It’s very generic really - the art of making a difference. It happens in all walks of life, in every job, and in every neighborhood. There is a fine line that separates doing only what needs to be done and doing what will be long remembered. Too often we get caught up in the busy-ness of each day. Our focus tends to get stuck in caring only for the day to day needs of number one. Wheat would life be like if we remembered to take a few minutes or a few hours here and there to make an unexpected difference in someone else’s life?

I invited an elderly friend to my home for brunch not long ago. She was quite independent, but had lost her husband nearly a year ago and struggled with loneliness. I wanted to offer her a morning filled with special touches of things she loved. That included appointing my charming husband to play chauffeur, a table setting with my best linens, a menu to tempt her appetite, all the conversation she could want and then, coffee in the music room while I played piano for her. It was a delightful morning.

Now, I happen to love the beauty and fun of a formal tea, a luncheon or in the case of my friend, a morning brunch with all the trimmings. But, there are countless ways of taking that extra step. Sometimes I simply write a short note of encouragement or recognize the hard work of a job well done. The extra step does not have to take hours and hours of planning. Some of the most appreciated moments take just that to give - moments.

People notice when something is not routine. They also know and recognize the difference between duty and genuine caring. Yes, it can take great effort to make the time to do these things. However, I have learned the hard way that sometimes we only get one chance to make a difference - and if we miss it - we may never get another one. Need comes in every size, shape and color. Start small. Pick one and see if you can make a difference in someone’s day.

My kitchen has become the hub of many a family gathering - filling the house with aromas enough to tempt even the fussiest eater. I come from a long line of great cooks and - over the years - have mastered some of the finest down home cooking around. 

While I am an avid promoter of healthy eating, some things just can’t be changed. So, for those moments when I long for that something really special, I pull out my collection of family heritage recipes and indulge. I firmly believe that if I am going to indulge my cravings, it might as well be something worth the calories.

I am never disappointed. I actually compiled a cookbook over the past year and filled it with my favorites - even going so far as to do step by step pictures on making bread and the best pie crust around so others could enjoy these incredible recipes.

Looking at the finished product, it is quite apparent that breads, pies, and main meals come out on top. Yes, some of them - could it be the pies??? - are not a great advertisement for healthy eating - but you won’t fine a tastier treat. Just don’t eat them every day!