Portland Sampler

Finding beauty and delight in life’s little pleasures

  • Home
  • About
    • Who Am I?
    • What Is Portland Sampler?
  • Recipes
  • Archive
  • Contact
  • Search this website
You are here: Home / Cookies / JOY JUNCTION

JOY JUNCTION

November 17, 2019

Porter

Here’s one gift David’s cancer has given me.

I’ve become obsessed with enjoying the little joys both doled out happily and received gratefully.

Tiffany Latte

It’s these little sparks of pleasure that enable me to push away the constant worries and what-ifs that always threaten to crash my mental party.

I’m finding that small joys are the perfect antidote to big stressors and unlimited uncertainty — and so I’m all in.

So that means when I saw that the advent calendars were back at one of my favorite stores, Trader Joe’s, I was excited.

advent calendar

Last year I bought ten before they sold out, and so I had to cross a couple people off my list. And that included me; every time my kids opened up their calendar, I kicked myself that I hadn’t bought myself one, too. I wasn’t making that mistake again.

I bought twenty seven!

Advent Calendars

Why do we adults think we need to age out of certain child-like joys? We need them more than ever!

I wrapped these calendars up in vintage wrapping paper because I wanted the recipients to know that this wasn’t just a fly-by thing; I really wanted them to embrace this small thing because I’ve seen over the years how much delight they can bring.

Wrapped Advent Calendars

Instead of writing out cards for each, I let this simple quote on joy explain what I was trying to convey.

Joy Quote Mark Twain

So I wrote out these little tags

Joy Quote

packaged them all up,

Chocolate Advent Calendars

and walked around my neighborhood dropping merriment on doorstops everywhere.

Porter

I got such a kick from all the texts of smiling faces, and more than one mom told me she’d never bought herself one and was so happy to have one of her very own.

So there’s been those deliveries.

I’ve also been making potpies like crazy and three families besides my own have been the beneficiary of some cast-iron love.

I looked around my community and picked a couple people that could use a little TLC (trust me, they look even better after cooking when they are golden and bubbly).

Potpie Drop Off

And I’ve been making soup, too — both for personal consumption and for sharing.

This chicken soup was a favorite this week.

Chicken Soup with Broccoli and Radicchio

The soup started with a golden-hued homemade chicken stock, couscous bulked it up, chicken added protein and asparagus, shaved broccoli, radicchio, parsley and cilantro added color and nutrients.

Wouldn’t you love to find this on your doorstep?

Chicken, Couscous and Broccoli Soup

And with the weather cooling, these Chewy Ginger cookies have been in constant rotation, too (sometimes large, topped with crunchy sugar and other times smaller, served iced).

chewy ginger cookie

Ginger Chew Cookies

Have you tried these cookies yet?

Here’s the recipe for one of my all time favorites cookies, and I’ve recently been experimenting with different icings, my preferred one being the lemony confectioner’s sugar one (later versions had the zest, too).

Chewy Ginger Cookies with Icing

Speaking of joys, this week had us back at Providence Cancer Center for an immunotherapy appointment.

Love Box

Unfortunately David’s kidney functions numbers were a little worrisome so we weren’t able to get the Keytruda (and were sent off to EKG and ultrasound instead which thankfully showed no further issues), but we were able to scatter treats and smiles everywhere we went.

Love Box

This week I gave out almost 70 pieces of candy (in infusion room, in waiting rooms, at nurse’s stations and even in elevators) and a couple dozen of those ginger cookies — including a freshly baked box to our oncologist who last time requested something homemade.

I made sure to include a thank you note with it; we are so fortunate to have such a brilliant, compassionate doctor fighting for us.

Cookie Delivery

One of the most poignant interactions I  had was with an elderly couple who sat together in the waiting room, holding hands. We talked for a minute, and they asked why I brought treats. I told them it was my way to neutralize a very intimidating and worrisome place and inject cheer to those who might need it. It was my way to flip the script on cancer– I was turning this sad place into Trick or Treat Central every time.

I asked them what brought them there today.

“We both have cancer”, said the woman worriedly. He told me of her sickness. She filled me in on his. “For forty-six years we’ve done everything together, and so it sort of makes sense we’re doing this together, too.” They were diagnosed within one week of each other with different cancers.

So, yes, cheer is in short supply in places like this. But I can’t tell you how much happiness I get when I see people’s faces light up when I open up the Love Box in front of them and I invite them to take as many as they want — and urge them to stick some in their bags for later (several people took a big handful!).

Joy Box Delivery

Over the last four months, so many nurses have pulled me aside and thanked me. I walked in this week and one of my favorites yelled out “Yay! It’s the Love Box Lady!” (I’ve been called worse.)

So small joys doled out, and like a wonderful benefit, other joys keep pouring in.

I’ve had so many wonderful lunches out.

Tacos.

Matt's BBQ Tacos

Poke.

Poke From Poke Mon

Coffees.

never coffee

Breakfast with a friend.

And we’ve been enjoying treats dropped off on our porch.

Gooey Butter Cake

I’d never had Gooey Butter Cake before but a friend’s Mom made it for me (to thank me for a pot pie) and it was delicious!

Gooey Butter Cake

And last but not least, whenever I need a quick infusion of flat out pleasure, I stroll one of our farmers’ market and I feast on all the visual beauty.

PSU farmers market

I love all kinds of lettuces and there were some spectacular ones out there.

PSU Farmers market

The flower arrangements were lovely, too.

farmers market

PSU Farmers market

And I loved seeing such artfully composed wreaths as well.

farmers market wreath

We are so fortunate to have such outstanding markets here — and this PSU one downtown is now year-round.

So joy. Give as much as you can– no kindness is too small!–and allow yourself to receive any and all joys that cross your path.

Look at this quote I pulled recently from a 1950’s scrapbook.

vintage scrapbook

One last word on joy.

Don’t forget to indulge often

Matt's Brisket Taco

and don’t forget your four-legged friends.

Porter at Collage

Whenever I take Pork Chop in the car with me, I always look for a little something for him, too.

It might be a gratin potato sample from Trader Joe’s

Bailey

or that very beloved last bite from a food cart topped off with a little something extra.

Porter and Taco

Be well, friends.

Filed Under: Cookies, Eat Portland

« ALL THE FEELS
THANKSGIVING WEEK »

Comments

  1. Linda says

    November 17, 2019 at 9:18 pm

    Tears in my eyes…You are so special. Love reading your posts.

    Reply
  2. Linda says

    November 17, 2019 at 9:26 pm

    Tears in my eyes.. You are amazing.

    Reply
  3. Nicki Weber says

    November 17, 2019 at 11:03 pm

    Thinking of all of you as I read your wonderful
    Messages and drooled over the delightful bites and
    Photos. We are readying ourselves for the next stage
    Of life. Our wonderful house is up for sale and it is
    A melancholy passing. Being 80 is a surprise, a jolt,
    A call to resolve. You, my dear, have been such an inspiration and I fervently hope for your family and
    Future health. Love to all of you. Nicki

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      November 18, 2019 at 2:25 pm

      Nicki, I heard about your house being up for sale and thought about how hard that must be for you two. So many happy memories — and I’ll never forget the time I was invited up to that summer celebration/reunion: clams, food for days, my deluxe tent by the water and so much laughter. Thanks so much for all the good wishes and love you always send my way. Much love to you and Ed!

      Reply
  4. Suzanne Milbourn says

    November 18, 2019 at 12:48 am

    What a special lady your are. I feel so fortunate to have met you ❤️

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      November 18, 2019 at 2:22 pm

      Suzanne, I feel the same about you and your wonderful crew! So wish we lived closer so we could share in adventuring and hanging out. I send you big hugs!

      Reply
  5. Gail Moore says

    November 18, 2019 at 1:58 am

    Again I find your post a gentle and much appreciated reminder to treasure the small joys in life. I bowl of delicious soup, a friend to guide me through setting up my new computer, the warmth and comfort of my adopted companion cat, Brave.
    Your willingness to share your journey, your food joys, and your posts are inspiring, and help us as we journey too. Bless you and your family, special prayers for David and you all. Treats and caresses for your pup. Thanks

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      November 18, 2019 at 2:20 pm

      Gail, thanks so much for taking the time out to write this sweet note. I love the image of the soup, friendship and an adopted critter at your feet. I appreciate the prayers and good wishes more than you know. My best to you! XO, Sarah

      Reply
  6. Anita M. Kline says

    November 18, 2019 at 3:58 am

    You are awesome! Thanks for the joy you offer so generously and for the reminder that this is how it’s done!

    xo, anita

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      November 18, 2019 at 2:18 pm

      Anita, thanks for the kind words. I miss you! Let’s connect soon. XO

      Reply
  7. Todd says

    November 18, 2019 at 4:48 am

    You are a spectacular individual and a one woman force elevating humanity. All of us who are fortunate enough to have intersected your path understand that your generosity knows no bounds. Thank You!

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      November 18, 2019 at 2:17 pm

      Todd, you’re far too kind. Sending you much love!

      Reply
  8. laurie, magpie ethel says

    November 18, 2019 at 4:41 pm

    Love box lady
    The gal that spreads joy
    Sarah, the yummy treat delivery gal
    The nicest person
    So many words to describe you and what you do. I just refer to you as SARAH the GEM

    xo

    Reply
  9. Tracy says

    November 18, 2019 at 7:26 pm

    Your kindness’ are so inspiring!

    Reply
  10. Jen says

    November 19, 2019 at 7:19 am

    Always love your posts and seeing the Pork-Chop. Thanks for reminding me to enjoy the little things and spread the joy. You do it so well. 🙂

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      November 25, 2019 at 3:24 pm

      Thanks so much, Jen. Hope your THanksgiving is wonderful! -Sarah

      Reply
  11. michelle smith says

    November 22, 2019 at 7:11 pm

    Your an inspiration Sarah ,love to you all x

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      November 25, 2019 at 3:27 pm

      Michelle, thanks so much for chiming in here! Much love back to you and a very happy (early) Thanksgiving! XO

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Connect With Us

  • Email
  • Instagram

Copyright © 2025 · Portland Sampler