So yes, back to the most awesomest giveaway.
My good friend Keith is a design rock star. He's been my hero since I first discovered him on the HOW Design message board, and I was lucky enough to live near the same major city and become friends with this talent and his sweetheart wife, Jenn.
A few months ago, on the HOW forum, Keith unveiled his master plan for this project he referred to as The Ink Initiative, which launched yesterday. The model is similar to that of Goods for Goodness' Sake. Create art, sell art, donate all profits to charity. Keith discusses the details much more eloquently right here.
When I chimed in to exclaim what a brilliant, selfless idea I thought this was, I got an incredible surprise. Keith wrote, "I have been meaning to email you. I already have a design in the works that is 'Operation Nice' specific. I am planning on donating the first 'volume' to you so that you can use them as you see fit (as giveaways, etc..) and then the second 'volume' will be sold for charity."
A few weeks later, when he posted a picture of the Operation NICE print on his blog, I was so excited that I started to cry!
Isn't it AMAZINGLY PERFECT?! So we met for lunch and he handed me 10 Operation NICE posters from an exclusive run. It's a 12"x18" 3-color print on 100 lb French Paper Pop-Tone in Whip Cream, and let me tell you, I couldn't love it any more!
I'm still trying to think of unique ways to give these away, but I figured in the meantime, I'll start with the good ole, time-tested blog giveaway! So I'm going to put two of these very special prints up as prizes. All you have to do to win is leave a comment right here with a NICE anecdote. Something nice someone did for you, maybe 20 minutes ago, maybe 20 years ago. It can be one sentence or five paragraphs! Just a little story about how someone's kindness left an impression on you. I'll draw TWO winners on April 16th at 8pm Eastern time.
My NICE anecdote:
Yesterday I went to Rob's school to watch the teachers play basketball against the city's firefighters. It was a riot! Anyway, I was standing along the wall by myself since I don't know any of Rob's coworkers, and a teacher came over to chat with me. She was super nice, and we had a delightful conversation! When Rob came by to get a drink of water, she said to him, "Your wife is such a lovely lady! Just lovely!" That made me feel so special!
Okay, you're turn! And don't forget to visit The Ink Initiative to see (and purchase) Keith's art. It's for a good cause! Good luck!
51 comments:
TWO THINGS;
1. My boyfriend listening to my cry on the phone when both of us know it wouldn't change anything.
2. Afiori! (check that blog please) sending me a notebook and prints (which she made)...from the other side of the globe(she's in Sweden and I am in Cairo, Egypt) just because!
I know they're not big things but they mean a lot to me
When I was in college, I went home to visit a family friend and she took me to see her grandmother. A few months earlier, I had expressed that I wish I could come home to see my mother more often but I did not have a car. So on this trip home, the grandmother called me into the kitchen and handed me an envelope saying "this is so you can come home and see your mama". It was an envelope full of money, 5000 dollars to be exact. It was incredibly nice and that changed my life
The print is lovely :)
My story: When I was in high school I was too poor to afford the lab fees for my numerous art courses, so my teacher Mrs. Hetherington gave me all of my supplies free of charge (paint, canvas, film, clay, the whole arsenal). When graduation approached she even paid all of my art school application fees, and entered me into various competitions to earn scholarship money. She literally saved my life, turning a possibly torturous high school experience into a time I'll treasure and be grateful for forever.
A few months ago I organized a "Deliberate Acts of Kindness" program in my workplace. I was truly surprised by the outpouring of niceness that was returned to me. I got thank you cards and daily e-mails from people thanking me for the program and telling me how much it made a difference to them. I wasn't expecting it, but I was so grateful for their kind words!! I realized that niceness can indeed be contagious!
I walked into a local Cajun restauranr here in Indy that I frequent with a good friend of mine. I was having a rather rough day and it was only lunch time. The guy at the register asked how my day was and I jsut said that it was kinda sucky so far and he smiled really big and said, "Let me fix that. Lunch is free today." He gave me lunch. It was such a small thing but had such a huge impact. It did fix it. I don't even remember what I was upset about from that morning but I'll never forget his excitement to redirect my day.
I'm also excited to get to work on this new art project!
When I broke my hand, my husband would get up early every day and blow dry and flat iron my hair. He was so hesitant and clumsy at first, but with lots of thanks and encouragement, he got really good at it! And he never once complained. I was so thankful for him...so so sweet.
I decided to forego the luck factor of the giveaway and just BUY a poster! Not only is it a great design but (1) money will go to Philabundance, (2) Keith and Jenn will have art to make, and (3) the poster will look great in my stepdaughter's room + hopefully remind her to be NICE. Handmade kicks ass.
Rock on, Melissa!
In a meeting today, I brought up a touchy topic (oops!), resulting in a fairly unpleasant discussion leaving some coworkers feeling very defensive/attacked. I felt the need to say something, so specifically addressed them during the meeting to comment how much we appreciate them and to explain the different dynamics of the team that might result in discomfort but that in no way were meant against them personally. The meeting felt, at least for me, significantly lighter, having addressed the tension and tried to dispel some of it to prevent hurt feelings. I felt really good trying to support my team while still tackling tough topics.
How fun!
My husbo is constantly being nice. The other day he was waiting for a car to pull out of a primo parking space, and was just about to pull in when he saw that the car behind us was driven by a sweet old lady. So he decided to skip the space and leave it open for her.
I live with 6 other girls which has always been a lot of fun. I've been dealing with some back problems recently and all of them offered the use of their cars so that I could go see a specialist today! I'm so thankful that I live with such caring people :)
We recently bought a new house and it was a foreclosure and it had no garage door openers. So our friend came over one day, went right into the garage pushed some buttons and handed us 2 garage door openers and said it's all taken care of. It might not seem like much, but it really meant a lot to us with all the stress of buying the home :)
I want someone else to win but I just had to say...Geez, you people have experienced some exceptional NICENESS. Thanks for the inspirational stories!
That poster is so cool. It might be a give away surrounding something pay it forward oriented, since the poster originated from a gift perspective---what a cool, colorful, personality oriented, fuzzy warm poster.
I just have to say that my DH was so gentle with me last nite, and has been all week. It has been challenging on several fronts with weird client things happening, sick babies, and yesterday having to put my lil dog Hannah (nearly 16) to rest. I was so cried out last nite I couldn't even function. He just held my hand, listened and told me he was lucky that I was his wife and the mother to his children. He shared that in losing hannah, he felt like he lost a piece of me, which was a really cool thing to say, if you know the whole story.
your site is so darling and your personality so evident.
Ahhh that print is adorable!
My NICE anecdote is from a couple of hours ago...I caught a taxi home from the city, and when we pulled up outside my apartment complex, my driver recognised where we were and started telling me all about the history of the area. As it turns out, my apartment complex replaced a taxi repair shop! I told him that I'd only been in the suburb (and the state!) for 2 years, so we sat and chatted about all his memories of the area from the past 20 years. After a little while I asked if it was ok that he was missing out on fares, and he just laughed and said "Ah it's Easter!" and kept chatting for another 20 minutes! It was so nice of him to share his stories and learn so much more about my 'hood, and it was really nice to see him enjoying the memories too.
Last week, a lady at Filene's basement gave me her extra 20% off coupon on her way out the store. I was stoked! I'm a sucker for a bargin! Small act, but I was gracious non-the-less.
Last year, for my 40th birthday, I asked everyone to take whatever money they planned to spend on me (whether it be for a card or gift) and to do something nice for someone else. All I asked was that on the day of my birthday party, that they write down in a book what they did...no names required...just what they did. My goal was to have 40 nice things done for others in celebration of my birthday. Well, we didn't hit 40 but we came close with 34! It was the best birthday present I've ever received!
The nicest thing anyone has ever done for me, ever: My sublease was up at the end of August of this year, and while I had been looking for places for a month, I couldn't find anything. My roommates at the time let me stay through the first week of October, but even by then--I was not having any luck finding a place that I could afford. So, I was homeless. After crashing on couches for about a week, a friend of mine gave me the keys to her apartment and let me stay in her room while she stayed at her boyfriend's. Free of charge. For a month. It was seriously the kindest thing anyone has ever done for me, and I am forever indebted to her for her unfaltering generosity.
Two weeks ago, my fiance and I went to do a final walk through of the home we were about to purchase. His entire family came with us, and we also brought our one year old dog to introduce him to the house. Unfortunately, there was a gas leak and we had to evacuate immediately. We stood outside in a big group, watching in awe as fire trucks descended on the street.
Our puppy was very stressed out, because he was terrified by the fire fighters and the commotion in general. Many of the neighbors came out to see what was going on, and the people in the house across the street introduced themselves and brought out a dish of water for our dog. He lapped it up appreciatively, and gave them big wet kisses. It helped to calm him down, and gave us one less thing to worry about as the gas company inspected the premises to make sure we could go back inside.
Thanks to Operation Nice I have been much better about giving thank you notes, etc.
a few weeks ago, one of contractors terms expired. Everyone loved her work (we even made an effort to hire her directly but couldn't legally) and she was fabulous in her role.
The day before she left I wrote her a personal thank you note, letting her know how highly her work was valued and how much I personally would miss working with her regularly.
I got this as a reply:
Malinda-
Thank you so much for the kind card, truly brightened my day. Had a lot of fun working here and will miss you guys a lot. This has been a wonderful year.
Thank you again for making my day!
Christine
So glad to have brightened her gloomy day.
The other morning my lovely husband emptied the dishwasher before leaving for work (early). He knew he wouldn't be home until very late and we probably wouldn't get to spend much time together, and he knows how much I hate unloading the dishwasher. What a nice surprise to wake up to!
The economic downturn has affected my family, resulting in my meager salary paying 85-90% of the expenses. I have not shared this with co-workers, but have kept it inside. We are facing none of the usual Easter baskets and gift exchange.
BUT a co-worker GAVE me tickets to a Broadway Across America event ON EASTER that she cannot use.
My point is not to whine about my plight - but to spotlight the goodness and kindness of a co-worker.
Thanks for letting me share!
~S
What a cute print! :)
Yesterday I visited my college and saw some of my old professors. As soon as each of them saw me they gave me a hug. I haven't found employment even though it's been a year since graduation, so I definitely needed those hugs. It meant so much to know that they missed me too!
Four years ago when I visited the US for the first time the bag conveyor broke down so I missed my connection, I hadn't slept in over 24 hours, my nose bled on the plane and I was so out of my element. I just burst into tears in LAX. Then the payphone ate my money. A girl asked if I was alright and offered me her change. That 15 cents really meant more than she probably knew and I often wish I could let her know how much it helped.
I LOVE the print! So Adorable!
I'm currently in the process of certifying for my major; Interior Design. Last semester our projects went through a preliminary review to prepare us for our final critiques at the end of this semester.
One of the three reviewers left a comment on my critique "You have some real talent, keep exploring!" and that was all she wrote. It was so nice to hear from a complete stranger those validating words.
Now if I'm ever stuck on a problem with my design all I have to do is remember those words. They automatically help brighten my attitude and the problem doesn't seem so big any longer.
When I was younger, trying to learn how to roller blade, I fell and scraped my knee. I was skating around trying to find my mom, crying my eyes out. A vendor saw my knee, called me over, and gave me some ice cream. While I was eating it, she went around looking for my mother herself. No other ice cream cone can ever taste the same way.
I love the poster! :)
Here's mine:
The other night we were recovering from a *really* bad day/evening. We ordered a pizza out a desperation, which we really never do. The guy who delivered the pizza was just genuinely kind. I don't know if I could tell I'd had a terrible day, but he was so friendly and positive - it really helped! I only talked to him for many 1 minute, but I wish I could send him a thank you note for bringing some kindness our way!
I had always wanted to wear wings, and give free helium balloons to strangers :). Last year on my birthday, a group of friends and I all put on wings and gave away 50 balloons around Portland Oregon. This year we're doing it again (you can see here if you want:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTn5SKhHUUk). It's so fun to see the look on people's faces. Wings + Balloons = JOY :-).
Recently a guy friend of mine said "I love you" while going our separate ways, I said "Promise?", he said "Pinky swear."
It was so funny, so classic, + so genuine I still laugh + reminisce about it....
I was in a department store at the register paying and the nice cashier pulled out a coupon from the drawer and gave me a huge discount! I was so happy and grateful for her kindess!
craziedee3@aol.com
About 15 years ago (my first year of driving!), a stranger in a car ahead of me paid my 40 cent toll on the tollway. It was a small thing, but I'll never forget it!
Last year on Mother's Day, my 5 kids (ages 10-22) took me to the local Nature Center for a hike, and they told me I could take all of the pictures of them I wanted and they wouldn't complain. They even posed for me. Honestly, it was the nicest, most sincere Mother's Day gift I've ever received. They know I love to scrapbook, and usually they try to avoid the camera at all costs. So their gift to me was super nice and thoughtful!
Yesterday my boss washed my coffee cup for me. Simple gesture, but much appreciated.
one of my collegues at work always makes me a cup of tea. she never makes one for herself without making one for me, and cups often magically appear on my desk when my back is turned, and rgith when I need them most. It's not much, but its so nice! (I do try to repay her, but I can't seem to catch up!)
Pepper
So today I cut a small part of my knee open in the bathtub. Total klutz I know. Anyways after patching me up with band aids my husband writes "get better soon" and signs the bandaids like a cast with his signature and a heart. It is only 1/100th of how big his heart truly is!
This is a fantastic print, and I've really enjoyed reading all of the stories. Already I think I've won!
I work with people around the world, and though our contact is most via email, I really value our relationships. Today I got a message from one of my vendors in China, sending Happy Easter wishes to me and to my family. This was a very caring and attentive gesture, particularly as he does not celebrate Easter himself. I was so touched that he had taken the time to send a message. I hope to return the favor soon!
Last summer I was having a really boring and warm day at work when this old lady walked into our store. She frequently stops by, but this time she was not here to buy anything. She told me she had just picked blackberries in the forest down the road, and said she had some for me! It was such a sweet gesture! And the berries were delicious. Im not amazed I still remember this story about a year later...because it was just so nice of her!
For me it is the really simple gestures from strangers. Sometimes it is what should be done and other times not so much. When the gentleman paid my toll one day on the drive home. The person who waved and said thank you when you let them into traffic. The person who held the door open and then said have a great day. My next door neighbor who mows my grass just because he is already out there doing his. My oldest daughter who calls almost everyday to say I love you. And my 16 year old daughter who still wants to hug and kiss her parents.
A simple thank you, have a great day is the best and it just doesn't happen enough anymore. I cherish them when it does!
So....HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYONE, HAPPY EASTER!
That poster is ridiculously awesome!
With the state of the current economy and the sometimes-scary employment situation, we've all been a little overwhelmed and exhausted trying to bend over backwards to get (and keep) new clients. One of my colleagues has started sending me (and maybe other coworkers as well?) little weekly "thank you for all that you do" emails, mentioning something in particular that I did that week to help out the company. It's such a nice little pick-me-up after a long week, and it gives me warm fuzzies!
Here's my "biggest" nice story: I was walking around San Francisco in the early evening, after a long day, trying fruitlessly to catch a cab. No one was stopping and I kept walking along a street that seemed to be getting more and more deserted (and sketchy) until at last an off-duty cab driver swooped over to the curb, saying "Get in, do you want to get knifed?" whereupon he informed me that I'd been traipsing cluelessly around the then-dangerous Tenderloin. He refused payment after dropping me off at my friend's, and I thought of him as my Tom Waits-ish savior, thinking I'd never see him again.
A few months later I was back in SF for a wedding, and guess who was driving the cab that picked us up from the hotel to go to the ceremony? It was amazing, and I was so grateful to be able to introduce him to my boyfriend, who thanked him earnestly for "saving" me, and gave him a huge tip. He was a bit gruff about it, but that could have been embarrassment over my effusiveness.
I loved reading everyone's stories - thank you!
My new friend bought me twilight conversation hearts because she knew I ove both the books and the candies! It probably cost her less than $2 but it meant the world to me that she thought of me! Thanks, Lani
just wanted to say that i love the poster (ordered one for my office to remind me to be nice!) and all of these wonderful stories.
this was a long week at work, and thursday night i came home to dinner waiting for me, made by my amazing, kind, and adorable husband. just one of the many things that make him great.
Great poster, great stories and great post!
While going through an unwanted and very painful divorce, there were many instances my family and friends really stepped up. Here's a couple;
My brother took me to the movies to take my mind off things and bought me a CD he thought I'd like.
Great friends of mine let me stay with them for about 2 months after I moved out of my home and before leaving to live overseas.
My best friend invited me to visit her in Darwin and paid for the flights (at the time I was living in Brisbane - almost 4 hours away by plane).
I am more grateful than they'll ever know!
My husband did the sweetest thing for me on Friday. I was in a rush when leaving for work that morning, so I forgot my already-packed lunch in the fridge. I remembered after leaving the house, but if I went back for it, I would've missed the bus. So, I went on without it.
When I rounded the corner, he was there with my lunch. He'd taken a shortcut across our neighbors' back yards to bring me my lunch.
It was a small thing, but it really made my day.
thank you for this awesome giveaway! i love love love this print, too!!! :D
during an overwhelming baby blues moment (one of many- ha!) shortly after my daughter was born, my 2 year old son saw my eyes get wet. he walked over to me, looked & asked his daddy- "mama, cry?" then the little guy leaned up to my face and said "kiss your tears away" as he kissed my eyes and cheeks. it was so terribly nice, so sweet & tender- a darling dear memory that melts my heart! :)
A couple of years ago, I lived in an apartment next door to a high end Italian restaurant. This place was simply amazing (and wayyy out of my budget).
One night as I arrived home after a LONG day at work, the owner/chef came outside for a breath of fresh air. He greeted me and told me to wait a moment. He went back inside and returned with a HUGE tray of handmade manicotti for me.
"You look hungry, Bella!" was all he said.
I was in heaven. Such a sweet gesture that he repeated a couple of times later that autumn.
heidig@gmail.com
I have been very blessed by acts of kindness. One that sticks out today:
I was going through a nasty divorce and had to move again due to financial constraints. My second day in the new apartment, everything still in boxes, I had plans to attend an all day/night event with friends.
I tried to enjoy the day, being a bit overwhelmed with my current situation in life, my friends made me laugh and forget about all the day-to-day things.
About 10 p.m. that evening, we all ended up at my apartment so my friends could see my new digs. I put the key in the lock, opened the door and stopped dead in my tracks. This caused a domino effect and we all fell down. I was crying, but not because I was hurt.
My friend, Candy-OH! had come to my apartment and unpacked every single box, hung my pictures, put away my dishes, made up both mine and my sons bed, and even set some fresh flowers on my dining table.
I have never forgotten that. I never will. Candy-OH!, where ever you are now, I just want to thank you again, for making a crazy woman feel completely loved and special and that everything would be ok.
(see, I tearing up again thinking of it)
When I heard that there was a new mom in the neighborhood and that she seemed to be having a hard time adjusting to her move I called and left her a message. Just a "hello, I'd like to welcome you, introduce myself, do you need any help getting settled, referrals for doctors for kids etc." She called me back and we have since become best friends and started a business together. I thought I was doing something for someone else and I am the one that reaped the rewards. God is funny that way!
The other day I was in Giant Eagle just grabbing some milk, and I did that thing where I was really hungry and ended up picking half the store to take home with me. My arms were totally full of stuff because I hadn't even brought a basket since I thought I was only getting milk. I kept dropping or almost dropping things and was totally getting exasperated when this guy came around the corner with a basket, which he handed to me. Turns out that he saw me struggling, walked halfway across this grocery store to get me a basket, then came and found me to give it to me. I didn't even know the guy, but man was he like my knight in shining armor when I saw him coming! And then I said thanks and he just went back to his shopping. Not an amazing, earth-shattering story, but anyone who will be nice in a grocery store to a complete stranger is my personal hero.
~Amanda @ OneHappyPanda
My fiance did something very NICE for me last weekend. I was out of town for the weekend to visit my mother in the hospital. My fiance was flying to Phoenix on Saturday morning. I was a little bummed about not having a real Easter with family dinner, church, eggs, candy, etc. this year, but happy to see my Mom when she needed me.
When I got home late Sunday night, my fiance had left a note on the door: "There are 6 cadbury eggs hidden in the apartment - go find them!" I thoguht this was so sweet. He's not even christian but he knew that this silly tradition would brighten my day :)
The other night as I was settling in to bed about to fall asleep after a long day of traveling, my significant other leaned over and asked me what my favorite part of the day was...it just made me melt.
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