Porthole

Kindness ... den 14 desember

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Mini-review: posted here the very first day on WdC! Way back in 2014. First of all, it's nice to see an essay.

It very much reads like a transcript of a talk when you get up in class, tell the classmates what you are going to say and then say it. Reminds me a bit of a TED talk in structure. It weakens it as an essay though imho. The intro can be cut or incorporated into the text.

The essay equates the good manners of etiquette with kindness. "Practicing Etiquette" would be a better title. Etiquette is culture based. The example given is culture based and not universal.

I hesitate rating because I don't write in this style, but if I must I give it a 4.0.

Prompt: Write about acts of kindness.

I don't equate "etiquette" with "kindness". For me kindness is different from good or proper manners. In the US, my generation killed off etiquette. It was already dying. The very stiff WASP rules had become a type of classism. Still, manners do count and in traditional cultures may be quite rigid.

Kindness? I've written about that many times over the years. It's being empathetic enough to know what someone needs/wants and then doing something about it. Whether that means smiling, helping or merely keeping one's mouth shut depends on the situation.

FORUM

30-Day Blogging Challenge ON HIATUS  (13+) WDC's Longest Running Blog Competition - Hiatus #1786069 by Fivesixer

Week 3: Dec 14 - 20

14. Roast Chestnuts Day
Every Christmas holiday we all sing about "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire...." But, have you ever roasted chestnuts!?

Most american chestnuts died out before I was born. My father told me all about them. I found chestnuts roasting in Pest, Hungary on my way to a hostel. Soft, nutty, warm. I can see why the song was popular. Strong image and waiting for the chestnuts to properly roast and then eat would evoke memories. Kinda like roasting marshmallows.

15. Cat Herder's Day
Ya, good luck with that.

Not this year! The hospitals are already full. No room for those fools who try to herd cats. Cat-scratch disease is for real (know two people who had it).

16. National Chocolate Covered Anything Day
Sounds like a great way to 'pig-out' and enjoy! Have you ever eaten anything 'unique' covered in chocolate?

I like potato chips dipped in chocolate. The salty crunch works well with chocolate.

17. Maple Syrup Day
Did you know that this sweet and unique flavor originated in America? Native American Indians were the first to harvest and boil the sap of the maple tree into a thick syrup. Talk about, well, maple syrup, of course.

I grew up in maple surple country. (Vermont, New York, Quebec) The real deal. We didn't have it often and I preferred pancakes soaked in butter. Still do but real maple syrup is gold. Like olive oil, quality matters.

18. Bake Cookies Day
As if we need a designated day for this, lol. Write about your favorite cookie(s) or cookie baking experience. Anything to do with cookies!

It's been awhile since I've made cookies. I liked the old fashioned frosted sugar cookies, peanut butter cookies, all the various Italian cookies, snickerdoodles. My mother made the best oatmeal-raisin. Cutidati are to die for! Look for them on St. Joseph Day, the 19th of March. Get to know some Sicilians.

19. Oatmeal Muffin Day
Oatmeal is on the healthy side and good for lowering cholesterol. I feel like I'm being tricked by putting it in an 'unfrosted cupcake'.

Eh... who needs healthy? Growing up I needed calories (I was malnourished and underweight). At this age? Alive is a miracle. That said, you make and bake, I deplete the eats.

20. Go Caroling Day
Have you ever gone caroling, or had a group of carolers show up at your door? Write something about caroling.

We went caroling as children. A very German blue-collar neighborhood. Now? I don't think I've heard or seen carolers for years. Tonight (Sunday) would've been perfect weather. Cold but not frigid, with snowflakes!