I ♥ senior citizens. There, I said it. It’s out, and I can’t take it back.

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Obviously, this man needs no connection to Pennsylvania to be honored on this website -- but you know me -- I found one -- MLKjr graduated from Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, PA. I love it when I able to link good people to this great state.

From the moment I stepped inside the central atrium of the Mercer Museum, I felt like Alice falling through the rabbit hole and emerging in Wonderland. My senses were overloaded as floor after floor contained an eclectic display of pre-industrial tools, seen from a multitude of vantage points, which made each tier of this castle grander than the next. Simply put -- this place is magical.

We’ve all heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday -- so it seems quite natural to add another day to the mix with #GivingTuesday. #GivingTuesday (yep, it’s spelled that way with the hashtag and no space) consists of more than 2,000 recognized partners, from all 50 U.S. states, which are either registered charities, or they are for-profit businesses, schools, religious or community groups who have committed to spearhead a project that will benefit at least one 501(c)3.

There is a lot to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. And as important as it is to be thankful for a job or home or family or lots of food -- there are many people we should be grateful for as well. Many of whom have passed on, but their ability to make our world a better place lives on.

Hypothetical question: If a random stranger on the street approached you and offered a free cupcake -- just because -- would you take it? Greg Gano and Sarah Sellman from American Bear, along with myself undertook that exact experiment a couple of months ago in the beautiful city of Scranton, PA. The idea was to pass out random snacks of kindness while promoting a simple message -- be kind.

I love mountains! So much so, I really should get a bumper sticker that declares my affection for these ancient geographical structures. Mountains are pleasing to look at, fun to explore, and easily inspire adventurers, which is why they do a great job of being a metaphor for many aspects of life -- not to mention being a great way to illustrate the halfway mark on the Pennsylvania, Here A Year project.

A way of life is picking up steam here in the United States; one that is marked by adventure and charity. Whether it's college students trading a bikini for a paintbrush during spring break, retirees joining the Peace Corps, or a twelve-year-old walking across America for the homeless, they all want the world to be a better place, and really, who doesn't? There's just something about adding curiosity and variety to the mundane.

Two races. Two terrific organizations. Two very successful fundraisers.

**Our family laid to rest my grandma this past Monday. She loved helping others, which is why her memory lives on every time I get out and volunteer. I am forever grateful for her example of selfless love and kindness.** I started volunteering at the age of eight.

If you missed pt1 “To Live”, click here. If you missed pt2 “To Discover”, click here. Roads...