By Dr. Anke Zimmermann, ND, FCAH A Croissant Pops InThree years ago I moved around the corner from a little bakery called Bubby Rose's. Delicious smells waft from the open door every time I walk past it, often with my little dog in tow. Kylie, a Scottish terrier mix, loves to stop and greet the patrons enjoying their coffee at the street tables, hoping for handouts and scavenging for crumbs on the ground. Sadly, I became gluten sensitive a couple of years ago and rarely bought anything at Bubby’s. So it was with some surprise when I caught myself thinking about croissants one fine day while walking past. The thought literally popped in and I noticed that it was unusual as I have never bought a croissant from Bubby’s during the entire time I had lived in that neighbourhood. I filed it away and kept walking, but thought that perhaps I should buy one later in the day. Missed Connection - Or Not?That afternoon I was scheduled to make a house call to the grandmother of one of my patients. For a number of reasons I could not find her home. Google could not even locate it and I had not taken my cell phone along, luddite that I was. So I returned home, feeling slightly crushed and embarrassed and called my patient to apologize and rebook the appointment. Meanwhile, peering out my window, I saw Paul, a very handsome and intriguing older man who lives in my building and whom I’ve had a mighty crush on for the same entire year sweep leaves and pull out weed on the private drive next to our building. I was impressed, just the day before he had power-washed the sidewalk. Seeing a wonderful excuse to go the garbage room and casually run into Paul I hurried downstairs. “I hope they’re paying you to do all this”, I quipped. “No, but I’m an owner and I like the property to look nice.” He had my vote and before I knew it I was pulling out weeds and sweeping the street with him while our two dogs looked on and entertained the passers-by. Drooling 101After a couple of hours of home improvement efforts he declared that he was all cleaned out and wanted to go and have a coffee. I tagged along, the dogs came too and next thing we were at Bubby Rose’s and he was asking me what I’d like while was on my way to the washroom. “Mint tea please.” When I re-emerged and joined the fray outside I was surprised to see that he had bought – two croissants! Not only that, but a big production of teasing and training his dog ensued with Paul putting bits of croissant on his leg and making Paddy, a large, American foxhound with big, brown eyes. Needless to say Paddy was not the only one drooling that afternoon. The Mystery of RealityWe took quite some time feeding the dogs and ourselves basil and feta cheese croissants and they were delicious to say the least. More importantly, not only did this little incident provide food for my body and soul, but also for my mind, causing me to wonder about the mechanics of cause and effect. What had caused that thought about a croissant to pop into my mind that morning? And why did modern technology so perfectly co-operate to cause me to miss that afternoon’s appointment? Had I found grandmother’s house I would not have pulled weeds with Paul and enjoyed an enchanted afternoon. What made Paul want to pull weeds on that particular day? And why was the bakery in on all of it? Did the future already exist? I know I did not 'make it happen' as I'm not a fan of croissants at all. Who is making what happen? Is our reality a virtual reality and are we just travelling through it as if being in a movie? I have had a number of other experiences along the same lines, involving such complex things as bananas, pizza and Christmas lights among other things, which I will share in future blogs. I think it's useful to ponder these things as it can take a sting out of life and also give us clues as what is to come, which can give us hope, other than being just plain entertaining. So the next time a thought pops in, pay attention, you might be in for an adventure! Post ScriptThe events above described took place about three years ago. A few days ago I got the inspiration to write the story down and then sent it to my daughter who is currently in Australia. She just got a new job in a bakery named Bertoldo's. Today I received this message from her: "Guess what Mom? The day after I read your croissant article a lady came in to Bertoldo's, she looked very similar to you - it startled me a bit - now she comes in every day and guess what she orders... one croissant!" Dr. Anke Zimmermann, ND, FCAH
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