The perfect storm....
I think "the perfect storm" was the title from a movie I saw years ago, but the words just sounded poetic and more interesting than "the perfect Sunday afternoon."
If you are only to here to read about luscious desserts, your reading will not be in total vain. Now each paragraph will not cause your tummy to rumble with excitement, but I do have a little decadence to share.
In the picture, I have a few of my new favorite things -- Match Latte from Summit Coffee at Birkdale Landing strategically nestled on top of a table with the perfect mixture of sun and shade. My favorite Moleskin journal embossed with the University of Richmond - Robins School of Business logo, the book my eGroup (Elevation Church Bible study group) is reading, and the Southern Living "Cakes & Pie” edition from 2017.
As I mentioned months ago, I have a lovely relationship with Nieslen-Massey Vanilla. I create a dessert featuring their agreed upon product and they send me free product! I've been using their amazing vanilla since I was introduced to it at the French Pastry School, a million years ago (I'm rounding) so it's a win-win for us both! I have NEVER liked or gravitated toward the artistic creative or whimsical side of cake decorating. However, I love flipping through a magazine on a crisp sunny day under a picturesque Carolina blue sky for flavor inspiration. Viola - inspiration struck! I decided to merge 2 different recipes together to create a Spiced Pina Colada Cheesecake. With all the modifications I noted, it will either be culinary genius or something we shall never speak of again. I need to get this creation completed before the end of this month. So I will schedule the creation time very soon!
You might be wondering -- "don't you miss baking all the time?" My answer may surprise you, but NO, not really. Please don't misunderstand. I'm a firm believer that everything is for a time and a season. And currently, I'm in a different season. Although, I am extremely skilled in multitasking to an insane level. I am still very firmly rooted in reality and know when enough is enough. On the business side -- I've modified almost every page on my website, steadily moving further through the process of landing several new large corporate clients for speaking engagements and private baking experiences as a team building activity, giving a presentation this week, and working on proposals for a couple other corporate clients. In addition, the ATD video was released and I was also awarded the CVMSDC 2022 Class I - Supplier of the Year award.
On the personal side -- after 20 showings in 3 days, I poured over 8 offers and sold my dad's house in NY. Since he’s elderly, I’m coordinating 14-20 other tasks for him all from Huntersville, NC, and selecting the upcoming date this month to get him on a plane to Charlotte.
All of the above comes with an entire new set of stressors. However, I pray a lot, ask friends to pray for me, and have found ways to maintain balance and stay on top of my game. So for now, retaining baking would have been 1 spinning plate too many.
For everything there is a time and a season, and I wait with great anticipation to see the season change again.
Blessings!
Maria
