On this post- remembering Jane Goodall, how kindness can make you healthier, fall clothing swap ideas, and Boden coats on my radar.
Hello weekend meander pals. Thank you for stopping by. My week was busy with the kittens who have learned how to treat my drapes as a ladder, and attempting to eat my grandmother’s giant 60 year old ficus tree. I’ve removed most plants in the house, but this beast of a tree must stay so I’ve been using tissue paper, blue tape, and squirting water, and aluminum foil. It’s working – with patience!
Also exciting news.. Griffin finished commercial flight school passing all his exams! He is home this weekend and I am so excited -and proud. He’ll soon be moving home and looking for a way to get all his 1500 flight hours. Hi slight school pals got him with silly string after his last flight…
I’m so ready for sweaters, cool days and fall. What about you?
I saw this Japanese word shared on Instagram by Tatler. Wonderful!
It’s October so I finally took out my glass pumpkins…
I saw these cute gourds at the grocery and started a little centerpiece for the dining table…
Catz
Thank you to everyone who gave me tips about the cat box! I so appreciated all of them. I added another box (3 now) and also bought an attractant that you sprinkle in the litter, and Nature’s Miracle spray for the accident spots and it seems to be working – finger’s crossed. Max was away on a four day guy’s trip to and I was pretty frazzled. I have forgotten how much play these little mites want, but I am enjoying it and the snuggles on the couch. I’ve been on the floor playing so much my core is getting yoga strong.
Alfie the little one loves to groom Rico. Rico my orange guy mostly tolerates it. They have some vicious battle, but then end up snoozing together. I think they are teaching each other things. Alfie, who was in a shelter before the foster, is learning to be brave from Rico, who is confident having only ever been in homes his whole life. Alf, on the other hand is very tidy, and does a better job of grooming and covering in the box and so on. He also plays nicer by himself. I see Rico watch him and try to do the same.
Here they are getting sniffs of rain, enjoying the morning sun, and afternoon naps….
Jane Goodall
Isn’t this a precious photo?
Wednesday, we lost a loadstar of human kind, Jane Goodall. When I saw the headlines I cried. In these dark times, she was a beacon of hope and a guiding light. I truly took so much inspiration from her. She was at the UN Climate Summit just last week, working tirelessly and traveling the globe for her institute. Her warning messages of climate change, and caring for the natural world, kept her touring and speaking. She had hope in the young people of the world to care and do better than so many of our own older generations have. Listening to a talk or watching an interview with Jane lowered your blood pressure. We need more of her kind in the world and that is why it hurts so much to lose her.
I love these photos- Jane working in Gombe, and also with her Barbie that was made of recycled materials and raised money for her foundation.
I met Jane at a talk at San Jose State in the 1980’s while at college. I remember how nice and patient she was with our questions. I grew up watching her special on television in the 1970’s thanks to my mom. To see Jane still travel the world, even in her 90’s was incredible. She said she was tired, but she felt driven by the cause.
I think the greatest tribute to Jane would to be more like her. We in our own small ways, can do better for the earth.We need to prioritize the natural world and refuse to ever support those who deny climate change when we vote. She was adamant about that.
One of my favorite Jane quotes that resonates with me..
Jane wrote The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide in Trying Times in 2021. I read some excerpts and I just ordered it. Many are using her quotes from it this week. She has so many nuggets of wisdom you can read her many quotes gathered here. I noticed when buying the book, her foundation sells Girls Just Want to do Science t-shirts and this pin ‘Every Individual Makes a Difference.’ These support her institute and her programs and more items here .
You can also simply donate to Jane’s institute and continue her legacy of conservation.
If you admire Jane as much as I did, don’t miss this wonderful interview, ‘Why Jane Goodall Still Has Hope for Us Humans.’
Kindness
Strangely right before I heard of the passing of Jane, who embodies kindness, I caught the best radio show on NPR about Kindness. Did you know small acts of kindness can combat loneliness? Kind acts will make the doer of them just as happy as the receiver. The show sparked joy for me listening to stories of people who did small deeds for others or incorporated it into their weekly or daily routine. LISTEN to this show here.
There was a recent book The Rabbit Effect by Kelli Harding, M.D. that expounded on a 1978 study done on rabbits with cholesterol and heart disease. One group in the study that did well and did not have heart attacks, was fed the same high fat cholesterol diet, but was tended by a kind post doc student who cuddled and talked to the rabbits, unbeknownst to the researchers. The same study was repeated later with the same results. It showed how much love and kindness affects our biological health too.
Dr Harding says ‘The rabbit study was just the beginning of what we now know from decades of public health research—our social world is the significant predictor of our health. As a medical doctor, I was shocked to learn medical care, while critical, only accounts for about 10-20% of our overall health status. Instead, much of good health depends on creating supportive relationships in our homes, neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and communities. This means every person’s kind or unkind choices in their daily lives makes a difference in the health of others. As soon as I understood this, I knew I needed to write the book and spread the word.”
More inspiring things like micro kindnesses -and the ripple effect that will help us change the world and our communities on this video.
I’m curious how you feel with the current state of the world about kindness? I think we need to see it more than ever now. There is too much hate, cruelty and negativity coming from those at the top of this country. All of our health suffers when hear it daily.
Last month I was in a store line and a woman was struggling with a crying child. Another women in line told the mother to take her place and go ahead, and then everyone else did too- until she was at the front of the line. It gave me little boost of happiness knowing so many strangers had a good heart. It also inspired me to look harder for people who are in lines who need to be helped, or could use a hand when I am shopping -or anything.
I also appreciate those who chat so I and so lately I try and put my phone away while waiting for a coffee or in the checkout and make small talk. Do you find that hard to do? The more I do it, the easier I find it becomes a habit!
Clothing Swaps and Goodwill Parties.
Last week I was invited to a clothing swap that our tennis captains planned! This was a fun afternoon hosted by our pal Suzy where we all brought a bite to share and a few tennis items and regular clothes that were in good shape, but we no longer wear.
This is a great time of year and a good season for these. We are all taking out our fall clothes and noticing what we are going to wear again – or not. Plan a little social swap with friends! Have everyone bring a few things and spend a hour or two socializing and you come home with a new cute shirt like I did. It felt good to let go of the nicer things just sitting in my closet that someone else can enjoy.
My friend Suzy is very good about not wasting things. She also had her preteen girls do a birthday party at Goodwill and everyone got $20 to spend and to pull together an outfit. What a great way to get kids to get comfortable with upcycled clothes and see it as a treasure hunt. There are cool things to be found, and if everyone does it, there is more embracing of second hand shopping. My pals Angie and Suzy below…
On My Radar
Boden always sends the best catalogs and I adore their fun clothes. They have some of the nicest coats and I am thinking of a colorful statement coat this year.
Boden has some cute boucle wool coats. Love this pink heather one, this blue textured wool coat, pocket detail coat, this reversible vest(such a good look), and this charcoal grey wool coat. (Charcoal marled wool won’t attract lint as much as a black wool and I love the London map lining and menswear look.)
You can get 10% off new Womenswear styles like these coats with code WXVK right now.
Other Good Things
I am hosting another shopping and style event with Ba&sh at Valley Fair Bloomingdales, 3-5, on Thursday October 16th! More details to follow next week. Mark your calendars. We are going to have a discount, a basket to win and other goodies. It’s a great time to get to know this beautiful French brand! I am going to be sharing some styling tips and will help you pick a fun outfit or just help style and share the collection! You can see the beautiful Ba&sh fall looks here. I hope to see some of you there! Bring a friend.
I so enjoy Daddy Stay’s Home Youtube account. It’s so fun to see him take apart movie sets we love and he just did this on Sleepless in Seattle which has some of my favorite interiors.The houseboat and Meg Ryan’s house I adore on this. Time to watch it and You’ve Got mail again!
Also don’t forget to October 18th is a nationwide No King’s Protest. I will be there and hoping many of you will join too. I’ve shared much this week about the aid flotilla going to Gaza, people standing up to ICE in their neighborhoods, and more on my Loud Daughters account.
Did you know Greta Thunberg and the grandson of Nelson Mandela were part of a 50 boat flotilla trying to bring aid to Gaza? It was rarely on American news and only on BBC and independent news. There were over 400 people from 47 nations who were risking their lives to bring humanitarian and medical aid to a region where people are still starving and suffering. They were intercepted and captured by Israel and just a day ago and there are protests in Italy and other parts of Europe about it now. Just something you won’t read about in mainstream news, among a lot of other things.
If you missed last week’s post I shared Martial Cottle Park, an inspiring Washington home, beauty finds, and some fall updates to my house, and my fall mood board.
Wishing you a happy weekend,
Kim
Please stop by Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs for more good things…
PINECONES AND ACORNS
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
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I previously saw you on your blog wearing a lovely BA&SH dress, but when I saw the label (when in Paris), the dresses were too big and swamped me. I cared for my niece’s 10 year and 7 year old twice this week and was absolutely knackered by the end of the day , so I am sure that young mum appreciated that small act of kindness in the shop. My focus this week, hasn’t been the death of the wonderful Jane Goodall, but the disappearance of a 4 year old boy from his parent’s sheep station in the outback region of the state I live in. Six days later and still no sign of him. I grew up on a station near there, so it feels more personal. Enjoy reading your blog Kim.
Susan, I’m in Victoria. My heart just breaks for little Gus and his family.
Rita, I hadn’t even heard of the story of Gus! It isn’t in American media at all sadly.
I hope he is found.
Hi Susan, That is funny because to me they run small and I mostly have medium or large in their things. They are European sizing.
So nice of you to care for your niece’s kids. That was very kind!
I could find no news of Gus in American media. I had not even heard. I had to look up Gus this morning and saw the story. So sad to hear about this little boy. I can understand how you felt having grown up near there. It breaks my heart that it has been 6 days. I hope by some miracle and he is found.
Thank you for sharing the story. Everything here is always about us. It can sometimes be hard to find news from ‘outside.’ That is why I appreciate BBC too.
Thank you Susan. Keeping that little guy in my heart.
xo
Hi Kim, Thanks for your reply. I saw you in your BA&SH dress on your recent Paris trip. I am only 160cm 5’3” and when the sales assist showed me some dresses, they were long and a bit too billowy – they were also the new autumn collection and I wanted summer dresses. Very envious on how good that dress looked on you though. The search for 4 year old Gus has been scaled back, so highly unlikely there will be a good outcome.
Hi Susan, That is funny because to me they run small and I mostly have medium or large in their things. They are European sizing.
So nice of you to care for your niece’s kids. That was very kind!
I could find no news of Gus in American media. I had not even heard. I had to look up Gus this morning and saw the story. So sad to hear about this little boy. I can understand how you felt having grown up near there. It breaks my heart that it has been 6 days. I hope by some miracle and he is found.
Thank you for sharing the story. Everything here is always about us. It can sometimes be hard to find news from ‘outside.’ That is why I appreciate BBC too.
Thank you Susan. Keeping that little guy in my heart.
xo
Jane Goodall’s HOPE is the most inspirational, feel good book. We read it for book club and we all loved it. He views on life and death are heartwarming….
We all definitely need positivity and HOPE with this country and the world so upside down right now.
Cheers to hope
Dianne, I can’t wait to read the book. I’m glad you liked it.
Yay for more hope and positivity.
xo
Thank you for mentioning Jane Goodall in your post. She is a favorite of mine.
We went on a fantastic hike yesterday I want to recommend to you. Silver Falls 10 Waterfalls Hike in Oregon. We hiked 9 miles but hikers can do 5 miles and still see many waterfalls. It is a 10 out of 10!
Greer I know she was really special to so many of us.
Thank you I am telling my husband about Silver Falls! Wow sounds wonderful !
xo
I love your mention of kindness. This morning I made 2 stops, one at a grocery store and the other at a hardware store. The checkout clerks at both stores were young men – probably around 20 years old. One was yawning and never looked at me. The hardware clerk was rude, and he threw my receipt on the counter. I said to both of them “have a good day, take care”. I don’t think either one answered me. When I drove away I started to laugh. I couldn’t help but think that they were just getting started in life and a working career. Hopefully, they will learn something along the way. Life is too short to be so unhappy.
Lyn, Don’t despair. I was overwhelmed with the kindness of two young American men on a train in Italy last month. I was struggling with my (over large suitcase) and they happily lifted it onto the train and luggage rack and upon arrival, lugged it off the train as well. . They were from Minnesota and travelling with their wives on their first European holiday – they were polite, happy and friendly. It was a good experience.
Lyn, I feel like the younger folks are clueless about kindness – not all though. Many times I am at my tennis place and I’ll hold the very heavy door for a young person and they mostly just walk through. It really makes me sad they can’t say thank you. I just hope this is part of being so self involved they have no clue. Let’s hope they improve as they’ve through the world. That said I do know so many kind young people through my sons, and they give me hope. Guess it’s like any age, you have those who are rude, and those who are kind . Keep doing you! xo
As always, great post Kim. My daughter is in Florence and mentioned the protests. She doesn’t mind the slight inconveniences as she is the first to grab a sign and march.
We talked about Jane Goodall as well. Such an influence on us both and our hopes to carry her kindness and commitment to the earth in honor of her.
Have a great week!
Holly How wonderful she’s in Florence! Yes Italians have been so good about supporting Palestine and protesting this war. I also appreciated that the Italian navy accompanied the flotilla along with Spain once it was attacked.
You sounds like a great mom. What nice conversations you have.
All women can take so much from Jane! Your daughter sounds like someone who cares too!
Hi Kim,
Your kitties are sure getting big now! I miss having cats. They are just constant entertainment, as well as so nice to have curled up next to you.
I like everybody else was so sad to hear about Jane Goodall . She was an exemplary human being. Her studies were fascinating and change so much of our beliefs about apes.. I love that quote that you posted of hers.
Also congratulations to your son! I will try to coordinate getting one of our pilots to meet with him. I think it would be great. I honestly think he is entering aviation at probably the best time in history.. I just sat next to a woman Pilot coming back from Hawaii. She was talking about how all three of her kids are now pilots. They have moved up so quickly one is already a captain!!
Happy fall! I can’t believe it’s already October!
Martha I know I really missed not having a kitty for more than a year! The cuddles are so nice!
I know who didn’t love Jane?
Thanks Martha! I can’t believe he’s done with the commercial school already! Thank you for the positive words. I really hope so! You’ve been so nice and supportive with your airline expertise.
Thank you so much Martha! xo
I am excited for October too.
Kim! Good morning. So many good things here. Congrats to Griffin for completing commercial flight school. How exciting … I’m sure he’ll knock out those training hours in no time and be on his way to an amazing career. I’ll have to start checking the cockpits of planes we board looking for him! Love these pics of your kitties. It’s so interesting that they have such distinct personalities. Nature’s Miracle is a lifesaver. Jane Goodall was such a kind and gentle soul and her passing took me by surprise. Our family watched all her special too and I feel like she was so much part of our world growing up. She was one of a kind and finding ways to bless others with kindness is a beautiful way to honor her … and create balance and sanity in our crazy world. Those colorful Boden boucle coats are wonderful … so good. Happy weekend! xo
Thanks Juliet! I can’t believe he’s done already. I hope getting the hours goes well. Fingers crossed.
I was also so shi=ocked about Jane’s death since she was just at the climate summit last week and so busy. We took her for granted didn’t we?
I love those coats too. xo
Hi Kim
Your cat babies are adorable!!! I had forgotten how much work they are until I fostered a mother cat off the streets of Oakland who had only one kitten left out of five. The mother, who the East Bay shelter had named Teapot, was very defensive of her remaining kitten, who had a strange name so we called her Cozy. The shelter provided us toys with long handles to protect us from her random swipes. It turned out she was suffering from over stimuli (aren’t we all!). They have both gone on to good homes.
I know you admired our past Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (NZ)…she definitely ran the country with kindness…. being one of the qualities she brought to her party’s decision making process. This is sadly lacking in the US and I would venture to say the opposite is being shown in many of the political decisions being made currently. I am so sad to have lost Jane Goodall too.
Congratulations to Griff on his flying milestone!
Enjoy the lovely weather this weekend in the Bay.
Fi x
Aw thanks Fi! I love the story of your cats! I can see how they don’t like too much stimuli. They are sensitive and being in a shelter must have been loud, cold and scary. SO nice you gave them a good start.
I LOVED Jacinda. She is another hero with such a great example for us all. We can do that. My husband says daily cruelty is the point of the Trump administration. It’s in all they do. Very sad for us. We need to remind Americans that we can do better and rally for kindness and love. I have hope.
Thanks about Griffin.
I’ve been loving the weather too. xo
Hi Kim, thanks for the reminder about Daddy Stays Home, I need to catch up on his latest videos! (I’m subscribed to his channel, but didn’t see any notifications – I should add him to my blogtrottr list, then I get an email when a new video appears.)
Talking about Jane and pieces of the puzzle – have you seen this reel about Grapefruit ladies in Ireland and apartheid? It’s all true! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLwh5PvMvSI
Also, the Guardian has a series of pieces called The Kindness of Strangers – lots of stories like the one you told. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/series/kindness-of-strangers
I think I saw something about the little boy in Australia, either on Facebook or one of the British papers. I also knew about the Gaza aid flotilla – but then, I also check a couple of British newspapers every day!
Have fun with your ba&sh event – it’s so great that they keep coming back to you to do these things!
Patricia it’s such a fun series isn’t it? I think I am going to watch Sleepless in Seattle tonight with my son.
Yes the grapefruit lady video just showed up last week on my Instagram. What a great story showing that a small group of people can make change!! HUGELY inspiring. We need to hear more of it.
Thank you I will look at the kindness story too.
I think it’s so smart to check the UK papers… They have a lot more news across the world. I am getting more despondent about our news sources here. Everyone is trying not to upset the Cheeto and it shows in the news coverage.
I wish you could go to the Ba&sh event too! xo
Hi Kim,
Congratulations to Griffin!! That is such wonderful news and I am so excited for him! My son is a pilot in the AF and loves it. Completely agree about your thoughts on kindness, we desperately need more of it as a country and for society. I had a ‘day out ‘ with my daughter this week and her new husband has started a graduate program and is studying all hours on top of his regular job, and so she is finding small things to do to make his life easier. Quietly I was thinking to myself both of them are so kind and sensitive people, taking care of each other, such a gift to see. Love your kitty’s! Loved the story of the women in the queue with the child and how others responded. Happy weekend Kim!
Hi Francesca! Wow you must be so proud of your AF pilot son! That is amazing.
I love that your daughter is trying to do little kind things for her husband. It’s the small things isn’t it?
It’s great they have found each other! They are going to be happy I think.
I know that woman that was kind to the other woman really got me thinking I need to try harder too.
Hope you had a good week too!
xo
Happy October weekend Kim 🎃. Thank you for mentioning Jane Goodall. She will be dearly missed for all her amazing and inspirational work. I was fortunate to see her on stage for an inspirational talk. A delightful side note is that she carried her stuffed toy chimpanzee on stage with her. She was a beautiful person inside and out. I look forward to reading her book HOPE. Many congrats to Griffin for graduating flight school! Have a lovely weekend. Xo
Hi Karen! Yay for October!
How wonderful you got to see Jane. I love that little chimp. Someone said it was from her childhood which is so wonderful. I saw a gentleman who was flying opposite her just a few weeks ago and he snapped a pic of her with her chimp on the airplane seat too. I really think she brought it with her so she would have encounters with kids and and take the chance to tell them about being green. Her Roots and Shoots program was so great for kids.
I looking forward to the book too. Thank you about Grif! xo
Good afternoon Kim,
I can imagine how tiring it is to have little ones running around the house. My 3 pups keep me moving all day long and the are 12, 11, and 5.
Congratulations to Griffin, how exciting and how wonderful to have him back at home!
Jane Goodall was AMAZING! Can you imagine going into the Gombe at 26, alone and with no training? Her work is inspiring and amazing. She was such a kindhearted and interesting woman. I cried too when I heard the news.
As for kindness…sometimes it seems as if that is a thing of the past. People are so mean sometimes. The rabbit study sounds fascinating! Kindness is free and something we all have the capacity for, not to mention that when you are kind, it not only makes the other person feel good but you too!
A swap party is such a great idea. I have a friend here that does the same. She also have a tag sale every summer and everything is free! You come and take whatever you like.
How fun to have a thrift store party! I wonder what they found?
Have a great weekend Kim, thank you for sharing so many fabulous things.
xo
Elizabeth it was a lot. I am slowly getting more relaxed as they are… The first few weeks were a bit of a whirlwind.
Your pups are still very active! I love that.
I know Jane’s achievements have often been overlooked. She really did give so much to science.
Kindness can change our world! We need it more than ever.
What a fun tag sale your friend has. Love that idea. The girls that had the Goodwill party created outfits and snapped photos and wear the clothes to school now too. Really a different idea and so good for the planet too.
Aw I loved your posts too. xo
Hi Kim,
Huge congrats to Griffin for finishing commercial flight school. You must be so happy for him. That silly string looks like a mess to get off. All in fun, this is when being a good sport comes into play.
Great gourds you found at the grocery store, pretty wooden bowl.
The kitties are so sweet especially when they are asleep and not climbing up drapes.
Yes, the picture of Jane Goodall is precious. She is truly one of a kind. We will never have another Jane Goodall in our life time.
Good for your friend Suzy and Goodwill parties.
I’m with you on kindness. Kindness Club in schools and in communities and of all ages. I think it would take off.
Take care, and stay safe out there.
Thank you Katherine! I am proud.
Ha I know love the kitties, but they are not everything. I’m sure my house is going to take a beating, but oh well.
You’re right Jane was one of a kind. I truly feel like she a messenger of all that could be good. We need more of that!
Kindness Clubs is such a super idea!! We should share that .
Take care of yourself too. xo
Thank you for writing about Jane Goodall and sharing the links. Very inspiring. And I appreciate your information on Kindness. With so many horrific events happening in our country and in the world, we do need more Kindness. Thank you.
Hi Linda, I know more kindness and people like Jane. x
Hi Kim — Thanks for this post full of positivity. I am here working hard on my small section of the puzzle. It gives me some hope and a feeling of control in these chaotic and devastating times. Thanks for spreading the light! Oh, I have been finding some great things on Poshmark this season! I love getting a deal — and helping the environment at the same time!
Hi Molly!You are awesome. I’m thinking of it that way too.
All we have now is hope and our own actions! Those doing the kind things keep us going.
I need to check out Poshmark! x
Hi Kim, nice post. It is great to hear about the kitties, and I like your observations about their different personalities. They look very happy and secure in the photos you shared. We have two adult cats, but they don’t get along very well—probably partially our fault, as the age difference and personalities of the two are quite different. But we dote on both of them.
I also loved the discussion about kindness, and Jane Goodall. I notice that even just going to the grocery store and sharing greetings with the workers in our store lifts my spirits and helps me to feel hopeful. My husband and I decided to have a small pop-up protest near our neighborhood last week (just us two). We held up signs, waved, and gave the thumbs up to passersby, and received quite a few positive reactions (many honked, gave us the thumbs up, one lady threw us kisses, and a few asked to take our photos). One lady even stopped to tell us that we made her day. ❤️ It was such an empowering experience, and we plan to do it again (as well as being at the October 18 protests here in Austin). I believe it is true that we can each make a difference.
Hi Lisa! How nice you have two kitties also. This will be my third pair and like you, I never had ones that were bonded, so I hope this lasts!
You are so right just being kind to the folks at our local places lifts people and us doesn’t it?
Wow I love that you and your husband did a small protest on your own! You are inspiring. It’s so true the camaraderie and positive feedback is what makes being part of these protests so empowering. Yay! Lisa you guys are making a difference. Thank you for sharing this.