Eighty thousand art lovers attended the “Under the Oaks” art show in Vero Beach this past weekend. I could not pass up the opportunity to have all of these art patrons miss out on seeing the show’s Pièce de résistance, albeit in the parking lot. The Kindness Bus once again lucked its way into the #1 parking spot across from the main entrance, visible by every art patron in attendance. Letting The Kindness Bus work its own magic was a wise choice as there wasn’t a moment someone wasn’t photographing or admiring its beauty. I watched at times from a distance as parents walked with their children and pointed out some important lesson written on its body. To me, the look of amazement on a child’s face is very telling, one can almost see the lesson imparted making sense as it is being read.
Planning for The Kindness Bicycle / Kindness Bus Tour is now in effect as the itinerary is now complete. The itinerary should be on the website very soon.

One small act of kindness can change the direction of an action. Kindness can never lead to bad, kindness can only lead to further goodness. I’m convinced kindness can defuse future negative actions, specifically when kindness is shown to our youth. I too, am of the school that kindness can have an immediate impact.
This story of kindness was told to me first-hand by one of the kindest persons I have met along my One Million Acts Of Kindness’ journey. It happened yesterday.
While in a confectionery in her neighborhood, my friend noticed the owner of the store looked unnerved by 4 young men who were acting suspiciously, my friend and the owner felt like something was about to happen, something as simple as shoplifting or possibly something more sinister. Quickly deciding that any event these young men were about to undertake, wasn’t going to have a good outcome for any of them, my friend said, “Today’s your lucky day, each one of you can pick something out and I am buying it for you.” Astonished, the young men chose their favorites and had them paid for by my friend. She then said that each one of them had to now do some kind act for someone else, a pay it forward act. A great lesson in kindness by young men who most likely haven’t seen much kindness in their lives.

There must be something to it. Just 2 days ago I was invited to a Rotary meeting at The Vero Beach Rotary Oceanside. This morning, I was contacted by my friend, Dr. George Barkett to invite me to his Rotary meeting of The Vero Beach Rotary. During the conversation, George said, “You know Bob, you should think about joining The Rotary. Just think of the international exposure you could get for One Million Acts Of Kindness.” George must have been reading my mind or reading my blog of 2 days ago. I am convinced that there are some powerful forces at work trying to promote One Million Acts Of Kindness around the world, so I submitted my application.
The Rotary’s Four Way Test should apply to all of the decisions we make in our lives.
***Just 65 days until The Kindness Bicycle/Kindness Bus Tour begins.***

Florida is the mecca of retirement; millions of visitors from the north, Snowbirds, they are called, come here to escape to cold weather of the wintry north country. Many of us work our lives to be able to retire someday to enjoy our lives relaxing and recreating.
Retirees of all demographics and professions are up and down both coasts of this state. Most of these individuals were highly focused and dedicated to the careers they worked. Many have special leadership skills that are sorely needed by local charities. I surmise that this state has the largest “brain gain” of retirees than any other state, conversely, it has one of the largest populations of people in need. Solution to a need one would think, but according to most charities it is not the case.
Many charities across the nation are funded with fewer dollars these days, more of us are needed to fill what is being cut from nearly empty coffers of these charities. If you are coming to “winter” in Florida, leave the clubs, forget the handicap and get involved in helping the homeless, the veterans, the special needs of anyone in need.
Bogart makes sure my handicap remains in the stratosphere by hiding my sixty year old rusty putter from me.

Lisa and Leo of radio show fame in these parts stumbled upon The Kindness Bus during The March of Dimes Walk in Vero Beach this past Sunday. They found me again and said The Vero Beach Oceanside Rotary would really appreciate a visit from Bogart, The Bus and Bob. What a good stumble it was. Networking is such a big part of The Kindness Bus Tour. I met some very wonderful individuals who play a big part in local issues as well as global issues.
The Rotary’s reach is global and the connect for One Million Acts Of Kindness Week is a natural. This might be just the worldwide jump-start this movement needs to help people from countries around the globe learn of this very important goal.
Thank you to everyone from this very fun group of Rotarians. The healthy camaraderie between the members and the hospitality to make me feel like I was a part of the group was appreciated.

Bogart led the way into this beautiful, new facility. I could have stayed in The Kindness Bus on this stop and just have sent him in on his own with information on our programs.
Elizabeth, Sarah, Christina and Heidi, who work at the center are dog lovers,  Bogart worked his charm by sprawling out on the carpet like he owned the place. They even mentioned I could leave him there as a mascot.
I have heard rave reviews on three separate occasions, by parents from Vero Beach, that their children use this center for after school programs; obviously someone is doing something right. I had to pay a visit, knowing that they should learn about the goal of One Million Acts Of Kindness to see if it can be dovetailed in to some of their existing programs.   What do you think, Bogart?

Domestic violence doesn’t discriminate; it affects people from all socioeconomic levels. It could be most anyone who might need a helping hand one day. It is fortunate for those in need that there are people who dedicate their lives to this cause.I had the pleasure of meeting Gaye King this past Saturday. Gaye is the Executive Director of Breath of Heaven and is the answer for many who have no where else to turn. She and her staff work to help those who are homeless from any number of factors beyond their control at times. Her nonprofit has just acquired a parcel of land with several buildings, most are in need of repair. Thirty volunteers of all ages showed up to remodel or remove all of the structures.

X’d out identities of victims who are at times too proud or afraid to ask for help are given assistance by volunteers of this organization who provide comfort in helping these victims realize the importance of knowing their identity once again.Once back in society as a proud, productive individual, everyone who is helped by this organization stands a better chance of “paying it forward” to others in need.
Never in my life would I have thought I would be addressing such issues; issues of domestic violence, victims of childhood sexual abuse, officers killed in the line of duty and wounded warriors, but kindness is the common thread which can help with the burden one carries through life once affected by such tragedies. It can help as well to averting such tragedies.