[Part 20] Celebrity Gifting - Open Everything

Through John's contact, Peter, I learned about the musically talented Trachtenburg family.

{About The Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players}

I was told about them feeding strays and doing many other helpful projects that truly reflect the spirit of giving. John gifted them and they in turn gifted The Little Bag That Could with their inspirational talent!

Not only did they offer their talent, but it was a gift of a song that spoke deep to the heart of this project. Peter gave the gift of his talent to put their song to a special video. Thank you Peter!!!

Open Everything...your hearts, your spirit, your lives to giving and receiving. It brings smiles, joy, warmth, and even healing! Thank you so very warmly for your gift, Trachtenburg family! :)

Now I present....The Trachtenburgs:

The Trachtenburgs

[PART 19] Stephen Is Right On Target

I think today's story was just very heart warming and just expounds on how this trend is a good and wholesome thing for all involved. From John:

"Stephen just repaired our dishwasher and is now the proud recipient of a 50 dollar Target card (in addition to his pay, of course)."

"Stephen is a big hearted guy anyway, and doesn't need to learn anything about the beauty of giving from us.  He said,"I'm going to take my little sister to Target and we'll pick out her birthday present together".  Thank you for being you, Stephen."

Part 20 - Open Everything - Trachtenburg Family Donates Talent!

[PART 18] Fun at Flanigans!

I'm in a good mood today, but this just really made me smile. Every time I do these posts I'm smiling because the idea just tickles me to my toes. I know....I think alot of people don't "get it"....but I do. I get it and I enjoy doing it. Anyway, on with the story which is really cool, and another one of John's gift givings!

"Had ANOTHER teary, pay-it-forward gifting at lunch!  awesome.  story and pics in MY grubby little hand/mind.  So... I went alone to one of my favorite lunch and watering holes today.  Flanigan's.  Good food, regular folks. Lots of working people (those are always the best places, anyway).  Sat at the bar and ordered a Flanigan's burger, veggies, and a chardonnay from Frankie, the bartender. The bar was packed, as was the rest of the place.  I had brought my mini-bag of gift cards and was thinking about how--or if --to use it on this occasion.  Frankie seemed like an extremely good bartender, and was really extra friendly, even though he didn't know me from Adam.  So I knew he'd be getting something today, at lunch's end. 

Just then. across the restaurant, I saw Shirley, someone I've known by face there for several years.  She's a special one.  Really an indispensable part of their wait staff, both in performance and in spirit.  My light bulb went on (duhhh!), and so since my burger wasn't there, I made a bee-line to her with my bag (concealed in a cheap plastic milk-carton kind of bag).  The place was hopping and I caught up with her at the kitchen door.   She was on the "line", scooping up plates of food for delivery to her tables when she saw me.  I gave her the finger, or perhaps "motioned to her" is a better phrase, and she came over.  I said, "Ok Shirley, Panera bread, Target, Starbuck's, Cheescake Factory, Chipotle?  Any of those do anything for you?"  She played along with my game, busy as she was.  "Cheesecake Factory", she said.  i reached into my bag then.  "Terrific, I'm taking part in a project and it's all about the acts of giving and receiving, and today, you get to be the receiver".  gave her the 5 ten dollar CF cards and her look went from quizzical to really, really touched and happily surprised in like three seconds.  She thanked me very much and we parted ways. 

 Back to the bar to wait for my burger.

2 Minutes later she was by my side, talking about paying it forward, and we were exchanging giving ideas rapid-fire. She TOTALLY connected to the idea of the gift, and related that she had received an unsolicited, lovely gift from a neighbor who was less fortunate than she--because Shirley had been helping the elderly neighbor with domestic chores, dishes, etc.  And this was but one story, but a perfect example of how kindness leads to kindness, and brings us all together.  It's infectious, and Shirley is as sick as they come that way! Bless you, Shirley.  You made my lunch.

But let us not forget our good man, Frankie!  Really good guy, remembered my name, couldn't have worked harder at that big, crowded bar.  I was worried that I wouldn't have the opportunity to do anything other than leave my money on the bar.  I did do that, and left him 40 on a 26 tab.  But I was able to get his attention for a sec. "Hey Frankie? Starbuck's, Chipotle, target, PF Chang's? Top of your head, which would you pick?"  He's not coming up with anything.  I furtively looked down into my bag and pulled out the Big Gun.  "Outback??"  He thought and said, " maybeTarget" Into his hand I placed a 50 target card and told him quickly about my project about the joy of giving and receiving.  He had certainly given a lot of himself to me.  Frankie allowed me to snap his picture with his card, and I was on my way out the door.

This is a really nice project, people.  I feel very good about it.  Talk to ya later.

Part 19 - Stephen is Right On Target

[PART 16] CONTINUED....Giving Is A Personal Choice

....so this young girl who had been neglected, abused and starved for years had just come to me and asked me for help...and for some....they'd say no. It's too complicated, too dramatic, too...involved. She was about to turn eighteen and thought she might have a place to go. Could I help her get away? Yes. Yes I could. I didn't have to think about it. It was the RIGHT thing to do. She was going to wait until her birthday in another eight days to leave. I was now scared for her, knowing the harrowing details that I did.

When I spoke with my mother about it, she hedged...thought it was the wrong thing to do, to get involved, and asked if the girl was being truthful? Well, I had no doubt...I didn't question it. And I won't!

Well...as things transpired, she secretly texted me that the people she'd planned to live with were having marital problems and could she stay with me for a while after I moved? Of course she can. And yes, it's giving and yes it's hard to open our home to a stranger.

Days passed by all too slow. On her eighteenth birthday, her caregivers...imprisoned her for five days. She was too afraid to leave, even with the police when I called them out there. I had to accelerate my move over safety reasons as the captors suspect I called the police on them and made some threatening comments.

But we've found a way to get her away without a confrontation. So I will have a new houseguest who will be given a chance at a decent life for the first time in eighteen years. I am giving her....the gift of freedom.

Part 17 - Waterside Serendipity

[PART 17] Waterside Serendipity

From John:

"Just got back.  Really nice serendipity.  Only thing I didn't do was get an email address or give them mine.  they would have probably shared on the blog or emailed, as did Susanne.  I'm still learning how to do this!

I went to Le Tub (  http://www.theletub.com/ ) with the usual suspects--my dad, neighbor/buddy genie, and her daughter, Trina.  We arrived before opening time, but still the lot was half full and people already were plunked down at their water-side tables on the Intra-Coastal Canal, and had snatched up all but one table.  A 3 seater (2 people bench on one side, short bench on the other side).  Oh well, I thought, we'll make it work.  The waitress saw me on a 3 top and asked, "how many?" and I said "Four". She said okay and left, because they still weren't open or serving.   After about 30 seconds, a couple in a great table ahead of me along the railing by the water said, "Would you like us to move?"  We heard you have 4 and we're only 2".  I thanked them profusely for that unsolicited, very thoughtful gesture, and we switched tables.  I now had a primo table, thanks to the good hearts of this couple.

Well, my gang arrived, and we ordered drinks, and by that time I knew it was time to look into my magic bag and pass on the good energy (or at least try!  It doesn't always work out the way you hope it will).  I saw some of the cards I had in the bag, and I turned around and said, "Excuse me?  If you had to choose, would it be Chipotle, Starbucks, Panera bread?"  Stares.  I snuck a look back into may bag, and they still had no idea what this was about. "Uhhh, how about...PJChang's??" Their response was immediate.  "Oh we LOVE PF Chang's!" so out came the beautiful little bag with a PF Chang's gift card in it, and I said, "here you are.  I want you to have this and enjoy it".  The man graciously was shaking his head,"No, we can't take that", but I explained that I had been given an overwhelming gift of these many cards and that I wanted to-- "Pay it forward!", she finished my sentence.  They were truly touched, and it was another great moment for all of us (except for maybe my Dad, who might have been saying, "Idiot"under his breath.  Maybe he ws just clearing his throat).

Long story short, it was another good gifting! 

PF Changs for the seat giving couple!

After our meal, come check time, our waitress, Karen received a big tip, which I left with the check money on the table.  She was so busy that on the way out, I had to find her and quickly surprise her with, "Karen, quick, Starbuck's, Panera bread, PJ Chang's, Chipotle, Bed bath and Beyond--" Ding ding. "Bed bath and Beyond" she said.  Pop goes the card into her hand, smiles and happiness from Karen.

Karen, who is going to buy some COOL stuff from Bed Bath & Beyond!

  And another score for the Little Bag that Could.  It has given so much to so many now.  Not least of all, me.

Pics are attached, Po-girl." (and for those who don't know why he called me that, it's because I called myself that today. I'm moving and I'm broke, LOL. All is well though! Love LOVE the new place....which...btw...will have something to do with the PART 16 story....so stay tuned!

Part 18 - Fun at Flanigans

[Part 16] Giving is a Deeply Personal Choice

Giving has so many forms. Money, time, things and so on. Sometimes giving is asked of us, sometimes it is voluntary, sometimes it is begrudgingly. But giving is a deeply personal choice.

During the last big snow, we got alot of inches, like...ten. I live out in the sticks so I was mired in for a few days with my kiddo. We were just hanging out when we saw a dark bundled figure slogging through the white expanse across the yard toward us.

The teenager from next door made her way up the steps, wielding a bag of my sons things he'd had over at her house a few days prior. I don't remember exactly how the conversation progressed but she spent a few hours there and revealed something shocking...so horrible to me. I felt my heart race and my blood surge with rage. For me to hear of the atrocities of child abuse and a plea for my help brought out every protective instinct I have.

TO BE CONTINUED.....
Part 16 - Continued

[PART 15] Dessert Couldn't Be Sweeter

I was, in a land far, far away in a time far, far gone....a waitress. It pays little and one must rely on hard work, attentiveness, and a small measure of charm to earn tips. For most of those nameless faces that serve us when we eat or drink...it can be a very thankless position. So when some kindness comes our way, there is a deep appreciation felt. I saw that with the first waitress story, and then here too:

So I went into Southport Raw bar in Fort Lauderdale to have lunch with my pop, my neighbor, Genie, and her daughter, Trina.  Gorgeous day.  We sat outside, on the 15th Street canal, watching the boats and the birds (from seagulls and egrets and pelicans, to sweet little teeny birds who would land on the edge of our table, waiting for a morsel) from our shady spot.  I had given Genie a Starbuck's card and a Panera Bread card, so we took her picture for that. Now it was Trina's turn.  She chose Chipotle, and I snapped her pic with her new Chipotle card.  Nice.

Then our waitress, Susanne, came by and took our drink orders.  I asked her "Susanne, what's your favorite?  Starbuck's, Panera Bread, Chipotle, Cheesecake factory--" She stopped me right there. "Cheesecake Factory by far", she said.  So I pulled out five 10 dollar CF gift cards and said something like," Here are five 10 dollar gift cards to Cheesecake Factory that I give to you as part of a project that I'm involved with that is celebrating the joy of giving and receiving".  Well bust my buttons, it was like 3 cherries on a slot machine for her.  I had gifted the perfect person.  "This is so wonderful, I know just what to do with these!  I'm not gonna spend them.  I'm gonna give these away as prizes for people to get involved with my fund-raising for the American Stroke Association. I'm running a marathon on June 26th in Hawaii and I'm trying to raise money.  So thank you for these!"  Well, this was my perfect giftee!  Someone who was already in the process of paying forward and giving of herself.  Soo... out popped another gift card for Susanne.  50 dollars for Bed, Bath,and Beyond.  She was so happily surprised by this.  Her enthusiasm was bubbling over and infectious and baby, you could feel the love at our table.   Anyway, during the course of the meal, she came back and said, "You know, I wasn't supposed to be in this section today, but I begged to switch with another waitress, and luckily she let me have her section". 

It really is true. There are no coincidents.  At lunch's end, Susanne brought us a piece of Key Lime pie--on her-- as a gift to us (see pic below to see what it looked like AFTER we enjoyed it!).  Well, tis blessed to receive as well as give, so we were honored to share the pie 4 ways, in celebration (note: we were so into it, we forgot to take a pic of the pie, but here is what it looked like AFTER).

We were all in the right place at the right time today.  Susanne is a wonderful person who is already doing plenty of giving on her own.  For a tax deductible donation to help support Susanne in the fight against strokes, please visit her website at http://ttes.kona2011.kintera.org/hynds   and consider giving.

Such a nice moment.   Wish everybody could have been there.

---Wish I could have been too! This was an awesome feel-good story! :D

Here are the photos of the ladies with their goodies!!!

Susanne with Cheesecake Factory and Bed Bath & Beyond!

Genie with Panera Bread & Starbucks!

Trina with Chipotle!

Plate that once harbored a big slide of KeyLime Pie! Thanks Susanne!

Part 16 - Giving is a Deeply Personal Choice

[PART 14] A triple giving

John didn't send me the stories on these folks, but RJ, Curt, Jim and Bonnie all were gifted by John this week. I had a slight delay in posting these as I am in the middle of moving. But here they are! :)

RJ will dine at Chipotle's!

Curt will shop at WholeFoods

Jim will have fun shopping at Target (he looks thrilled!)

Bonnie will enjoy some Starbucks!

Part 15 - Dessert Couldn't Be Sweeter

An Important Set of Words

"Love is the cure,

for your pain will keep giving birth to more pain

until your eyes constantly exhale love

as effortlessly as your body yields its scent.”

Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi

To love is to heal. And the act of giving is also the act of love in motion. Nobody said that love was just for lovers, but can be for anyone or any thing. I've done a few things (I've not noted here) for the posse of hurtful people I've mentioned a few times and it is seemingly reflecting back to me and healing the pain. I feel a reprieve after a year and a half of constant pain.

[PART 13] Pump Up the Call for Giving

"Excellento!  Pics attached of my friends at  my gym –who got Panera bread cards.   And Also my friend tom and his nephew at the verizon Wireless store, who chose Starbucks and target.   5 happy people who say they want to pay it forward!"

At the gym

At the phonestore

Sweet! Giving creates happiness.  

Part 14 - A Triple Giving

[PART 12] Shipping Some Kindness

John delivered some kindness to those who were delivering some...well...other kindness

"I went to the UPS Store today to ship a package to my parents in Florida.  Frank, the owner, says his wife loves Starbuck’s, so all three of us are happy now!  Big day, this."

Part 13 - Pump up the call for giving

A Special Thanks To Laura And Bob From John

Continue to Part 3

[PART 11] Giving Only to Give

I told John that not everyone is going to be in the "giving" mood...which drives home the point of giving without getting anything back but "the moment of giving" you did yourself. Read on to see what happened to John.

"Funny.  I go up to my local supermarket just now with my bag, and a camera.  I find two of my fave employees up there(they are all my faves up there, anyway) put my bag on the counter, and the store manager, Ritchie, barely looks up from the dinner he is  trying to eat while working says, “Returning?” and say, “no, giving.  Do you like Starbucks?”  He stops eating.  “Not really”, he says.  “How about Panera bread?” I ask.  Pause.  “Yeah, they got one of them up near me.  It’s good.”  So I give him a Panera card. I mean, it was already 5:30 and he was so relieved and touched that it was something for him and not something asked of him.  Then I gave one to the wonderful Katiuska who was there with Ritchie.  She was delighted, too.  Pic attached. So, nice little moment for the three of us.  Then, I go to checkout and I put my items on the belt at the register and ask the checkout girl, Kathy, if she likes Starbucks.  “Yes!” she says.  Out pops a Starbuck’s card for her.  She is happy and I am happy.  I take her picture holding here Starbuck’s card.  Then she gives me my total and I reach for my wallet.  The one that I had left at home in all of my gifting excitement.  I say,” oh man, I forgot my wallet”, and I look at her sort of pleadingly, hoping she’ll say, “don’t worry, just come back with the money”. Instead, she calls across the store, “Hey Ritchie, I’ve gotta void this order!”  At which point the line of tired, rush-hour shoppers behind me, holding their baskets, let out a large collective groan.  I left the store apologizing, red-faced, and empty-handed.  ANOTHER VICTORY FOR THE BIG GUY!!

Ironic, eh?"

Happiness From Kindness

Part 12 - Shipping Some Kindness

[PART 10] Do unto others....

I was jonesin' for a soda real bad so I dug in my purse and grabbed two bucks. I just did it. I went in the break room and bought two sodas. My favorite, and my nemesis' favorite. Lord knows I grit my teeth so hard at times with him that the dentist remarks on my teeth being worn from doing it.

I leaned over and set it on his desk.

"What, you get an extra?" he laughed.

"Nope...I got it for you," I replied and sat back down.

"Ah, thanks," he smiled.

Did it have that Subway magic moment? No...but he'd ignored me all day until then. And now he's talking to me...even sent me a cool video.

One small act of kindness....just one $0.55 gesture can turn an attitude around. From three thousand to less than a buck. It's the meaning behind the gesture that makes the stride. Remember that, folks...

Part 11 - Giving Only to Give

[PART 9] Kindness at Calypso's

From John:

By the way, I copied you today at a restaurant in Key Largo with my parents on the water's edge.  It was so sparkly beautiful, with boats only feet away from our table, and egrets and herons flying about, and the freshest fish you can imagine being served up to us in the Pilot House Marina.  We were at a great locals' hangout called Calypso's Seafood Grille.  It started to get really crowded, and a makeshift table was created about a foot from ours, where a couple seated themselves.  They ogled my seared-rare tuna fish tacos that were "to die for", and I gave them the thumbs up, and we talked a little.  Nice, nice people.  It was a lovely lunch-- a cash-only goldmine of a restaurant--and my dad paid our bill and then my parents got up to walk out. I went to our waitress and gave her an extra extra tip and thanked her for her great self, and also gave her enough money to secretly pay for the couple still eating who had sat next to us.  Score!

Now , I know that this game is not about money, and I also know that the Subway act was much braver and generous than mine, by far.  And buying other people's meals is not the thing that I could afford to do every day.  But still..everybody came out better walking out than when they went in .  Now... the next goal, other than to continue giving away these gift cards, is to start consciously doing nice things for people and sharing our experiences with our readers.  Actually, this stuff should all be second-nature and not be "conscious", or self-conscious, or whatever.  And "Cataloguing" good deeds sounds keeping score a what saints we are.  But until you guys can explain to me how more anonymously and modestly we can do this stuff, I'm not sure how else to get people pumped up about how great it is for us all to do something.  Let's each tap into our individual talents and passions and use those skills to give what we can--in whatever ways that are in harmony with our own gifts and comfort levels--so that we can carry out our souls' purpose. And do the "right thing".  It might just be a smile, it might mean carrying somebody's groceries; it might mean helping at a food bank, or spending time with an older person, just listening.  How about a nice hug?  Nothing like one of those..  find the thing that you feel comfortable doing and take the plunge. You will feel better. And you will be better. And... so will the person/s that you help.

It's all good.  Let's serve, and see what happens.

Gosh, just writing this makes my life so much more fulfilling.  Amen, bruthas and sistas!!

Part 10 - Do Unto Others...

[PART 8] Starry-Eyed at Starbucks

"Marie has been a dear friend and she deserves a medal of honor for her huge heart, and beautiful soul.  But I did not have my medal of honor handy today (left the damn thing in my other jacket), and so a Starbuck's coffee card, inshallah, saved the day.  We salute you, Marie!" ---John

Marie at Starbucks

>> Here's a photo. I'm drinking a skinny caramel macchiato. Only 90 calories! I got Peter an mandarin orange Tazo tea.
>>
>> Thanks! Marie

and

You're the BEST!  Thank you, Marie.

Part 9 - Kindness at Calypsos

[PART 7] The Secret Surprise

John did gift me, and he has obviously been scheming for a while now. I'm so thrilled though with his thoughtfulness toward me and as is my prideful nature to say, "no no, them...not me..." I am grateful and so tickled and warmed.

Now...I'm going to keep this gift a secret for the moment and carry some suspense...John is right, I do give cliffhangers. I am going to document every part of it...and then I will share the emails that went with it. :D For now...all I can say for now is....

*SQUEEEEEE* !!!!!!!!!!!!!

And I intend to share the gift with my friend, Kandi whom I love very much. So check back soon and you'll see what happens when I enjoy my secret surprise!

Part 8 - Starry Eyed At Starbucks

[PART 6] Putting it to the Test

I'll be honest...today has been pretty damned rotten. I had a hard day with some of the folks who don't act very nice to me.  John advised me on some Tolle and sent me a link and also reminded me about my "The Four Agreements" stuff on not taking things personally.

SO...lunchtime. I was calmed down but still glad to be out of the place and going to get some food. I headed toward Subway. It was packed. I only have a thirty minute lunch so it was like "UGH"...and I got to thinking of The Little Bag That Could. I told myself that I was going to pay for the entire meal of the very next person who walked in the door. Albeit, it was going to be a stranger and maybe nobody would come in but I was resolute.

Fate does funny things, does it not? One of those "not so pleasant" people walked right in the door. I didn't even choose them. The Universe did. We were down to seven minutes. It was my turn to pay and I already saw what she got and her chips and drink.

"Well..." she was stymied, "you didn't have to do that...." and I saw her cheeks flush with embarassment. I just smiled at her and shrugged. She thanked me, and I ran out the door with my sandwich.

In that moment...to my surprise...I felt close to her, I felt her emotions (I'm an empath) and all my hurt and bitterness I'd ever had toward her for being unfriendly just...went away....

No pic to share but I hope she will enjoy her lunch.
photo copyright - Subway.

Part 7 - Secret Surprise
Important Set of Words About the Power of Giving

[PART 5] The Next Gifting

So I asked John what his next plan was...would he plan anything? Well, he wanted to share some with his sister who he felt could use a card...and this is what happened:

"This is my sister, Gigi, getting her Whole Foods card.  Also, I gave her 100 for Brio to give to a girlfriend who has a husband and 2 kids who are in need.  They love Brio.  And Gigi promises to get a picture of them enjoying themselves there.  Finally, I gave her a 25 dollar panera card to give to a guy she's known for years , named Rico, and she will take his picture, too.

So.  A good start to Phase Two.

Don't worry, I'll buy myself some steaks with the family or do that McCormick and Schmick's thing.  My face will be up on the wall, too.

I already got you something.  Something not in the bag that you will like."

John, thank you though I am somewhat embarassed...being a giver myself it's odd to receive. I know you give from the heart and it is appreciated, your kindness...to myself and to so many others. Your friendship has been a HUGE gift to me, worth more than any other gift. I think it's a real neat thing you're doing. :)

Gigi...if you're reading this....please tell us how it made you feel....

Part 6 - Putting it to the Test

[PART 4] The Restaurant

John to Lola (which he shared with me too)

The gift is still going strong. Took it to a
>> restaurant to show a friend today, and he loved it and we both laughed and
>> marveled at it. After, the waitress saw the bag and said, who's
>> birthday? Well... I did my show for her. And she went from looking
>> beleaguered to looking thrilled and delighted. "Who's your friend and will
>> she be my friend?" she squealed. Then she noticed my backpack and saw Eckhart  Tolle's "Oneness With All Life" book in with my clothes and got all excited  and started telling me how she loved The Power of Now and then she recommended  one of her favorite books to me and the whole moment really brightened
>> her day.
>> So the bill came to 58 dollars--which I  gave her-- and then I pulled an Outback 100 dollar gift card
>> out of my wallet and gave it to her as a tip. Woo hoo!!!
>> She actually teared up, Laura, and I felt like Oprah. It was so nice,
>> and we all felt so good.
>> Anyway, I'm only telling you this. Not self  back-slapping. Just sharing my feel-good story with you.
>> Good gift, Lola! The mojo is still  working. That bag is such a catalyst for good energy.
>>
And there you have it folks...John didn't just hoard...he kept giving and making someone's day bright because he wanted to and because he could. He chose to be kind. I told John that he should start cataloguing the adventures but he felt it would become tedious so I told him to just keep me in the loop of all the coolness that transpired. He was unsure about giving up the cards so I told him to photograph the entire gift and make an album. I want him to send me the pics too...for you all to see. He wants to have it documented what happens and to ask others also to document what it meant to them and how the gift impacts them. BUT...John doesn't want the hassle of documenting on a blog. So he asked my help and this is just right up my alley. Right now I'm going through some hard personal things and it is shining some light, and bringing me smiles when I most need them. I feel that sharing this giving with the world is important because I want to encourage you readers to join in and make a difference for a stranger. It doesn't always have to be money...it can be acts of kindness you know? What will YOU do today that makes you and someone else feel positive and light? Your choice to act might make all the difference in a person's world...WHAT IF?

Part 5 - The Next Gifting

[PART 3] It didn't end...

No...John was so inspired thus by the act of kind generousity from "Lola" that he began to think on giving, himself, and began to spread these acts of kindness in the last few weeks. He relates a story of going to Whole Foods and buying a few small items. The total came to twenty dollars plus change. He only had a twenty and no change on him and he sat the twenty on the counter and fished out the debit card instead. The checker joked with him about it being her tip and he said, "you know, you just gave me an idea". He finished his purchase and walked out....leaving the twenty there for her...her tip.

Now folks...and I pointed this out to him as well...what if that young girl had pondered for hours how she was going to buy diapers when payday was three days away and she was almost out? WHAT IF...the possibilities were quite endless and I know...because there were times in my life when things were just desperate. Maybe it wasn't like that for her, but it could have been...and maybe John's small gesture made a HUGE impact, like Lola's huge gesture did too? Is it the amount, or the act of giving that makes the difference? We've become so cold and disconnected from those around us....to reach out and do something that has become so unheard of...to be so kind and giving without a reason at all other than just to do something kind...

Please readers...we can start a trend. Let's give to others in our own little ways. Fill the comments section with your own tales of giving since reading this blog.

Part 4 - At The Restaurant

[PART 1 & 2] In The Beginning

 SHOWING THE WORLD HOW TO GIVE AND RECEIVE FROM THE HEART

Part 1

Every story has a beginning, it has to start that way, the simple and unassuming beginning that blossoms into something completely outrageous. Yesterday, an ordinary email from my email friend John ended like this:

"Oh, you WON'T BELIEVE the gift I got from my soul-sistah, Laura, a couple of weeks ago.  It is the coolest physical gift anybody ever gave me.  I have to think of how even to describe it to you.  It came in a beautiful little paper gift bag with a pretty pattern on it, the kind with little rope handles.  And inside of this maybe 10  inch high bag... well, it was like a pirate's treasure chest.  It still is.  I've been gawking at it for weeks and hesitate to dig in."

I had been packing for my move all morning and I guess it didn't register that the gift was not a literal pirates chest...I guess I was just too focused on other things at the moment and I replied, "your gifty sounds cool!" It wasn't long before I got another response from John.

"So don't you want to know what was in the bag??  God, you suck at taking the bait!  I always fall for your cliff-hangers..."

John was right...and so I had to reread his original email...of course I want to know what was in the bag! It wasn't some box that looked like a pirates chest...I always take things so literally. He sent a photo of the pretty little gift bag to me on my cell. Okay...but what was in it? Hello John!

Of course I wanted to know...and what was in the bag is shown on [Part 2], and soon John revealed that he was going to use this gift, this act of giving to "Pay It Forward" to others in a way that would bring happiness and thoughts of giving to others....to show people that a single act of giving can domino into more and more and make some truly incredible changes! The Little Bag That Could is the story of what John did with the bag and how it became possible to make positive changes in the lives of others. It also chronicles the giving that others began to do in the spirit of this project. Read on to see how big of a gift this journey has really turned out to be!

Part 2

John sent me an mp3 shortly after. John does voice media so sometimes he records an email to me.

John:
"Okay so now I'm in my booth and I'm sitting in front of this bag, and I pull the little strings off and on top, first thing is this silver box with a pretty silver bow and a card that says, 'John, with love and gratitude, Lola and Bob'
Now Lola is my friend forever, since we were in highschool. We used to double date with our separate partners, um, and we became like life friends. She even helped me to get into voice-over. But anyway, and Bob is her partner. So, I've done some voice-over work from her for the last couple of years. She and her life-partner run a medical group that offers extended-hour family medical care. Um, and I don't take money because I love her and I'd never take money from her (such is the kind of friend John is). So that's the deal. I guess she got me back by giving me this present because I didn't take money.
So here it is...I got the little silver box, and inside the silver box, well first off it has Nordstrom on the side, and I don't know if you've ever been in Nordstrom (I haven't...I live out in the hills), I haven't, but my wife says it's fantastic, upscale department store where you can buy really nice clothes and shit like that.

So anyway, its got one, two...envelopes with gift certificates in it, and it's eight $25 gift certificates in it. So that's $200 for Nordstrom. (I was thinking, wow, how cool and sweet!...but that was just the beginning).

And underneath that is another silver box in this bag...and it's also for Nordstrom, and it's another eight
$25 dollar gift certificates, so we've got like $400 to Nordstroms, it's like 'whoa' and I don't even know what to do, I don't even go to Nordstrom but Debbie's like, "we'll get you something nice at Nordstrom."



Then I open it back up and it has these three pretty little bags, these Oriental bags and they say, 'PF Changs'. I've never been to PF Changs either but other people around me are going, 'you'll LOVE PF Changs, it's so good!'

Three bags and in each bag is a $100 gift certificate. So that's $300 to PF Changs.

(Such a pretty card!!!)

Now inside this bag, is another pretty little bag, a miniature bag within the bag. And it's filled with more cards!

First is to this restaurant called McCormick and Schmick's (sp?) Seafood Restaurant and I looked it up online and it looks fantastic! They have them at different places around the country but I have to find one. There's one close to here. $100 for McCormick and Schmick's. (John does this cute little sing-song voice, 'Yaaaaayyyy.....Awesooome!' and I couldn't help but smile. I was SO excited for him!)

And then (you mean there's MORE?! Holy Crikey!)....I have...The Cheesecake Factory! (John is like a walking advertisement on this recording and it's so cool to hear him, because he's totally doing voice-over on this and probably doesn't realize it! haha)
Ten $10 certificates for that! So that's $100 bucks for The Cheesecake Factory. This doesn't suck. (again with the excited kid at Christmas voice he did there and I giggled...twice...first time and then again to transcribe it to you all).

And then, and I hope you've been there, it's really a great place...then there's this Panera Bread (been there, done that, love that!)...it's GREAT, if you haven't had Panera Bread, it's awesome, it's like this sandwich and soup place (used to live in front of one when I lived in the city...went there alot to chill) and it's just really killer. It's a big chain, like Starbucks...so I got ten $25 gift certificates to Panera Bread. o/`$250 dollars to Panera Bread o/` (he sings to me).

Okay and that (he breaks in with the movie theatre voice-over) 'But wait, THAT'S NOT ALL, Caller'!

Then I get these cool little silver boxes in the bag...to Chipotle...and my kids go, "Chipotle! Can we have those?!" Because Chipotle is this really great...look up their website...it's all naturally raised beef, pork and chicken Mexican Restaurant. So I got these two little boxes with four $25 gift cards in each so that's $200 for Chipotle. o/`Not too sucky o/` (he's got that right and I haven't ever been to Chipotle...but I'm really digging the excitement and the really coolness of this woman's gesture of gratitude.)

Next in this little bag are three $50 gift certificates to Eastern Mountain Sports...love that place. Can get camping stuff.

Then I get four Bed Bath & Beyond cards for $100 a piece...I've never been there, but I'm sure there are cool things we can get at Bed Bath & Beyond...(Oh...you have no idea, John...that place rocks!)

And then something I just adore ...Whole Foods...THREE $100 gift certificates to Whole Foods (don't know what that is John!).....this is pretty intense, right? I mean, I'm just overwhelmed...I've opened this so many times I don't sound overwhelmed but I'm just like...I cried (I won't tell anyone, John...just the world, because your tears are happy tears! *grins*) when I got them because it was like, 'somebody loves me that much?!' (friends do tend to do that, guy) It's just overwhelming, I've never gotten anything like this.

So now I'm holding Target gift cards. I've got ten $50 gift cards. $500 to Target in front of me. Ten. A...stack of Target cards.

And then the last thing in the bottom of the little bag is...Starbucks. TEN $25 gift certificates. $250 to Starbucks. (Lola, John already bounces off the walls! haha)

'BUT WAIT, THAT'S NOT ALL', (comes the announcer movie guy voice)

I got back into the bag...the big bag, and underneath...aaare (he's looking)....four $50 gift cards to this cool looking restaurant...check it out online, it's called Brio Tuscan Grille (NOM), it's upscale, an upscale chain of wonderful looking Italian and steak kinda stuff.

Theeen I go deeper into the bag and I have FOUR...Barnes & Noble $50 gift cards...$200 to Barnes & Noble (Sweet! Well...I'm a bookworm, hehe). This is getting sick right? (Well...if you mean throwing up with being stuffed on coolness, then yes...QUITE sick. hehe) But the bag's got a little bit more left. (How did I just blase' say, 'your gifty sounds cool!'? Understatement).

I have two envelopes...and each envelope has a Morton's The Steakhouse $100 gift certificate. Morton's I just hear is fantastic. It really is. I love Outback and this is supposed to like blow Outback away (no way! *gasp*)

Then I have another, and then she gives me two envelopes for Ruths Chris Steakhouse (sp?) which is supposed to be INCREDIBLE...same deal...$200 for more fantastic steaks.

And last...but not least...at the bottom of the bag is...BEST BUY card! (guys dream)...fourteen (WTF?!) $50 BEST BUY cards....(he sounds breathless) $700...BEST BUY.

(affects singsong again) o/`Thank youuu LOLA....o/`

I mean, is that cool? Is that overwhelming?! It's just..I, I have had this for weeks and I just...I don't even wanna spend it! (givers have trouble getting sometimes...I understand...but that's what she wanted you to do...is ACCEPT). I don't want to take it apart, it's too...SPECIAL. So awesome and it's brought so many 'oohs and ahhhs' to the people I show it to and people start talking about they want to give and do something like that and it's gotten all these conversations started and it's like my teaching tool about giving...and...it's just wonderful for people. It has inspired people to think about the act of giving and how special it is...and I'm telling you, this BAG has brought a whole lot of joy and laughs and cool conversation. And I have like the BEST friend in the whole world. That was the sweetest, nicest, darn greatest awesomest thing. And there you have it! I'll talk to you soon. Bye.

(he also tells me about her facebook page and their photos together as little kids)

How cool is that people?!

Part 3 - It Didn't End There
Special Thanks To Laura & Bob