59 Candles, 59 Things – Part Eleven

Seventeenth thing:  As I continue along on my series of 59 things that make me happy I have to address the perfect tomato.  Two of my three step kids (the boys) think tomatoes are evil.  Well, I love my step-sons but they are just wrong.  There is something magical about a perfect ripe tomato that is both a thing of beauty and deliciously refreshing. Once the home-grown and fresh local tomatoes begin appearing at farm stands and markets, I’m all about making gazpacho, ceviche, bruschetta, caprese, BLT’s or simply slicing them with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. When in season, they are perfection. You can find my Ceviche recipe on this blog and I promise to add my gazpacho and bruschetta recipes this summer.  In the meantime, please join me in celebrating the tomato!

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From a farm stand in Tennessee just this week. Yum!

Eighteenth thing: I have a lot of great pictures of Spence but there are two that are particular favorites of mine.  They always make me happy and both are framed and hang in our home.

These are the original Three Amigos. Taken awhile back by the wife of the man in the middle when all three guys sported ponytails and shared a love of fishing, travel and general mischief. Nick, Mustache and Spence - a favorite buddy picture.
These are the original Three Amigos. Taken awhile back by the wife of the man in the middle when all three guys sported ponytails and shared a love of fishing, travel and general mischief. Nick, Mustache and Spence – my favorite buddy picture.
Captain Spence with his daughter. Taken many years ago, priceless.
Captain Spence with his daughter, taken many years ago, priceless.

Nineteenth thing:  Is kindness a thing?  Maybe not tangible but as an action don’t we feel better when we are kind to another being? Isn’t it the best feeling when someone is kind to us? Or when we see or read about an act of kindness?

I periodically (and increasingly) find I need a break from watching the news.  There is so much sadness, tragedy and cruelty in our world that I find myself overwhelmed and unable to shake it off.

I always think that kindness, whether intended or a random act, is heartwarming, reaffirming and something we can practice every day. And along the way, make the world happier, a moment at a time.

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