simple moments each day: Kindness Matters

Kindness Matters
Kindness Matters

Maybe it is because it is an election year and this is such a bizarre election, at best.
Maybe it is because people are feeling overwhelmed with fall, holidays, school, work.
Maybe it is a bit of both and much more.

I find myself scouring the news and social media looking for feel good stories. Ones where people are kind to one another. Ones where people put themselves second to others. I am even yearning for cute animal videos. I need to find the good.

In a nation where there is so much division and outspoken hatred at the moment, take some time to be extra nice to someone today. Buy the person behind you a cup of tea. Look at people you pass by in the eyes and say hello. Smile at them.

An older woman ahead of me in the store a couple of weeks ago bought her groceries and loaded her car. She came back in because she had forgotten to purchase a cup of coffee. She stood in line behind me as the clerk was checking me out. I felt badly that she would have to wait so I told her I would buy her coffee for her. She was taken aback. She thanked me twice or three times.

The little things count. They add up.

Margaret Mead said, "Never doubt a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world; indeed, its the only thing that ever does." This is not just about politics in my mind. This is about being a good human being and citizen of the world. I have this hanging in my kitchen as a reminder.

It is important to look for and appreciate differences and similarities in this world. In people. In life. In everything. I find that differences in life make it special. Similarities make it comfortable. Respect both.

Take a step back in order to take a step forward.

Mary Silveria graciously allowed me to post a couple of her autumn pictures. They do add a smile to my face. Thank you, Mary!!

Put on Reflections by MisterWives and get cooking!

I could have sworn that I had blogged this recipe. It is one of my favorites to cook, especially in the fall and winter and it makes your house smell soooo good. I would say this is more of a weekend meal, but certainly could be cooked on a Sunday and eaten on a Monday. It tastes so much better the next day. It comes from one of my favorite restaurants in Needham called Sweet Basil.

Chicken Cacciatore, Sweet Basil, Needham, MA
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
salt and pepper, to taste
2T olive oil
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 carrots, chopped (I use 3)
2 medium onions, chopped (I use much less)
3 stalks celery, chopped
10 mushrooms, quartered
1 cup chopped bottled roasted red peppers
2 cups chicken stock
1 3/4 cup port
3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 can (28 ounces) imported whole tomatoes, crushed in a bowl
1 bay leaf (I use 2)
1 lb farfalle (bowtie) pasta, cooked until tender and drained
1/4 cup of grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese (yes, I use MUCH more)
2T chopped fresh basil (I use more)

Set the oven at 400 degrees. In a large ovenproof dish, arrange the thighs in one layer, skinned side up. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast the chicken for 20 minutes.

In a large skillet, heat the oil. Cook the garlic, carrots, onions, celery, mushrooms, and roasted red peppers over medium heat, stirring often for 20 minutes.

Add the stock, port, balsamic vinegar, crushed tomatoes, and bay leaf to the skillet. Bring to a boil. Pour this over the chicken thighs, cover with foil, and return the dish to the oven.