Page 18 - ISI_153_AugustSeptember

PAGE 18 SPOTLIGHTS
ARTISTS’ LEGACY / CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15
BALAZS’ ART
In December 2018, Rosemary Balazs gra-
ciously hosted this writer in her home in
Mead, Wash., for a three-hour interview.
She brought out a thick file folder of corre-
spondence that Rudy and Lela had written
to Harold over their long and supportive
relationships since the 1950s.
She allowed the entire set to be photo-
graphed, digitally preserving snapshots of
their relationships. The correspondences
Small Gestures Make Others Smile
TEACHING GRANDKIDS ABOUT KINDNESS
BY KIMBERLY BLAKER
Amid our busy lives, it’s easy to lose sight
of the little things we can do to make the
world a kinder, gentler place. As a result, kids
miss out on golden opportunities to emulate
kindness and experience its rewards.
So, why not set a goal with your grandkids,
and see how many acts of kindness your fam-
ily can rack up in a single day or week? Here
are some ideas to get your grandkids started.
Call grandparents or great-grandparents.
This is a big one, because often, grandparents
are the ones to initiate calls. So, make your
grandparents’ day by giving them a call.
Visit an elderly neighbor. Many seniors
are shut in because they can no longer drive.
Even those who do drive often don’t get
the social interaction they need. It’s likely
someone in your neighborhood could use some
company.
Offer a compliment. It doesn’t get any
easier than this. But don’t offer praise you don’t
mean; otherwise, it’ll come off as disingenuous.
Notice what someone is wearing or doing, or
think about their personality or something
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from Rudy and Lela to Harold reflect the deep and Harold be his name,” and, “We have
character of the individuals and the affection organized ourselves beyond our abilities.”
they had for one another. Certainly, these Rosemary told of how Harold got sick
letters should be posthumously preserved in towards the end of his life and how he insisted
a museum or published. on continuing to work, even though he would
During this interview, which occurred sometimes fall and not be able to get up.
just prior to the one-year anniversary of One artist’s gems may be junk to someone
Harold’s death at 89, Rosemary was tender else, but a reflection of the value of these art-
with emotion as she discussed their lives ists has been on sale at the Art Spirit Gallery, a
together. She was 87. piece of Rudy’s pottery sells for approximately
A tour of Harold’s shop underneath his $40,000. Remember to bring your bucket lists
studio revealed notes written on his chalk and checkbook to the Art Spirit Gallery during
board like: “Our Father makes art in heaven, the month of August 2019. ISI
they’ve done. Then offer a compliment
you mean.
Make a donation. It can be a small
monetary donation to a good cause. Or
you can donate items you no longer need
to a homeless shelter, animal rescue, or
toys for tots collection.
Help someone with their homework.
Do you know a classmate who struggles
in a particular subject? Offer to help
them study for a test or to understand
a concept for a homework assignment. Amid our busy lives, it’s easy to lose sight of the little things we can do
Stand up for someone. Do you know a to make the world a kinder, gentler place. As a result, kids miss out on
student who’s bullied or always left out? golden opportunities to emulate kindness and experience its rewards.
©ZINKEVYCH, BIGSTOCK.COM
Look for an opportunity to tell those who
are being judgmental to be a little nicer or that Write an apology to someone you’ve hurt.
they’re being unfair. We’ve all said and done things on occasion
Offer your support. Do you know someone that hurts someone’s feelings. So, take own-
going through a hard time, such as a serious ership of it, and write a heartfelt apology.
illness or whose parents are going through a Help someone carry something. When
divorce? Lend them your shoulder, and offer you see someone juggling multiple items or
to listen. carrying a heavy object, offer your assistance.
Make friends with someone who’s left Post something nice on the social media
out. Is there a classmate who’s always stand- page of someone who needs a friend. Do you
ing alone on the playground or who sits alone know someone who no one ever pays attention
at lunch? Offer to join that person. to? Make that person’s day with a positive
comment on their page.
Take a neighbor’s dog for a walk.
Is there a dog in your neighborhood
that never gets to go for walks? Be sure
to ask about the dog’s energy level, so
you’re able to handle it. Also, find out
how far it can walk and run, to ensure
you don’t overexercise the dog, which
can be dangerous to dogs.
Do a chore for your brother or sis-
ter. What a great way to get back in
your brother or sister’s good graces.
And although you shouldn’t expect it,
There are many opportunities to volunteer right in your community. You
could volunteer with your grandchildren at a soup kitchen, pick up trash who knows, maybe they’ll return the
at a park, or help with a canned food drive. favor sometime.
WAVEBREAK MEDIA LTD, BIGSTOCK.COM Buy a friend a candy bar. This is
Offer to help out a mom. Do you know a simple way to show your friend you’re
someone with young children? Offer to spend thinking of them.
a couple of hours watching and entertaining Volunteer for a good cause. There are many
them while the mom catches up on chores. opportunities right in your community. You
Bake cookies for your teacher or boss. could volunteer at a soup kitchen, pick up trash
Show your appreciation by baking their favor- at a park, or help with a canned food drive.
ite cookies or some brownies. Help someone with yard work. Do you
Buy a homeless person a meal. If you see know a handicapped or elderly person? Offer
someone wandering who clearly looks home- to mow, rake, pull weeds, or shovel their
less or is standing on a street corner with a snow. ISI
sign, pick up a meal, and take it over to them.
Hold the door for someone. This is another Kimberly Blaker is a freelance parenting and lifestyle
super easy gesture that’s sure to be appreci- writer. She also writes content and blog posts for
ated by someone who’s elderly, disabled, or businesses in a variety of industries and is an expert in
really anyone. on-page SEO. Find her at kimberlyblaker.com