Jill and I met 9 years ago after I followed her into the bathroom. Some call it stalking. But I call it serendipity. Although serendipity might not be accurate either as it refers to making fortunate discoveries by accident. Meeting Jill and then her husband John was definitely a fortunate discovery, but not so accidental. It was during a time that I was desperate to meet other parents who had a "Beamer" in their lives too. I went to a parent workshop and was disheartened when it ended and I had met no one. As I was walking out of the building crestfallen I noticed that a woman (Jill) who had spoken eloquently about her daughter was also walking out just ahead of me. She turned into the bathroom. So I turned into the bathroom too. There I waited, trying to look natural, until she came out of the one stall. We started chatting. One thing lead to another and our friendship over the years has been a very fortunate thing. If this qualifies as stalking, I think it must be in its most positive sense. Knowing what you want and going after it. And then appreciating the often unforeseen but fortunate outcome.
With trepidation, Connie watches John cut the pie
Together, the Hubby and I and Jill and John revel in our special children. We bond over the challenges and the delights of being parents to them. We reveal things to each other that we would never say to anyone else. About the worries, the sadness, the disappointments, the isolation, the pride, the appreciation. About the marvel of it all. Of course our bond over our children can't be the only thing for an enduring friendship. We learn that Jill likes yesterday's salad, all limp and soggy. She is also very forthright which is a quality I admire. She is engaged with all the people in her life which is no easy feat since Jill and John have a lot of friends. John approaches Perfect Manhood with his clothes shopping ability but, alas, doesn't bake. This flaw is neutralized when he reveals that he knit Jill a sweater many years ago when they were courting. Definitely worth a bonus point!
Treasure and his Pie
This weekend we have Jill and John over for dinner with our other friends Treasure and Connie. You will remember Treasure from donut making (see Donut Day in July). I met Treasure before I had to stalk him. Treasure, with Connie's sous chef support, makes a Salted Caramel Pie AND Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Chocolate Icing for dessert. Treasure once heard someone liken people to pie. The crust is what presents itself to the world and we make assumptions about what's inside but it's only when you've gotten into the gooey centre of it does the pie really reveal what it's all about. All you can initially see of Treasure's pie is the simple white whipped cream topping. The graham crust is uncooperative and difficult to get into. Finally a piece is successfully cut and the filling is delicious. It tastes as if it took a lot of ingredients and all day to make. Then Treasure reveals the recipe. Sweetened condensed milk baked in the oven for 3 hours. Surprisingly simple but with great reward. Just like serendipitous stalking.
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