Alexa

Kids these days do not have any concept of encyclopedias. Why would they? We have Google. We have Siri on our iPhones so now we don’t even have to type inquiries into Google search anymore. And for the ultimate convenience, we have Alexa devices in our homes. Again, this allows us to ask our questions but cell phones do not even have to be on our person to do so. We can just call out to Alexa and ask away. As long as we program Alexa to follow our commands, she is there to help us. It’s pretty amazing how far we’ve come from encyclopedias.

The moment we brought the Alexa device into our home, we were marveled by her wisdom. How does she know all these things? Where does she store all these facts since the device is so small? How is Alexa able to have a sense of humor? It was so mysterious and fun for all of us. Since then, we sort of take all of this for granted because with Alexa, we know that if we just ask, we shall receive.

I feel like I should start this next paragraph with, “Once upon a time” because this is truly a fairy tale. One day a few months ago, my cousin Jay-Jay, asked me if I was interested in having a daily Thoughtful Pinch on Alexa. Excuse me? What did you say? Would I what? Yes, I am interested. Why was she asking this? At the time, I was in the final stages of version 1.0 of my app, Thoughtful Pinch and I had several projects going on at the same time. How could I possibly make that happen? Using a “My Cousin Vinny “ accent, let’s just say my cousin knows someone who knows someone - if you know what I mean? In continuing with the fairy tale theme - like a genie in a bottle, Jay-Jay’s friend Michael Lynch, asked what he could do for me. And like a princess, an Alexa skill was magically created just for me and my Thoughtful Pinch blog.

Last week, the day before my birthday, I received an early thoughtful pinch. Actually, it is the opposite of a pinch, it’s definitely a thoughtful “OVER-THE-TOP” gift. You’ll see what I’m talking about. Watch the video below.

The skill isn’t even live yet but I can already tell you that I have “made it”. Meaning, I am somebody important enough to be shared with any one who has an Alexa device. I just feel like a rock star because how many people can say that they have an Alexa skill? Sure, I am fully aware that I have a VERY LONG way to go before people start saying on the daily, “Alexa, ask Thoughtful Pinch what is the pinch of the day.” Or “Alexa, ask Thoughtful Pinch for today’s thoughtful pinch.” But I don’t even care about that. My happiness is found in the OPPORTUNITY to share a sample of what the blog is about because Alexa will read the first paragraph of my post to those who will inquire. Hopefully, people will want to know more and read the blog for further info. My whole goal is to spread thoughtfulness and this tool can help me reach that goal. Additionally, at some point, Alexa will read information provided by nationaldaycalendar.com about the national days. This too, will be helpful in achieving my goal. The magnitude of gratitude that I have for Michael, who created this skill for me, can’t fully be expressed in a thank you card.

You might think that the fairy tale ends here. It doesn’t. Days after testing the Alexa skill, I received a basket of delicious nuts, cute cups and a bottle of Prosecco from Michael’s wife, Christy. Because that’s normal. For her, that is normal. For the rest of us, not so much. Christy is so darn sweet and thoughtful that creating an Alexa skill just wasn’t enough to give as a birthday gift. Nope. She needed to add a basket of treats and wine for good measure. Talk about being treated like a princess!

I love this sentiment and I plan to use it often! Christy hung this cute tag around the neck of the Prosecco bottle.

The Pellicer cousins took Christy’s gift to the local blow dry place and had glasses of Prosecco and nuts while we got our hair done. What a special day made even more special with touches like these. Thank you Christy!

Now, I am going to say, “And they lived happily ever after.” because in this fairy tale there is an “ever-after”. Just like encyclopedias, Alexa devices may be replaced one day but something that will never become obsolete is thoughtfulness. It will go on forever. It will never be replaced with something newer, faster or better. Thanks to Michael and Christy Lynch, they have made it possible for me to share my information about thoughtfulness by using an Alexa skill that they created. I am forever grateful for this chance to do more for more. I don’t know what magic they used, but somehow this wonderful couple has managed to give me a “rock star” feeling that is tangible. May the kindness they put out into the world, come right back at them and they live happily ever after. The End.

Pinches,

Barb