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Things to smile about this week: January 10, 2021

By Nanci Dixon
In the midst of an abundance of bad news – rising COVID numbers, unemployment, evictions, homelessness and hunger – some good news stories still bubble to the surface.

We find ourselves mostly posting bad, sad or frustrating news in our Sunday newsletter. It’s not our fault, of course, but we want to make sure you come here and smile too. That’s why we’re bringing you this “Good News” column.

“MY SOUL IS FED WITH NEEDLE AND THREAD!”

RV quilters at Frostproof, Florida’s, Camp Inn RV Resort are enjoying their time spent sewing quilts but are even happier to be lending a helping hand to people in need. For more than 20 years they have been making quilts for migrant workers and their children. They say they get more than they give, particularly when a child gets a blanket, hugs it and smiles.

In addition to migrant workers’ families, the group has also made quilts for the homeless and for veterans. Before the pandemic hit, snowbird RVers would fill the sewing room with 20 to 30 people all joined together, working on these warm and heartwarming quilts, to share their talents with others. Way to go, quilters!

“GROWTH COMES FROM SETTING YOUR GOALS HIGH AND REACHING FOR THE STARS.” —Spencer W. Kimball

Space Ship

Jose Hernandez had a dream that he never gave up despite tremendous challenges. Jose’s family were migrant workers, working the fields in California for nine months of the year and Mexico for three. He knew early on what he wanted to be. He told his dad he wanted to be an astronaut when he was 10, but he didn’t speak English well until he was 12.

Jose followed his dream and got a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering and began applying to NASA. After 11 rejections, he was finally accepted by NASA and was on the crew of the Discovery in 2009.

He now runs a foundation, “Reaching for the Stars,” to help all kids pursue their dreams. Netflix will soon start production on a film about Jose and his remarkable journey.

EVERYTHING IS PAWSOME

Every paddle boarder needs this motor. Now, if he could only power an RV!

Front-mounted motor
by in aww

IT’S ALL HORSE PLAY FOR THIS ONE…

“THE FIRST DOG IS THE DOG WHO GIVES YOU SO MUCH THAT THE FIRST DOG IS OFTEN THE REASON FOR THE SECOND DOG.”

Who doesn’t treasure the first time your favorite and soon-to-be favorite animals meet? This is adorable.

Riley meeting tiny Olive up close for the first time. She’s not sure what to think!
by in aww

THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN THIS IS OVER

This was submitted by a longtime RV Travel reader and frequent contributor, George Bliss. [Wishing you a speedy recovery from your surgery, George!] In this extraordinarily hard time, it is good to remember that this too will pass and that there is hope as well as lessons to be learned and remembered.

“When this is over,
may we never again take for granted;
A handshake with a stranger, Full shelves at the store,
Conversations with neighbors,
A crowded theater, Friday night out,
The taste of communion, A routine checkup,
The school rush each morning, Coffee with a friend,
The stadium roaring, Each deep breath! A boring Tuesday. Life itself.

When this ends,
may we find that we have become more like the people we wanted to be,
we were called to be,
we hope to be,
and may we stay that way – better for each other because of the worst.”
Laura Kelly Fanucci

Read previous Good News posts here.

Hear a “Good News” story? Please use the form below to tell us about it. Include a website or link to a video. Thanks!

Nanci Dixon
Nanci Dixon
Nanci Dixon has been a full-time RVer living “The Dream” for the last six years and an avid RVer for decades more! She works and travels across the country in a 40’ motorhome with her husband. Having been a professional food photographer for many years, she enjoys snapping photos of food, landscapes and an occasional person. They winter in Arizona and love boondocking in the desert. They also enjoy work camping in a regional park. Most of all, she loves to travel.

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Goldie
2 years ago

Love these!

Bob
2 years ago

Thank you! I loved the horse video.

C Romine
2 years ago

Thank you for this new section. I was surprised to read from Chuck’s article that this did not read very much, since I checked it out the first time it was run and enjoy it.

Mike Albert
2 years ago

Nanci,
Please keep writing this section. Quite enjoyable and love sharing this section with my 10 year old and 17 year old granddaughters. Hoping that I can do it too with my two year old granddaughter when she is older.
Chuck, Emily, et al, are you open to bribes????????

Admin
RV Staff
2 years ago
Reply to  Mike Albert

Yes. 😆 —Diane (aka et al.) at RVtravel.com

Elaine
2 years ago

“Good News” stories are good for the soul! Thanks for adding them in!

Robert Jobson
2 years ago

we so look forward to this section each week. happy stories good for the soul

Bill Coady
2 years ago

Great section in the newsletter. Please keep them coming!

Cat
2 years ago

I’m one of those that had not wandered in to read the good news stories. After the appalling events and death of this past week, I needed a laugh but more than that, I needed something to warm my heart. The video of the dogs did just that. I’m beginning to think the dogs are smarter than we are. Perhaps they can teach us all how to get along. Keep the good news coming…I’ll be here to read it! Thanks for all you do!

Tim Slack
2 years ago

I love these stories too, Nanci and Chuck. Will read ‘em every time they’re in.

Jane
2 years ago

Don’t stop these..I look forward to them every Sunday. After reading all the other doom and gloom things, even related to RVing, these can make me smile!!

Gayle
2 years ago

Thanks for these stories. I have to say I was one of those who just “passed over” the good news articles. But, after reading Chuck’s post about low readership for the good news articles, I felt ashamed because I was one of those not looking for good news. No more. Thanks Chuck for the encouragement!

Ellen L
2 years ago

Love, love, love these stories. Thank you for sharing them.

Tommy Molnar
2 years ago

While driving around some of the back roads of Virginia City (NV) several years ago, I stumbled on a horse doing pretty much this same thing. I was blown away! I didn’t know horses could ‘have fun’ with a ball. After a few minutes, it seemed like he quit when he noticed me watching him.

Steve Bayless
2 years ago

This may not be the most read portion of your news letter, but it sure warms my heart! Keep up the good news!

Patricia Neuzil
2 years ago

I love reading the good news stories. Please keep posting them!

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