This morning as I scanned Facebook posts wishing everyone a Happy New Year, I read a note written by my friend Aimee. She mentioned that she had recently been told about a website called 750 Words. You can read more about it here, but in a nutshell, we are encouraged to begin each day by writing 750 words (roughly three pages). It is based on an idea promoted in the book The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. As I understand it, it’s a way to release all the “clutter” in your mind so that you can allow the important thoughts, ideas, etc. to come through.
I’d read about this “practice” a few years ago, and from time to time I have begun my day in this way. The first time I tried it, it was hard to imagine what I would find to write about but in a few minutes the words began to pour onto the page and in ten or 15 minutes I was done. Each successive attempt at writing my three pages has been equally successful.
So, why don’t I do this more often? I suppose sometimes I get lazy or I forget about it or maybe I feel too busy with other things. But I think that will change with the “750 words” website. One big difference is that you are typing and not writing long hand (which makes reading my work infinitely easier!) and there are little rewards built-in to make it fun. Today it took me about 15 minutes to get to 750 words and I felt better at the end of the exercise. While not really a New Year’s resolution, I hope to make this a daily habit and encourage you to see if it is something that would interest you.
As for my pie of the day, a neighbor of mine mentioned that her friend Peggy might like to receive a pie. She thought a quiche might be appreciated and that was pretty much all that I needed to get started. I cooked bacon, spinach and onions and grated some sharp white cheddar for this pie. In no time at all it was in the oven and an hour or so later we were on our way to deliver the quiche.
I was met at the door by a man who welcomed me in and went to announce me to Peggy. When she first saw me, she definitely seemed a bit curious. Immediately I mentioned my neighbor’s name so that she would feel more at ease and then I briefly explained my pie project and that today’s pie was for her. When she had heard my tale, Peggy’s beautiful smile was the best reaction I could ask for… and an absolutely wonderful beginning for the new year.
Because that’s what kindness is. It’s not doing something for someone else because they can’t, but because you can. ~Andrew Iskander
Pie a Day Give Away 
Saw my name and started looking around for my pie!
Just kidding. I hope you love the site as much as I do. It’s really helping in a lot of strange but wonderful ways. happy new year to you and your wonderful family.
xoxox
Aimee
Thanks for the 750 Words referral. I started it today and I think it’s a great idea. I like your site too and I’m really impressed that you have made such a commitment in time and effort. Congratulations. Jack & Patty
I’ve just discovered you. What a wonderful person you must be. What wonderful energy you must have. I just write about cooking. You do it. And then give it away. I find that strangely moving. I shall follow your blog with so much pleasure. Every day. Have a very Happy New Year. Caroline in France
Caroline,
I just read a few of your posts… what a blast it must have been to see Sir Paul! We saw him in Portland, Oregon a few years back and I agree he is worth the ticket price! What a great time we had.
Thank you for your kinds words… this gifting of a pie has become an amazing journey. One that I could not have predicted. I wonder how did you “discover” me? I would love to know how the dots connected. Thank you for following my blog. And I like the idea of “one french word” and will try and follow along as well. Happy New Year to you too!
Karen, I was blessed to receive day 270! I have be so blessed by so many people and you, yesterday was no exception. We enjoyed your bacon spinach onion keich. Oh my gosh, it was so good! I thank you and your neighbor (and my sweet friend) for your kindness and generosity. Another angel! Peggy
Peggy, I was really so delighted to give you a pie and was grateful to Ellen for the recommendation. I am glad you liked it… I love quiche too… and most things with bacon!
Sometimes I am not sure how folks feel about receiving a pie, but your smile seemed to fill the room, and there was no doubt that you were pleased. I send you happy wishes for the new year.
Karen