In a world where we're often too quick to judge, cast a sideways glance, make a rude hand gesture from behind the wheel of our car, or utter disparaging remarks against strangers, colleagues, neighbors, or even family, it's refreshing and wonderful to see shimmering moments of kindness. The type of act that expects nothing in return, but is merely a show of the good that's in people's hearts and minds. The type of act that makes you stop in your footsteps, and appreciate the moment.

I experienced such an act just this last week. Lulu and I were out for our morning walk in our lovely hometown of Old Town, Alexandria, and it was an absolutely beautiful morning. We were strolling one of our favorite streets in town, basking in the cooler summer temperatures not often enjoyed in Northern Virginia amidst the often sweltering and sticky late July days. As we made our way down a city block I paused to admire a home's beautiful front flower garden. While enjoying the beautiful colors and various textures something caught my eye, and I was completely taken aback by this simple message.

In case you can't read the sign in the photo, the words "Pick a bouquet for you and a friend" were etched on a casual slate sign. Conveniently placed next to the message hung a pair or scissors to complete the suggested act.

Maybe it's my too many years in the city where I've witnessed my own or a neighbor's flower garden being ransacked by thieves or flattened into pancake status by an inconsiderate garbage truck, or the threat of surveillance monitoring and legal action against "bloom cutters" I've seen posted near some gardens (no joke), but never have I seen a beautiful cutting garden being willingly (and generously) offered up in such a thoughtful and touching manner.

I stood, feet firmly planted to the ground, for what felt like minutes, and pondering the internal debate of whether or not I should follow the instructions printed in front of me. Was it genuine kindness, or would I touch the scissors and be snapped up in a capture net as part of a horticulture sting operation meant to apprehend the Old Town Bloom Thief of 2013? After a few moments of indecision, I decided that I would take the kindness at face value and help myself to a small bouquet.