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What I Wished For

I said I wanted to volunteer, didn't I? Well, today I am getting my wish.

I'll start at 9:00ish at the food bank filling bags with canned goods and then passing them out to people until around 12:15. I am supposed to stay until 1:00, but I have an appointment to get my hair cut, one I forgot about when I agreed to help out today. I don't think I'll tell them why I'm leaving early. It would look bad.

A couple of days ago I got a call from the woman who arranged for meals for sick people, and she signed me up to make dinner for a family this evening. The couple in need at the moment is somewhat elderly, and the wife has broken something. I should know what exactly, but I have forgotten. She fell on the ice recently, and after a visit to the hospital, she is at home but still a bit hobbled. So tonight, I will deliver a salad, pasta with mascarpone, and flourless chocolate cake.

All week I have been designing book covers for a non-profit group that provides books to stores in English-speaking areas of Africa. I don't get cash for my trouble, but in the past, these people have sent me the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen, and once I got chocolate. I like that kind of pay, and I also like that they like my work.

My daughter's steel drum band is giving its big annual concert next week, and as soon as I can I'll start putting the program together. The band director is a dear friend of mine, and she lets me make this thing every year. It's a six-page program because besides the "order of service," it include a mini-biography of the guest artist, a list of names of all the kids in the band, and a few pages of patron ads that go a long way in raising money for this group. I'll be typing all of those weird little ads, which is always interesting because parents say the oddest things in them. "Go, Johnny. You're Pan-tastic!"

So, I could give you the cliché "be careful what you wish for," but that would suggest I am complaining that I now have a list of volunteer opportunities to dig into. But I am not complaining. I am delighted. Maybe the new phrase that may someday become a cliché should be "be careful to wish for good things." I have a full plate these next several days, and everything on it is delicious.

Comments

dive said…
Wow, Robyn. Are you taking part in some kind of "volunteer-a-thon"?
Or is it because we're all so lazy that you're doing our volunteer work for us?
dive said…
Oh! Love the new header picture, by the way.
Scout said…
Thanks, Dive. I thought it was time for a change. Funny how all this stuff happens at once. In a couple of weeks, I might not have a single task on the list.
Admiring your work, Robyn x
Joy said…
It is wonderful, isn't it? Serving others is such a privilege. That's why I enjoy working in the voluntary sector myself.

Thanks for visiting Norwich Daily Photo.

joy
A Pinay In England
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The Goddess In You
Sassy Sundry said…
Are you trying to make up for being a taker in a former life or something? You can bring me that kind of food.
Alifan said…
Well done Robyn, good for you, always a nice feeling to help others...

Have taken your idea about new specs, and Dive has helped create a pic on my blog!!!!please note the book is his not mine....tee hee as Ame might say....
Mrs. G. said…
It is so cool that you feel joy as you bring joy. I admire you.

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