The winter holidays remind us of the importance of giving. We shouldn’t have to be reminded of this, but better to be reminded than not.

Tonight, as we were getting in the car parked adjacent to the former banquet room of the historic Eagle Hotel, a man approached us and said he hadn’t eaten in a week. He had a cigarette dangling out of his mouth. I thought about his request and remembered that we had a few Kids Kupboard lunches in the cooler by the door. I went back into the building, pulled them out of the cooler, and gave them to him.

Pete and I got back in the car. He headed on down the street with four sack lunches.

What is wrong with this picture? Pete said that it was odd that he could afford cigarettes but not food. This was the logical response. Me, I didn’t say anything but thought it’s best in such instances to give people the benefit of the doubt.

Becky monster sculpture

And well, what would I have done with the food?

And who cares? I felt good giving him the food. And lately, I have realized that giving is self-reward. It might mean more to me if I gave away what I paid for, but bottom line, far better to give and hope for the best.

The other day I listened to a woman, who I knew some time ago, give a presentation at Rotary International about a project of hers, Grow Palmer. She’s getting gardens and planters going all around town. I told her I could provide her with compost, gave her the name of a contact, and offered something else, which now escapes my mind.

She said thank you, but was not at all effusive. I thought, you are talking to the old Alys, but the Alys who is before you is far different. The new Alys takes great joy in giving.

She’s not the only one who is unaware that they are dealing with a kinder, less judgmental person. And that’s perfectly fine.

I also need to realize that others I have known for some time may also have experienced personal growth.

A good thing, for us all to move on, rather than move backwards.

This started out as a not so good day – getting myself organized and out of here was extremely difficult. I did it, and once in the door of the former banquet room of the historic Eagle Hotel, I pulled myself together.

It was yet another day in which there was a strong sense of community in the book space. I held my second writing class, and had two people attending, Pam and Becky, who both, coincidently, work at the Alaska State Fair. I wasn’t as organized as I might have been, but no matter. It went well.

Also, the Friday volunteers, one of whom has multiple sclerosis, cleaned books. And neighbors, Keith and Krista, came by and dropped off a chair. And there were others, including at the end of the day, Eva, who is nine and who I met last night.

Tomorrow may be a long day. It is going to start early.

Next: 307. 11/15/25: Mid-Month