I have been to #WeDay and know the power and passion that is within our youth.

The Rafiki chains above provide school supplies to a child in need and the mittens give back much needed medicine to children.

I love helping and I love that the 4 little girls in my life will be a part of that giving back this year!

💜💛💜💛💜💛💜💛💜💛💜💛

I also love finding ways for my students to give back too.

I just completed a “reverse advent giving calendar” in my class where instead of getting gifts for advent, students brought food items each day that we walked to the local food bank yesterday. In the end we had 25 bags of food and $95 dollars to donate. Not bad for 24 grade 6 students! I was very proud of their giving spirit. (I can’t post the picture because I forgot to take one without their faces in it!) “Giving is the new cool” one of my students said.

I am also excited this year to read #Sold with my Grade 8 students and find ways to help @childreachinternational and #taughtnottrafficked in the New Year. Bring on 2017!

Thank you to @crossedbeams for inspiring me to get into the giving spirit more this year and think pay it forward. She is definitely super cool! ❤️

[jamofappreciation]

@starrynight-over-thepast Mai I hope all of your finals went well and that you’ve been able to relax in the last week or so!! You’re just the best and I cannot imagine this website without you. (Everyone, if you don’t know Mai, trust me. She is the sweetest). I was actually just thinking about the fic you wrote and how wonderful it was! I’d love to read more writing in the future. 😊❤️