A Random Act of Kindness... Returned.

 

 It was a random act of kindness but I wonder who the receiver really was.

It’s raining dogs and cats today. As I was crossing the street I noticed a homeless man sitting on a chair outside a restaurant, the rain literally pouring down on him. I'm sure hundreds of people just passed him by without so much as a second look this morning. He wasn't shaking a cup; he wasn’t asking for anything, he was just sitting there, in the pouring rain.

Something drew me to him, I found myself heading straight toward him at a quick pace.  I walked up to him and knelt before him so we could be at eye level then I offered him my umbrella. He looked me in the eyes with a deep gratitude, he thanked me... but it was the way he said these two little words that touched my spirit. I responded… your welcome sir... before I could walk away, I paused… It’s cold out here; I'll be right back.

I came back with a hot tea and a breakfast pastry, set up his tea, sugar, plate fork knife, napkins on the table next to him. I asked if he took milk in his tea or if he wanted honey in place of sugar. He said what I provided was just fine. He thanked me again, he had such kind loving eyes... then he said, something that really took hold within my soul, thank you for “seeing me.”  I said nothing in response,  just gave a gentle nod and walked on my way... I hardly noticed I was drenched until I reached my destination. I can’t adequately express the way this exchange touched my spirit, but it touched me very deeply. I gave this man an umbrella and some breakfast.... what he gave me was so much more.

 

People watching...

I'm a people watcher. It’s amazing all the stories that I can conjure up in my mind as I sit and watch the people come and go. Sitting in my favorite corner of my favorite little breakfast/lunch spot, I see many people just coming and going, the lady that always orders the coffee and French toast, and the guy that starts his day with a diet coke. The young bus boy just making his rounds from table to table, he seems preoccupied today, I wonder what's on his mind. 

And, then I see her.... she was sitting by the window, all the way on the other side of the restaurant this sweet little elderly lady, she is beautiful, silver hair, coffee colored skin, pink lipstick. Even though there are clearly many more years behind her then there are in front of her she is still radiating beauty. 
 I thought she was alone, but, then... an elderly gentleman appears, he is quite dapper, well dressed, I imagine he was quite the ladies’ man “back in the day.” Is he… her husband, maybe? Yes....her husband... he kisses her on her head and she looks up at him, so lovingly, as if it was the first time she was seeing him. 

He places her coffee and muffin on the table in front of her; he takes the seat across from her. His oatmeal arrives. I bet they have been eating the same breakfast for the last 50 years, muffin and coffee for her, oatmeal for him. I smile to myself as I think; maybe he is watching his cholesterol so he can be with his love for another 50 years. They are so cute together. They don't say much, I doubt they really need to "speak" actual words to each other after all these years. She hands him a napkin, he smiles, and she touches his hand. ..... I love people watching....

Quick Recipe: Oatmeal with Fried Apples

Here is an awesome way to eat your oatmeal; with "fried" apples on top.

Don't worry they are not actually fried at all. :) 

Oatmeal with Fried Apples

 Oatmeal with Fried Apples

This makes 1-2 servings. 

Sliced apples (skin off) (organic is nice)

Add apples to saucepan with 1/4 cup water 

1 tbsp. vegan butter

Squeeze a fresh lemon 

Cinnamon to taste

Sweetener of choice (Stevia, honey, raw organic sugar etc.) to taste. 

Allow to simmer until apples are soft and sauce thickens. 

Cook oatmeal as per package directions but you want it sticky not watery. 

Top with fried apples and all that gooey cinnamon sauce. 

Enjoy and do it again! :) 

You’re welcome ;)

Chocolate banana oatmeal....

Organic steel cut Irish style oatmeal topped with bananas, honey, cacao nibs and flax.

Mix it all together and you get chocolate banana oatmeal and a huge smile on your face! :)

Chocolate banana oatmeal

Recipe: Organic Quinoa and Blueberry Salad

I came up with this totally by accident and now it’s one of my most favorite things to eat morning, noon and night!

This is a quick and easy complete meal in a bowl, full of protein, fiber and antioxidants. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Organic Quinoa and Blueberry Salad: 

Ingredients:

1 cup organic quinoa
1 cup organic blueberries
Optional: balsamic vinaigrette (to taste)

Directions: 

Cook 1 cup organic quinoa, according to package directions.

Allow the quinoa to cool on the stove then, transfer to a large covered bowl and place in the refrigerator to chill.

Once the quinoa is chilled add one cup (or more!) of fresh washed (preferably organic) blueberries and gently toss together.

You can eat this yummy mixture as is or add a splash of balsamic vinaigrette (you can use store bought or make your own.)

Enjoy!