Today I want to share with you something that my friend Dave from Guam sent me a long time ago...

Here are some priceless gifts that you could share with your spouse, a family member, a friend, or a complete stranger...

The gift of love...nothing is more powerful! Send it today, with all your heart!

1.. The gift of listening...
Try giving this to someone in need. And you must really listen.
No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your responses.
Just listen.

2.. The gift of signs of affection...
Be generous with your hugs, kisses and gentle squeezes of the hand.
Let these tiny actions demonstrate the love inside of you.

3.. The gift of a note...
It can be as simple as "I Love You" or as creative as a sonnet.
Put your notes where they will surprise your loved ones.

4.. The gift of laughter...
Just cut out a cartoon, save a clever article.
Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

5.. The gift of compliment...
A simple "You look good in blue" or "Good supper"
can be of greatest value to those who may feel they are being taken for
granted.

6.. The gift of a favor...
Help with the dishes, run an errand, etc.

7.. The gift of leaving alone...
There are times in our lives when we want nothing better than to be left
alone.
Become more sensitive to those times and give solitude.

8.. The gift of a cheerful disposition...
Try to be cheerful around those you love.

9.. The gift of a game...
Offer to play your loved one's favorite game.
Even if you lose, you'll be a winner.

10.. The gift of prayer or positive thoughts...
Pray for your loved ones and let them know you pray for them.
Or are simply thinking of them....

Your IDEALIST Neighborhood Card Shop

I 'd like to share with you the post of a very special person, who is like a dad for me even if the ocean divides us..In this post he describes perfectly what WE IDEALISTS are and can give to others...

Your Idealist Neighborhood Card Shop posted by John-Michael at 4/18/2006 09:04:00 PM

We Idealists are, if you will, the “Neighborhood Card Shop” of life’s market place. We do not offer the “essentials” of life… the lumber or nails… the motor oils… the bread or butter, nor the wine or cheese. We offer, instead, the reminders of the ideals that make all of the essentials worth their pursuit. Meat and potatoes we do not present… but we do offer the bouquet, the candles, the card that expresses the sentiment that we wish to convey over the fine dinner prepared from the meat and potatoes. We do not provide essential nutrients for the sustenance of the flesh... we offer the reminders of the spirit and soul, the emotion and desire that inspire the heart as well as the mind. We provide the ’soundtrack’ that adds dimension to the ’movie’ of life.

There are far fewer "Card Shops" than there are other merchants. There is good reason for their infrequency. Life’s day-to-day requirements have material need for far more of the providers of ‘essentials.’ It is also true that The Almighty created a fewer number of us Idealists in life’s mix.

I know my place. I do not offer myself as your provider of your day-to-day material essentials. But, My Dear Friend, I ask that you grant proper acknowledgement and acceptance of… respect and care for my place in the “shopping district” of your world. I will serve you happily and faithfully.

John-Michael / October, 2004