The Compliment Guys

Thanks, Atlanta Journal Constitution, for this uplifting article this past week. We thought it was a perfect fit for "The Day Is What You Make It"!

The Compliment Guys, two Purdue University students, gained web fame by praising fellow students every Wednesday. Well, they have taken their show on the road, and lucky for us, they found themselves in Atlanta a few days ago. Carrying their hand-lettered sign ("Free Compliments"), they spread cheer in Centennial Olympic Park, complimenting complete strangers who happened by. Wouldn't it just Make Your Day a Great One, if someone complimented you on your shirt, your purse, or maybe your big smile?

The students, along with representatives of Kodak, who has outfitted a bus for their travel, are on a 10-city tour they are calling the "Bright Side" tour. "We're encouraging everyone to look on the bright side of life," said spokeswoman Dwayna Haley. Videos of the students gained many hits on YouTube.

Who knows? Maybe this "spontaneous complimenting" thing will catch on! There will be Random Acts of Complimenting going on all over the place!

It's Friday, so let's have FUN! we double-dog-dare-you to give out as many compliments as you can today. Then, write us a note about it! Ok, Ready, Set, COMPLIMENT!!

Steve & Linda

Look Who's on the Cover

Ok, Do I get to brag a little here? It's not everyday you get on the cover of a magazine. They did a great job with it. Click on the title to take you to the article. I guess they made my day great!

Oh, one other thing. I am reading a great book that really fits in with my style of living. It' called "The Energy Bus" by Jon Gordon.

Steve

Bloom Where You Are Planted- sort of!

I've always loved the little saying, "Bloom Where You Are Planted". To one who has "bloomed" in quite a few different places and situations over the years, I have tried to take this advice to heart, and I think I've been pretty successful, if happiness is the measure of that success.

Sunflowers are one of my favorite flowers, so funky and fun, but Steve doesn't love them quite as much, favoring a little more orderly look in the front yard. So, this year, in an attempt at a more formal look in our landscape, I didn't plant any sunflowers along my little corner fence.

Well, as you can see, this "volunteer" sunflower from last year's crop, is REALLY blooming where it- wasn't exactly planted! I think it's so funny- and just a little bit of a poke of fun at all the other roses, zinnias and other more "acceptable" front yard plantings. This giant plant has to be at least 15 feet tall with a beautiful bronze blossom at the very tippy-top! The stalk is strong and straight with big, wide leaves jutting out all the way up.

My independent, non-conformist streak is really enjoying this giant "fun" flower! Sometimes I stand inside the door and watch neighborhood children pointing up at the big, green stalk, as their parents just shake their heads. "You never know what that Linda is going to be planting in her garden"!

So, what's my point? Only this: Sometimes, we just have to "bloom where we are planted", and we'll be big, and strong, and beautiful, like my one and only sunflower! We can make plans and plans and plans, but sometimes things don't work out quite as we planned. So, the best thing to do then is to "bloom where we are planted"! In fact, sometimes that works out even better!

Don't forget- Be like my Sunflower and Make Your Day a Great One!

Linda