Something Special...

I attended a party Saturday night. A birthday party for a special friend.

I was in charge of cake. 

While I love elegant Martha Stewart-esque cakes, they just aren't me :-)

As I frosted and decorated I remembered a time in my childhood... 

I was a Girl Guide, not older than 6 or 7 and it was Christmas time. We decorated gingerbread men and awards were passed out for "Best Decorated Cookie", "Most Unique Gingerbread Man" etc.....

I won the award " Most Candy on One Cookie"

Yep, no joke folks, I was the kid who didn't want to waste a millimeter of real estate on that cookie - not a glimpse of gingerbread could be seen when I was done with it.

I thought of this as I decorated my good friend's birthday cake. 

Not an inch on the cake was without candy.

Hot lips, and jelly beans and lollipops and sprinkles. 

Given the up coming holiday, I went with a Valentines theme. Since my friend was sharing her birthday with another friend of hers, I put both their initials out of solid chocolate on the cake.

A sweet tooth's dream :-)

Now, I never claimed to be a master cake maker, or even a decent one. But this cake was a hit! Everyone agreed, it reminded them of their childhood, when birthday cakes were fun and whimsical - and homemade. When you could cover a cake ( or cookie) in candy and not feel guilty. 

While everyone enjoyed the cake, it was not the only special thing I brought for the birthday girl :-) Over the last week I have been working away on a very special gift. Something unique, and thoughtful, and inspired by one of the kindest artists I know.

A special something, to put something special in :-)

A keepsake box, that fits in the palm of the hand. 

The outside stamped with a Robert Louis Stevenson quote

"We are all travellers in this world, and the very best we can hope to find in our travels is an honest friend"

The very first piece I have made of this kind, I was so happy with how it turned out. 

Jen got weepy, then I almost got weepy, then we laughed and hugged and talked about the wonderful things that could go inside. 

I subtly hinted to her boyfriend that a ring would fit just perfectly. He thanked me for forever outdoing him when it came to the gift department (oops- sorry!)

Don't worry - I of course offered my help in picking out something to go in the box ;-p

Sometimes it takes a good friend to challenge you. To be there when you succeed, or when you fail. To tell you, "yes your butt looks big in those jeans" and "Don't let it get to you, you are better than that!"

A friend who is honest, and caring a kind, that brings out a better you. 

When I started this project I told Dan about it, and said, "It would be so great - but can I do it ?"

He said, "of course you can"

Sometimes you have friends who are surprised by what you are capable of. Sometimes you have friends who just know, and believe it more than you.

I am lucky enough to have one of each.

♥