When I write, inspiration comes from so many different places. This week it was from a packet of the sweetener Truvia.
ELBEE Seriously?
The packets have positive sayings on them. It’s like a fortune cookie with your coffee. They say things like “Find Your Open Door,” or “Do It for You.” The one that said, “Put Something Good Out There,” really struck a chord.” What better way to help each other in these challenging times.
To be honest, I thought my bench press photos were pretty good, especially for a grandma. They entertained people and possibly made them laugh.
ELBEE That is the worst justification for craziness that I’ve ever heard and she can’t stop sharing the pictures. I’m surprised that none of her bodybuilding photos have resurfaced lately.
ELBEE I spoke too soon.
With that in mind, when I saw a recent photo of Chelsea Handler doing a plank with a dog on her back, I had to give it a try. 
GUS I was so embarrassed.
STANLEY And I hate to brag, but I think we know who really does the heavy lifting.
Seriously, I’ve been trying hard to focus on the positive lately, to look for the good that people are putting out there.
In a helpful gesture, someone left these bottles of water and this bag of oranges near a trailhead.
A neighbor, offering encouragement, carefully placed these
hand-painted rocks next to the sidewalk.
A man seemed to pull away as I was walking by with Gus and Stanley. Thinking he might be afraid, I asked if he was okay with them. He said “I just stepped back to admire them. I can feel their energy and it’s a blessing.” His kindness made me smile behind my mask,
Although I’ve been very cautious over the past several months, I have tried to give back when I can. If a child or parent calls out to the dogs, I’m happy to put on a sidewalk show from across the street.
ELBEE She is a total ham with an excuse.
A woman walking by with a little boy of about 7 or 8, clinging to her leg, asked me if I could possibly bring them closer. She explained that the child was severely autistic but that petting the dogs would be very helpful.
We were all masked and I carry Purell so I decided to go over. She gently cleaned the boy’s hands and helped him touch the dogs. The interaction was so simple but I could see the gratitude in her eyes.
It’s true. I may bench press Gus and Stanley and hold their leashes, but they really do the heavy lifting. They put something good out there.
