Sunshine Pie

My Grandmother Talks to Plants

2009-04-21T11:00:00.006-07:00

A Gift of Flowers

This past Easter, my mother & I stopped the car along the side of the road to buy potted tulips for my grandmother. My grandmother & grandfather both share a liking for botany, as evidenced by their pseudo-greenhouse in their patio area. Most people would agree that my grandparents' plant collection is always flourishing & well presented. So my mother and I both knew instinctively that this potted tulip plant would have a great home with my grandparents.
As I set the flower pot on my grandmother's kitchen table, I remembered an old saying that my grandmother had mentioned to me from time to time since I was a child. In the past when I would ask her how all of her plants grew so well, she would tell me, without hesitation, "I talk to my plants, and tell them how much I love them".

My Reactions

Even as I child, I could tell by her tone that she honestly believed that her affection was making the plants grow better. As a teenager, I brushed this off as my grandmother being "grandmotherly", and politely smiled when she told me.
Later on, when I was Engineering college student at Penn State, I was able to justify her claim in my head. I simply told myself that by breathing out carbon dioxide, she was "feeding" the plant more of what it breathed in naturally, so therefore, science was backing up her claim and she didn't even realize it.
But lately, as I have been observing our ever-so-mysterious world, I have found myself finding answers to age old questions not only though traditional science, but a deeper perspective.

Starting to Believe

This past weekend, I started to believe as faithfully as my grandmother, that it was her attention & affection that was helping these plants grow so well. A feeling of "my grandmother might be right after all" started to creep into my constantly analytical mind. I could not reconcile this notion with anything tangible, yet I somehow enjoyed the simplicity of it.
In the days after, still thinking about it, I asked myself if a grandmother's affection would help a child grow? I came to my answer quickly, "Yes! Of course!" Maybe the love wasn't helping the child grow in "size", but it was helping a child grow in "radiance". A grandmother's love would surely improve the child's outlook on life, and bring a smile to the child's face, so this logic would seem to hold true with plants as well. The connection became clear to me, and my analytical mind was finally satisfied...
Maybe the carbon dioxide was making the plants grow bigger, or maybe it was not - but I could safely say that my grandmother's love was allowing her plants to grow with more brilliance. These plants loved life, and it was evident to anyone who walked into her kitchen. My grandmother had created a garden of love and her plants were simply smiling back. Her plants were returning my grandmother's love back to her & anyone else who stepped into my grandmother's kitchen.

In Conclusion

Now confident in my analysis, the next time my grandmother informs me of her "plant-nourishment" technique, I can smile back and say "Keep talking to your plants, Grandma - you are helping the world be a better place!"

Please pass along to anyone who talks to plants.
Remember: Sunshine Pie is a mindset. Keep it going.

Extras

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7 Life Lessons... from a 2 Year Old

2009-03-30T14:03:00.008-07:00

Wondering what you can learn from a 2 yr old? Before my niece was born over 2 years ago, I most likely would have said "Probably not too much". After all, a 2 yr old can barely count to 3 and has trouble pronouncing their own name. Right?

If there happens to be a 2 year old in your life, or you have known a 2 year old at some point, you may read this post and say "Duh!" but for me, spending a week with my 2 yr old niece was an inspirational experience. I quickly discovered that my 2 yr old niece loved every moment of life, and that I had a lot to learn from her example.

This is a list of 7 life lessons that were inspired by her...

My 2 yr old niece:

1. Eats slow w/ little bites.

This little girl was enjoying a freshly-made peanut butter & jelly sandwich that was carefully cut up into 4 square pieces. She took a tiny bite every so often & seemed to enjoy the peanut buttery flavor.
After 15 minutes, it became clear to me that she was not concerned with whether or not she was going to finish her sandwich in that sitting. She was not rushing through her meal to get to her next task.

2. Is overwhelmingly willing to share.

As her attention was wondering away from the pb & j sandwich, my sister asked, "Can Uncle Randy have a bite?" Without thinking it over, she immediately raised up a fully intact sandwich-square in her tiny hand. She gleamed at the opportunity to share her meal. She gasped the sandwich with her fingers covering about 75% of the square, leaving me about an inch of bite room. Being cautious, I took the tiniest bite I could, as to not injury her hand.
As I was chewing my tiny bite, I caught myself thinking, "I wish I could have had a much larger bite," but then I suddenly became satisfied with my tiny morsel of pb & j. Even though I only received a small bite, my sense was that my niece would have given me the entire sandwich if I wanted it.

3. Has unlimited patience.

I had the great opportunity to take a walk down the street with my niece (as she held my hand, of course). She was completely content as we walked with no real end-point in mind. She watched in wonder as some children played basketball, or a car pulled out of their driveway.
There was never a thought of "I'm bored" or "This is pointless" or "Let's go home" – The entire experience just was what it was, and it was evident that she was enjoying every moment.

4. Gives full attention to every task.

My sister sat on the couch with her daughter and read a "What is it?" book. The task on each page was simple; identify the object or animal on the page, such as an umbrella or an elephant. My 2 yr old niece announced the item name with pride every time she could make identification.
When she saw something on the page that she could not easily identify, she intensely concentrated on the object to try to figure out what it was on the page. She put every ounce of concentration into each identification task.

5. Sleeps with the Sun & takes a daily nap.

Once my niece goes to bed in her crib, my sister gets upset with me if I run down the steps or talk loudly. This forced me to pay particular attention to my niece's sleeping patterns. By the end of the week, I could assume that if the sun was down, my niece was asleep.
Also, in the afternoon, there was a daily "nap time" – I often thought to myself how much I would enjoy a daily nap time everyday.

6. Is tirelessly persistent & will not take "No" for an answer.

When my niece wants something, such as being held by her mother, she will not stop asking until she is satisfied. My niece does not seem to care if people think she is needy or annoying. She just asks.
She has a goal set in her mind, and she keeps driving until she reaches it, even if it is to simply 'be held'.

7. Does not pass up a chance to sing or laugh.

One of my niece's favorite events is a birthday celebration. She will sing "Happy Birthday to You" at every single mention of the word birthday, regardless of whether it is actually someone's birthday. This past week, there were 2 birthdays, her Daddy & Great Grandmother. As soon as a cake was brought to the table with candles, she immediately knew to break out into song. "Happy Birthday to you….Happy Birthday to you....." (Those are the only lyrics that she knows)
One of my favorite things to do in her presence is to just start laughing for no reason. I will go into an almost "comical/movie" laugh, and she will keep the pace and volume and try to laugh just as much along with me. When I get too tired from laughing, my niece is still smiling and still laughing.

It is truly amazing how much better I felt about life after spending a week with my 2 yr old niece. Thank you little one :)

--

Remember: Sunshine Pie is a mindset. Keep it going.

Extras

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A Cup of Coffee - An Enjoyment Recommendation

2009-03-04T10:39:00.053-07:00

Anyone who knows me well knows that I take coffee extremely seriously. Over the span of my life, I have consumed no more than 15 cups in total. No more than 15...hard to believe I know. I am not 100% sure why I do not indulge myself daily or weekly, but I can tell you this, coffee drinking has simply not found a way into my routine.

I am writing this to bring enjoyment back to a moment that it all too often rushed. Since I make coffee drinking a rare occurrence, I can say that I have truly enjoyed most of my coffee moments over the years. Coming from someone who enjoys about one cup of coffee per year, I have some thoughts on how you can enjoy this experience as much as I enjoy it.

I realize that there are varying levels of coffee drinking for the everyday coffee drinker, so I have broken this up into two approaches (The Casual Dabbler & The Enlightened Enthusiast). Feel free to pick the option that best fits your style.

Here we go:

The Invitation

Casual Dabbler

For the Casual Dabbler, taking big steps (such as not rushing a cup of coffee) can be difficult for you, so grab a close friend or relative. Do not go alone! This friend or relative can be your co-worker, friend, parent, spouse, or significant other. Since St. Patrick’s Day is coming up, let’s just name this person "Pattie". (Imagine someone in your life who will represent Pattie)

Enlightened Enthusiast

For the Enlightened Enthusiast, I am confident that you understand the value of human-to-human relationships, so let's dial this up a notch.

Look around your office, school or neighborhood, and think of the one person who has the least number of friends or is extremely shy. Invite that person to join you for this cup of coffee. Again, let's name this person "Pattie". (Before contacting Pattie, imagine Pattie smiling and having a great time, chatting away with you at the coffee shop)

Placing the Order

Casual Dabbler

With Pattie by your side, head to your favorite coffee shop. Open the door for your guest, Pattie, and any other patrons also entering the shop. Look at each of them and smile. Casually assert yourself ahead of Pattie in the queue. Allow the coffee shop employee to greet you, and ask for your order.

Lightly smile, and breathe deeply in through your nose & exhale. Make eye contact with the employee, and say “Thank you for taking our order (Breathe). I will be paying for Pattie today." (Breathe) Look back toward Pattie and smile. If Pattie says thank you, smile and pat him/her on the shoulder and say, “You're welcome”. Continue to smile as you look back at the coffee shop employee (maintain eye contact). Order only your coffee & turn to Pattie and say "Please let the staff member know what you would like." Pay for both coffees and say to the staff member, “Thanks again & have a great day!”

Enlightened Enthusiast

For the Enlightened Enthusiast do everything as the Casual Dabbler does, but form a relationship with the coffee shop employee. Ask the coffee shop employee, "What is your name?" After he/she answers, reply with "Hello (Name)". After paying for the coffees, say to yourself, "I love that employee, (Name); he/she gave great service."

Coffee is Prepared

Casual Dabbler

While you are waiting for your coffee, inhale through your nose & exhale. You are doing great so far! Remember that you are not in a rush. Make a pleasant comment about how nice the coffee shop smells, and how wonderful the day has been so far. If Pattie makes a comment, listen carefully and smile. If you agree, shake your head in agreement. If you disagree, say that you disagree, and explain why. If your disagreement continues and cannot be resolved, ask Pattie if you can discuss this at a later date. Change the topic to something peaceful.

Enlightened Enthusiast

Once again, do everything as the Casual Dabbler does, but look around the coffee shop, and thank the room (to yourself) for being so inviting. Thank all of the eclectic furniture and decor for being so warm & friendly. If there is music playing, listen carefully to the lyrics and thank the artist for sharing their creative talent with you today. Turn to Pattie and comment, "I love the ambiance, it is so warm and inviting."

Coffee is Served

Casual Dabbler

The staff member serves the two of you. Accept your coffee with a smile. If the staff member gave good service, say "Thank you for brightening my day today".

If the staff member did not give service, accept the coffee and say “Enjoy the rest of your day.”

Enlightened Enthusiast

Just keep doing what the Casual Dabbler is doing. Wow, you are feeling great! This is really working!

Coffee Prep Station

Casual Dabbler

After being served, walk to the coffee prep station with Pattie, and accessorize your coffee to your liking. Smell the ingredients as you pour or shake them into your coffee. Stir gently and notice how smoothly the coffee swirls in the cup. Place the lid on the coffee and notice the quiet “pop” as it fits snugly around the top of the cup. Do not take a sip yet, the coffee is too hot!

Turn to Pattie and ask, "Would like to join me for a casual walk with our coffee or would you prefer to enjoy the coffee inside the coffee shop?"

Enlightened Enthusiast

For the Enlightened Enthusiast, thank each of the coffee accessories by name. Thank them for allowing your coffee to be the tasty & delicious beverage you are about to enjoy. "Thank you soy milk." "Thank you vanilla powder." "Thank you cinnamon." And so on.

Enjoyment Location

Casual Dabbler

If Pattie chooses to stay in the coffee shop, remember that he/she is your guest and be delighted to enjoy the coffee inside the coffee shop with Pattie. Do not be discouraged about not going for a walk; you can go for a walk tomorrow or the next day. No big deal. Locate an open table, pull out a chair for Pattie, and allow him/her to sit. Now take your seat.

If Pattie agrees to go for a walk, this is great! Smile widely and exit the coffee shop. Just start walking. Do not plan a destination. After about 50 feet, pause. Listen intently to your surroundings. Be delighted with the weather. Be calm.

Enlightened Enthusiast

As you are doing everything as the Casual Dabble does, feel the energy of the moment, allow yourself to be incredibly content with Pattie's decision. Either way, you are about to be in a wonderful state of enjoyment.

The Final Step: Enjoyment

Casual Dabbler & Enlightened Enthusiast

Whether you are indoors or outdoors, the remaining steps are the same. Be still for 30 whole seconds. Do not talk. If Pattie talks, just listen. Inhale through your nose and exhale. After the 30 seconds are up, take your first sip of your freshly brewed coffee. Imagine the entire world at peace. Ask yourself, "How wonderful does this coffee taste?" Focus on the distinct flavor.

After the first sip, do not take the second sip for another 30 seconds, just breathe. Thank Pattie for joining you today. Engage in stimulating conversation as you are sipping your wonderful coffee. With each sip, continue to ask yourself, "How wonderful does this coffee taste?" Continue until you reach the last sip.

After enjoying your very last sip, lick your upper lip casually & taste the last drop on your lip. Hold the taste in your mind. Close your eyes & smile. Inhale. Exhale.

Congratulations! You just enjoyed a cup of coffee

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Remember: Sunshine Pie is a mindset. Keep it going.

Extras

Join the Sunshine Pie Facebook Page
Join Randy on Twitter
Check out Randy's new book Travis & The Courageous Path (78 pages; Color Illustrations; Ages 7 - 12)