The time I emptied my wallet to give to another, the story of "Brother Can You Spare a Dime," and recipe for a Kitchen Cupboard Pie using ingredients you most likely already have on hand.
A woman not being "nice" (or, now, "kind") is a cardinal sin for many Americans, as I learned as a teen newly arrived from the UK. I was amazed at the shaming I got from friends when I rebuffed unsolicited advice, and solicitations. Once , in Santa Monica, a young American friend and I were approached by a con man with a story of needing bus fare. I tried to walk on, but she was hooked. At that moment, a woman rushed out from the shop we were standing next to, and in an English accent, gave the bloke an earful, and sent him packing. "He's always doing this," she explained to us. I was so proud. Hope such stories give courage to women to be more wary! There are so many ways to help, but giving in to panhandlers ain't it.
Exactly. I also remind myself of the struggling homeless women and children who are least likely to be aggressive panhandlers, and how women are more likely to be approached.
Loved this post Kate. It brought me back to a very happy time. Thinking of the transition from little cabin to bigger house, as well as that time in both of our lives with a young child at home loving to spend time with just dad.
There are many reasons and situations in life that we know little about. I keep a sandwich bag or 2 in my car or purse with a care package. A pair of new socks, $5, a snackbar and a Penzey's encouragement card 'Be the best that you can be'... not a lot, no judgement, a little hope and value for someone that may be in need or down and out for whatever circumstance they are in. I remember my Dad telling me that his mom would send him to the market each week and to ask the butcher for 2 pkg. of ground beef, 1 lb. in each pkg. He was to then stop by and ask a certain neighbor (that she knew that was struggling financially) if she would consider trading a few peices of fruit from her tree in exchange for 1 of the packages of beef, that he had gotten his Mom's order wrong. The neighbor would smile and gladly 'help him out'....the story line may have varied slightly over future exchanges but both families helped each other the best they could and with good intentions and a warm heart. This was during the depression era, but that story stays with me to this day. Human kindness within reason without being exploited is commendable. Now that pie recipe and your story look enticing also. Does the pie taste like a tart custard pie. It looks interesting and refreshing!
That’s a great idea, Mary Jane, having some care packages available, along with a note of encouragement. A thoughtful gift, kind word, and smile can do wonders to lift one’s spirits.
A woman not being "nice" (or, now, "kind") is a cardinal sin for many Americans, as I learned as a teen newly arrived from the UK. I was amazed at the shaming I got from friends when I rebuffed unsolicited advice, and solicitations. Once , in Santa Monica, a young American friend and I were approached by a con man with a story of needing bus fare. I tried to walk on, but she was hooked. At that moment, a woman rushed out from the shop we were standing next to, and in an English accent, gave the bloke an earful, and sent him packing. "He's always doing this," she explained to us. I was so proud. Hope such stories give courage to women to be more wary! There are so many ways to help, but giving in to panhandlers ain't it.
This was such a blatant con. He was dressed well and when I came out of the store I saw that his girlfriend was in the car doing her make up.
Exactly. I also remind myself of the struggling homeless women and children who are least likely to be aggressive panhandlers, and how women are more likely to be approached.
Loved this post Kate. It brought me back to a very happy time. Thinking of the transition from little cabin to bigger house, as well as that time in both of our lives with a young child at home loving to spend time with just dad.
We are so lucky that our kids grew up like they did, Vicki.
Always a great short read.
Thank you,
RW
Thanks, Rick.
There are many reasons and situations in life that we know little about. I keep a sandwich bag or 2 in my car or purse with a care package. A pair of new socks, $5, a snackbar and a Penzey's encouragement card 'Be the best that you can be'... not a lot, no judgement, a little hope and value for someone that may be in need or down and out for whatever circumstance they are in. I remember my Dad telling me that his mom would send him to the market each week and to ask the butcher for 2 pkg. of ground beef, 1 lb. in each pkg. He was to then stop by and ask a certain neighbor (that she knew that was struggling financially) if she would consider trading a few peices of fruit from her tree in exchange for 1 of the packages of beef, that he had gotten his Mom's order wrong. The neighbor would smile and gladly 'help him out'....the story line may have varied slightly over future exchanges but both families helped each other the best they could and with good intentions and a warm heart. This was during the depression era, but that story stays with me to this day. Human kindness within reason without being exploited is commendable. Now that pie recipe and your story look enticing also. Does the pie taste like a tart custard pie. It looks interesting and refreshing!
Essentially it is a custard sort of pie. Made with apple cider vinegar, the pie tastes like
lemon.
Whenever I've been ripped off in some manner, my first thought is always "I hope they needed it more than me". I don't hold grudges.
As always, our thoughts are aligned. *heart emoji*
That’s a great idea, Mary Jane, having some care packages available, along with a note of encouragement. A thoughtful gift, kind word, and smile can do wonders to lift one’s spirits.
By the way, Kate, Great job with Brother, can you spare a Dime’