I would like to think that it is destined for the recipent to read the note and that it makes a difference in their life, but even if it makes them simply stop and smile then I suppose it has had the impact I desired.

I finally caved in and was taking them to the garbage when a can man rolled by with his cart. It was hot, he was shirtless, his cart was half empty and he looked like he was either going to cry or pass out. He had the 1000-yard stare that people get when they don't wnat to be hassled. I startled him when I called to him and gave him the bag, as well as some clothes, Gator-Aide and water. His cart was full.

My porch was empty. I felt good knowing someone could use something and someone got some stuff they needed. It's small, but I had to stop and think, "Sometimes the universe really does provide." And it is so simple.

- Alyse

I noticed a bird with a broken wing flipping on the grass patch and a fat cat few feet away - on his mark to jump at the poor bird.

Without wasting anytime, I lifted the bird in time before it could be the cat's lunch.

On closer look, I noticed that its wings were clipped together with a paperclip and that prevented the bird from flying. I removed the paperclip and put the fowl in a small holed-box with intention of nursing it.

An hour later, I opened up the box and the bird flew away.

-Azizah

That began a three-year development, in which we continue to make many someone's day. Last year we put 31 Bribri kids in school. We made 23 microloans, helping nearly as many families to independence - and a happier life. We feed about 150 people a week at a soup kitchen "community" that forms three times a week in our yard. The Health Ministry had a clinic on our porch, since it's hard for their doctors to get up into the jungle.

And as we touch the lives of more and more people, we ask "how much better can it get?" Every day, we get another answer to that question. About 150 donors and 25 volunteers have so far joined in this project. Each day, more "someones" are made happy. I have to tell you this really feels good. Come see for yourself at www.elpuente-thebridge.org.

-Barry

I was just about to start crying when I heard someone sob. I looked up and saw this lady facing the door drying her tears. Her husband was standing behind her with his hand on her shoulder. My heart just melted when I looked at her. She was trying so hard not to cry and bring attention to herself. I felt so sorry for her. I knew I had a hard day ahead but I knew I would survive. I didn't know who this lady was but I wanted to say something to her.

So before I got off I walked over to her and told her "Smile, you are much too pretty to be crying." I got off the train before she could reply. I felt much better. So whoever she was I hope she is ok and I hope she knows that she made me smile that day.

- Tania

Yesterday, I read my book "365 ways to change the world" and it said "make someone feel good, make someone smile." I thought of our senior staff member's PA. I went to our local book shop and found one of the Little Miss books - "Little Miss Helpful" and left it on her desk.

- Vicky

"You so kindly gave me a gift of your 'Googol On' CD for my daughter Leah. Well, 6 months on and, every evening in the car, she demands her music. Not only that, it has to be track 6, Babies and Butterflies. She sits in the back of the car conducting the music. I have to say, the more I listen to the music and lyrics, the more I realise that you have a real gift and I just wanted to thank you for giving me that CD. It's given us a lot of enjoyment."

-Scott J. (Boulder, CO)

My favorite book to release is Traveling Light, the first novel of a good friend of mine. She had a story she felt so compelled to tell, she quit her job to write the book. Time Warner published it about 5 years ago, and although the book received good reviews, it never found the success I thought it deserved. So, I decided to release a few copies out into the world. I bought 10 inexpensive copies, released them around town, and watched in amazement as the journal entries rolled in. I rushed out and bought 15 more copies of the book to release, and got the same amazing results. People were excited by both the book and the concept of BookCrossing.

Then I spread the gratitude again by forwarding all the journal entries to my friend Katrina, so she could see what everyday people were saying about her book! One of my favorite journal entries is below:

I picked up this book at the Magnolia Cafe on Congress Street. I had only been in Austin for about five weeks at that time and felt like finding this book was like receiving a present, especially because sometimes it's very hard to eat alone. I enjoyed the book very much, it was so sad at times but what made it so good for me was the strong bond between a brother and sister. I have a son and a daughter and I have always hoped that they would love each other like that. I have sent this book to Albuqerque, NM with a good friend of mine who works at the University of New Mexico Hospital in the pediatric oncology department. She has promised to release the book after she is done reading it. Thanks for my welcome to Austin gift!"

With an entry like that, how could I resist releasing still more copies of the book!

-- Rebecca R.

2. Give a gift for no particular ocassion. — My brother-in-law sent me a Space Pen after I had mentioned months before that I thought the one he had was cool.

3. Send a card. — For a birthday or anniversary or just to say that you're thinking about that person. E-cards and quick and easy. A written note is better.

4. Collect "What I Love About You" letters. — If you want to make someone's month, collect "What I Love About You" letters from friends and family and give them to the recipient one day at a time. I did this for my wife's 50th birthday, a letter each day for a month, and put them all in a binder. It was the best present she'd ever received.

5. Help your neighbor. — Shovel the snow from their sidewalk. Invite them over for a meal. Bring over some cookies.

6. Give a gift to a stranger. — Being a songwriter, I love giving CDs to people I don't really know — the bank teller, the parent at school, the person sitting next to me on the plane.

7. Make someone right. — Whoever you're talking to, just make them right. Tell them they have every reason to think or feel the way they do.

8. Give a sincere compliment. — Tell your waitress how nice it was to have her serve you. Tell your son or daughter what a good job they did. Tell your friend something you really like about them. Catch your spouse doing something well that you usually take for granted.

9. Give a special gift. — Make something with your own hands. Customize a music CD for a friend. Give flowers from your own garden. A buddy once sent me customized golf balls with my nickname printed on them.

10. Just listen. — Take the time to listen to someone — your child, your significant other, your neighbor. Just give them your attention. Just listen and affirm what they're saying.

Another option is to donate to the Red Cross via Amazon.com, which is especially easy if you're already setup for 1-click orders.