Hello my baking friends!
I figured it was about time to introduce myself, since I’ve been visiting the forum and Rose’s blog for over a year now. Intended to lurk for awhile to get to know everybody and see how things work around here. Instead I found myself jumping in with both feet.
I saw a question or two I might be able to help with. Then it was questions and more questions when I saw Hector’s beauuuutiful “Copper Topper” cake and decided to try a variation. He was so generous with advice and even posted a template for the star-shaped upper tier. Others were equally generous and knowledgeable, and I continued to chime in whenever I could. I knew I had come to a good home for my ongoing love affair with baking.
When I was young, it never occurred to me to make a career in the culinary world. I suppose many of us baby boomers shied away from the traditionally female occupations like cooking, nursing and teaching so that we could do something *really important*. It’s a pity because what’s more important than food? lol But you’re never too old to explore new directions! Which is exactly what I did after a) two other careers; and b) taking a few years off to care for my mother who, as it turned out, had vascular dementia.
Meanwhile the love of all things culinary found its outlet in home cooking and to my surprise—with no small degree of trepidation—making my daughter’s wedding cake 11 years ago. Needless to say, it was Rose who held my hand all the way with her amazing Cake Bible. The exercise started simply enough. My daughter just asked me for ideas. Once we worked out the design, there was nothing else for it but that I would make the cake.
When my mother’s condition became such that she was better in professional hands, we selected a good care home, and I went off to baking school. I’d been nurturing that dream while baking for friends off and on during the years after my daughter’s wedding. It seemed like I was getting paid to have fun and learn—which in fact I was! I wondered if it could become my profession.
But this is turning into a book! I’d better cut to the present, which is going to make you smile. It does, me. I didn’t look too hard for a job after graduation two years ago. I needed a break, and there were family issues that needed attention. I kept my hand in by continuing to bake for friends and referrals by word of mouth.
I was just thinking about kicking it up a notch when, out of the blue two weeks ago—this is the *smile* part—I was offered a part-time job in a bakery that’s the perfect antidote to the isolation of working on your own. Have been wanting to drop by and share the news. It seemed like a good time, too, to change my screen name since “Carol” by itself has been used by more than one person on Rose’s blog and maybe also in the forum. My mum used to call me Carolita when I was little—sometimes, she still does.
So this is me, Carolita, and I’m very glad to be here. See you around the forum!
When they grow up, their problems just get bigger. On the other hand, it’s indecribable to see your daughter have children of her own and to share the emotions of motherhood with her. And I do adore my grandkids. And you know, I get a better nights sleep on most nights. So really, I wouldn’t go backwards for anything. 
Have fun with what’s left of your day - Momof10
