Of Stars, Jedis and Dark Knights...

Dark chocolate cake layered with chocolate ganache and topped with fondant decor in Star Wars theme.  May the force be with you...

Spring Lady

Every year I get all teary eyed and nostalgic around early March.  The occasion is marked by my daughter's birthday.  This year she turned seven and at first I thought to myself: we don't need a big party to celebrate...she is past the years for parties, cakes and gifts.  Then I looked around and found myself thinking twice. 

I am a volunteer baker for a non-profit organization called Icing Smiles.  Their mission is to deliver birthday cakes to families with critically ill children.  They celebrate life, not just a birthday!  Some of these kids don't even make it through a half dozen years and the celebration of each year of life is so well understood and so much more meaningful.  Life is very precious and equally unpredictable and there is no right or wrong when it comes to celebrating another year of life...

So here we are this year with an all fondant three tiered cake.  The cake was a mix of  strawberry and vanilla.  Apricot/pineapple preserve and strawberry preserve were used as the fillings in alternate layers.  The actual event was more in accordance to M's wishes.  The cake flavor, the venue, the guest list and the food were chosen by her.  I let her dictate a part of the planning.  Simply because I wanted her to feel that as she is growing up, she can make some decisions that will be respected. It's a small step in letting her build her own confidence towards decision making and feeling empowered.  For, prepare her I must, for the world that's ahead of her in the years to come.  Spring ahead, my little lady and may you be happy and succeed each step of the way.

Berry Blue

Today, I completed 10 years officially in the US workforce (yes, my day job). The congratulatory note and all verbiage associated with this event thanked me/recognized me for my service towards the growth of the company.  It's funny how viewpoints differ. All along I have been viewing this as my journey towards personal satisfaction/fame/money and recognition .  I never ever viewed this as a service I was providing...

Given that there have been days of frustration, thoughts of quitting and never quite imagining I would survive to see this day, it is in itself an amazing fact and I am proud to have made it this far.  There are so many unfortunate people in the world who have so little and are just trying to survive. The feeling that I have achieved A LOT in comparison to many souls out there is slowly starting to sink in! 

I have parents and family members to thank for their support on the way.  I have managers and colleagues to thank; for teaching me something in their own small ways...I have friends to thank for being there when I needed to re-charge/rejuvenate with some laughter and good food.  Last but not the least, I have my competitors and critiques to thank because their  opinions and feedback have kept me honest/integral and helped me constantly strive to do more.  Thank you everyone for being part of my journey.

Folks associate the color blue with feelings of depression, sadness and a melancholy mood...To me, it's my favorite color and I am proud to be part of the white and blue (logo)!  Cheers to all with a blueberry bread.