It is hard to believe that a month has passed since the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. So much time and energy has been put into covering this story. City, state and federal branches of government have, and will work, to draft legislation to protect children. Countless groups, schools, churches and individuals have done amazing charitable acts of kindness to comfort, directly or indirectly, for others since that tragic day.
All of us should use an event like this to comfort those in need, especially the youngest in our society. Don’t wait another moment, for months, turn into years.

When you hear about something twice and end up seeing it along your travels in the course of a week’s time, it is for a reason. I know of Girls Inc., but never realized the extent of what they do, and how long they have been doing it.
The local chapter in Sarasota is addressing bullying in their schools. The message my ride teaches is perfect for their group.
Below is a brief summary of their work on a national basis. It is taken from their website.
Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold through life-changing programs and experiences that help girls navigate gender, economic, and social barriers. Research-based curricula, delivered by trained, mentoring professionals in a positive all-girl environment equip girls to achieve academically; lead healthy and physically active lives; manage money; navigate media messages; and discover an interest in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Visit their website to learn about all the great things they are doing. www.girlsinc.org

While out on a long ride today, I talked with a psychiatrist from Connecticut. She told me she lives in the next town over from Newtown. At the end of our conversation, she told me, “Your doing something good.” Hearing statements such as these, lets me know that I am on the right path.
I also stopped by a farmer’s market in the downtown area of Sarasota. It was a perfect way to talk with some of the thousands of locals who have seen me riding in their town for the past two days. Bogart was able to meet some four legged friends as well.

Some of the creative ways that groups and individuals are participating in One Million Acts Of Kindness Week will be posted over the next few days.
The following is listed under Kindness Goal
Project Description:
Students will perform acts of kindness all year at school and at home.  The school will try to reach One Million Acts Of Kindness by the end of the year

Saint Armand’s Key in Florida is a slice of paradise. Located just west of the crowded downtown area of Sarasota, the foot traffic is just perfect for conversations as I make my way around on The Kindness Bicycle.
Great conversations ensued with people from all throughout the United States and Europe. Many of the social issues with respect to Bullying and Adolescent Suicide are the same throughout western culture.
From the moment I arrived, shopkeepers and residents alike welcomed me with open arms. Looks like I’ll be “setting up shop” for the next few days in this area, it is truly paradise found.

The Kindness Bus Tour headed north to Sarasota, Florida today. There are many coastal towns along the way that I will research and visit in future years. For the remainder of the time I am on the west coast of Florida, I will concentrate my efforts on the Sarasota and Naples areas.
A debt of gratitude to the doctor who bought my dinner as I went to pay my bill. Thank you to Elks Lodge #2495 for extending the hospitality of an overnight stay.