The Family Crumb is our daughter Annie’s traveling bakery. Today she sold her vegan, sour-dough loaves at Onyx Coffee Lab in downtown Bentonville.

People love her bread and pretzels and cookies, and so do I. I arrived at her pop-up early to snag one of her amaranth muffins — perfect with a steaming cup of coffee on a cold, February morning. 

Buyers wandered in, lured by the smell of her fresh bread and her friendly manner. Annie introduced me to Sarah, one of her regulars. As Sarah shook my hand, she smiled and said, “Oh, your hand is so soft and warm.”

“At this age, soft and warm describes the condition of my whole body not just my hands,” I said. 

As Sarah and I chatted, I wrestled with the idea of giving away part of my wonderful muffin to this almost stranger. Then I remembered something my mother always said, “When you eat food in front of others, share it with them. It brings you closer.” Ultimately, I did share with Sarah, and we had a lovely conversation between nibbles.. 

It’s a good way to live — breaking bread (or muffin) with a new friend.