Many folks told me that moving is stressful. Really stressful. Almost as stressful as dealing with a divorce or family death. I refused to believe it would be for us.
“We’ll make this fun!” I proclaimed, as though challenging life to prove otherwise. Perhaps I should’ve kept my voice down.
Hours before we were scheduled to load our lives into a U-Haul, our move was delayed—days, then weeks, costing us a great deal of emotional and financial stress.
“I think I should be able to put the Christmas tree up early to compensate for emotional damages,” I told my husband mid-resultant pity party, who smartly replied, “Sure thing!”
My stubborn optimism took over. No one would steal our Christmas, I decided, determined to regain the vigor the delay had zapped.
Finally, on the hottest day in LA history, we moved—and whew, managed to enjoy it. Before even our toothbrushes were unpacked, our decked out tree stood shimmering on the patio.
Victorious! Joy (eventually) reigns.
Now we want to celebrate! Many of our friends and most of our relatives live thousands of miles away. *cue Beatles music* So in lieu of a conventional housewarming party, we’re asking our family and friends—including you!—to join us virtually in an act-of-kindness celebration. We’ve chosen Black Friday, a day on which it’s easy to get caught up in or disgruntled by commercialism, figuring we could all use some added cheer.
Here’s how you can participate:
♥ Between now and 11/28, conduct an act of kindness.
♥ On 11/28, share a description and/or a photo on Instagram, Facebook and/or Twitter using the hashtag #SparkleFriday. (Writers, feel free to post yours on your blog!)
♥ Check out others’ posts by searching for the hashtag on the 28th—sharing, liking/favoriting and commenting on your favorites.
♥ Pop back to my blog the following week where I’ll share highlights and give away prizes for the most creative, impactful and entertaining acts!
Sound like fun? Awesome, join us! Feel free to invite your pals; the more sparkles the merrier. 🙂 For reminders and tips, RSVP on the Facebook event page.
Wishing you a beautiful week! ♥
August
Girl Boner 
KM Huber
/ November 10, 2014I’m in and what a great idea! I’ll pass the word along. You and yours have a wonderful week as well, August.
Karen
August McLaughlin
/ November 10, 2014Thanks so much, Karen! I’m thrilled that you’ll be joining us. 🙂
Satin Sheet Diva
/ November 10, 2014Reblogged this on Author Dana Ellington Myles and commented:
Here’s a little Black Friday action I can get behind. Let’s make it sparkle, shall we? 🙂
August McLaughlin
/ November 10, 2014Thanks for spreading the word! ❤
Satin Sheet Diva
/ November 10, 2014Thanks for such a great idea :-). I am up to HERE with the commercialism the holidays have become. Your idea helps recover some of the feel good the season is supposed to generate.
renée a. schuls-jacobson
/ November 10, 2014What a great idea! Love it.
August McLaughlin
/ November 10, 2014Thanks, Renee! *hugs*
Bette Golden Lamb
/ November 10, 2014Great idea. In fact, we could add another day to it every month.
August McLaughlin
/ November 10, 2014Love that, Bette. There’s no such thing as kindness overload. 🙂
Bette Golden Lamb
/ November 10, 2014Right on!
Aleisha Gore
/ November 10, 2014Love it! ❤
Raani York
/ November 10, 2014What an amazing idea. I’ll spread word about it and will try to participate – not sure yet if it will work, but I’ll try my best.
August McLaughlin
/ November 10, 2014Thanks, Raani! Doing your best is more than enough. 🙂
Jess Witkins
/ November 11, 2014Oh you know I’m so in on this!!!
August McLaughlin
/ November 11, 2014Yay!!!