Somebody asked me the other day if soup kitchens are open, or if they still exist. What? More than ever with all of the newly homeless and struggling families. Unfortunately, there is a need. I wish there wasn't, but, at least there are places you can go for a meal, no questions asked. Anyone is welcome, they don't turn anyone away. Some serve meals, some give food. I have volunteered at several, putting aside some time to give back to the community. source for picture

I have an extraordinary time —we laugh, exchanging inside jokes… talk a little bit more, and tend to be merry whatever the job. There are meetings and greetings of memorable faces, a genuineness that I can’t always identify at that split second - and then there is that moment that we share, person to person, that helps me remember that it is the small things in life that I fail to recognize every so often… these delicate memories, that often surprise me when I'm not looking. - Things I see at the Soup Kitchen

I leave this with you, my friends. If there is extra in your pantry, donate it to the food bank. Please don't donate things that even you won't eat. :)) We have a collection right in our neighborhood to make it easier for people to donate. Start a collection place in your neighborhood. Many grocery stores will round up your total and donate the extra to the food bank of shelters. It's these small things that make a difference.

All I have are my words, armed in my mind, written in pen, stand by stand. Oh, yes. Still by hand. It has a different feel. Altered not by keys, backspace, and delete, I write, erase, tear it to pieces and start all over again. And again.

The Naming of Cats

The Naming of Cats is a difficult matter,
It isn’t just one of your holiday games;
You may think at first I’m as mad as a hatter
When I tell you, a cat must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES.

TS Elliot