I’m going to dedicate this post to someone special. I’ve never done that before and quite frankly never thought of doing it until yesterday. I received an email from a long-time reader, Barbie, and I can’t help but want to share a little bit of her story.
Barbie has been reading my blog since her daughter forwarded this recipe years ago. She has always left the greatest comments, cheering me on as food lover, writer, mother and winemaker. She has been here, like so many of you, watching me plant my vineyard and making my way through the wine business. She became a fast member of my wine club and has always been so cheerful and thoughtful in her interactions on this blog. I always look forward to what she has to say. And she has always loved my Halloween creations, even the crazy-gross ones!
The only time I remember Barbie not being around was when she was fighting the ill-effects of chemotherapy. Even during those rough times, she would comment once in a while, letting me know that something I made actually gave her an appetite. I loved her for that.
Yesterday I received an email from Barbie, letting me know she could no longer continue her membership in my wine club. In her final stages of terminal cancer, she is no longer cooking, eating or drinking. I was floored. I cried. I pounded my desk a few times. I didn’t know the cancer had progessed that far.
I felt terrible. Awful really. Deep sadness for this woman I have never met but have connected with through this blog.
There was that time we did talk on the phone. Her computer was not allowing her to view the pictures on my blog and she was upset about it. I told her to send me her phone number and my husband ( a self-taught computer guru) could call and help her fix it. Eventually, he got to the bottom of it and pinpointed the problem. She trusted me enough to let me reach out and assist her, I was humbled.
So needless to say, this news has deeply saddened me. I am so sorry she has had to experience such a challenging and unforgiving disease. Barbie’s comments are always so cheery, so lovely…just like her.
“Barbie, I want to thank you for all the inspiration you have given me, not to mention your kindness, your joy, your sense of humor. I am grateful for your visits, leaving your little drops of wisdom. Your legacy will remain here always.
I wish you peace at this very difficult time. I would not have known of the current struggles you face based on your constant, cheerful disposition. You are obviously full of courage, grace and strength. How lucky am I to have you as an integral part of this community we have created. You are the best.”
Have fun with these.
Update: Barbie has since passed, but I love coming across an old post where she left a comment, it always makes smile.
Candy Corn Cake with Marshmallow Cream Frosting
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 boxed white cake mixes or your favorite white cake mix
- 100 drops yellow food coloring, divided
- 8 drops red food coloring
- For the topping:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 7 ounces marshmallow fluff
Garnish
- candy corn
Directions
- Make cakes according to package direction adding 50 drops of yellow food color for the yellow cake. And 50 drops of yellow food color plus 8 drops of red food color for the orange cake. Bake cakes in a 9 x 13 pan and let cool completely.
- Using a 2-1/2" biscuit cutter, make 12 circles out of each cake. Set aside.
- Beat cream cheese and marshmallow fluff until smooth. Top bottom half of each cake with topping and place another cake on top, placing more frosting on top. Garnish with candy corn.
One Year Ago: Bloody Band-Aid Cookies
Three Years Ago: The Weekend Wrap
Four Years Ago: The Log of the Land