“Words have the power to destroy or heal. When they are both true and kind, they can change the world.” – Buddha
My hope is that you will experience truth and kindness in my writing, and that it will remind you of the greatness and goodness within yourself and others.
With Love,
Russ
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Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
Thank you so much for this Russ!! Please just keep my husband and I in your prayers.
Thank you,
Lavonda
May you both experience great joy and inner peace, Lavonda.
Russ
I thought this would be a good place to tell you that I nominated your beautiful blog for the aptly-titled Beautiful Blogger Award. Learn more here: http://thejolynproject.com/2012/05/22/give-the-gift-that-keeps-on-giving-beautiful-blogger-award/
Thank you so much for your kind post and nomination. I wanted to reply to you as soon as I saw your post so that you’ll know how much I appreciate your honoring my blog in this way. I’m hosting visitors from out of state for most of this week, and have job responsibilities that will probably keep me focused elesewhere for all or most of today, but I plan to learn more about the nomination and award ASAP.
You’re welcome! 🙂
Hey I nominated your blog again for The Commentator Award. http://thejolynproject.com/2012/06/04/give-the-gift-that-keeps-on-giving-the-commentator-awardreader-appreciation-award/ Thank you for commenting on my blog!
Hello Russ, your heart-warming blog has become a favorite place for me to visit for uplifting and thought-provoking material. You are an everyday hero to me! I have included you in my list for The Sunshine Award, but as you may know… I’m all about ‘do what you love’ so join in the fun if you want to and of course whenever the time is right. Blessings, Gina
http://professionsforpeace.com/2012/05/26/the-sunshine-award/
Thank you, Gina for your kind nomination and especially for your wonderul and heart-warming message. Wow! It’s cool to be told I’m an everyday hero! Very cool! Thank you! You brighten my days as you write from your heart. Thank you for sharing yourself with me and so many others.
That is so nice of you to say, and I am delighted to share some sunshine around and brighten someone’s day 🙂 I am so glad you enjoy it.
Dear Russ, my heart made a little leap of joy when I came by to visit today. Yours is a place infused with kindness and gratitude for life it can only have spilled forth from an abundant heart. It warms my heart knowing that there is someone like you out there in the world today making that difference. I look forward to getting to know you! With many warm blessings from Finland, Sharon
Hi, Sharon. From half a world away your post warmed my heart, brought a big and lasting smile to my face, and brightened my day. Talk about the power of words and of kindness! Although we live a great distance apart and have only just “met”, I already know that we are kindred spirits in many ways. Thank you for making my world better simply by being in it.
Russ
Your purpose statement is succinct and well-phrased. It’s a worthy endeavor and rather daunting at times, isn’t it? An uplifting and heart-warming blog – – – that’s a nice place to bask. Thank you for sharing, Russ.
Thank you, Jan. Yes, there are days when it feels like a daunting task to keep coming up with posts that are worthy of the vision and of the wonderful readers and followers of this blog, but it is a labor of love and that lightens the load and often makes it fun. And the delightful people like you who I get to “meet” online definately make it all worthwhile.
Russ
I love the purpose of your blog
Thank you for taking the time to share your kind thought with me, boomiebol!
Russ
Russ what can I say? Your blog is absolutely lovely. I am a follower now. Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Have a wonderful day. cheers Judy judysp.wordpress.com
Wow! Thank you for your kind comments, judysp! I’m glad that you have found some value in this blog. I look forward to getting to know each other via our blogs. I like the glimpses of your spirit that I’ve seen so far in your writing and look forward to experiencing and enjoying many more of your posts.
Thank you for sharing your gifts with the world!
Russ
Hello dear Russ, You KNOW how much I enjoy your blog and am happily giving you the Versatile Blogger Award, which looks like a big shiny trophy. As always, it’s all in fun and only if you would enjoy participating. More info on my post. Warm Hugs, Gina
http://professionsforpeace.com/2012/06/06/and-the-award-goes-to/
Hi, Gina. I thought I’d already replied to your wonderfully kind award noimination, but in case I haven’t: I appreciate your kindness. I’m kind of backlogged in doing all the stuff one is asked to do to accept awards right now (I know that may sound arrogant, but it isn’t meant to be anything more than an acknowledgement and explanation as to time constraints. At a minimum, in the next 7 days I commit to you to check out a minimum of 10 blogs that I haven’t yet visited, mentioned at least 4 blogs in my posts, reblog at least two posts from other sites, and leave at least 5 comments and 20 “Likes”. In that way I can continue spreading the love and live to what I believe is the spirit of most awards. Hopefully that works for you!
Russ
My dear Russ, first off, you never sound arrogant. And next, PLEASE know that I no longer participate in Awards and hope I explained it kindly in my Awards Page. I adore sharing the love around, but I never want anyone to feel obligated or to feel like it’s ‘homework’ (which I sure did, after a while). Now as I get nominations (got one today) I will update that Page with a warm thank you to the nominee and a link to their Awards post. That way my Awards page is filled with links and lists… introducing each other all around. But I now work on ever increasing my blogroll instead. Easy for others to check out some of my favorite places.. .like here!
So feel free to accept my kudos (always) for doing all you do to share your love and light in our growing blogging community. Please do not feel any obligation, especially on my part, to do more than accept the compliment. Do what you LOVE… the writing, the sharing…. not the ‘homework’. Unless of course you are lovin’ every minute of it 🙂 ~Hugs, Gina
Thank you, AGAIN, Gina. I never tire of saying thank you for all of the ways you brighten my days.
A great big hug right back to you!
Russ
Thank you, Gina. I’m deeply honored and humbled by this award, even more so becasue it is being presented by you as I hold you and your blog nin such high esteem. Due to some prior commitments it may be awhile before I’m able to properly nominate others for this award–and I’m continuing to research blogs–but know that I intend to more approriately share the love fairly soon.
With deep admiration and kind regards,
Russ
I have nominated you for Mrs. Sparkley’s Ten Commandments Award. If you choose to accept the rules are on my post: http://geniespeaks.wordpress.com/2012/06/14/mrs-sparklys-ten-commandments-award. If you do not choose to accept that’s okay, just know I enjoy your blog.
Blessings,
Genie
Thank you, Genie! I appreciate your kindness. I’m kind of backlogged in doing all the stuff one is asked to do to accept awards right now (I know that may sound arrogant, but it isn’t meant to be anything more than an acknowledgement and explanation as to time constraints. At a minimum, in the next 7 days I commit to you to check out a minimum of 10 blogs that I haven’t yet visited, mentioned at least 4 blogs in my posts, reblog at least two posts from other sites, and leave at least 5 comments and 20 “Likes”. In that way I can continue spreading the love and live to what I believe is the spirit of most awards. Hopefully that works for you!
Russ
Love the quote here, and the energy on this page. Sending Light and Love!
Thank you, Julianna! I’m warmed by both and sending Light and Love right back to you!
Russ
Happily receiving!
Thanks for stopping by and visiting my blog!
It was my pleasure! Thank you for your comment.
Russ
Thanks for the follow!! 🙂
I suspect that it will truly be my pleasure, Tobi!
Kind regards
Russ
It all starts with thoughts… Great blog!
Thank you! I appreciate your kind feedback!
Russ
This is by far the best blog I’ve ever seen! 🙂
WOW! Thank you, Gerry! That is one of the best compliments I’ve ever received!
Russ
Looking at the title of your page, the tone and what you have been writing speak much of who and what you are. I’m glad I came across your page.
Thank you, Gerry. It has been my experience that when someone admires something in another, they most often have similar positive attributes within themselves. I’m now following your blog. So far, of the posts I’ve seen, I like your honesty and the fact that when you’ve had a chance to go snarky, mean-spirited, or cynical, you chose a different path. I like that path and wish you much continued succes in your life and with your blog. I’ve found that you can’t go wrong speaking from your heart and sharing glimpses of your glorious spirit with the world.
Russ
I am humbled by your kind words. Thanks for recognizing the path I took. I hope to see you along the way. Keep in touch!
I love your wonderful reminder!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you, Kimberly! Welcome!
Russ
One of the things I love about blogging is getting to meet people of like mind and spirit. how delightful to meet you! and thank you for dropping into my place so I could get to know you here!
Thank you, Louise! I feel the same way, and enjoyed your blog and your vision and mission. Welcome!
Russ
Thank you so much Russ for the visit to my blog 😀 I like what you write. I’m gonna follow you and look forward to reading more of your stuff!
Thank you, Shalvika! I appreciate your kind comment! Welcome! I plan to enjoy mor time at your blog too.
Russ
Thanks for visiting my blog and liking it.. loved the genuineness in your words here on your post
It was my pleasure. Thank you for your kind comments!
Russ
There is a mention of you in my blog today. Thanks for your kindness to all♥
I saw it. Thank you for your kind mention of my blog in you post! I’m glad that you found it worthwhile to visit. You’re welcome anytime!
Happy Half-Birthday and Happy Six-Months Blog Day! Or something like that!
Russ
Russ…a snippet from a post of mine back on July 5th:
“I’m a simple person, with simple words, and the sentiment Richard expresses here still surprises me…but it does make me realize that words have power and we should use them with care. The power to hurt, the power to heal, the power to provoke, and the power to lift. If my words helped Richard, I’m happy. His words do the same.”
Just wanted you to know that, while I didn’t know the words of Buddha, I’m glad you put the quote here…my spirit lifted when I read it just knowing that I’m on the right path with a clear sense that I can make a difference with the only thing I have to offer, other than myself…my words.
Your motivation for your blog shines through loud and clear, and I’m thankful you found me so I could find you, a new source for light, inspiration, and positive energy in what can be a pretty dark and daunting place.
Thank you
R
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment, Rhonda. I have a feeling this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship! (I stole that line or something close to it from one of my favorite movies, Casablanca, but it is still MY truth. Bogey just said it decades before I got a chance to!) ;-D!
Russ
I can’t think of a better place to steal such a line! And I agree; here’s to beginnings then!
R
Thank you for reading my blog, I will follow your blog and hope you will continue to read and follow mine. Your blog sounds appealing in concept!
Thank you for your kind comment and for following and reading my blog. I look forward to reading many more of your posts as well!
Russ
Russ, Thank you for following my blog and your thoughtful comments! I love reading your posts, they are always so insightful, positive, and supportive! That’s why I nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award 🙂 Check it out at:
http://thehandwrittenlife.wordpress.com/2012/07/11/one-lovely-blog-award/
Thank you, Andrea. I am touched and honored by your nomination! Thank you, kindly!
Russ
You are quite welcome 🙂
I truly love your blog! It warms my heart to read your posts! How am I able to follow it so I don’t miss anything?
Thank you,
Christina
Welcome! Thank you for your kind comment! I love the name of your blog and plan to check out your blog sometime after the market closes today.
To follow my blog: Hopefully ABOVE the large white horizontal bar that contains the name of my blog in large font near the top of the screen is a thin horizontal black bar. Inside that black bar in the upper left of your screen and reading from left-to-right should be Worpress’ logo, then “A Grateful Man”, and then the word “Follow”. If you click on the word “Follow” I think that should work. If it doesn’t or your screen is set up differently, please say so in the comments section and perhaps one of my dear readers will offer other suggestions.
Russ
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Hi, I nominated you for The Illuminating Blogger Award…Diane Details at http://hometogo232.wordpress.com/2012/07/20/surprised-twice/
Thank you for your kindness, Diane! I am honored by your action. Thank you! I plan to learn more about it at the link you provided sometime after the investment markets close today.
Russ
Hi Russ. I have nominated you for the Dedicated Follower Award. Details are here: http://largeself.com/2012/07/25/id-like-to-thank-the-hollywood-foreign-press/ And thank you so much for being here! Love, Cathy
Russ, thank you for stopping by and liking my blog.I hope to be grateful along with you with my words.
Take care,
Ivon
Thank you, Ivon.
Russ
Pingback: Four More and Seven Tears ago… « Help Me Rhonda
Hi, Rhonda. I’m not familiar with Pingbacks so if I’m breaking ettiquette somehow by not doing something in return please know that it isn’t intentional!
I just re-blogged a post I enjoyed from your blog.
Russ
Russ…when you have time…would you please stop by?
http://help-me-rhonda.com/2012/08/13/four-more-and-seven-tears-ago/
Thanks,
Rhonda
Thank you, Rhonda! I’m glad I did!
Russ
🙂 and thanks for re-blogging Carpe Vita…I think we could all use a bit of dessert for lunch yeah?
Yeah, and a double-helping on some days!
Russ
Haha! Absolutely!
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Hi Russ…Hope you are well..I’ve nominated you for the Kreativ Blog Award Diane Should you wish to see details and/or participate details are at http://hometogo232.wordpress.com/2012/08/14/humility-tested/
Thank you, Diane. How sweet of you! I plan to got to your site and get the details sometime in the next 24 hours after I deal with several work-related projects and meetings. I appreciate your kindness!
Russ
Pingback: Thank You Diane! & More About Me (Aren’t You Getting Tired of Hearing About Me Yet?) | A Grateful Man
Hi Russ, Thanks for visiting my blog! I appreciate the likes and comment!
It was my pleasure Michael. Thank you for visiting mine. You are welcome anytime!
Russ
I’m so glad you found my little blog because it has led me to yours.
That makes two of us! Welcome!
Russ
Dear Russ, what a big-hearted blog this is! From my heart to yours, thank you.
Bless xoxo
Thank you for your heart-warming message. May my blog resonate for you as yours does for me.
Warm wishes to you,
Russ
When we decorated our home for my daguethr’s wedding, I kept her favorite vintage troll doll in the center of the room. That was a doll with wedding theme, it resembled a bride in her white wedding gown. My daguethr was so happy seeing this surprise and she came near me and hugged me.
Your story brought a smile to my face Jolinne. Thank you for sharing it.
Russ
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Thank you again for the recognition and honor!
Russ
Thank you for stopping by Dear Ms. Migraine and liking my post. You have an amazing blog here. Keep up the good work!
Thank you, Lori. Welcome to my humble online home. You are welcome to stop by anytime.
Russ
Hi Russ, I nominated you for the 2012 Blog of the Year Award. 🙂 http://thejolynproject.com/2012/12/18/give-the-gifts-that-keep-on-giving-awards/ Thanks for spreading positive energy through your blog.
Thank you, Jolyn! I am honored by your nomination of my site. I’m also swamped after having been out of town for three days. It is going to take awhile for me to catch up, but when I do I plan to inform readers about you and your fun, check out the the other blogs you nominated and most like begin to follow some of them, and will probably reblog some posts from some of them over time to help spread the love.
Russ
You’re welcome! There is absolutely no rush. Just thank you for being so kind. Happy Holidays! 🙂
Same to you, my friend!
Russ
Happy Holidays, Russ!
Thank you for your wonderful blog and the tidbits of inspiration you sprinkle throughout our days 🙂 Yours is definitely one of the best blogs out there! Just thought I would stop by and let you know I’ve nominated you for the Blog of the Year Award: http://thehandwrittenlife.wordpress.com/2012/12/29/blog-of-the-year-award-2012/
Andrea
Thank you, kindly, Andrea! I appreciate that you have taken the time to honor my blog in this way. Congratulations on all of the awards you have earned. I enjoy reading your blog a lot. I’ve been out of town all weekend and have had out of state company for the last 10 days so I’ve got a lot of catching up to do, but in the meantime I wanted to acknowledge your kindness.
Happy New Year!
Russ
Hey Russ…great site you have here, but a lil hard to find! If you want to link your Gravatar profile to here–here’s an easy How-to I posted for us Bloggers…:) http://charronschatter.com/2013/01/17/heres-looking-up-your-old-address/
Thank you! I plan to give that a try.
Russ
yaaAAAyyy…that’s the beginning of a stadium wave–now you stand up, throw your hands inna air!! 😉
This is the most refreshing mission statement I have ever read! You are accomplishing this goal well, sir.
Thank you, David. Welcome to my humble on-line home. May you always feel welcome here.
Russ
Charron: LOL! I love stadium waves! I believe my blog is now easier to find thanks to you! Thank you!
Russ
My first time here, but I’m sure it won’t be my last! I appreciate the positivity.
Thank you, Steve. Welcome to my humble online home. May you always feel welcome.
Russ
Hi Russ! I’ve nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award, simply because you’ve inspired me with your posts! You can check out the details here: http://rusticrecluse.wordpress.com/2013/03/20/very-inspiring-blogger-award/
Cheers!
Congratulations for being nominated for this award and thank you for nominating my blog for same. I’m humbled and honored at receiving it. As I have received this award multiple times before, and mention and list many blogs on an on-going basis including at least 70 at a time on my home page via their avatars, I will acknowledge you and your blog for honoring my blog and I will mention 7 things about myself that I hopefully haven’t mentioned earlier. Hopefully that is in keeping with the spirit of the award.
Russ
Congratulations ~ I’ve nominated you for the WP Family Award! Please stop by to pick up your award ~ Hugs to you! http://misifusa.wordpress.com/2013/04/20/a-la-familia-wp-family-awards/
Thank you for honoring me in this wonderful way! I hope to accept the award more fully when my work and travel schedules return to normal in about a week.
Russ
Russ ~ I know this is a busy time for you but I wanted you to know how much you are appreciated! ♥
Thank you for your understanding and patience too, Misifusa!
Russ
It gives me great pleasure to tell you that I have linked you in my latest post as a part of my WordPress Family: http://dlcloe.com/2013/04/25/sweet-blessings/
Have a wonderful week!
~Deanna
Thank you, Deanna! It gives me great pleasure to read your comment. May you always feel welcome at my humble online home. I look forward spending quality time at your online home too.
Russ
Nice reading about you.
Thanks for following my blog Ajaytao2010@wordpress.com. Browse through the category sections, I feel you may definitely find something of your interest.
I enjoyed several photos at your site. Thank you for sharing them.
Russ
thank you so much and be in touch
I love Buddha’s reasoning ergo I think I shall like yours too! 😉
:-D! I drink thirstily from what I believe to be the cups of truth, kindness, love, and wisdom wherever I find them.
Russ
I nominated you! http://soadhachami.wordpress.com/2013/05/04/shine-on-award/
Congratulations on winning this award, Soad. Thank you for nominating my blog for this award. I am honored.
Russ
Russ, I know that you recently discussed not receiving awards, but I have been so impressed with your writings, I am somewhat stepping over those wishes and nominating you for the WordPress Family Award. You can see more at http://drbillwooten.com/ Thank you for your thoughtful posts. Bill
Thank you, Bill. Thank you. I am touched that that you took the time to honor my blog in this way. I too enjoy your writing and your blog.
For clarification to all bloggers:
My recent declaration about awards is more to help fellow bloggers to know in advance that I will be unlikely to do all the things necessary to accept an award. In other words, it was to let myself off the hook in advance regarding anyone’s expectations as to what I will do upon receiving them. I think awards are a great idea, and when I began receiving them as a new blogger, I felt heard, honored, understood, and appreciated. I still feel that way about the individual, and the wonderful people who take the time to nominate my blog for them. It is more a matter of “Too-much-of-a-good-thing” and took increasing amounts of time from what I prefer to do, which is to write and to enjoy the writing of others. Thank you all for your understanding, support, and friendship.
Russ
Russ – I listened to your songs, “nature’s symphony” and “my old friend” today. (finally put the cd in my computer, re-imported my old iTunes songs, which got pushed aside by Pandora). The songs are quite good. Thanks for sharing.
C.-
Thank you, Clark. I appreciate that you took the time to listen to them and to provide feedback to me.
Russ
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Thank you, dear friend, for your kind words about me, and for spreading the word about this project and these books.
Russ
Hi Russ, thank you for discovering my blog http://www.throughharoldslens.com. You gave me the opportunity to discover, explore and decide to Follow your blog. Hope we both enjoy our journeys. Best, Harold, and my trusty sidekick Mr. SLR Nikon,
Thank you, Harold. I too have begun following your blog and looking forward to the adventure.
Thank you Russ. Let’s enjoy the ride.
Though the words are simple, the effect and meaning are strong. Thank you.
Thank you for your kind comment. May you always feel at home and welcome here.
Thank you so much for all of this.
The pleasure is mine, Ann. May you always feel welcome and at home here.
Russ
Hi, WordPress.com – in its annual review of my blog – recommended your blog as one I might like to follow as it believed we were similar. I’m not exactly sure how they figured that out but I did enjoy some of your articles. Well thought-out, well-written, and well… good to read.
Have a great 2014! [http://ohmart.wordpress.com]
Thank you for your kind comment, ohmart. May you always feel welcome hear. I plan to check out your blog too.
What a lovely vision and purpose–thank you for the inspiration.
Thank you for your kind comment. May you always feel welcome here.
Russ
This is one of my favourite quotes and will remain true throughout time. I am looking forward to following your inspirational and positive blog. Great name for it – I feel grateful for life and it’s wonders everyday.
Thank you, Annika. May you always feel respected, appreciated, and welcome here.
Russ
I will indeed, thank you! I see you are now following my blog, that’s great and look forward to seeing there too.
A noble purpose…you seem to be accomplishing this well.
Thank you, Mrs. P.
Russ
and you have done this, russ.
I’m delighted by your feedback an kind comment, Beth. Thank you.
Russ