Sometimes an idea is worth repeating.
If you are a long-time resident of the House of Shine then you might remember Peanut and the Shell - a favorite summer ritual of mine.
My mother is magical. Each summer when we were little she organized all the kids on Hollywood Avenue to participate in a week-long round of the game, Peanut and the Shell.
Every child on the block got the name of someone else and for one week we gave and received mystery gifts.
I left a big Hershey bar and a note reading, "From your shell" on Faith Dunn's front step. Then, I rang the door bell and hid behind a bush waiting for her to answer the door.
My best friend, Laura Muccini, got a box of 64 crayons and later found out her shell was Jennifer Smith. Laura was the envy of everyone.
One summer, Hank the postman anonymously delivered a new book to my sister Ellen.
Eddie got a yo-yo and I seem to remember that one year my sister, Ann, drew the name of Alfred Knecht - the bully of the block.
Next week eight of my friends, who live in the area, and I will embark on our annual game of Peanut and the Shell.
This weekend I will mail each woman the name of their Peanut. For the next six weeks her job will be to use either email, snail mail, or delivery by proxy to send her peanut small treats. In late July the nine of us will get together, pool-side, and try to guess who was whose "peanut" and who was the most masterful "shell."
How about you? Can I interest you in organizing a round for your friends, for the kids on your block, the kids who frequent your community pool, or for your friends at work?
Considering, but still have questions?
Must you play for six weeks? No way. You designate the period of time. Is there a price limit on treats? Only if you set one. How do people know one another's likes and dislikes? I find that most treats are welcomed treats, but consider having your participants answer a short questionnaire.
It's easy, it's fun, and I'm pretty sure it will spread some shine.
Shining off until tomorrow...