If pictures are worth a thousand words, then thanks a million to Cheryl who created this collage featuring pictures from Saturday's Pirate Party: Grapevine.
If you tuned in last week then you know, I campaigned hard for even a single reader to join me in celebrating National Talk Like a Pirate Day. Readers who went the extra mile by playing Pirate Bingo, in order to raise money for the Yellow Envelope Project, stood the added chance of winning one of five custom made Shine Tool Belts. Belts were donated by generous readers helping you shine at everything from art to baking to writing to scrapbooking, and - of course, party animal that I am - painting the town red.
Let's review my no-frills-better-than-nothing-attempt-at-an-event.
The Jolly Roger sign, I expected to hang in my kitchen, never happened. The fish sticks and golden chicken nuggets remained only figments of my imagination; treasure chest party favors came and went without ever being personalized; and unless someone bowls me over with surprise, not a single reader took me up on my offer to host a pirate party or Pirate Bingo.
Bust?
Not completely. Nine kids, along with their childhood friends, got together for a relaxed, but fun afternoon of celebration. No birthdays, no national holidays - just good old fashioned community. And, $34.00 later we are well on our way to telling two more people they Shine.
One more thing.
The day's real moment of Shine came when one of the boys who was attending refused to give up. By round six, interest in Bingo was waning among his younger counterparts. This young boy stayed planted in his seat, sure if nothing else, he could win a prize by outlasting his competition. And he did. Sitting alone at table - just me, the Bingo caller, and he with his winning card - we played Bingo until he finally won a prize.
That's what Relentlessly Passionate (Shine Principle #8) looks like when you are nine years old. For someone who loves teaching and promoting principles of shine, his single act made my entire day.
Shining off until tomorrow...