Inhale the present, exhale the past.

Now, let your breath guide you back to the present moment, where peace and mindfulness reside.

Thank you for reading today’s edition of Grateful Gazette 😌

Here’s what to know for Wednesday:

• A McDonald’s hosts chess tournaments

• Rick Rubin opens up on creativity

• Bird feeders give more than just food

DO YOU WANT A CHECKMATE WITH THOSE FRIES?

So, you're craving a Big Mac and some fries, but you also feel like a game of chess. Where do you go? If you're in St. John's, the answer is the McDonald's on Kenmount Road. 

This place is not just about fast food; it's also a chess hotspot!

This McDonald's transforms into a chess haven every Thursday evening and Sunday morning. 

Tables usually littered with fries and ketchup become battlefields for knights, pawns, and queens. It's like a secret world where burgers meet bishops!

The restaurant launched chess nights as a one-time event, but now it's the main draw.

What started as a Family Fun Night has turned into a community gem. 

Samadha Chauhan and her kids, Shiven and Samiran, are regulars. They combine their love for McDonald's with their passion for chess. 

It's a brain-boosting family outing with a side of fries!

Then there's Randy Green, the chess enthusiast who kickstarted this whole thing. He's the guy who thought, "Why not mix fast food and fast moves?" And it worked! 

It's not just about winning; it's about community, learning, and, of course, enjoying a good meal. 

Whether you're a chess pro or just curious, this McDonald's welcomes you with open arms and open chess boards.

So next time you're in St. John's and fancy a chess game with your meal, you know where to go. It's a checkmate for community spirit at McDonald's!

🎉 Wild antelope take a huge step forward and get off the endangered list

🪡 A fashion student designs clothes meant to help prevent injuries for elderly women

💰 A frugal millionaire donates millions to non-profits in his hometown after he passes

🎵 Rick Rubin talks about taking communion with Johnny Cash and the connection between religion and creativity

✝️ Millions of pilgrims gather for the Guadalupe festival in Florida to keep a decades-old tradition alive

🦴 The massive skull of a sea creature is discovered on England’s Jurassic coast

Bird feeders are more than just a snack stop for our feathered friends.

They're a window to a world that brings joy and peace to many. 

Ashley Dayer, a professor at Virginia Tech, is exploring the heartwarming connection between humans and bird feeding. Her own mom's devotion to this delightful hobby inspired her.

It's a simple pleasure that brings a sense of calm and connection to nature. 

Based on observations from the FeederWatch network, Dayer's study shows that bird feeding is a hobby that can positively impact our well-being.

This isn't just about tossing seeds into a feeder; it's about the emotional bond that forms when we regularly observe and care for wildlife. 

The study has already received an overwhelming response, with thousands of bird enthusiasts sharing their experiences and emotional responses.

Dayer's research reveals how this simple act of feeding birds can be deeply fulfilling. 

It's a reminder of the joy and comfort found in the rhythm of nature and the small, everyday actions we take to be a part of it. 

So, consider setting up a bird feeder next time you're feeling overwhelmed. It might just be the soothing soul food you need.

Embrace the holiday magic.

Even a crowd in a department store or a line for hot chocolate feels warmer during the holidays. We’re part of this collective, all trying to spread cheer and give to the ones we love.

That’s special. Don’t underestimate that connection.

Enjoy that beauty and spread some of this holiday season with something as simple as a smile.

- Thank you for reading Grateful Gazette. Remember to breathe deeply to bring your mind back to your body 💜

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