Sometimes a pie recipient comes to me by way of recommendation and, while that is true of today’s recipient, Barbara was on my list all along. Barbara is a member of my church, First Presbyterian of Ashland, and she is so involved that I needed to recognize her.
One of her many talents is creating flower arrangements. They are exquisitely crafted and to look at her you’d never know how much effort she puts into them for Barbara always looks cool, calm and collected. How she does it I don’t know. This past spring I attended a meeting where Barbara had designed the tabletop decorations. I was in awe of how she had taken a few sea shells and some other simple items and had made gorgeous centerpieces for each table. When I mentioned how lovely they were, Barbara was so humble. She was just sharing her gifts with us and that was that.
At one point I asked Barbara if she would consider giving a demonstration of her flower arranging skills – because I for one would love to be able to do what she does – and she shook her head as if to say , “It’s nothing really.” But I think that perhaps Barbara doesn’t know how amazingly talented she really is or how much we value the gifts that she brings to all the tasks that she takes on. I for one would be thrilled if she would share what she knows with the rest of the women in the church community.
Today I made an Apple Raisin Lattice Top pie for Barbara to thank her for all that she does so graciously for others without ever expecting anything in return. She is a wonderful role model and I hope that she knows how much we all appreciate her kind and giving spirit.
Pie a Day Give Away 
Couldn’t ask for a dearer recipient of one of your fabulous pies, Karen! I am thrilled to have Barbara, her gifts, and her radiant spirit recognized by your generous outpouring of a pie a day in baking and in words. Makes my day just to hear the stories!
Thank you Shirley, I really appreciate your comments… and I was so delighted to see that Barbara was tickled to get a pie. It really made my day to see her smile!
It’s so inspiring to see you sharing your gift every day and recognizing that in others. Thank you, Karen.
Chris,
Thank you for your note. It has been such an amazing journey of giving… and I think I have received so much more than I have given.
Karen