Sweet Connections

SOMETIMES UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTERS make an ordinary day truly sweet. This happened recently, after I happened upon this post:

Wow, right!? That chapeau is entirely edible! (Well, not these roses, but they often are, and look just as real!)

Having never seen such a cake, I messaged Lidia to ask if I could share it with you.

She explained that baking was “just a hobby,” that professionally she is a caregiver. She loves making cakes for “her ladies,” including this one, for MaryEllen’s 97th birthday.

Asking to include MaryEllen in these photos, Lidia said I should check with her daughter. Karen. Not only did Karen grant permission, but she later delivered a photo album — filled with wedding cakes (including one that’s 5 feet tall)!

MaryEllen had made these cakes over 40 years as a professional baker. While Lidia may not be a professional cake maker, I can tell you myself, this one, which she calls “Church Lady Hat,” was not only a work of art, but delicious!

I know this because, at MaryEllen’s insistence, in addition to the photo album, Karen brought me the last slice

When you happen upon someone or something that makes you smile, I hope you’ll take a chance on connecting.

The resulting pleasure can be sweet indeed.

-Jennifer and the 50Plus team

Epilogue: Chatting with Lidia, I discovered her life was even more inspiring than her mad cake decorating skills — which says a lot given she only started teaching herself during the pandemic. Years ago, her little family came to this country with just a few bucks, two babies — and the conviction to make success from scratch. Read about it here.