The New Yorkers seek the slow pace of the suburbs. The small town crowd looks for big city lights. What fuels that drive in us to always seem to want what we can't have? As children we found excitement in getting our hands on something we were told not to. That cookie in the jar just before dinner was a mastermind of success. Most think this trend fizzles as we go through adulthood. But let's be honest, same cookie, bigger jar. 

Sometimes unknowingly, we seek to fill our voids. Ever notice how your whole day can be crumbling around you, then suddenly realize it's nothing that a little shoe shopping couldn't fix? A billion dollar industry has been flourishing due to that exact epiphany. We all crave the natural high that accompanies getting what we didn't have before. We want the happiness, the hustle, and the high heels! We want it all, and we want it now. But even the city goers get blinded by the lights, and suburbia finds their surroundings sub-par. If we're lucky, we realize that it is not about the big apple or Orange County, or wherever we are. You get out what you put in; our own ingredients create a sweet life. 

The better half and I have been tossing around the idea of possibly relocating down the road. Essentially, we are the tiny towners seeking the big city lights. We hope those lights brighten our future with more opportunity, a pace that matches ours, and unforgettable experiences, but fortune or failure, I will always remember where I came from. Me and Mine have gained our happiness here in small town USA and I am positive it will continue no matter where life drops us off. And I do believe that is what we bakers call "having your cake, and eating it too. "

A few "warm Fuzzies"

Fate or Foe?

My fate is in your hands. We constantly use this silly little figure of speech. Todays media is overflowing with problems, debates, stories, and complaints. Whatever the crisis, we look to find someone to point the finger at. Taking responsibility for your own actions is ludicrous. How refreshingly honest would it be to find the criminal saying "well Officer, I performed this crime because I am a terrible, unhappy, human being." Instead we investigate the scenario to uncover the criminals "chemical imbalance" and he almost gains our sympathy. The responsibility is lifted and his fate is in our hands. Of course that was a drastic example to prove a point, but this exact situation happens more often than not in our daily lives. We like to put our love, our luck, and our success, in the hands of others to save face. We are the "criminals" bailing ourselves out of embarrassment with our own chemical imbalances, (per se). In this crazy world it is easier to whip up a batch of complaints about how nothing ever goes right, rather than, as they say, "make lemonade." Truth is, there are those lucky people that seem to have just stumbled upon success. But that millionaire lottery winner didn't gain his prosperity without taking an active role in his winnings. As little action as it took him to get up, get dressed, drive to the store, and purchase a ticket, he did in fact, take some control. No matter the dose, there is hard work and responsibility behind every healthy success story. We can't sit around and wait for the jury to conclude we are crazy and hope for our happy ending. Often, fate does indeed have a funny little way of getting us to easy street, but sometimes, like us, it needs a little direction.

My first step in cruising into my own success is to take one of my passions and hobbies and give it a little fuel. And if you can't tell by the image and use of witty "baking repartees" throughout, here's a little help. 

Accepting local holiday cookie orders this year. Specializing in clothespins, but will customize any orders (cut-out cookies, cakes, rolls, etc)

Contact at LisaLove437@yahoo.com for further information.

"Each man is the architect of his own fate"-Appius Claudius, Roman Statesman 300 B.C.

Well, thanks Appius for your words of wisdom... Let me in turn enlighten you: So is each woman :o)

Desire, Inspire

I find myself falling victim to todays blogging, networking, technology epidemic. We are in a craze of sharing our photos, stories, status updates and thoughts to anyone who will listen. Though sometimes I find it silly how much time is spent on all of the above, I am still inspired by the impact. Hours upon hours are spent surfing other peoples lives while ours may be passing us by as fast as we can say tweet. I created this blog not to feed the hungry networkers, but to inspire myself. It is not just the one idol, the few talented dancers, or the lottery winners that are making something out of nothing today. This often vain bloggers world, has given rise to success of the occasional hobbier turned entrepreneur overnight. The "she's a good baker" and "she's so creative" masses are able to be turned into movers and shakers with on the house exposure due to todays indulgent lifestyle. "Opportunity is everywhere." How often have we heard that? Opportunity IS everywhere, and right beside it is inspiration. How often do you find yourself saying, "I could have made that" or "I wish I thought of that."  Fear mixed with a dollop of laziness is the perfect recipe for spoiled creativity. We rather be miserable in a dead end job, than act on an inspiring suggestion. Change puts a bad taste in our mouth and seems to cause more harm than good. The difference is embracing that slightly uncomfortable feeling you get when you think of changing your routine. Behind every decision, we all desire the outcome to be something that makes us happy. I am inspired to let my creative bug fly and hope that my desire can buffer the fear. Of course, I am young and possibly a little irrational, but the better half of me will make sure I keep my feet on the ground... at least long enough to make him dinner.