I made two discoveries during a recent day downtown.
The first was bread pudding.
I stopped at Murchie’s for a pot of tea and a snack. Searching for something healthy in the long glass case filled with tarts, eclairs, puddings and pastries, I spied bread pudding. (I realize my level of self-delusion is sky high if I’m able to convince myself that heavy, eggy bread pudding is a healthy choice, but it works for me.)
The server shared some game changing information: Murchie’s doesn’t use bread in their bread pudding. Here’s where it gets really interesting–they use yesterday’s left over pastries! I know–bread pudding made with current scones and flaky blueberry danishes soaked in rich custard and baked until it’s light and fluffy! Add a cup of Earl Grey and it doesn’t get much better!
My second discovery was emotional rather than food-related.
An off duty bus driver passed me on the sidewalk. I was still thinking about my bread pudding, so I didn’t pay much attention to him.
He was several meters past me when a young woman across the street bellowed, “Hey, Mr. Bus Driver!”
Impressed by her projection (has she considered a career on the stage?), I worried about what she’d say next. One stranger screaming at another across a busy street–how could this end well?
“Your backpack is open!”
I turned to look at the bus driver and saw that his backpack was indeed wide open.
He zipped it, shouted thank you, and resumed walking.
I kept walking, too, but I felt a little glow.
Even though I hadn’t been a direct participant in this random act of kindness, I benefited from it. It felt good knowing I live in a community where people look out for one another.
Bread pudding and random acts of kindness–two very good things.
I’ll take a slice of both.
Good choice! A helping of kindness combined with that delicious bread pudding made me a happy, contented camper for the rest of the day.
Yes, kindness is great, but that bread pudding looks even better!
Agreed! That bread pudding was pretty special!