Sunday 11 April 2010

random acts of kindness

"Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty"

I first came across that phrase in a tiny little shop in St Ives that sold gems and crystals. It was stuck on the wall for all to see. It immediately struck a chord - for what is nicer than doing something for someone else that is unexpected and unasked for? The wikipedia definition is:

A random act of kindness is a selfless act performed by a person or persons wishing to either assist or cheer up an individual or in some cases an animal. There will generally be no reason other than to make people smile, or be happier. Either spontaneous or planned in advance, random acts of kindness are encouraged by various communities.

And another thing, I love surprises. Don't you? So it's in this vein that I'm having a giveaway of a different kind. A giveaway that will last all year, and one where you can join in at any time. No deadlines, and no drumrolls and announcements on my blog, either. I will be sending out small random gifts for the remainder of this year. They will often have a paper element, (because I love making cards, chopping things up, cutting things out..) but not always. There may be some gocco. Then again, I may sew or knit something. Who knows what I may come up with? I'm just putting together some cards from my dahlia series, for starters.


There is an element of trust required for this to work - I can't send you something as a surprise if I don't have your address, but believe me when I say I won't pass on your details to anyone else.

Here's how it works:

Send me an email (my email address is in my sidebar) with 'Random Acts of Kindness' in the subject line. Then include your name and address (and blog, if you have one). That's it. Then, who knows? It might be your turn to have a good mail day. Oh...another thing....I know some of you know I already have your address, but humour me, please, send it again, it makes the admin bit easier.

Note: there's no obligation to blog about anything I send, and I certainly won't be blogging every time I send off a little gift, either.

This is open to everyone, near and far, old friends and new. Please join in!

21 comments:

Razmataz said...

Now that is a sweet way to do a giveaway. Love that you are doing it from the heart and not to get followers or publicity.

Louise said...

This is such a lovely idea. Thank you for your kindness Diana. x

driftwood said...

such a lovely concept. and those dahlias. oh my. xxx

Ali said...

You have a good heart. Love the idea of sending out of the blue parcels!

ginny said...

you have such a kindhearted gentle beautiful soul and i count myself lucky to have you as a friend.
This is a lovely idea Diana and one which will give you and the recipients so much pleasure.
Wishing you a very happy week
warmest wishes ginny x

Lisa said...

What a wonderful idea.
Truly very kind indeed.
Lisa x

MrsP said...

Diana
What a lovely idea- you are obviously an extraordinary person.
Much love Jx

hello gorgeous said...

what a random act of kindness, I love it! A fab way of cheering someone up or just giving them a lift....well done you! ;o)

Have a great day....

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Diane said...

Thats really lovely Diana. xxx

Gina said...

That is such a lovely kind idea Diana.

kristina said...

Oh this is the most wonderful idea. K x

Suse said...

Gosh you're generous!

Fiona said...

This is a lovely idea. I will be joining you.

Reading Tea Leaves said...

A unique and lovely concept. Thank you for your genuine kindness, dear Diana.

Jeanne x

sarita said...

I agree, a very kind and generous giveaway. But I want to know if you are willing to share your address so you might occasionally be surprised (in a good way) yourself? Turnabout is fair play, you know...;)

dottycookie said...

You are lovely, Diana :-) What a kind thought.

dragonfly said...

You are so generous - what a wonderful thing to do.

Griffin said...

Well ok, but you'll have to do the same for me so I can send you a lovely something. I know the Random Acts of Kindness isn't about getting something back, but I would love to send you a lovely something anyway.

I love the idea because it's about doing something with no expectation of return - unlike a money system. It's about being worthy of the title human being... or in my case, vaguely human being if you squint a bit... 'hem, hem'!! :)

Tilly said...

That's a lovely idea. I'm on the receiving end of some random kindness at the moment. I asked a blogger what she thought about a yarn she was using and she very kindly offered to send me a sample and a washed swatch. Now how generous is that!

Anonymous said...

Oh I would love to join in, to receive a little bit of loveliness from you would be just, well, lovely. Thank you so much.

Pippa

Baa-Me Kniits said...

That is a lovely idea, getting surprises in the mail really cheers people up. Such a perfect 'Random act of Kindness' :-)