***My Happy 80th Birthday Cake***

(A bit confused, read previous post)

*

Don't get me wrong, Im not oblivious to the fact that there are professional cake decoraters out there. Far from my intentions... as this is very basic compared to all those. Mind you, this excels anything I ever thought I was capable of doing.. silly, I know. My luck just isnt always the best when it comes to things like this - flipping layers of cake, and hoping you can get them semi straight, balanced, and centered.

*

I got to thinking after I had decided to take on this little surprise project, that I really dont know if Ive ever made a cake like this before, let alone a cake. My dear sister usually is the one to show her creativity when it comes to desserts... and I sit back and enjoy them.

*

*

*

(For those curious, this is my own "make it up as you go" mint oreo crumb center cake) :)

Life & Its New Perspectives..

Life has an amazing way of changing our perspectives as we get older. "Independence" influences these changes, which can be very exciting, fun-filled, but can also shed some stress too. These past couple months have been an adventure that Ive been excited to participate in.

Ive been deveolping my tastes at decorating, finding some fun in shopping for potential ideas, flipping through catalogs, walking the store isles, searching online. Shopping isn't all about "ME" now, it's about how I can better make my place a home, and I thoroughly enjoy that!

I love organizing/planning for an evening of company and snacks. I find myself flipping through magazines for creative, new recipes that I can try. Being that I work evening shift, these events are few and far between, so it makes for more excitement in the plannning process when it actually does happen.

*

I've decided to make a cake for an individual in which I originally met back when I worked at the Mall. I had opportunities to meet many people, which helped pass time during my shift. These were the faithful evening walkers, who I looked forward to chatting with. Sounds silly, I know.. but I did. To this day, I see them in public, and they always stop and we share a bit of an update on where life has taken us.

*

During my apartment search, and having entered the building I am at now, I caught a glimpse of one of the "mall walkers" in the gym... and was a bit taken back. Within a short period of time, he made his way out of the gym to meet me. We chatted, and I went on... On "move in" day, I realize that this guy is my neighbor. Of all the apartments to live near :)

Anyways, I caught wind that his 80th birthday is in August and since then, has now been determined that I will make him a birthday cake. Birthdays at this stage in life can be lonely (only guessing), as his family life isnt the best right now. Im really excited to present him with a cake, likely the only cake he would have for his 80th on Saturday!

*

It's these things that help me to find joy in doing things for others.

*

Life isnt all about "YOU" or "ME", but to allow yourself to be used to be a blessing to others.