Taking it to the Sweet: Making the World Sweeter With Free Treats
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 
We could all take a cue from Miss Rumphius
Early on in the book, the main character's grandfather offers a life lesson, urging her to see the world, seek adventure, but says that ultimately, "you must do something to make your world more beautiful".
And with that principle as my guide, I've done this in the most simple way: by putting out sweet treats for people passing by my retail store. 
Why do this? Well, a couple reasons. True, it does bring customers in (and this helps with my rent and keeps my pugs in puppy chow).
But even more so, it's an incredible thing to see people's reactions as they pass by.
There is a certain magic to seeing people's faces light up as they unexpectedly encounter a tray of brightly colored cookies, cupcakes, or even Pop-Tarts broken into bite-sized pieces. Especially in a neighborhood which is best known for its disaffected hipsters. It's fun to see them smile.
As for the sweets themselves? Sometimes they are homemade, and sometimes they are store-bought. Truly, though, (yes, I'll admit it!) the sweets themselves are almost secondary to the idea that this gesture is meant to take one out of the sometimes dull routine of everyday life--if only for a sweet and fleeting moment.
After all, who isn't just a little delighted by the prospect of a free cookie or treat, just because?
And it's fun to muse on the possible sweet implications: for instance, if encountering unexpected treats brightened one person's day enough so that they smiled at the next person they saw on the street, and that act put that person in a better mood...well, just think of the sweet domino effect this could all have.
Here's to a sweet week for all!
Want to see the magic for yourself? I'll be putting these out today (while they last!):
Total sweetness, brought to you by CakeSpy Shop, 415 E. Pine Street, Capitol Hill, Seattle.
cake art, cakespy mischief
Reader Comments (9)
I love your witty little signs! Wouldn't the world be such a great place if more people were like the CakeSpy? :)
"Miss Rumphius" is one of my favorite books of all time! I loved how independent and adventurous she was -- I hope to be just like her, walking the hillsides with lupin seeds, when I am old and live by the sea. :) (Heck, I try to be like that right now, as the ripe age of 25.)
I love how you spread joy to your customers -- it vibes nicely with my whole ethos surrounding why I love food and baking and cooking so much. I'm preparing to go to culinary school for baking and pastry, quitting my day job and leaping out onto one crazy limb. However, seeing places like yours gives me hope that I'm not out of mind.
How at this moment I actually WISH I wasn't in New York!!! I would be there in a second! But I do feel better about myself just reading the signs!
This is such a nice idea! I'd love to see someone do this in NY :D
You're so nice :D I would love to come by your shop anyday. I think it's a great little touch to leave a good impression on your customers :)
Wei-Wei
What a fun idea! And apricot & white chocolate - who knew?!! I tried that combo in a muffin recipe and I am SO in love! :)
I love love love the sentiment and your notes!! I wish I could wander into your store
I love the cupcake pics... My fav dessert everrrr!
www.chocolatecoatedrunner.wordpress.com
awwww <3 I wonder what would happen if I went downtown and did this! I'm sure I'd make many people's day! This is such a sweet thing to do!