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When I started this journey, one year ago, I had no idea where it might take me. I really didn’t even think about how I would find 365 people to bring pies to! I just woke up with this idea… and had a friend (Thank you Debbie) who encouraged me to pursue it. And once the idea was set in motion, I never really thought of stopping. Certainly there were times when I wondered if this was the path that I should be on, but I never even considered ending the journey early.
There are so many people who I met this year that I would never have met otherwise. Often, because I was willing to make a pie for someone in need, I became part of a greater story. I can’t help but think that each and every time we are willing to give of ourselves… or step outside of our comfort zones… that we have an opportunity to meet people who can show us a part of the world (or ourselves) that until then has remained hidden.
This blog is called “Pie a Day Giveaway”, but I feel that I have been given an extraordinary gift time and time again. I wish that everyone could know the feeling that comes when you are able to make someone else feel better. It is overwhelming and wonderful all at once… and I think if you could bottle this feeling, you’d make a fortune. Instead, the treasures that you gather are unseen, but bring a sense of satisfaction just the same.
Today I wanted to recognize the Ashland Rotary Club for their outstanding service to the community. I knew I could not give each of them a pie, and so I brought enough pie for all ninety of them to have one piece. When the president of the club, David, called upon me I explained this to the membership and read from one of the thank you notes that I received this past year. Here is an excerpt:
“What a way to make someone feel on top of the world! A simple yet totally generous thing to do…. I continue to feel completely overwhelmed at the honor. … Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Honestly, I’d have made a pie everyday just to get that one note. It really meant that much to me.
Finally, tonight I bid you all sweet dreams… but not farewell… for this is a leap year after all!
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
John F. Kennedy
PS I was honored to be featured in the local paper today. You can see that article here.
Pie a Day Give Away 
Congratulations, Karen! What an adventure you have had, with more than years’ worth of impact!
You have made a difference! Congratulations.
Having you visit with pies was one of the highlights of our year. You are the most thoughtful and charitable person I know. We’re lucky to have you among us in our community.
I’m thinking back to my favorite pie delivery stories and I think one of the ones that topped my list was the pie you gave the guy who accidently hit you with his car. What a generous thing to do and I’m sure it made an impact (no pun intended) on him.
Bless you and all your recipients. We count ourselves so fortunate to have been presented your amazing apple pie! May all the good feelings and generosity that you have sent into the world keep spreading and growing! You are the butterfly’s wing…
Congratulations Karen! You’ve done such an amazing job and we’re so grateful to have been able to watch this lovely and amazing journey. Thank you for you wonderful gift of kindness, your energy, your talent and your openness to whatever was going to happen to you on this journey you chose to take on. Woohoo!!!!