Fire and Discovery

This idyllic cottage in Donegal (Glenties), Ireland burned on March 19. It has been the home to  Breezy Kelly, a friend I've never met in person. We became friends via Facebook, connecting through our common belief in the power of bread to spread peace. I posted a story about her on my blog in October.

The day after the fire, Breezy's cousin, Mary Lane, wrote to tell me about it. Thankfully, Breezy and her cat Tiddles were unhurt; but The Cottage, as Breezy calls it, was destroyed.   The before and after images of Breezy's kitchen, where she Baked Bread for Peace, are heartbreaking.  (photos by Mary).

 
Breezy often posted pictures of her kitchen table, its red and white cloth dusted with flour, dough ready for the oven, a few books, quotes, and a tea pot. And my book, The Power of Bread, was often in sight. She kindly shared it with others who dropped by for a visit and "cuppa."

Mary asked if I could possibly send another book since Breezy's only copy had been lost in the fire. I was touched that Breezy had even given a second thought to the loss of the book, and by Mary's thoughtfulness in contacting me.
 
Of course, I was delighted to send extra copies and posted a package to Ireland.

Then a few days later, I received an astonishing Facebook message from Breezy...

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The book had been found among the ashes! Who knows how it survived when so many of Breezy's possessions did not.
Breezy wrote....
"Its survival confirms the power of bread."
To which I added, "the power of peace."

The fresh loaves of bread in the photo confirm that Breezy is baking once again – at the home of friends, where she is staying until the cottage can be rebuilt.

Breezy writes that she leaves the window open as she bakes... "so the Aroma of Peace wafts past me and out the door to bring peace to the four directions. And I remember to count my blessings."

I'm grateful for Breezy's peaceful and generous spirit. And following in that spirit, I'm off to bake bread and pass it on. 

*For more information about Breezy's initiative,  Bake Bread for Peace, check out the Facebook page.


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