Taking Note
Sometimes the little things really do matter most. When you see someone go out of their way to be nice it lifts your spirits and makes you feel good, doesn’t it? Kindness matters.
That’s what Edna Sanders is thinking about on this bright early Fall afternoon in Shady Pines Story Town.
Not far from the shops downtown, Edna sits at her kitchen desk in her home on Dogwood Drive across from Copy Cat Lane.
She’s making a list. Edna loves lists.
Only this one is different.
“I need to buy some note paper, envelopes, plastic wrap and ribbons,” she thinks to herself. “Oh. And maybe some colorful markers to write my messages.”
All of a sudden – BAMM!
The back door slams open. Edna nearly falls off her chair.
A Family Project
“Sorry, honey.” Edna’s husband Harold barges into the house balancing grocery bags in both hands along with a leash.
At the end of the leash is the family dog, Boomerang.
Harold places the bags on the kitchen counter and catches his glasses before they fall off his face.
“Goodness, Harold,” gasps Edna. “You nearly scared me to death.”
“Didn’t mean to,” says Harold. “Will you take Boomer?”
“Sure.” Edna stokes the head of the handsome Australian Shepherd dog. She unsnaps the leash and places it on a hook by the door.
Ding. Ding. Ding. The sound of a small bell on a cat’s collar comes closer.
“Oh, no,” groans Boomer. “Here she comes.”
“Pipe down you overgrown fur coat.” Halley’s Comet, a silver streak of a cat, arrives on the scene.
“What in samhill is going on?” she asks. “It was so quiet before you got home.”
“It wasn’t me,” says Boomer. “It was dad.”
Harold looks down at the elegant feline. “Hi ya, Halley. Guess we messed up your nap time with all this commotion.”
Halley looks directly at Boomer. “At least SOMEONE gets it!”
An Idea Takes Form
Edna and Harold work together to put away the groceries. “I think I got everything on your list and a few items I wanted, too,” says Harold as he winks at her.
Edna holds up a large gallon of ice cream and smiles.
“It seems you did.”
Harold looks a little guilty. “Hey, what were you working on?”
Edna’s face lights up. “Well, you know the kids are back in school.”
Harold nods. “Yesss.”
Edna continues. “And I love baking my State Fair first place Blue Ribbon chocolate chip cookies.”
Harold chuckles. “Always a mouthful in more ways than one.”
Edna claps her hands together. “I want to wrap a cookie with a note of encouragement in plastic. I’ll tie it up with ribbon. We’ll give these out once a week to the children at the Shady Pines Elementary School. They’ll be like a little gift.”
A Sweet Gesture
Harold places his hands on her shoulders and looks her right in the eyes. “What a wonderful idea, darling.”
Edna is so pleased Harold is on board. “I’ve been talking with Rita Malena since she runs the Community Center next to the school. Every Friday the kids go to the center to work on a project with some of the adults there.”
Harold nods as he sees this plan coming together.
“I really think you have something here.”
Edna is so excited she walks as she talks. “The way I see it each child will be encouraged by the adults to talk about what their special message means to them.”
“This is brilliant!” says Harold.
“It’s only the beginning,” says Edna. “But if it catches on we can get more people around town to write notes.”
Harold loves what he’s hearing. “A sweet treat delivering positive messages of kindness, caring, and more? Wow. What’s not to like?”
Testing The Concept
Edna snaps her fingers. “I just had a thought. We can test this out with Ray Robinson. He’s coming over tomorrow to play with Boomer and Halley.”
“Perfect,” says Harold.
All of a sudden Edna is quiet. “Harold. Do you really think this could work?”
Harold gathers her up in his arms. “You are trying to spread light into the world. 
The idea came from your heart. Yes it will work and I love you!”
Edna breaks free. “I LOVE YOU. That’s the first message I should wirite!”
And that’s where we leave the Sanders family on a beautiful Fall afternoon in the small Southern town of Shady Pines.
Great idea.
Chocolate chip cookies – bet you can’t eat just one !!!
Thanks,
No you can’t eat just one. Glad you liked the post Frank
The message of spreading kindness and positive messages is so needed right now
I love this post. Everything about it
I love the letter writing and especially the message! So sweet!
I’m so glad you like it!
Edna’s sweet note and homemade cookies reminded us all that kindness doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful and heartfelt. Love this.
What a wonderful way to put it. Thank you Tammy!
Another fine article from the folks at Shady Pines
Edna is a kind lady! Sometimes, a little message can makes a huge difference in your day. Children need these reminders of kindness more than ever, especially when their little worlds sometimes get complicated. This cookie message would be a bright spot and a reminder to be kind.
Thank you Tricia. I’m glad this one resonated with you!
I don’t see why this idea couldn’t work at my local elementary school
Great thought Sharon. Thanks!
Sending positive messages to children. I like these Shady Pines posts
I agree with Harold. I think Edna is on to something.
Glad you think so Jim!
What a beautiful “on target” idea.
There’s no better act of kindness
than warm baked cookies that says
“Love & Kindness” is the word needs . I love these Shady Pines”
post our country & world needs these .
Thank you Jane!
What an important message and it made me smile
Thanks Shady Pines. . Your
kind message is so needed. Please feel my virtual hugs to all.
Thank you Susan. I will pass your message along!
Shady Pines always has an uplifting message. It’s especially needed in these dark times.
I always love the Boomer and Haley interactions!
Thank you Sheri. Appreciate your comment!
Very kind gesture from Edna! My great grandson Beau was just awarded a school certificate for kindness. It surely goes a long way.
That is wonderful! Good for you Beau and thank you for sharing that Barbara!
Edna sure knows how to spread love & kindness. Definitely a message for all in this changing world.
❤️
That is beautiful Teresa!
We can all do this easily. A little note. A little ray for sender and receiver! Thx Edna!
Glad you liked the concept. Thank you Sandi!
Very sweet post today… Edna and Harold are way cool role models 😎
That’s so nice. Thank you Nancy!
Tell Edna this is a great idea
Small acts of kindness certainly do have a big impact!
They sure do Merridy. Thank you for your comment!
If we all had a little more of Edna’s instincts and acted on them the world would indeed be a better place – thanks for the reminder Shady Pines Story Town
Joanne thank you for your comment!
Sweet! Baking from the ❤️ . Lovely kind gesture. Thank you for the good read.
So glad you liked it Elaine
What a feel good read
I’ve missed these Shady Pines posts. Always make me feel better
Oh my. I needed this post today. Ray of light. Thank you
Love this report Shady pines must be the BEST town to be part of. Just reading them b N ever fails to lift my spirit
I’m so glad you feel that way Jane. Thank you!