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
Barbie with a T says
Since Candy Corn is one of my favorite Halloween candies, I know that I would love these. I would probably eat the rest of the candy corn from the bag while making them! Thank you for the beautiful tribute today….I cannot tell you how much it means to me.
Cathy says
Barbie it was absolutely my pleasure. I always look forward to your wonderful comments. You are a lovely, lovely lady.
Frieda says
Tears in my eyes for your dear reader, Barbie. Hugs to you both.
Barbie with a T says
Thank You Frieda, xoxo.
Cathy says
Thanks Freida. I miss you too, how’s Bellingham these days?
DaphneSFL says
I’m going to make these cakes next weekend. This is a beautiful tribute to what sounds like a beautiful person. I lost both my mom and dad to cancer, and I hate that Barbie’s family is going thru this. I am sending them all the love and wishes and prayers and hugs I can.
You, Cathy, are an incredibly wonderful woman xoxoxoxoxo
Cathy says
Thanks Daphne, your comment is so appreciated.
Barbie with a T says
I agree Cathy is a wonderful woman, and she helped me through some really rough spots. I will be eternally grateful to have known her through her beautiful blogs.
Carol Ware says
Sound wonderful and cute to boot! And a lovely tribute to Barbie. Blessings to everyone.
Cathy says
Thank you Carol.
Barbie with a T says
Thank you so much for the blessings, Carol.
Margi in Ky says
I just recently lost my husband to kidney disease and candy corn was a must in all the candy dishes in the house at Halloween time. I have an event to go to on the 31th and will make these as a tribute to his memory. Thanks for the recipe and all my prayers are with Barbie.
Cathy says
I’m sorry to hear of your loss Margi. What a wonderful and sweet way to remember your husband.
Barbie with a T says
Thank you for the prayers, Margi.
karen says
What a lovely post… Barbie – such a courageous woman, full of joy and light, it’s evident that you are a gem among us.
I love the candy corn cakes, adorable! But the cat litter mess? I had to laugh and then maybe gag a little … I just could not eat it..lol….
Cathy says
She is a light, perfect way to describe Barbie.
Barbie with a T says
Thanks karen. it is Cathy who is the light. I am just the candle and she is the flame.
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
These cakes are so fun but I’m sitting here crying, being totally moved by this tribute… You both are truly amazing…. Hugs!!!!
Cathy says
I know, I’ve done my share!
Barbie with a T says
The most beautiful tribute I could have received. Thanks Anna and hugs.
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme says
What a lovely, touching post. It brought tears to my eyes and, trust me, that’s hard to do.
Barbie with a T says
Lana, I do not tear up easily either, but have had no trouble today after reading such a blessed tribute.
leslie says
Oh my. How sad. God bless Barbie and you for keeping her in your thoughts!
Barbie with a T says
Thank you leslie for the blessing.
Kristina says
oh! I understand the cherished friendships that come from this amazing community (including following your journey to Oregon, Cathy, enjoying the wine club and the pleasure of recently meeting you!) and tears run down my face as I read this beautiful tribute.
Big hugs to you, Cathy, and so SO much healing and calming energy to you, Barbie. <3
Barbie with a T says
Thanks for your thoughts, Kristina. Calming energy is just what I need.
Kyle says
I, too, am reading this through my tears. Every Halloween I have to leave a Reese’s Cup at my late kidlet’s grave (he died at age 17) as I had snitched one from his Halloween basket and he never let me forget it. I will think of Barbie and Margi in Ky as I do. This is what I love about these “communities”. Thank you.
Barbie with a T says
I find it remarkable how people reach out at times like these and lend their support. Thank you Kyle.
farmkat says
What a cute idea! love candy corn…
Barbie – you sound like a wonderful person. I will be praying for you. Please check out the book “Natural Herbal Therapy” by Lucinda Gibbs Robinson. She has helped many people. Amazon carries it.
Kathy
Barbie with a T says
Thanks Kathy, I am being followed by an oncologist/integrative nutritionist and he has recommended the book also and I ordered it. I have a difficult time with supplements and herbs too. Thanks for the prayers.
Katrina says
Really nice tribute. It is so nice and wonderful to have such a great community of friends in this worldwide web world! And LOVE candy corn–in all shapes and sizes. đŸ˜‰
Barbie with a T says
Yes, Cathy is an amazing writer with a kind heart and soul. Everyone has been so supportive. Thanks friends.
Tami Lyn says
A wonderful tribute to a woman whose comments I have seen on your blog many times Cathy. Hoping the prayers that fill this page bring peace and comfort to you.
God bless you both.
Barbie with a T says
I have seen your comments also, and thank you so much for your concern.
Shelby says
A very touching post. I too know it’s possible to become very close to someone you have never met. It is a very special thing for you and Barbie to have.
Barbie with a T says
Thanks Shelby. It is a very special thing for sure because Cathy is so special.
Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch says
How Fun!!! These are so cute for Halloween!
Gloria T in SoCal says
Just read the post and felt the weight of the world in my heart for Barbie. Spent the day yesterday at Disneyland with family. The park is decorated for Halloween and they have lots of candy corn around, big ones and little ones. Now it will always remind me of you, Barbie, and what a courageous person you are and the peace that dwells within you. Love and prayers to you and your family.
Barbie with a T says
Thank you Gloria T in So Cal…I love your internet name. But I wanted to thank you Gloria for your prayers and thoughts.
Samantha says
This is such a great post… I love how blogging can create such real, unlikely connections between otherwise unknown friends; and Barbie, my most positive thoughts, prayers, and energy are being sent your way!!
Sam
ava south says
Barbie is my little sister. As you can imagine I am in a state about her. Her attitude has kept her going till now but she is gradually losing her strength. She thinks of you as a friend. I would ask prayers for her.
Pat in Oak Ridge TN says
Barbie,
I pray for peace for you. I pray you have no more pain. Thank you God for giving us this wonderful woman. Please be with her and her family.
We may not know you Barbie, but we all are with you in spirit. You are our sister.
Pat
Kim in MD says
What a beautiful, sweet and heartfelt post that has left me with tears streaming down my face. Barbie- I, too have read many of your comments over the years. It’s funny how you can feel close to people you have never just by reading (and commenting) on their blog. We become “virtual” friends, but those friendships are very real just the same. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, Barbie.
Jackie B says
Hi Cathy! I want to thank you for such a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to my mother. I know that ya’ll have been cyber friends for a long time now. She often mentioned you in our conversations. As you may have guessed, we talk passionately about food almost daily. In your tribute, you said her daughter forwarded her a recipe and that was the start of your friendship. I do not remeber this but I guess that daughter would be ME! LOL I will take the credit for kindling a great friendship! ha ha
I wish to thank everyone else that has left comments and please know that my mother is a strong and great woman and know she deeply appreciates each and every one of them.
Cathy, I will be subscribing to your blog today. I love these little candy corn treats in this post and look forward to discovering some new and fabulous recipes.
Thanks again…and Mom, if you are reading this, I love you very much!
Cathy says
Oh that’s funny, maybe it was a niece? I swore it was you but that was years ago. Maybe Barbie can clarify for us!!
ava south says
A mystery daughter, perhaps??I think it might be my daughter, Molly, who is a great cook who loves to experiment with new recipes. She is Barbie’s niece..
Pamela says
Just reading this recipe this beautiful autumn morning and your tribute to Barbie has started my day with teardrops in my coffee. I will never look at candy corn the same. Thoughts and prayers with Barbie.
Teri s. says
Just put the cakes in the oven! This is so cute and simple, I absolutely LOVE it! Thanks, you’ve probably made me a hero for tonight!!!
Cathy says
Enjoy them!