Happy Sunday! 💖

Many years ago when I was a senior in high school, I chose this quote to put in the yearbook. “If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.” It wasn’t until years later that I learned that it was by Dolly Parton. Little did 17-year-old me know, that when I heard of her passing, I would immediately think of that quote.

As I’m sure you saw on social media, the loss of Dolly was felt by many, across all ages, ethnicities, occupations, incomes, and more. She touched so many, in numerous ways. And she wasn’t the only celebrity we’ve lost recently. Hayden Panettiere, Tim Curry, Michael Wright, and more than I can even wrap my head around. In addition to that, many of us have lost loved ones personally as well. And through it all, even when it feels like we can’t, life goes on.

I have a sign on the mantel in my living room with the quote, "Be the things you loved most about the people who are gone." I have it there because I never want to forget what was so special about the people I have lost in my life. I have it because when I’m going through tough times, I want to remember that there are still ways to be encouraged by the people I have been forced to live without. I think of the beauty in the trees and nature outside my window. Trees my father considered a sin to cut down. I think about the “fight” my sister had in her when things were hard. I think about the positive attitude my friend Sandie always had up until the end. I think about “Cousin Betty” who traveled the world, did yoga, skydived, and more through her 80s.

These aren’t just memories of people I loved, they are the inspiration and motivation to help me through my days, and to continue to grow and become the special parts of those who meant so much to me.

I didn’t expect the death of Dolly Parton to hit me so hard, but it did. And now I feel challenged to take with me the beauty of who she was, through my life. To champion books and libraries, to live unapologetically, to not be afraid to shine, to choose kindness, to be brave, and to be generous.

This week, take some time to think about the people you’ve lost. The people you miss. Think about the things you loved, admired, and appreciated about them when they were alive, and find ways to do, and be, those things. You don’t need to start a foundation, or raise massive amounts of money for charity in their name. Although if you have the means to do that, by all means, do it. But you can start with the simple things. Compliment someone, cook a meal for a friend, get family together to tell stories and laugh, or any of the many ways you can honor someone who left a mark on your life and in your heart.

Wishing you a beautiful week of remembrance, growth, and joy.

Positively yours,

Pebbles 💜

📫 When your mail delivery person delivers much more than the mail.

🎒Principal chooses a student experiencing homelessness over his job of 31 years, and helps him graduate.

🏠 Landlord leaves home to 20 year tenant after he dies.

🪸See the breathtaking photos from the Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026.

Like Dolly, I am a big believer in the power of putting books in the hands, hearts, and minds of children. When Zola was born, my mother signed her up for Dolly’s Imagination Library which delivers a book a month until they are 5. These books have been some of Zola’s favorites. Because they have been such a gift, I made a donation to the Imagination Library in honor of Dolly. If you want more info on the Imagination Library, or would like to make a donation of your own, you can do it here.