If there is ever a day you do not go out of your way to do something for someone else. Well. You have not yet experienced whimsy then. Just something small. And even if it doesn't work out quite the way you imagined it. It is always the thought that counts. And that friend, they will remember that thought too and maybe even have a little laugh about it. 

One of my great mentors from school had a birthday and she was turning 50. Since I was at school during the summer and a few staff members as well, we made a plan. We were going to order lunch for our friend and then I was going to pick up the cake. So my husband helped me pick out this very pretty cake, and I had it all ready until I received a text message that night. The birthday celebration would be cancelled. No cake would be needed. Our friend's cousin had died unexpectedly, and she would not be able to come to school to celebrate. I felt horrible. Horrible because of the death but also because she wouldn't be able to have a cake on her birthday. 

 Part of me wanted to just eat the cake myself. In fact, that is what my work friends told me. "Just give the cake away." "Don't put it to waste." But honestly, as much as I love cake (and I do love cake) I just didn't feel that was right either. When someone is gone, it is still a reason to celebrate those who are here and celebrating another beautiful year. So I took that cake box, plopped it in my car, went to work, found the address and drove. If it was me, I would want that cake despite the circumstances. Everyone needs cake on their birthday-that is a true fact. 

And it could be because I had chosen blue icing originally on a strawberry cake, that I felt uneasy driving-like this wasn't going to work out. I stopped at the door, rang the doorbell and no answer. I rang again. No answer. So I decided to place the cake on the porch. I sent a text message and hoped she would be home soon or perhaps she was sleeping. 

The next week, I saw our friend. She came over to me with the biggest smile and told me, "Brianna that cake was delicious. You are the sweetest. But I never got to eat a piece because by the time we got back home, the ants had a party instead." I groaned. How could I mess this up? It was such a beautiful cake. I was so excited about the prospect of the delivering, that I completely forgot ants exist and they had a marching picnic. She then she began to laugh hysterically and after explaining how she had to double bag it and place it in the dumpster, she went to look for it the next morning and the bag was dragged across her driveway and the cake was gone. Conclusion. After the ants marched in their parade, the deer and racoon feasted as well. All of a sudden, I picked a forest of animals, all sitting in chairs with a blue and strawberry cake an of course little party hats and maybe dainty teacups all enjoying their evening snack. A little teddy bear picnic of sorts.  

Of course I felt awful despite the giggling I did when I learned about the animal party, but this just goes to show that even though there was an ant party, positive vibes continue to travel. They travel through the ants and onto the hearts of those who are going through a tough time. Don't forget to join the ant party and always remember that a little ant mess will never hurt anyone. If anything, it could give a space for laughter. Perhaps a space that has been neglected by the one you are giving it to.