My son’s 4th birthday.
There is something essential, maternal, primeval about wanting to cook and provide for your child. Especially when a celebration is involved. On his very first birthday I tried to make some little baby muffins he could eat, but they didn’t actually taste of anything! We called them ‘air buns’.
So as I knew I would ruin it I left it to the professionals…
Rather like I did last year but without the guilt this time.
My boy decided he wanted a Knight themed party so a castle cake seemed appropriate. I briefed a local ‘cake lady’ and this is the result:
Look at it.
Look at the detail. All of it edible. And perfect.
Tears sprung to my eyes as the creator brought it forth for my inspection.
I knew that I would never ever be able to make such a thing. Where do you even start?
I looked this woman up and down. She looked like me, sounded like me, even our houses were similar but we are obviously made from completely different stuff.
I felt reduced. Not just as a cook and a mother, but as a person.
I brooded for a bit on how I bet her kids never had to eat air buns.
But then I remembered I wasn’t going to feel guilty about it and set about putting on the best party that I possibly could.
And if my son or anyone wanted to assume that it was actually ME that had made this incredible edible edifice?
Then let them (eat cake).
Happy Birthday Son, mummy loves you xxx
Oh, that cake is just princely! No, you shouldn’t feel reduced by another’s ability with cake. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses – and she no doubt, has something that she considers herself to be rubbish at. With me, it’s maths – never could get my head around it. 🙂
I know, I just felt sad that I didn’t make it for my own boys birthday. Maybe even a rubbish homemade one would have been better – if not as impressive?
But yes you are right, I’m pretty good at doing funny voices when reading the bedtime story! 🙂
xx