Why do I make cake? Because of moments like these. Quiet minutes before the start of a celebration, when the world seems ripe for love and laughter. A cake on a cake-stand, elevated above the surface that often holds our daily sustenance, reminds me that there are still sacred moments.
And then I remember the way I felt walking into my grandmother’s kitchen. Beneath a plastic dome, a chocolate cake made with extra helpings of love waited for my arrival. A few hours later, we’d gather around my grandparent’s table and pass each other slices. Our forks would clink against the china, and we’d all smile at Grammy, thankful that she took the time to bless our souls and our mouths.
Like many girls, I went through a period of deprivation. A time I thought I didn’t deserve so many good and happy things. An extra helping of strawberry cake, the love of a gentle man, the sweet morning kisses of a house-cat. I remember those times not in mental images, but as the feeling of a sharp needle pressing into my palm. The pain seems unbearable now, but back then I had learned to live with it.
I make cakes because it takes me to a place of reflection. Where I remember all the good poured into my life and the happy moments we commemorated with a cake on a stand. There is nothing better than talking to a happy couple or a proud parent or a loving spouse or a kind friend. To create something beautiful and lovely, rich and filling, is one way that I forgive myself for neglecting that same, inner part of me.
So make a cake. Or eat a slice. Take a long walk and leave everything (yes, even those ever-present smart-phones) at home. Don’t neglect your body or your soul because the world tells you to live and desire differently than what your true self wants. We all have a compass inside of ourselves that points truer than any other. Find it. Follow where it leads you.
It led me back to my childhood, into the kitchen of my Grammy. I found the place that makes me feel whole.
If you haven’t had the chance, take a moment to visit Cake Stands’ website. You can see a lovely photograph that Ryan took at one of my cake deliveries (the wonders of beveled glass!) And you can like me on Facebook too. I’m throwing a cake party in Austin once I reach 225 likes, which will hopefully happen very very soon.
Oh yes. Please let me know if you’d like a cake. I’d be happy to bake one for you.
I LOVE that first picture of the cake on the table–absolutely gorgeous!
Monet, this post is just what I needed today – a gentle reminder to follow my passion and embrace what makes me whole. Thank you for your incredible words and wonderful cakes. I’m so happy to see you pursuing the thing that you are so very good at. 🙂
Ah, Sarah. Thank you for your kind words. I think of you often, and I’m blessed that our lives intersected when they did.
I love your reflections on why you love cake so much. I have that same feeling with cooking in general… It’s something that comforts me when I’m down and gives me a way to express myself.
I’m so proud of you.
Now, bring me a slice of cake!
Oh Monet – you are SO gifted in SO many ways. Great & wonderful things will happen for you I just know. I feel blessed just to get to read your posts. xox
Beautiful post, Monet! This is why I bake as well. It truly soothes my soul. I love feeding those I love.
High 5, girl! Amen to finding your inner peace and enjoying it to the fullest. These are many of the reasons why I bake as well, and you’ve articulated it better than I ever could. 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your week!
i get a lot of satisfaction out of baking cakes for others, but no one ever offers to bake one for me–thanks, even if you didn’t mean it! 🙂
You are so right my friend in every way 🙂
Thank you for reminding me of the passions of food blogging 🙂
Cheers
CCU
Touching post. I make cakes because it slows life and me down. That doesn’t happen to often.
After all, food makes us happy!
Hi Monet,
Yes, we all do need time away from all of these “devices.” It was nice to be in Europe for a few weeks and have limited access. Good luck with your new business! Gwen
Beautiful photos. I find nothing more soothing than baking and decorating a cake. Love this post.
Beautiful post, Monet. You are such a sweet soul and I am always glad to read your thoughts on this site. I would love for you to make me a cake but I don’t think it would stand the journey! If I’m ever in the Austin area I will look you up, though!
Sweet post Monet! I could feel the anticipation of cutting the celebratory cake at a party that I felt as a kid when I read your post;-) Thanks for sharing all the way from Austin to me in Northern California!
This is so lovely, as always, Monet! I bake for similar reasons … mostly I bake for other people, and it fills me to see them smile, to savor something sweet. And honestly? Sometimes you just can’t get that with whole wheat pastry flour, grapeseed oil, and agave nectar. 🙂 Thanks for the touching reflection. I hope that some day I can come to a cake party in Austin! (I have a friend who is headed there now to the Lake Austin spa … I am jealous.)
Beautiful post Monet!! Baking brings such joy and is such a wonderful form of therapy. Your cakes always look so gorgeous and tasty and they have so much love poured into them which makes them even more special!
Beautiful post Monet! Baking and decorating cakes is one of the things I enjoy very much, especially if the cake is going to be for a special occasion or just a special person. It is so relaxing! Your cakes are all so wonderful, anyone who recieves one or gets to enjoy a slice of one is getting something special :)! Hope you had a wonderful weekend!
Monet, I feel like giving you a great big hug! You touch me with your insight – I am sure your grandmother is so proud of how you share her ability to pour love into each cake and the words you share with us 🙂 What a beautiful post.
What a beautiful post Monet. Continue to love what you do. It is ever present in your baking and writing 🙂
Your cakes are absolutely GORGEOUS!
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