"Do you like banana bread," asked my young, bubbly friend.

Is this a trick question, I thought.

"I'm baking those tiny banana bread loaves for all the people I love on Saturday," she explained.

"Really?" I asked, amazed at my good fortune, "You would put me on your 'people I love' list? Awww!"

The bread…mighty good. Being on her list...oh-so-delicious!

What a nice way to make my life extra special.

Which got me to thinking about all the thoughtful ways there are to make people's lives extra special. And the effort doesn't have to break the bank, either.

-Give something away. Go through your closet or jewelry box. Open up your tool box or your tackle box. Find something you haven't used in awhile and give it to a friend for no reason at all. You'll make their day. Plus, nothing makes you feel rich like realizing you have more than you need.

-Bring some nature indoors. Make a flower arrangement with whatever is growing in your yard. Or pick up a little natural science; a rock, a pinecone, and a feather make a great focal point and a conversation starter on a plate on your coffee table.

-Say something affirming. So your boss fusses at you? Whatever. Instead of complaining to everyone else, say something affirming to him or her. Maybe you boss is just fishing for some encouragement. Yeah, in a dysfunctional way, but who cares?

-Create a scavenger hunt around collecting road side trash. Give everyone a plastic garbage bag. Give the first person to return with a full bag a gag prize. Make it a party.

-Give a good ole hug- an extra long, purposeful hug- to someone who is worn-out, having a rough day, or recovering from an illness.

-Spend a few minutes listening to a younger person. Personally, I think it's a good idea to adopt a fifty-year-old, but there are plenty of youngsters a lot younger than me who would love a new friend. Young folks these days just love a friend who listens well, especially a grandparenttype person.

-Call a friend, just cus. -Write a real note and put a stamp on it. For less than fifty cents, you can give a friend the thrill of receiving something in the mailbox that is not a bill.

-Recycle.

-Plant some annuals. Okay, I'm the ultimate perennial girl because nothing appeals to my cheap, efficient side like knowing my flowers will come up again next year for free. Planting a few annuals is an extravagance, but why not?

-Learn an old-fashioned craft, like knitting or crochet. Or better yet, teach it to a young friend.

And share banana bread.

Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at http:/checklistcharlie.blogspot.com or cathykrafve@gmail.com.