Timing is everything. Bogart and I have been indoors during these dog days of summer. We arrived just before the mercury climbed like a Tour de France biker up the side of a mountain .
Today I was able to retro-fit a number of items in The Kindness Bus. I have consolidated a few things and have off-loaded many more. The 84 sq ft of interior luxury seems to have doubled in size with the removal of some built-in items.  Living on the Kindness Bus for nearly a year, I now know the importance of everything being in its place. It is all important for everything to be secured with the top-end speeds The Kindness Bus reaches. 102 degrees in the bus makes the biggest improvement being added to The Kindness Bus, air conditioning. Deciding that this tour is a year-round effort, Bogart needs to have a safe environment as we travel in the hot summer weather.     This tour has now become much easier in terms of comfort.
**In this heat, remember to keep all children and animals indoors in a cool area of your home. Always have water available for your pets as well.

The beauty of this mission is when something happens unexpectedly. While talking to a group of kids today, I was busy keeping Bogart from chasing after a squirrel who seemed to be taunting him. During our conversation, I didn’t notice the group of older individuals walking around The Kindness Bus, while listening to me talking with the kids. One of the kids seemed a little uninterested, while his friends seemed to have all the interest in the world. I tried to inspire him in many ways with the hope that something would make an impact. I talked with as much passion about my mission as I ever have, my talk seemed to fall a little short for his needs. They headed off after several minutes and I hoped my message would have reached all of them.
I turned and saw the other group waiting to talk with me. They had heard every word I had just said and wanted to tell me how inspired they were, by my words to the other group. I was thrilled at the level of interest they had from over-hearing my conversation with the much younger group. The more people I talk with, no matter the age, the message of kindness seems to me, to resonate the same to all.

Everybody loves a parade, me included. With my son, Alex at the wheel of The Kindness Bus and Bogart working his usual charm along the parade route, we received a very warm welcome in my former hometown, Gates Mills, Ohio. Well before the beginning of the parade, as we were outfitting The Kindness Bus with flags and decorations, several people stopped by to read many of the messages written on its chassis. Great compliments were paid by all of them. One woman remembered seeing us in Naples, Florida. Along the parade route, I interacted with friends and strangers alike. We received many ovations and well-wishes as we walked the parade route. Parents of children were particularly pleased to hear of a lifetime goal they could involve their children in. What a great response for The Kindness Bus Tour in it’s hometown.
After the parade, several people asked me about speaking at their school or to their group, I am honored at receiving such interest.
Thank you to Parade Chairman, Clark for allowing us to be in this parade.

On this day of great celebration, we need to remember how fortunate we are to have such wonderful freedoms. It is amazing to me what I am able to accomplish with The Kindness Bus Tour, because of these freedoms. Thank you, Founding Fathers.

Kindness comes in all forms. From the smallest of acts to the giving of oneself for a lifetime of charity work. Heading to my former hometown for a parade on Independence Day, I knew I needed to wash The Kindness Bus and was not looking forward to it. Then like an oasis in the desert, off in the distance, sign holders saying car wash ahead. An answer to my prayers.
Car wash kindness; a girl’s soccer team spending a Saturday on a holiday weekend to raise funds to play soccer. True team spirit! It is amazing how fast an entire soccer team can clean a bus. The Kindness Bus is parade-ready. Thank you Chagrin Falls Girl’s Soccer Team.
Go Tigers!!

New York City has an unfounded reputation for being an unfriendly city. This couldn’t be any further from the truth. The “Red Carpet” rolled in front of me as I walked and drove all over town. I felt just as welcome as if I were in Mayberry RFD. The Kindness Bus Tour will return to New York City at the end of July for a five week stay.
Hundreds of mentions are due, names of people who have helped this tour over and above what one would ask. Thank you to; Donna, Ohbeeb, Betsy, Angelique, Sally, Jeanne, Karen, Paul (someday we’ll meet), Jim, Steve, Jim, Randy, Sue-Ann, Joan, Beth, Bobbie, NYPD, FDNY, MTA, Tino, Pat, Junior, Dennis, John, Tim, Nadia, Patty, Allison, Judy, Pascal (Red Balloon), Meaghan, Marc, Noah,  Paul, Janelle, Nicci, Kristie, Sue, Karen, Chuck, Gary, Paul, Gayle, Peter, Judy and of course Shelley. I missed many names I’m sure; I need to start writing names down. Thank you to those not mentioned, your kind acts are deeply appreciated and needed.

Leaving New York for the twelve hour trip to the Midwest, affords me the opportunity to brainstorm more ideas to make this movement grow as fast as it has in the first year, and still remain manageable. This movement has exceeded far and away any initial goals I may have set. This is a very exciting time for me; year two has begun in earnest, Woohoo!!
I’m heading west to be in two parades, a few festivals, three speaking engagements and a host of other gatherings before returning to New York City in late July to visit the remaining 170 firehouses on the other four boroughs.
So many of you inspire me with great ways to grow One Million Acts Of Kindness and thoughts of reaching many more people with it’s message.
Please keep the ideas coming.