Thursday, June 05, 2008

Births, Graduations and Hiking Far

We’ve had some big events in our family in the past month or so. My gorgeous new niece was born abroad, with plenty of dark hair and sparkling dark round eyes. From photos and webcam she already appears to be developing quite a sprightly personality!

Here in the States, my oldest nephew (and godson) graduated from college and I created this graduation cake to celebrate the event (because every significant moment in life should be accompanied by a simply amazing cake!). He too, has an easy smile, a great sense of humor and an engaging way, which he will now apply to the business world.

For my littlest niece and my oldest nephew – each setting out on a new journey – some words of wisdom, from Oh, the Places You’ll Go! (1990), and the legendary Dr. Seuss. The advice is something that newborns, graduates and even experienced uncles and adults of all ages should never forget!

“On and on you will hike
and I know you’ll hike far
and face up to your problems
whatever they are.
You’ll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
You’ll get mixed up
with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life’s
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!”

©2008 T.W. Barritt All Rights Reserved

11 comments:

Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) said...

Proving, once again, that you are the perfect uncle -- beautiful cake (how do you get the fondant that smooth?) and Dr. Seuss!

Kathy said...

Lovely cake!

Patricia Scarpin said...

You are so sweet, T.W.! That's a wonderful cake and such a generous gesture!

Jann said...

You are so wonderful to have baked this cake ~and, it turned out so beautiful! I gather from reading this post, you have been busy.....your family is very lucky!

La Cuisine d'Helene said...

Great cake that is so nice of you.

~~louise~~ said...

Congrats T.W.

What a "sweet" looking cake and a lovely post.

Enjoy!

Anonymous said...

Congrats Uncle!
I always give that book as a graduation present! Dontcha love it?
Your cake is beautiful btw ;)

T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types said...

Hi Lydia - hardly the perfect uncle, but certainly wild about my niece and nephews!

Kathy - Thanks! I am enjoying "cake sculpting!"

Patricia - Thank you! You do such lovely work with fondant, so I really appreciate that!

Hi Jann - It's been a really exciting time for family events - I think great events inspire great cakes!

Helene - it's really fun to start with a cake idea and see it take shape.

Louise - you should consider doing a post on Dr. Seuss and food - what do you think?

Maryann - Yes, I love the book. It was given to me well after my graduation :-) but it has such insights about life for anyone on a journey.

Cakespy said...

What a perfect cake for these happy milestones! Of course, I don't see any mention of the flavor!?

T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types said...

Hi Cakespy! It was a butter cake recipe with raspberry filling - a little traditional and a little adventurous for the graduate!

wheresmymind said...

Beautiful cake...congrats on all the goings on in your life :)