Happy April! Over the weekend I made a birthday cake. It was one of those cakes that went so smoothly it was scary, but I will admit I took the time to plan every step out perfectly. After crumb coating the cake, I looked at it for a while and felt that giddy blank canvas feeling, realizing that this is truly my favorite part of decorating cakes. The blank canvas before I let my mind go wild and make it beautiful. The anticipation of getting to make something special for someone’s special day. It’s a really good feeling that only brings that feeling of momentum to find ways to do it more. I frosted it with a smooth buttercream and flooded the top with a chocolate ganache, making sure to have some drips. I love a good chocolate drip! I then mixed up a chocolate frosting, and the piping fest began. Chocolate candy, red and gold sprinkles and mini liquor bottles to finish it perfectly for a 21st birthday! It was a fun cake, well they are all fun, but the added feeling of a blank canvas ahead definitely heightened the joy and created a momentum to go fast forward into even more!
I always like the beginning of the month, but especially April. April first is the sign of a blank canvas to me as well. We are coming out of winter (very slowly, as it snowed last night) and warmer weather awaits along with a new chapter of the year. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind hibernating. I’ve learned to find joy in having time inside, cozy, doing the things you feel guilty doing on a nice summer day. But I’m over it now. I’m ready for the outdoors and that is exactly where we are at. My blank canvas for the next season of life. Its energizing thinking of all the things I want to accomplish this summer. I’m selling at two farmers markets for the first time ever. I am excited and nervous, but mostly excited. I’ve decided to give running another go. It brought me so much peace and joy in the past. The last time I ran was a in 2023, when I ran a half marathon with my son. I miss that runner’s high. And as every year I am ready to attack my yard with all the plants, flowers, and gardens! I’ve treated this entire year as a blank canvas and so far, stepping out of my comfort zone in many areas of my life has been fun and I can tell I needed it. Now that I’m doing all the things I just want to keep doing more to make my blank canvas beautiful!
I hope you all have that thing that gives you the giddy blank canvas feeling and if you don’t, start doing the scary things and I guarantee you will only want more!
Gratefully Baked 