NICE Stuff: Megabolt Sketchbook

Hi all! How's your week going so far? I'm currently sipping coffee and eating chocolate cake, so I can't complain. And there's a film festival going on in Philly right now. Tonight I'm seeing my third film, with one more tomorrow night. Fun!

I have something super cute to share with you guys. And maybe I'm excited because I love a good pocket-sized sketchbook. I can't get enough of 'em! (Even though I can't seem to keep up with sketching.) But this one has a NICE twist.

Megabolt, a non-profit organization that works to promote positive ideas through every day life, has launched a new project. They are selling these really adorable little sketchbooks, and for each one purchased, one is given to a child in the hospital. But here's the best part:

"Every book is hand numbered so after you've bought your book you will be able to go www.megabolt.org and track where your book goes and even see the child's name who you've given your book to!

It doesn't stop there though...After the child has completed his or her sketchbook we will be archiving their books on our website so you can digitally flip through the child's book."

How fantastic is that?! So I had to go ahead and buy one for myself. And I can't wait to check out what the kids do with their sketchbooks! What a neat project, right? Click here to learn more about the awesomeness that is Megabolt.

NICE Testimonial: Superhero of Niceness

Wow. It's been over a month since I posted. I won't go into whiney details, but let's just say things have been a bit out of control this past month. I'm fine. Everything is A-OK! But I do need to work on getting my life in order. I'm sure you've all been there! I probably need some iron and vitamin B-12. And I definitely need a massage, which will be happening on Thursday! But enough about me. Let's get to the testimonial!

I received today's testimonial from Ann L. in Maine. That's her in the middle "surrounded by two SUPER nice friends!!!" Heehee. She witnessed an incredibly kind act while at the grocery store.

Yesterday was a typical March morning in Maine, rainy, gray and raw. I can't say I was in a cheerful mood as I stood in line at the supermarket to buy snacks for a meeting I would be attending. As I stared at the tabloid newspapers and went over the agenda for the upcoming meeting I became aware that the gentleman at the front of the line had just received a grocery tally of more than he had. My face burned in embarrassment for him but before I could even consider what to do the woman in line behind him produced a twenty dollar bill and gave it to the clerk.

Then (and this amazed me) as the clerk handed her the change she leaned over and stuck it in the customer who was short's pocket- saying "here, do you need this too? You must take it." He was so flustered he could barely stammer out a thank you. This wonderful woman just smiled and began chatting with the clerk and bag boy allowing the gentleman to leave gracefully. The whole exchange lasted less than a minute and was completely low key.

When I got to the clerk I had to ask if what I thought I had seen was what had actually happened. She assured me it had. I asked who the woman was and she said she didn't really know but that she was a regular at the store and this was not the first time she had helped someone out. "She's always that nice, she is just amazing. I always feel better after she has been through my line." Wow I need to remember- be nice- hope that people always feel better after having a contact with me!

How amazing is that??? Everything about this woman is inspiring. She's like a NICE Superhero! She immediately took initiative to help a stranger. She was mindful of his situation and realized he might need a few extra dollars. And then she considered his feelings and allowed him to leave without any sense of embarrassment whatsoever. Fantastic! Ann is right. I need to take this story, learn from it, and strive to be more like this fabulous do-gooder!

Do you have a NICE:Testimonial that you'd like to share? If so, click here to send me an email!