Ordinary Gratitude

The Art of the Thank-You Note

In this age of email, voicemail and instant messaging, the handwritten thank-you note has been all but forgotten. But it is still one of the very best ways to say thank you -- whether for a dinner, special gift or kind word. And in the business world, the written thank-you note is truly a way to stand out, especially after an interview, important meeting, or referral.

So how do you write a thank-you note?

1. Be prepared. Keep a supply of simple note cards on hand. You'll be ready to jot down a note anytime. The small size of the card lets you be quick and concise.
2. Think beyond the note card. You can write a thank-you message on postcards or on the back of photos.
3. Keep it simple. Say thank you; mention the item and what you'll use it for, or if the note is an acknowledgment of someone's efforts, mention what you really appreciate about the other person. Allude to the future (i.e., we'll look forward to seeing you again soon). Then simply sign off.
4. Mum's the word on money. If you received a gift of money, simply thank the giver for "your generosity."

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day is about more than chocolates and romance. Take time today to tell all the important people in your life how much you love them and appreciate them. Let them know how grateful you are to have them in your life.

Can you please bring a casserole?

The other day I got a call from a lady at the church my mom attends. There is a funeral on Wednesday morning. "Can you please bring a casserole?" she asked. The church always provides a luncheon for the family and guests after a funeral.

"Sure," I told her.

So tonight I made a casserole for dinner, and made an extra one to take to the church the next morning.

It really felt good to be doing something so simple for someone else. I remember when taking food to a friend or neighbor during times of need was a community tradition. It was something everyone just did. It was expected. And it was appreciated.

I think this simple act may have been more meaningful to me than to anyone else. I feel a bit more connected, a bit more useful, a bit more generous. It probably isn't the best casserole I've ever made, but it is a gift from me, something I made from scratch. I doubt if I would have the same warm fuzzy feelings had I simply picked something up from the grocery store to be reheated and served. This was something I thought about, planned, then executed.

I know when I deliver my lowly casserole to the church tomorrow morning, the ladies organizing this luncheon will be happy to see me and will thank me more than once, because that's what they've done before.

I was reminded that you don't have to do something big to do something worthwhile. Sometimes the smallest things are the most important. And the act of giving is as valuable as the act of receiving, maybe more so.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute, to be a small part of something.

What small thing can you do to contribute to your community? Is there someone you know, a neighbor or friend, who could use a little pick-me-up? What could you do to make their day just a little bit better? Take soup to a coworker with the flu (along with a big box of tissues with lotion). Bake a pan of lasagna for the neighbor with the new baby. Fix a basket of tea and cookies for the friend who just lost a parent or spouse (and offer to sit and talk awhile).

Lindt Chili Dark Chocolate

I don't ordinarily focus on a particular product in my posts, but this time I just couldn't resist. I am so grateful for Lindt Excellence Chocolates, especially the new chili dark flavor. But I'm not the one who likes this item; my husband really does.

I happened to discover Lindt Chili Chocolate on a recent trip to the drug store. I picked one up and brought it home for my husband, who devoured it. He loved it! So today, when I was at the same drug store, I looked for it again. With all the chocolates on display for Valentine's Day, I had a little trouble finding it. When I finally did, I grabbed the last two bars they had in stock.

Needless to say, my husband was ecstatic when I got home with his special treat. When I gave it to him I said, "This is just a token of appreciation for all the wonderful things you do for me and my family." I got a great big kiss in return (which I am also grateful for!).

It's nice to have a list of little inexpensive things you can pick up for others. It's a great way to say "thank you" or "I was thinking of you." My husband and my mom are pretty easy because they always want chocolate, but if I can find a favorite chocolate, that's even better. One of my grandsons loves books, the other loves puzzles, so when I find them on sale, I grab them to share with them at their next visit. My old business partner loved flourless chocolate cake, so I would bring a piece for her to our one-on-one meetings along with something like cheesecake or scones for me. 

When someone tells you something they like, make a mental note or write it on a list to carry with you. Then when special days come around, or you just want to give them a treat, it will be easier to  choose a gift that really says "You're special."

A rose by any other name

...Is a wonderful way to show your gratitude.

Valentine's Day is coming, so why not take this opportunity to show someone you love how much you appreciate them? Roses are a great way to do this because each color has a special meaning. If you want to say thank you or express your gratitude, look for pink, dark pink or peach roses.

By the way, you don't have to wait for Valentine's Day to say thank you. Roses are a nice gift any time of the year.

For more information on roses and their meaning, read "What Is A Rose Saying To You?"

Thanksgiving teepee

Remember that national holiday we had awhile back, the one that comes at the end of November. Yes, that one. Thanksgiving. How long ago was that? Just short of two months, by my calendar. And that's how long I had a teepee set up in my backyard.

My husband thought it would be fun to have a real, full-size teepee for my grandsons on Thanksgiving. Of course he waited to tell me this until Thanksgiving morning after he'd already purchased it.

Needless to say, the boys loved hanging out in the teepee all day. They made special hats and roasted marshmallows over the firepit in the center. The seven-year-old said it was just like the first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims and Indians, but I doubt if they were eating s'mores.

Colorado got an early winter blast that weekend that covered the teepee with a white blanket of snow. Add a few more snowstorms, a broken toe, and the flu, and every weekend passed with the teepee still standing two months later. No whining or complaining by me brought that structure down until, that is, our friend Hari offered to help.

Today was cool and breezy outside. A large part of the backyard was still covered with ice, and most of the tent pegs were frozen solidly in the ground. Undeterred, they worked quickly with axes and shovels. The whole thing was taken apart and put away in just over an hour.

Later, before dinner, my mom said the blessing. "Thank you God for this wonderful food, and thank you that our friend Hari can be here to join us," she started.

"And thank you guys for taking down the teepee," I added.

"Amen!" we all said in unison.

What small favor has a friend done for you lately? What favor have you done for another? Remember to bless the favor and thank the friend.