Intro
Yesterday I received this in the mail.
And this is how it made me feel.
In fact that dopey grin will most likely cover my face for at least a week after this unexpected gift from a dear friend – whom I’ve never met. Inside this box was a tightly wrapped loaf of apple bread.
Yeah, that’s right. I’ve never met her. Don’t be frightened – it’s not daily practice that I receive and consume baked goods from strangers. You see in my mind Sara is anything but a stranger. First of all check out her gorgeous site (SproutedKitchen.com) and tell me you wouldn’t eat anything that comes out of that delicious kitchen. We have our blogs and Twitter to thank for making us fast friends – kind of nerdy but it makes me happy.
Sara included a quote on the bottom of her hand-written note. “It is always the simple things that change our lives. And these things never happen when you are looking for them to happen.” Don Miller
This simple gesture of a home baked gift has indeed made an impression on my life. First of all it has made me even more eager to meet Sara so I can thank her in person and secondly it has spurred in me the great desire to return the favor so that someone else could feel this joy.
I know it’s just a loaf (a very tasty one at that) but it represents so much more. Sara took the time to think about me and how this gift would make me feel, she took care when baking it, wrapped it tightly, placed a sweet note next to it’s side and sturdied into a box to make the overnight journey to reach my front door on an sunny Saturday afternoon. A selfless act of kindness with no expectation of gift in return – the definition of love.
An act of love catches one off guard and they are forever changed.
Thank you Sara for your loving kindness.
What a wonderful gift. I have yet to see a recipe on her site that I don’t want to make myself. Now, I’m hooked. Because I just stocked up at the orchard, I have no choice but to make the apple bread! BTW – your photos are great.
What a great way to open your month of daily blog posts! I’m traveling this month, but when I’m home I”m planning to stop by every day to see what you’re up to. BRAVA!
What a lovely and inspiring post – now I want to send a surprise to somebody! It brought a smile to my Monday morning – thank you!
What a lovely cake! What a lovely girl! and what LOVELY lipstick that is you have on 😉
Ashley!!! This made MY week! I feel famous to be a part of your marathon blog month. Such a gorgeous written post, and not just because you confirmed our nerdy internet friendship, but because you too, agree with how special it is to love people. Classic picture of your face!
Wow, it’s such a nice gesture from sara, and you write perfectly the happiness that comes when you give or receive for no accosion in particular, it’s the best!
Wow! That looks delicious. Thanks for steering me in the direction of her blog. I will definitely try this after a trip to the apple orchard.
That looks delicious. I would love a piece toasted and smeared with peanut butter. 🙂 Need to head over to Sara’s blog now for the recipe…
The loaf looks moist and delicious, the gesture was quite thoughtful, and your reaction/post was very profound and well-expressed.
Oh my goodness, that IS the best feeling! I felt the same way when I found this on my doorstep this past spring. It definitely made me want to “pay it forward” 🙂 http://www.roostblog.com/roost/2009/4/30/a-simple-way-to-welcome-spring.html
A personalized gift is the best gift in the whole world. And that loaf is extra special with a written note and knowing that it tastes really good because she baked it specially for you. That is so touching.
I love this.
How sweet! And that picture of you rocks! I can’t imagine anything better than a loaf of bread on your doorstep!
How exciting!! It’s always fun to receive mail, but getting a homemade baked good is even better.
Sarah is such a sweetheart, and I totally agree about the quote she chose and about the writer it’s from (just heard him speak last Friday night – so good). What a sweet story and this bread looks fab (of course!).
Oh, this just warms my heart. Getting packages is one of life’s simple pleasures, especially if they are prepared so lovingly. I’m so glad you’re one of those people who appreciates them.