There are the stories I don’t want to tell, and then there are the stories I haven’t been able to tell. Probably some of the most important stories.
Namely, the stories about Ranson.
Ranson was the first school that I taught at: a poorly run, urban middle school with a low-income and historically low-achieving population. I came in as a promising, energetic new teacher determined (pigheadedly and presumptuously, I’d say) to change the entire world.
Throughout the year I did effect change — on a smaller scale than I’d originally hoped. I raised students’ mastery and reading comprehension, but also became aware that when a kid had no breakfast, or when a kid’s dad was in prison, or when a kid was being raised by a saint of an aunt who had to work back-to-back 12-hour shifts at the hospital just to feed and clothe him . . . well, there was much more of the world that needed changing than I had first anticipated.
Anyway, I still can’t tell every story. I can’t tell most stories. But today I realized that I’m ready to tell you about Darius. Maybe over afternoon tea?
It cracks me up that Darius left the most indelible mark on my memory, because I pegged him as trouble within a week of starting school. First off, he was loud. Not just chattery, but LOUD. He involuntarily projected every remark, making my cinderblock science classroom sound like a cathedral reverberating with bells and song.
He also struggled to manage his emotions. Certain triggers made it even harder. For instance, that boy loved his mama. I can remember trying to talk him down in the middle of the cafeteria after someone had inadvertently insulted her. He was near tears with frustration. Suspension, expulsion — none of it meant a thing to him if he could defend her. What did cause a visible change in his demeanor was when I asked, “What would she want you to do right now, Darius? What would make her proud?”
I cared so much because it was easy to see that Darius was a fabulous kid. He was smart. He was an incredibly talented dancer. He was hilarious — oh my gosh, I can’t even describe how funny he was. I ran a tight ship in terms of classroom management, and he was about the only kid who could make me just fall out LAUGHING. He also had a deep well of empathy and concern for others — things you didn’t always see at Ranson, because some kids seemed to have learned to hide the tender personality traits that made them vulnerable. But Darius wore his heart on his sleeve.
I still remember Darius asking every day when I was going to let his mom, who was a hair stylist, do my hair. I never got around to it, and now I regret it. It would’ve meant a lot to him.
I know I’m supposed to make this a happy story, but it isn’t.
To be blunt and a little crude, it pisses me off that Darius had to go to a substandard school and that didn’t get a shot at a snazzy education. It pisses me off to think of this kid struggling to find a job and keep his life on track now, at 19 years old: trying to climb out of a socioeconomic level and a neighborhood he was born into through no fault of his own. When I googled him to write this entry, just to see if maybe a Facebook page would pop up where I could send him a message of encouragement, I found his mugshot — arrested for stealing ground beef, spaghetti noodles, a pack of beer, and some candy.
Oh MAN it pisses me off when other people aren’t similarly pissed off by this! When they throw up their hands and suggest perhaps people should just work harder instead of revising how our nation deals with poverty. Oh man! It’s because they don’t know Darius, the 14-year-old kid I knew, who hadn’t made those “bad choices” we always speak of yet, whose mom worked so hard for him, who worked just as hard as any 14-year-old kid does, who could’ve been helped.
Indeed, I can picture a different history: Darius here at my little project-based school set on a lush, green campus. I know he’d have worked dance into every nook of the curriculum. I know he’d have had the students in stitches each day with his witty remarks. I know he would’ve worked hard to make his mom proud. He would’ve performed in plays and he would’ve loved art and music class. I can picture that kid heading off to Juilliard in New York City and eventually wowing audiences on Broadway. I’m not being generous, here. That’s who he was. That’s who he should be.
Sitting in my anger and stewing like a chicken won’t help (and what a nasty, bitter stock it’d produce.) In the long term, idealistic Ms. Ruble who wanted to change the world will never be able to stop trying. I want the school systems to be small and creatively managed. I want teaching to be a prestigious profession where extremely qualified people are hired and then compensated well and treated like professionals. I want school systems to bus kids around and balance school populations. I want a full-out multi-front assault on poverty that provides people immediate assistance, addresses education issues (for adults and children), provides job training, focuses on creating jobs, addresses drug and alcohol abuse, provides appropriate basic healthcare for all people, effectively treats mental illness. I get it: I’m talking about huge things in this flippant, simplistic way. It’s harder than that. I get it. But that’s what I want.
And in the short term, that idealistic Ms. Ruble knows that Darius himself has an indomitable spirit, and that he can overcome tremendous odds. I just know it. Or at least that’s what I have to hope. And I want him to know that about himself.
For now, I think we need to have a little rest with a pot of hot tea, maybe with sugar sprinkled in and some cream for good measure. And a fluffy almond scone or three would not go unappreciated. Afternoon tea party for the world? Maybe I’m still oversimplifying a bit, but that might go a long way toward inspiring world peace and prosperity.
These scones are quick and easy to throw together, but they do make your world a brighter place. They’re fluffy, tall, buttery, and boast a sweet almond glaze and a crunch from the sugar sprinkled on top. Smear them with clotted (also called Devon) cream if you can find it at a fancy grocery store; otherwise, you can whip some mascarpone cheese or cream cheese and use it instead. Add a smear of raspberry jam for perfection.
What’s your pie-in-the-sky idealist dream for your world or community right now? (Other than lots of scones, which is a given.)
One year ago: Chocolatey Red Velvet Pull-Apart Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze
Two years ago: Deep Fried Cake Batter Cookie Dough
Three years ago: A&P Spanish Bar Cake
Almond Scones with Raspberry Jam and Clotted Cream
Recipe by: Adapted from Barefoot Contessa’s Cranberry Orange Scone recipe
Yield: about 14 scones
I love scones because they’re so quick and easy, but are absolutely divine in terms of texture and flavor. These scones are very lightly sweet, and the glaze adds a much needed dimension, along with a sprinkle of crunchy sugar. Serve with clotted cream and raspberry jam while hot out of the oven. This recipe also provides instructions for freezing the scones for amazing, speedy weekday breakfasts!
Ingredients:
4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar, plus additional for sprinkling (I used coarse sanding sugar for sprinkling)
2 tablespoons baking powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt
3/4 pound cold unsalted butter, diced
1 cup cold heavy cream
1 teaspoon almond extract
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 egg beaten with 2 tablespoons water or milk, for egg wash
Glaze Ingredients:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 cup milk (or cream — I used cream, but it does separate and probably isn’t quite as pretty as milk)
raspberry jam, for serving
clotted or Devon cream, for serving (or substitute whipped mascarpone)
Directions:
Note: You can make scones, shape them, egg wash them, and then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, you can drop them in an airtight container or bag separated by sheets of wax paper. You can then bake them straight from frozen any morning you want one — just by baking a few minutes longer than normal. So convenient!
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In the bowl of a food processor, mix together flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add cold butter and pulse about 10 times or until the butter is the size of small peas (you can also do this by hand in a large bowl, using a pastry cutter or two knives to cut in the butter). In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix together lightly beaten eggs, heavy cream, and almond extract. While mixing the flour mixture on low, pour in the wet ingredients slowly. Keep mixing on low until the mixture forms a dough and begins to form a ball. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead a turn or two, forming into a disc.
Roll the dough out to 3/4-inch thick, moving it around on the floured surface often to make sure it’s not sticking. Flour a 3-inch round cookie cutter and cut round scones, laying each on the prepared baking sheets. Re-roll the dough and continue cutting scones. When all scones are cut, egg wash just the tops of each one and sprinkle on the coarsest sugar you can find (the crunch is so nice). Bake in the 400 degree oven for 20-25 minutes until risen, lightly golden, and done on the inside.
While the scones bake, whisk together all glaze ingredients. Add more sugar or milk as needed for consistency. Drizzle over hot scones and serve immediately with raspberry jam and clotted cream (also called Devon cream). If you can’t find clotted cream, grab some mascarpone cheese and whisk it a bit until fluffy. Use that instead.
*Darius’s name has been changed to protect his privacy.
Julie M.
March 27, 2013 at 6:14 pm (12 years ago)The world can be such an unfair and cruel place. 🙁 I applaud you for making the every day effort to help children of all levels and hopefully, one day, we can get schools in America to the place where they need to be. In the meantime, a scone sounds like the perfect way to ponder the possibilities of what might someday become reality. 🙂
Elizabeth Pandolfi
March 27, 2013 at 7:04 pm (12 years ago)I loved this post. I can tell you’re an amazing teacher, Julie! I felt my heart break a little when you said you found Darius’s mugshot. It’s terrible what the world subjects people to. Here’s to compassion, understanding, and doing all we can to help.
frances mcguire osborne
March 27, 2013 at 7:33 pm (12 years ago)julie I liked this story I am not a teacher but have children and grandchildern I feel your pain I baby sat for years and have watched them go wrong and I fall apart but some do great also!
DessertForTwo
March 27, 2013 at 9:11 pm (12 years ago)Oh, Julie. This story pisses me off (in a good way). I want what you want. Why is it so hard? I’m thinking about Darius tonight.
fallconsmate
March 27, 2013 at 10:04 pm (12 years ago)where i live, in houston…is a sweet little neighborhood of pretty houses.
that backs up into an apartment complex filled with working class (or lower) people, many of whom do not have english as a first language (as evidenced by the bodegas we pass on our way home) and by the music played loudly in some of the cars that drive by behind our house. and given the look of the people i see walking on the sidewalks in that part of the neighborhood? they don’t make a lot of money. i’d be willing to bet that some of them are recieving government assistance. and none of that bothers me.
what bothers me, as a woman whose husband is on his way back from a business trip? is the HOLE kicked in the fence between that apartment complex and my home. and the security cameras that were disturbe, unplugged and pointed at the sky. and the electric circuitbox, which has had some of the breakers knocked loose.
THOSE things bother me. that, and that the police department in my city sent a single officer 4 hours after i called, no photos were taken of the damaged fence, no fingerprints taken on the cameras, or the door that was opened (one of the roses were caught in it, that’s how i knew it was opened). just a small case number, so he could prove he was here.
and i pray for whoever kicked that hole in my fence, that they “straighten up and fly right” as we were told to do when i was a child, and for your darius, that he have a chance to learn a way to let his dance let HIM fly again, too. *hugs you* because hugs and scones go together, you know.
Tsarina
March 27, 2013 at 10:09 pm (12 years ago)Interesting that you ask what my pie in the sky dream is today. It’s that all of us can enjoy the same benefits of society, the same happiness in commitment and the same respect from our neighbors regardless of whether we marry a man or a woman. It’s about how badly I want to see my sister in law get married to her wonderful fiancee and the babies they want to have. It’s about how much I want cruel, small minded people to stop treating me, my family and my friends as second class citizens because of who we love.
I love making scones. I tend to make the drop kind that are all wobbly shaped, but perhaps I’ll break out the rolling pin for this. I know I’ll never get round to freezing them though, haha. I love scones too much!
Sherry
March 28, 2013 at 12:33 am (12 years ago)He’s only 19, right? It’s not too late for him. He has so much life ahead of him. Perhaps if we all fight harder instead of throwing up our hands and saying ‘oh well, that’s so sad,’ these kids wouldn’t feel written off and left behind. Is it still possible to find him and reach out? Remind him of what a great kid he was and what a great man he could still be? (Says the overly idealistic woman who wishes she could help too.)
🙁
Rebecca
March 28, 2013 at 2:18 am (12 years ago)I just wanted you to know that you’re not the only one carrying around a story like this. I have my own troupe of kids in Nyamata, Rwanda, with severe learning disabilities and no support. Jean, one of the kids, had severe aggression problems as long as I was there; I want to know what he would have been like in a stable household with access to trained educators. I want to live in a world where *no one* throws away children like trash because they were born poor or female or black or white or disabled. Not here, not in Africa, not anywhere. That’s my dream.
These stories are heavy, so I’m really awed by your determination to shoulder them. Keep making tea and scones, and we’ll work on changing the world one kid at a time.
linda
March 28, 2013 at 2:30 am (12 years ago)Beautiful post Julie. What moves you is where you give hope to others. You plant a seed; you don’t know if you planted the first or fifteenth seed, but you keep planting and keep hoping. Someday a garden will grow; you may not see it, but someone will.
Phyllis
March 28, 2013 at 3:14 am (12 years ago)I know your pain. I taught those kids 25 years ago. Kids who were labeled once and then never allowed to outgrow the label. Kids who showed heroism I could not even imagine just by getting up in the morning and making it to school. Kids who came to school on snow days because it was the only place where there was food to eat. Kids who brought their clothes to school to wash and kept them in their lockers because they didn’t want to be made fun of for being dirty or smelling. Many of them had parents who were a complete waste of time. And yes, many of the parents worked the system and took advantage of it. None of that had anything to do with children who were neglected, hungry, falling farther behind daily.
There are also parents out there with no money, no jobs, needing help through no fault of their own. They are taking care of their children and doing everything they can to turn their lives around. But, their kids are scared. It’s hard to concentrate on Algebra when you are are afraid that you will be living in a shelter, or your car, at the end of the month. Totally different side of the coin, but the results are the same…kids who fall behind or turn to drugs, drinking or sex just to not have to look at the fear.
We, as a society, owe children a safe place to be, food to eat, and a chance to pull themselves up. They did not ask to be in that position. They are not responsible if they have sorry parents. They are not to blame for the economy. Someone has to care.
Mom
March 28, 2013 at 3:29 am (12 years ago)A world where Christians are TRULY like Christ. Where love abounds and no one is judged by others. I am a Christian but these days I am *almost* ashamed to own up to it. Oh, I am not ashamed of the gospel, or my Jesus, my savior, after all, but rather *Christians* who hate. Didn’t Christ say the greatest of these is love? Where is it? Can’t people look for good in others and not dwell on the other person’s “sin”? So much hate these days….
Breck
March 28, 2013 at 3:36 am (12 years ago)I need to win a BIG lottery … I work in an inner city dialysis center and 90% of our patients are dirt poor. And sick, seriously sick with a /serious/ life-ending illness.
And these people ; young, old, all nationalities, genders, and as diverse as can be imagined just want to be treated with dignity.
But they cannot even get assistance to and from these much-needed treatments. And I mean 3 times a week, they enter our facility and spend between 4-5 hours hooked up to a machine that literally washes their blood. It cleans the blood the way a normally functioning kidney should.
I want to win a lottery so I can arrange transportation for each and every patient … all 180 of them. These folks are exhausted, wrung out and yet most of them keep coming back to fight for another day of life.
I’m sorry, I could keep going and going … But I am in awe of each patient and only wish I could make at least one piece of their medical treatment easier… timely transportation by smiling, kind and understanding driver instead of being left behind for upto 4 hours /after/ being treated; being brought in late and still having to be ready when the driver arrives to take them home (or risk being left behind with NO way home after 4 hours of dialysis).
Yes, this is my hope … to afford a small piece of decency for my patients.
overly sad & lonely
March 28, 2013 at 6:13 am (12 years ago)I wish that I could just live..not feel & be treated like dirt. To stop being punished & criticized for being a stay at home mom, who does it all for her kids. Without thought or question. To feel as if I’m worth some type of decency n respect. To feel love come from anything or anyone other then God or my kids. U can’t ask or depend on your kids because their little lives r depending on you. But their the only rock other then God that I have. I have tried & its completely heartbreaking & difficult as ever to get work which I’m greatly qualified for because I’ve been home with my kids. So how am I suppose to somehow better them & give them what they need a safe, loving, healthy environment??? An actual home??? How?? I get no sleep over it. Literally no sleep. So this is what I want…a world with more compassion. A world where we help others willingly n joyfully. A world where we still give people a fighting chance. Because as I lay on this bed with my only two little joys I shed tears because I can’t find any. People say too often now people just want to use the system & not do anything. And that is true at times. But there are still people out there that want & need the “American dream” but can’t get it bc their automatically cast aside or written off. I want my own little world to stop feeling like a cage full of pain & many other painfully things & be full of love & hope. I pray everyday & don’t ever express myself other then the tears I shed alone but I had to finally let this go. It’s funny because I came on your wonderful blog in hopes of reading something to cheer me up. I got something better – to actually express my thoughts openly & not have to worry the consequence. Thank u, m
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
March 28, 2013 at 1:35 pm (12 years ago)I am so glad you found your way here. I want to give you a big hug and tell you everything will be all right. I am praying for you and your two little ones, and I am so sorry for your struggle right now.
Maggie
March 28, 2013 at 1:46 pm (12 years ago)My heart hurts for you, I have felt that way myself to an extent…no, I can’t feel what you feel, but I think I understand! Keep praying, I’ll pray for you too!! I was a stay at home mom until my son was in middle school…then I volunteered there and eventually got hired on there. It doesn’t seem like it now, but things will get better for you…I’ll keep you and yours in my thoughts and prayers…come talk to me any time you would like to express your thoughts, no judging here!!!
Sasha | Global Table Adventure
March 28, 2013 at 1:49 pm (12 years ago)I was raised on “the system” … There is a path through and out of it for those who persevere. Stay strong and take it one day and one choice at a time. You can do this. Sending hugs and love.
Colleen
March 28, 2013 at 1:56 pm (12 years ago)Dearest overly sad & lonely, if you were standing in front of me right now and I could reach you I would gather you into my arms and hold you tightly and give you some mama love! I am so sorry that you feel as you do and that you are experiencing the pain that you obviously are. I am sorry that you feel that the world judges and criticizes you. I am sorry that you have no one else to depend on, truly I am because we all need someone in this life we can depend on and hold onto…but you ARE depending on the only One who can truly be depended on, always. Being responsible for children is honestly, in my opinion, the most important job that you will ever do in this life and to be nurtured, loved, given a safe and happy, disciplined, secure environment is what every child in the world needs and wants. I admire you, I truly do, and I will be praying with you…not only for you and your little ones, but with you. I want you to be free, to feel full of hope and love for the future, I want you to feel inner joy and peace and be happy and satisfied with who you are. I want you to be proud of how you are bringing up your children and proud of the young woman you are. And being able to express yourself openly is the beginning of healing in my book. Well done for saying what is in your heart. Sending you so much love and empathy right now. I wish you a Happy and Peaceful Easter. Colleen xx
Susan
March 28, 2013 at 2:01 pm (12 years ago)My heart aches for you. Please know that there are those who do care, who are compassionate and are concerned. Above all, the God who created you, yes YOU, in his very own image and who knows your heart, your struggles, your pain, your every thought is there: in prayer; in His Word; and in the love and comfort of His people who, while we struggle (and we all do with things/people/circumstances), we strive harder every single day to be more like His Son in the depth and breadth of our love for others. I may not know your name, but I will pray for you: for continued strength to fight those tough daily battles; for you to truly experience unconditional love just as our Savior gave; and for that amazing example that you’re setting for your precious children to whom you show your unconditional love; and, of course, for work and a way out of your difficult circumstanes. I wish I was there to give you a real hug and sit and talk with you. You will be in my prayers. You are loved.
Judi
March 28, 2013 at 2:23 pm (12 years ago)You are not alone, M. Not in how you feel or what you feel, not in your fears, not in your pain, not in your sadness, not in your loneliness. You are never alone. You deserve love and respect and you’ve found it here.
Don’t give up! You are loved. Even by strangers. The world can be a wonderful place when something like that is possible.
DeRonda
March 28, 2013 at 2:24 pm (12 years ago)m, you are not alone! You sound like an amazing mom that yearns for what we ALL want; a simple & joy-filled peace to your world. When the frustrations build & the stress gets to be too much, we all break on occasion. Some days I just have to turn the TV & all it’s sadness OFF & walk away. It’s the knowing that something better lies ahead, even if you can’t see it, that keeps us going. Having the hope & faith & belief that God or karma is on your side & better days are coming!
One day last week, I was fed-up with humanity. One thing after another, national stories & personal ones alike had me telling God that I could use an instance that would instill my faith in my fellow man. Hours later I received a call that did just that. It doesn’t always work that way, but we must never give up hope. Without hope, what is there?
Keep your head high, your chin up & your boots laced to kick the world in the pants when it gets you down!
{{{HUG}}}
~De
Kate
March 28, 2013 at 3:10 pm (12 years ago)HUGS HUGS HUGS HUGS!!!!!! I give all the single moms out there the most respect! I’m not a parent, and I know that it can’t be easy. Just remember, whether we know you or not, you are loved and appreciated. Your children will grow up to love and appreciate every bit of love you give them! “Just when you think that you are at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” xoxo
Jenny
March 28, 2013 at 3:13 pm (12 years ago)Compassion and understanding are out there. Being in a situation where you have little choices is temporary . It may last years, but it is temporary. Take one day at a time. You can only make the best choice you can in the moment. Don’t look back at anything but the warm, loving memories of your life. Look forward, to the next smile on your child’s face, the sun shining, the next hug…big hug to you!
Michele C.
March 28, 2013 at 12:58 pm (12 years ago)I hope you find Darius and send him the words you just shared with us. Those angry frustrated, yet uplifting words may be the small but crucial encouragement and support that Darius needs if only for one day.
June g.
March 28, 2013 at 1:05 pm (12 years ago)The world needs more teachers who have your beautiful light. Being a military family, we have lived in many regions of the country. My children have had a handful of teachers that I can call friends. I appreciate the energy and time that these teachers have put into my children’s lives. Thank you! And the scones look yummy;)
Bree
March 28, 2013 at 1:50 pm (12 years ago)To overly sad & lonely,
I hear your struggle, and your feelings about it are completely valid. First of all, congratulate yourself on speaking up. *high five!* In my experience, finding joy is about baby steps. It’s about the little things. When you see a wee little leaf and it’s colour seems so pretty at that very moment, enjoy that. Give gratitude for that. Once you start to appreciate those tiny things, larger, more significant things will begin to show up in your life. Like attracts like, therefore, if you are joyful, you will attract more joy! Try to notice 5 small (or big!) things each day that make you smile. Before you know it, you’ll have PLENTY to smile about!
Ooh! And write a manifestation list. About the things you want. Be as unrealistic as you want. A million dollars, your dream partner, a new set of baking trays – whatever! Write it down or draw or cut things out of magazines (I like to draw pictures – even though I can’t draw, it’s fun! Maybe an activity with your kids?) and then put it away where you can’t see it.
Keep focusing on the little joys each day and then watch those things that you put on that paper come to you, one way or another. I promise you that. 🙂 Have a cookie! You deserve a treat! *HUGS*
Colleen
March 28, 2013 at 1:59 pm (12 years ago)A beautiful post, with beautiful scones and beautiful photographs, I wish I could sit with you and enjoy a cup of tea. Thank you for caring so much for the children. And for having so much faith in Darius. He WILL overcome this setback. God bless xx
Susan
March 28, 2013 at 2:07 pm (12 years ago)Oh how I despise a world without compassion, a world that overlooks true need. There is so much promise, so much hope in our children; this piece just broke my heart and made me weep — not just for your Darius, but for all the Dariuses out there. We truly should be so much better, compassionate than this. Thank you so much for your care and concern — your compassion — for others. You are one of those lights in dark places that helps us all to see just a little better.
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
March 28, 2013 at 2:58 pm (12 years ago)Aww yum!! This is so perfect for spring!
roisin
March 28, 2013 at 3:02 pm (12 years ago)i recon it ain’t too late for a haircut, or Darius neither.
marcie@flavorthemoments
March 28, 2013 at 3:36 pm (12 years ago)I think it’s hard to witness kids grow up without the same privileges as so many others. It’s really heart breaking, because there’s almost no way they can get ahead. It really is unfair! As for the scones, they look so ridiculously good!
Lorelei DuBois
March 28, 2013 at 5:36 pm (12 years ago)“I get it: I’m talking about huge things in this flippant, simplistic way. It’s harder than that. I get it. But that’s what I want.”
I think it’s the only way a person can be able to live these days.. It’s what I want too….. for everybody to be valuable. Actually, I think it IS simple, but just so sad that so much of society is “throwaway”. There is SO MUCH WASTED POTENTIAL that it sickens me . I commend you for having been an idealistic teacher, really it’s the most noble profession there is, with the exception of good, intentional parenting. I too care about people in these situations, and many others that I won’t bring up, but… well, if you have the time, check this out. It has turned the lightbulb on for me, and it is THE ONLY THING I would even consider advocating. There has to be a better way, part of which is through baking! http://www.zeitgeistmovie.com/ Start with the oldest one…. it is 3, 2 hour committments. I want you to know in advance, but believe me, it’s worth the time.
Colette @ JFF!
March 28, 2013 at 5:42 pm (12 years ago)He was just hungry!
There should be a program that takes young people like Darius and puts them into a job/education program to help push him to be more independent.
Colette @ JFF!
March 28, 2013 at 5:43 pm (12 years ago)PS-The scones are perfect. I’m adding this to my favs.
Joyce
March 28, 2013 at 6:07 pm (12 years ago)Julie, thank you so much for sharing your recipes, and thank you for sharing your poignant insight, your compassion, and your dedication to helping others. You truly are an inspiration.
Mia @ Tarorice
March 31, 2013 at 2:23 am (12 years ago)Gorgeous gorgeous pics.
Patricia @ ButterYum
March 31, 2013 at 5:58 pm (12 years ago)Hi Julie – your scones look utterly scrumptious! I especially love the combination of raspberry jam and clotted cream ;).
Connor
March 31, 2013 at 10:39 pm (12 years ago)My big idea, my dream? Bread, it has this way of bringing communities together and making links between cultures that nothing else matches. I want to start a community bakery working within the lgbt community (and reaching out to other marginalised groups dealing with food poverty) to provide bread, good bread, training, education and social opportunities in the bakery. When people work together at a table to make bread they talk, their eyes are on the dough and their hands are busy and their fears of shame forgotten for a while…
Lorraine
May 6, 2013 at 3:29 pm (12 years ago)why don’t your recipes come up in printable form…….the time it takes to write out these lengthy recipes is just too time consuming!
Julie Ruble
May 6, 2013 at 3:33 pm (12 years ago)There is a print button at the bottom of each post that will print the recipe.
coleen laski
March 28, 2014 at 2:00 am (11 years ago)That little boy had one beautiful year in his otherwise hard life, because of you. You noticed him, paid attention to him and saw him for who he truly was. I am sure that he will never forget you. Thank you for that beautiful post.