As you may know, Albertson held the “sizzlin’ summer giveaway,” where all summer long shoppers could collect game pieces and win the likes of a new car … a vacation getaway … a $250,000 CASH PRIZE!  In an effort to rid themselves of the remaining game pieces, last week they tripled the amount earned. I had amassed a few …

Being today marks the final day of the game, I opened all my game pieces last night, certain I was going to be a winner. The fact I had made it three-fourths of the way through the stack with nary a game piece needed did not deter my enthusiasm.

Then it happened.

I opened the little packet to find: “Instant Winner!” … one free donut. Oh yes, it’s true. As if that weren’t exciting enough, I opened yet another, to find the message again. That’s two free donuts, people!

Looking back, perhaps I should have been a bit more specific in my optimism. I’m going to win the $250,000, for instance. Then again, sometimes the little things are pretty darn good too. Especially if they’re fresh and slathered in maple frosting.

There’s just something about summertime that brings on a certain giddiness. Suddenly, and without warning, you just might think you can pick up the fun of youth.

So it was with us–”Us” being a friend and I who were in charge of a ladies outting for June. We decided we wanted something different–something fun!  With that in mind, we planned the picnic + paddle. The fabulously talented Kristi and Theresa made up the invites and away we went.

The picnic was all a picnic should be–perfect spot, tasty food, lots of laughs. The paddleboats … I almost died. So much work, people! It was all I could do to emerge from the boat with some semblence of grace, to force myself upright rather than, you know, falling immediately to the ground. What can I say? Some people run marathons, I paddle boat. Living to tell about it–it’s much the same accomplishment, I’m sure.

But as I traipsed out to take a photo of the invite, my feet barefoot in the grass, the breeze blowing the pinwheel around and around, I thought of the day and couldn’t help but smile.

You know, I dare say we can revisit the fun of youth. If you’re not sure where to begin, look to the little things …

Should you ever be tasked with bringing chocolaty goodness to the farewell party of a friend who is preparing to join the Mount Angel Monastery, it would behoove you to think twice before decorating your Kahlua cupcakes, with Kahlua butter cream frosting. Otherwise, you might think topping the swirl of flesh colored frosting with a wee coffee bean to be a swell idea. You’ll grab a handful of beans, delicately positioning each one just so. And just when you prepare to look down and revel in your masterpieces, you’ll realize … you’re not going to a bachelor party.

At least, you know, not one of those bachelor parties …