...baking again

I remember when I used to rush home after work to bake. I remember enjoying measuring and carefully combining the ingredients to produce (usually) awesome treats. The thing I like about baking is that as long as you understand how each ingredient adds to the look, taste and feel of the final product; then you can manipulate  any recipe and make it your own (insert life lesson here).

A lot has happened since that baking phase, other than the mandatory few pounds from "quality control testing". It seems that somehow, even though I may not have as much time or the equipment I'd like; that baking bug begins to bite every once in a while (even when I try to avoid it). I have always been encouraged to do something with this talent, maybe I will eventually. I do know that the moment I get frustrated enough (see first blog post) and decide to bake, I want it to be excellent!

Sweetly yours,
SB

...things to blog about

While I do tend to read many blogs, as I may have pointed out last time, I have never been keen on keeping journals...ever...

I find that this blogging thing is a good way to force my creative juices to flow. It seems that this may be the start of me being able to let go of myself and begin to write what I'm thinking...minus the fear of people thinking that I'm writing garbage. I don't have a boyfriend to cook for or children to write about. I have no time to go on adventures (I'm in school), or have fabulous hobbies that I would show off, simply because I was never encouraged to brag as a child. 

I like reading books, I do not have a favourite author, I tend to just read what catches my eye (right now it's Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann). When the time permits, I like going on road trips, although more often than not I stay home and watch Home and Garden Television all day :). I like long walks in the park and...(just kidding). 

Today I must say how much I love my new template! It reminds me of my desk at home during exam time. During the rest of the course, the only thing that never changes about my desk is the cup of coffee. I do adore a cup of black coffee with a tablespoon of brown sugar and a pinch of salt (yes... you read right...salt). Nothing like a pinch of salt to take the bitter edge off that cuppa coffee! I can't imagine a life without coffee (the real one... decaf is not my kinda thing) and so even though gallons I drink per week have begun in recent times to cause a problem; I still must have at least one tiny cup :) .

There you have it! Another attempt to let my creative juices (or in this case creative coffee) flow.

'til next time,

SB

...the perfect idea

It has been a thought of mine lately that with the job market being the way it is, the only way I will be able to "make it" is by embracing my inner entrepreneur...wherever she is. I cannot begin to tell you how many blogs I've read or stories I've listened to or seen in the paper about persons leaving the corporate world to embrace a new career as a baker, stylist, translator, business person etc. There was even one story I read about a young woman selling all but one piece of furniture so she could turn her home into a bakery and realize her dream of becoming a caterer of fine pastries. It occured to me that the common threads in every story are a need to be met, passion, a dream and utter frustration (yes, frustration).
Although many of the heroes/heroines of these stories were aware that they were faced with various adversities, they were passionate enough and frustrated enough to leave their other jobs behind or ignore any discouragement in order to pursue their dream. Every time I read such stories I wonder, why not me? What could I be awesome at? What could make my idea the best there is? What resources do I have to pursue such a venture? Many agencies offer help in the form of loans and business pairings to "small business" operators, so why be afraid to take the first step?...I'm still trying to answer that question. So far I've wanted to make syrup, candles, environmentally friendly packaging, do interior design, make soap, sell hair, make burlap market bags, bake cheesecake and cookies... I could go on forever... My problem, it seems, is that practical Justine always steps in analyses the situation :) and dismisses the idea.
It appears that practicality, in my case, may be a hindrance to finding my "mojo". It may also mean that I'm not frustrated enough. Nevertheless, I am still thinking of my perfect idea. I have faith that it will come one day; it may even come, like most of my ideas, in my sleep. Until then I will continue to add to my available resources so that when the perfect idea comes, I'll be ready to get up and go!
Much thanks to my friend ultimatebrowning for inspiring me by giving me the little nudge I needed to begin blogging.
See you soon!