Sorry!!

So I haven't added anything to this blog for some time - sorry.

Basically, just needed to take a break from the website and gather up some motivation to continue on with it, or at least continue with this blog.

Next week, look forward to a good story!!

Its Dorky - But I'm excited!

So, www.elphos.org Now has a Google Page Rank above Zero!!!!

So what if it is only 1/10 -I am still excited cause it means that people are mentioning the site on their webpages or blogs more often. Which is good for spreading the word.

In other news - I am trying to come up with some other ways / ideas to spread letters to people that are filled with positive messages. If you have any ideas let me know!!

What was Good This Week

An early morning Monday walk with a good cup of coffee.
Good conversation with friends in a dimly lit dive bar.
Knowing that someone loves me.

Caesar salad, even if I didn't have chicken breasts in the freezer.
Warm bread sticks and a bowl of soup.
A good Joke which was laughed too loudly at.

Finding out my pants fit better.
Finding interesting facts about my ancestors.
Learning a new skill.
Accomplishing something I meant to do a long time ago.

That was my week - it was simple, but good.

Kind Words From Strangers

This last week, I have received three different e-mails from people telling me how much they liked this blog, or liked the idea of writing letters to people that are filled with positive messages.

I just wanted to take a little bit of time to thank these people for their comments and encouragement. When first starting Elphos.org I didn't fully grasp how much time would be spent in starting it. I'll be honest and even say that I have had thoughts of scrapping it.

However, this weeks encouragements, and people thanking me for starting this, have renewed me.

So thank you for that.

Nice in Traffic

This last week it has been my goal to be nicer in traffic. It partly extends from my need to be a more defensive driver - and part from just trying to be kinder on the road.

All week long, I have let people merge in front of my on the highway, instead of blocking them out. When in line to go through a stop light, I make sure I don't block any of the side streets - so others can make a turn.

I've also have not used more horn - at all!! (Not that I am constantly on my horn - but I did used to give a little beep when people drove slow in the left lane!)

What I've noticed is that I have been a lot less stressed out driving through traffic. A lot more aware of how others are driving, and slam on my brakes a whole lot less.

Maybe being nice on the road is bring my blood pressure down a bit. Or maybe, it is all in my mind - I don't know - I don't care - cause it has been a lot more relaxing to drive lately.

Oh, and of course - someone has created a website about nice driving :-) www.drivenice.org

A Website I found

This week I just want to share a little bit about We Are What We Do.org. I stumbled across this page one day when I was looking for sites that were similar to Elphos.org.

The site is basically about tracking all those great things that people do. There are options to log in to track your random acts of kindness, share and read stories about acts of kindness, and see how many people have done the same act of kindness as you.

I know you might be saying why is this all necessary. I'm not saying that it is, but it sure is nice to get that remember every now and again about how your acts of kindness can influence others.

Why, what difference did I make. . .

Right now in Minneapolis it is hazy and drizzly - which for me, makes the perfect night to grab a cup of coffee and take a walk. I don't know what it is about this weather - but I love it. That feeling of cold to the bone that a mist of rain gives you coupled with a warm cup of coffee. I just love it.

So I was walking - I decided to return the movies I had rented from RedBox this weekend. Uptown is really blossoming right now - there are all sorts of people on the streets. i love watching them - and try not to stare at the people I see.

On the way home from the RedBox, I found myself watching a man opening up all of Smoker's Outposts, digging for cigarettes that were only half smoked. I watched him pull one out - it had lipstick on it. He brought it to his lips and lit it from a pack of matches in his pocket.

I wanted to cry. I almost did cry. I've seen this before, it isn't new to me. I've hardened to the reality that people that are well off discard things that aren't fully used - and those not as fortunate dig through the refuse for things they can't afford. This isn’t why my eyes glossed over.

In that instant, for some reason – I realized that that man and I could be the same. All it would take is one car accident – loosing brain function – and I’d be walking the streets as this man does today. Searching through discarded “gold.” Unfortunately I am a smoker, I know the cravings – there is no doubt in my mind that I would be rummaging through the ash trays for a slight relief from it if I were in his shoes.

I gave the man half my pack of cigarettes – selfishly knowing I’d have a craving later. I didn’t help him. Not one bit. I did it because I couldn’t stand watching him open another smoker’s outpost and dig through the ashes. What does that make me? Tonight, I feel hopeless. Sitting in my warm room, in front of my $1,000 laptop, what do I really do?

I am trying with Elphos.org. I don’t know if I am doing any good – or if it is just another suburban kid’s pipe dream and naiveness. I’m trying.

Reach for you Card!

I love eating out with people. I enjoy the company, and good food, and trying a new wine each time.

What I don't like is when that waiter brings the bill. Everyone eyes each other, hands hovering over their wallets, waiting till that first person makes the move to grab their wallet.

What follows is the argument of who is going to be paying for the bill.

Why am I complaining - I'm not. I am just lucky to be able to keep company with people who love me, and who are gracious enough to spread burdens, like a bill, amount the group.

So thank you

Call for Submissions

Do you have a story about some kind act that you have witnesses, or a story about a time when someone said something to you that you still draw on today?

Submit your stories to Submit@elphos.org for a chance to win a gift card to StarBucks.

Please submit your stories by April 30, 2008. Please include your mailing address with the story. All stories that are posted on the blog will give full credit to the original author.


Our Copyright notice: www.elphos.org/about.htm.

Give a Penny Take a Penny

I was standing in line at the grocery store, full basket of groceries in hand, when all of a sudden I remembered that I had taken my Discover card out of my wallet the night before. Now I am one of those people that love a credit economy. The term Once in a Blue Moon can't even describe how rare it is for me to actually have hard currency on my person. Luckily though, on this particular day, I had a twenty spot and a few loose coins in my pocket.

I thought, no bigge, I was just buying some of the essentials, pop, frozen pizza, chips, cookies, ect . . . all the staples of a bachelor’s kitchen cabinet. $20 should cover me - no biggie. And, at the worst, maybe I have to put a few items back like the veggies and fruits that I had picked up.

It was my turn to unload the contents of my basket onto the conveyor belt that was to deliver my goods to the red flashing laser - the scanner - that was going to decide what I could keep or had to abandon. As I watched the display screen after each swipe of another delicious toll-house morsel, or the frozen delight of Eddy's Ice Cream, the number rose towards the amount in my pocket. $15, $17.65, $19.35. . . My heart dropped. I was about to become one of those people who couldn't pay up. As I watched the Bananas resting on the scales, the check out lady gave me the bad news, $21.95.

My hand shot to my pockets, scrambling to pull out every coin that had been clanging in my pocket all morning long. I quickly counted the coins to find out, if by some miraculous miracle, maybe I had $1.95. 2 quarters, 3 dimes, 4 nickels and a lot of lint. I asked the cashier if I could sell her my lint - she looked at me oddly - I was just trying to buy time to make to make a decision between the bananas or the ice-cream.

If my mother is reading this – I made the grown-up decision – and started to reach for the ice-cream as I apologized for my shortness in cash and for making the cashier have to walk all the way to the frozen section to reshelf that chocolaty delicacy.

In the middle of my apology, a dollar appeared out of thin air. The man behind me produced a dollar and set it on the counter. I looked at him with amazement. I mean, I didn’t need the junk food. It wasn’t like the basket was full of the actual essentials of a balanced diet. I told the man that I didn’t need the ice-cream. He insisted. I told him I forgot me credit card – and thanked him. He simply said “That happens, you’re welcome.”

That happens, you are welcome. Stuff happens, you are welcome. Stuff happens, I don’t mind helping another person.

Thank you.

I know its not Friday. . .

Okay, so I know that it isn't Friday - but, well, I just feel like writing.

I just finished watching the movie I am Reed Fish, which I could love just for the title. If I have a son, I'll name him Reed - if she'll let me.

It is one of those young kid trying to "find" himself movie, with a little bit of twist on the manner of its story telling. Makes the genre it was modeled after not so obvious. But what I do like about it is that this Fish character is a nice guy through out the movie - with some bumps in the road while trying to find happiness for himself. It gives me an overall "good" feeling after watching it.

I've noticed that I have been gravitating to such movies. Watching movies over and over again that have a good earth feeling about them. What I mean is that they touch the soul in the right places. I've watched Amelie again, my all time favorite do gooder movie (It is subtitled - but worth it! I've even watched it with out subtitles just because the cinematography is so great!)



Even the movie, Into the Wild By Colin MacLean, although depressing at the end, had a great message that happiness is found with others in your life.

I've also just started reading a book called This I Believe, which is a collection of people's personal philosophies on life - and what they believe to be true. I've found that while reading them, the common theme of goodness, kindness to others and love are reoccurring themes.

All of these movies, and books that I have been drawn to recently are small little pokes to the soul. They give us that quick reminder about the reasons why we have been put on this earth.

A Little Boost

A lot of times, actions that we take have unexpected, and huge positive consequences.

For example, Eric's Planes simply added our blog to his "Friends of Eric's" links. This simple little action, probably done because he enjoyed some aspect of the blog, brought in over 80 new visitors to Elphos.org. This was such a small way to show appreciation for something - that ended up benifiting this organization immensely.

I can think of so many small things that people have done for me, that have had an enourmous impact on my life. Just the most basic things, like a friend putting their hand on my shoulder and telling me it would be alright - or a Thank You, you did a great job. These type of things have the power to not only lighten our spirits at the time, but a lasting effect for the rest of our lives. On hard days, I still remember kind words of advice, encouragements or solace, spoken to me a number of years before.

I think that if you were to reflect back, I'm sure you'd have the same moments that you often turn to in darker times, may it be words from a friend, lover, sibling or parent.

Part of my objective for Elphos.org is to encourage people to write down those words of encouragement, appreciation, and love so that during those times when we most need these words, we can turn to these letters and reread them. - That and it is always cool getting a letter rather than a bill in the mail.

US Post Office - Free Postage.

This is a surprise to me, but I thought I would mention it - just encase you want to send a letter to a friend, for FREE.

In celebration of the John Adams Documentary on HBO - the US Postal Service is allowing people to customize cards - and then send them out to the recipients.

The free cards are available at www.poweroftheletter.com by clicking on Free John Adams Greeting Card on the left hand side of the screen. (I took a look at the cards - and they look pretty nice - and you can add a picture to the inside of them - but on the back of the cards is a big advertisement for HBO)

To view the Full AP Article click here.

I'd Like to Hear from you . . .

This Week, I would like to hear your story about the act of kindness, words of encouragement or appreciation that you have had happen to you, or that you have seen around you.

Leave a Comment on this post - and tell us your story. . .

Oh Yea of Little Faith. . .

At 6 am, on a freezing morning, I left one of my most prized possessions in the hands of a stranger - and then walked away. I had faith that I would see it again, but with each day that it was out of my loving care, my faith dissipated.

As many of you might know, the weather in MN has been up and down lately. One day its raining, the next its snowing. All of this causes major problems for those of us who get to park our cars in the elements during this time. On one particular morning, mother natures left me a present of about 3 cm of ice clinging to all of the surfaces of my car. There is something about walking out your door in the morning to the orchestra of ice scrapers echoing in the fidget air. You instantly know that you will be joining in the fun.

As I was walking out my front door, a neighbor that I have never seen before, ended up walking out behind me. As we both walked to our cars, which happened to be parked across from each other, both of our hearts dropped when we quickly realized that we would be spending the next 10 minutes chipping away at our frozen vehicles. And so the race to see who would finish first started (or at least that is what I was thinking).

I quickly jumped in my car, nudging the sleeping and cold beast to get started for the morning. After some yawning and moaning, it finally turned over - from the vents, ice cold air hit me in the face - which I quickly turned to defrost mode - to help me out in my next adventure.

Climbing out of the car - with my prized possession and helpful tool in hand - I starting to chip away the ice. As I looked over at my competitor - I soon realized that the race wasn't fair at all. In my hand, was a long and powerful ice scraper. The type that is ergonomically bent for the best leverage to get under the ice on the windshield. In her hands, was the equivalent of a credit card strapped to a stick. By the time that I had finished clearing all of my windows, this poor lady was still working on her main windshield.

I was late for work, and almost jumped into my car to take off, when the sight of this ladies' ice scrapper stopped me in my tracks. Then the thought of, why don't I lend her my ice scrapper - and aid her in her struggle. But. . .I was aprehensive. I mean, I have had this ice scrapper for as long as I can remember. It was my first purchase when I got my very first car. The scrapper has rode shot gun in every car I've ever owned, aiding me in clearing my view winter after winter without a single complaint. And now I was going to hand it over to a perfect stranger?

I gave her the ice scrapper with the request that she leave it in the lobby of our building on her return trip. I drove way, half expecting to see a single tear roll off of my most useful tool. But with all faith that I would see it once more.

When I return home to my apartment that night, I looked in the front lobby of my building. Nothing. No sign of my trusty ice scrapper. I though, "maybe I beat her home. . ." The next day came, no sight of my scraper, and so the days clocked by, until I at last gave up hope of ever seeing my red ice scrapper. After a few angry thoughts and under the breath cursing - I started looking for a replacement.

However, just yesterday, I returned home after a long day, and there, propped up against my mailbox, was my ice scrapper. In all seriousness, I had given up on ever getting this thing back. I had written it off as a risk of doing an act of kindness. I mean really, the thing cost me 10 bucks - I was willing to take the risk of never seeing it again even though this particular scraper is the best scraper I've ever used (not even joking - the thing is awesome!). But to see it there propped up, waiting for me, it did restore my faith in people a bit. It made me realize that my initial anger over someone not returning an item to me was stupid. It also renewed my faith that people are good. I think it is so easy to assume the opposite of those we have never met before.

More importantly, I've learned that even though I may not see an immediate result of something kind that I have done - doesn't mean that there isn't one.

End of the Month News

The Last Friday of every month, our post here will be a short update of what has been happening with Elphos.org.

This month, we have a few exciting announcements. The first being the addition of a spot on our website where you can view all of these posts. This will allow people to be able to both view the posts right from our website, as well as subscribe to the RSL feed (so you can get an e-mail to your inbox with the text of the post).

The second exciting thing is that we have updated a few of the pages to make them more clear and precise and what our purpose at Elphos.org is. With the help of a copywriter, we were able to go through some of our pages and clean them up a little bit.

The last exciting news, is that we are going to remove all advertisements from the site. After some thought and consideration, I've decided that the original intent of this organization is not to make money, but to spread hope. Instead of using advertising, we will ask for a dollar donation from those that appreciate the site, and want to see it continue. I figure that there has been over two hundred visitors to the site, if everyone pitched in a dollar, the site would have been paid for all ready. And if that doesn't work, well, $200 is worth the expense to me to keep this thing going in the future.

The last bit of news is that this forum for posting is actually being used by people. I've already received some positive feedback, as well as comments on the posts. I encourage you to make comments about shared experiences, or positive things that have happened to you during the week. It is always fun to read a story, and see who else has had similar experiences.

Just a Simple Thing. . .

As I was walking to the door, I caught just the slightest glimpse of someone walking behind me. So I opened the door, and held it open for the other person to enter. Nothing great about this, I've done it hundreds of times before, no big deal.

The different this time, is that the person looked me in the eye, said thank you, and smiled like what I had done was a miracle. I got more appreciation from that single smile today, than anything else this week.

Reminded me that the small things is what makes life great.

Unexpected Praise

How Much it Made My Day. . .

The job that I work in, well, lets just say that it isn't one that gets a whole lot of praise or recognition from the rest of the company. But. . . if we don't do our job - we sure get noticed from a whole lot of people.

The entirety of this week has been crazy for me. I had worked some 40 hours already when I sat down from lunch today (Friday). All week long I've been putting out small fires and getting our department prepared for the upcoming weeks - normal business stuff!

When I got back to my desk, my phone started to ring. I answered with my usual greeting spiel - trying to sound refreshed and happy to be working on a Friday. On the other end was a customer. Oh course the first thought was - so how many hours is it going to take me to solve this issue?

To my surprise, the lady just wanted to say thank you. She thanked me for the my hard work that I had put in, and how much my work allowed her to feel less anxiety about the issue she was facing.

The phone call lasted less than a minute - however - it had a huge impact on the rest of my day! I felt reenergized - ready to tackle anything that came my way (but luckily - nothing big did happen after that). Just that simple little phone call made my day - made my week - that much better.

In that spirit, I would like to take the time to thank all those people out there that do thankless jobs - like getting our paychecks out on time, processing our driver's licenses, ringing up our groceries, and picking up our garbage. Thank you! With out these people, and many other people in jobs that I haven't mentioned, we'd all have a little grouchier day.

This week, it is going to be my goal to Thank the people I encounter who are in these types of Jobs.

Our Recent Move. . .

So you have probably noticed that our News Posting Page has moved - sorry - the other one just wasn't working out so hot (I was getting tons of spam - and I just didn't like the feel). But on the good side - I found this great website that is user friendly and really accessible - which is good!!

That is the big news this week - us moving our news site.

We are also rewording our main page and moving things around a bit just to make it more user friendly and stuff. Kendy from Creative Quill has helped us with some copywriting and has suggested a few things that we are taking into consideration (she had some great ideas).

Have a great rest of the week!! If this is your first time reading the Elphos post, check out some of our other postings (they are a little more exciting than this one!!)

Jon

Thank You Thank you!!

Its funny how goodness spreads so quickly, and to so many.

As some of you know, this site, this realization of an idea, has only been around for a little over a month now. When I first started this site, I expected that I would be on my own. That people would think I was crazy for trying to set up an organization to facilitate postive letter writings (and trust many - many friends and family still have puzzled looks on their faces when I try to explain why I am doing this).
Over the last week or so, however, I have had the opportunity to talk to a few people who are as excited as I am about this idea - and who are willing to help out in making this website better. People who want to share their ideas about how to use Elphos in the Classroom, who want to help writing a "catcher" index page, and others who want to help in making the site more interactive.
I am looking forward to the improvements that these people are helping to accomplish - while at the same time overwelmed with their openess and kindness is helping out.

So thank you to everyone who has lent a hand - given stamps to me - helped me write more concisely - and added content to this site.

Thank you!!

And, of course Thanks for visiting our site!

Selling Hope in Uptown MN

All about my trip to Calhoun Square - Uptown Minneapolis

"What do you want?"

Tonight, Saturday, I figured that I would head over to Calhoun square with 25 pre-stamped envelopes and distribute them around to random people that I saw.

After the first 10 people that I talked to, I learned to start out the spiel with "I don't want to sell you anything, have you donate money, or convert you." I can't blame people for being skeptical of this project. To tell the truth, I would respond in the same exact way. How many times are we really approached by someone else who doesn't want our money, time, or our soul to be saved :-). And isn't this example as good as any other of why we need some extra hope and happiness in our lives.

I started this project because I wanted to give something to someone else that they could hold in their hand and refer back to on their bad days - and say, "Yes, I really do have a great smile/laugh/am a kind person/ect."

In all, I think (or hope), the trip was successful. I am fairly confident that I found 25 people who will send their letters, and hopefully this project will spread. I just think that this trip may be repeated in the future.

Inadvertent Letter

About how I received a hope letter. . . that I wrote

When I first came up with this idea, I wrote 20 letters. Some to friends and family, and some to total random strangers that I picked out of the phone book. The joy of writing these letters was immense. For some of the people, this was the first time that I had told them how much they mean to me. For others, I knew their letter would bring them a smile to their face.

I figured that I better get the website up and running before sending the letters, so over the past few weeks, most of my free time has been dedicated to building this site.

This is the first time I have ever programed in HTML, or used databases or promoted a website. To tell the truth, it has been fairly overwhelming. Both the amount of time spent, and the frustration involved while I struggle to learn HTML, has been draining.

At the height of my frustration, I decided to go to the post office to check the P.O. box. As I opened the mail box, I saw the edge of a letter. I was excited, it was my first letter that someone had sent to the P.O. Box. I was like a little kid in a candy store.

When I pulled the letter out - my excitement dissipated. Right there on the front, in big mocking letters, was the words "Return to Sender - No Such Addressee."

It was one of the letters that I had randomly sent to someone I found in the phone book - and it was returned.

When I opened the letter (I'm not going to lie, I was going to send the letter to another random address) - I read it. The quote contained inside - well - lets say it gave me the hope I needed after these last few weeks of frustration.

The Letter simple said:
"Just as despair can come to one only from other human beings, hope, too, can be given to one only by other beings" ~Elie Weisel.

After reading this, it renewed my excitement about this site, and the purpose that I originally created the site for. This inadvertent letter brought me renewed hope in the purpose of this organization.

Washing Dishes Watching an Act of Kindness

A random act of kindness I witnessed:

On occasion - I wash my dishes. Now at first read of that last sentence - you might think that my sink is filled with dishes - reeking of last weeks parmesian chicken dinner. Well, what I failed to mention is that I am the dishwasher. I can show you my winkeled, smelling of Joy soap hands. (and if anything starts to stink - I make sure to make that dishwasher night)

The thing about my kitchen is that there is a window that overlooks (underlooks?) the street - at street level. So my view of people is that of a five year old kid - my head at the height of their knees. This advantage point is interesting to me for a number of reasons. First, people hardly realize that I can see them (insert evil laugh here). Second - I am not used to looking up when talking to people - and there is just something different about it.

Today, while slaving away at my dishes - a rag over my shoulder and elbow deep in soapy water - I noticed a young couple standing outside my window. Now I didn't mean to watch - but there was just something different going on. Maybe it was my first look at their expressions - or the fact they both were not wearing jackets (it has to be about -5 outside right now without the windchill). What they were doing really isn't important - but what I saw filled me hope for humanity.

Walking the past the couple was an obviously homeless man. One look at the guy - and you could tell he had just spent a night outside. His whole being looked cold.

As the man walked past the couple, I saw that the young man said something to the homeless man. Immediatly followed by the young woman offering her scarf - and the man offering his gloves.

Here are two young people - offering their only real protection from the cold to another person. The act was so kind, and so rare. I'd just like to say thank you to that couple on 32nd st Street.

What is Elphos? And Why Do they have a Blog?

About the Creation of the Elphos.org Blog:

I have decided to create the elphos blog as a place to allow people to view updates about the site, how other organizations are using elphos, and a place to write about the acts of kindness, hope, and appreciation around me in my community. However, I am up to suggestions about what you want to see - and would love it if you have an article about Elphos which you'd like to post here.

If you have any stories that you would like to submit, please send them to Submit@elphos.org with a header of "Elphos Blog." If you have suggestions, please e-mail suggestions@elphos.org

Every Friday, new articles will be submitted to these pages. I hope you enjoy reading, and come back often.

Jon