Kindness of strangers and deliciousness of Gluten Free pastries

Last week, I had a no good, horrible, very bad day.  

In a flash, I knew what would cheer me up: a vanilla cupcake with vanilla frosting, from a great bakery in Portland called New Cascadia Traditional Bakery http://www.newcascadiatraditional.com/

I made my way across town and parked near the bakery.  I knew that some sugary solace was near at hand.

As I neared the ordering counter I saw that there were 3 more left ( I was 5th in a line of about 20 people - I thought I was safe!) but 2 people ahead of me, a woman ordered all the rest of the cupcakes.  I literally  (yes, literally!) nearly cried.  Settling ( oh how privileged I am!) on the chocolate cupcake, I was writing my check, and lo! A kind stranger swapped my chocolate cupcake for a vanilla one! Hallelujah! Then, I actually did cry a little- people can be so amazing sometimes.

Today, Kate and I are in San Francisco, doing touristy things. We went to the ferry building on our way back from Alcatraz, and found the amazing Mariposa Baking co. http://www.mariposabaking.com/.  After buying my gf baguettes, I was telling them about the bakery in Portland, and the amazing kindness that had I had recently been gifted with. On hearing my story, the wonderful woman behind the counter gave me 2 of their cupcakes 

(you can see them on their website)!!

Yes, people can be so kind and generous, and yes, gluten free pastries can sometimes save the day.

I have so much to be grateful for this holiday season.