Every year I have a Christmas project that I work on from October until Christmas Eve.
For the past few years, my projects have all involved Christmas cakes, but this year I decided to shake things up. I am working on a giant gingerbread project and some chocolate projects too. To date, all of the gingerbread pieces are baked and in the freezer. I am now assembling the chocolate houses that form part of the overall project. I am also making the fondant fairies.
Christmas project 2020 – work in progress
Do you have a Christmas project? Tell me about it in the comments.
Oh my God Robbie! You are challenging me in many good ways. Love all the projects and definitely look forward to see the final gingerbread house. Those fairies are melting my heart. Absolutely love this post.
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Thank you, Smitha. I’m glad you liked these cakes. These ones take me ages to make.
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Beautiful! So talented. Love it.
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Thank you, Jay. I’m so happy you popped up. WP unfollowed me from your blog I think because my email notifications for your blog have disappeared. I’m glad you like these.
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Oh how odd. My blogs have been acting weird lately too. Sorry! Hope it fixes itself.
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Hi Robbie and All.
Iâve been unfollowed from several blogs and had to refollow them. Itâs some sort of WP bug they seem to have no intention of fixing.
Patty L. Fletcher
Self-Published Author and Social Media Promotional Assistant
Email: patty.volunteer1@gmail.com
Website: http://www.campbellsworld.wordpress.com/ .
Food For Thought
We all are the Light, automatically. So we really don’t have to go too much further than that. We all have a Light within us – it is the Soul; it is that spark of God, of the Divine, that activates our consciousness.
-John-Roger, DSS
Source: New Day Herald website
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Yes, it does seem to be something that happens quite often, Patty. I frequently have to refind and refollow people.
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Seems to me I do a lot of redoing. Aggravating.
Patty L. Fletcher
Self-Published Author and Social Media Promotional Assistant
Email: patty.volunteer1@gmail.com
Website: http://www.campbellsworld.wordpress.com/ .
Food For Thought
We all are the Light, automatically. So we really don’t have to go too much further than that. We all have a Light within us – it is the Soul; it is that spark of God, of the Divine, that activates our consciousness.
-John-Roger, DSS
Source: New Day Herald website
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Hi Robbie.
I’m working on The Writer’s Grapevine Holiday Extravaganza.
It’s a beastly project but I hope to pull it together and have it out soon.
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Good luck with finishing it, Patty.
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Thanks Robbie.
Iâm going to need it!
LOL.
Patty L. Fletcher
Self-Published Author and Social Media Promotional Assistant
Email: patty.volunteer1@gmail.com
Website: http://www.campbellsworld.wordpress.com/ .
Food For Thought
We all are the Light, automatically. So we really don’t have to go too much further than that. We all have a Light within us – it is the Soul; it is that spark of God, of the Divine, that activates our consciousness.
-John-Roger, DSS
Source: New Day Herald website
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I can’t wait to see the finished project Robbie!
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Thank you, Dorothy.
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What fun it would be, to be your neighbor!
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People around me tend to pick up weight, Annette [smile].
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They really are good!
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Thank you, Danny.
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My Christmas project is writing…boring next to yours. These are great!
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Hi,
If you ever decide to start a cake business put me in your list of customers. Those pictures make me hungry. I’m already rethinking my desire to bake your chocolate cake recipe. I want to bake it for Christmas. But every time I think about it I get a queasy stomach. I’m going to at least try it.
All the best and BAKE ON! You’re fabulous.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat Garcia
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Baking is relaxing, Pat, and the outcome is always nice even if it doesn’t work out perfectly. I’ve never made a cake we couldn’t eat. I hope you are well and looking forward to Christmas.
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Writing is also fun, Gill. I am also writing but not more than three hours a day.
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Wow and would love to see your finished cakes and project, Robbie. Such a lovely post. Thank you so much for this wonderful post. My daughter is having a Christmas Tree at her house for her 2 year old son and doing up the decorations and the little one is loving it. He is understanding now and enjoys all the decorations.
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They are so cute at that age, Kamal. My niece has just turned to and is also enjoying the build up to Christmas this year.
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Yes they sure are and they enjoy in whatever they do but are little destroyers too breaking everything they like. 😊😊😊😊😊
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Haha, yes, that is the down side. Coco loves Christmas ornaments.
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A fabulous project once again. You are so creative!! I used to have Christmas projects. One year I sewed pajamas for my son, his wife and four children all out of the same cute cow fabric. Another year I made cat tea cosies for all the tea drinkers on my list. All fun!
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Hi Darlene and All.
My food related Christmas project is to make and give away cookies to neighbors and friends who do stuff for me all the time.
Theyâre nothing fancy. I could never make such things as what Robbie makes but they come from my heart and I enjoy doing it.
My mother always did things like that. No one ever left our house during the holiday season without a little container of cookies or candy. Iâm not hot at making candy but cookies I can do.
Last Friday I made batches of chocolate chunk, and peanut butter with little miniature candy bars in their centers. It was fun.
Patty L. Fletcher
Self-Published Author and Social Media Promotional Assistant
Email: patty.volunteer1@gmail.com
Website: http://www.campbellsworld.wordpress.com/ .
Food For Thought
We all are the Light, automatically. So we really don’t have to go too much further than that. We all have a Light within us – it is the Soul; it is that spark of God, of the Divine, that activates our consciousness.
-John-Roger, DSS
Source: New Day Herald website
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That is a lovely thing to do, Patty. I’m glad you enjoy it.
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I suppose itâs a bit more than baking cookies and giving them away. When my mother was alive, no one left our house during the holidays without a little container of cookies. So I suppose itâs my way of honoring her.
Patty L. Fletcher
Self-Published Author and Social Media Promotional Assistant
Email: patty.volunteer1@gmail.com
Website: http://www.campbellsworld.wordpress.com/ .
Food For Thought
We all are the Light, automatically. So we really don’t have to go too much further than that. We all have a Light within us – it is the Soul; it is that spark of God, of the Divine, that activates our consciousness.
-John-Roger, DSS
Source: New Day Herald website
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Those are fun projects, Darlene. Is writing your project now?
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Yes, I exchanged sewing for writing. xo
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I especially liked the nearly all-white cake from 2018.
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Thank you, Frank. That was a very big effort to make. Flowers are the hardest item to make from fondant as they are so delicate.
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These are all incredible! WOW WOW WOW
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Thank you, John. This year’s undertaking is my most ambitious ever. I’ve been watching a gingerbread challenge on TV [unusual for me to watch TV but worth it]. It has given me some ideas.
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You are such a talented girl! ❤
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Thank you, Penny.
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These all look amazing, as usual, Robbie! You are so talented!!
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Thank you, Ritu.
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I love the whimsy, Robbie. Thanks for sharing your talent with us. Christmas in your world looks like a happy place. Hugs on the wing.
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Hi Teagan, I thought of you when I made these. Somehow, I associate you with fairies. Christmas is the big holiday period in South Africa, like June and July in the USA. Our kids have their long school break and most people go away to the ocean.
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Gingerbread projects remind me of those I have seen on ‘The Great British Bake Off’. Good luck with yours, Robbie.
My only project is getting through to the 27th without an argument. 🙂 (Some hope of that!)
Best wishes, Pete.
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There’s nothing wrong with that as a project, Pete. Thanks for visiting.
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You are so amazing and talented, Robbie! Merry Christmas!
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Thank you, Terri. I love a good cake art challenge.
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You could have a career as a cake decorator, Robbie- so talented!
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Thank you, Jacquie. Sadly, in my experience, commercial careers pay better than creative ones. It is a great pity in my opinion.
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I don’t have a Christmas project but certainly, admire yours. Well done. Can’t wait to see the gingerbread houses
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I wouldnât know where to even begin to make a gingerbread house.
That sort of thing amazes me.
Patty L. Fletcher
Self-Published Author and Social Media Promotional Assistant
Email: patty.volunteer1@gmail.com
Website: http://www.campbellsworld.wordpress.com/ .
Food For Thought
We all are the Light, automatically. So we really don’t have to go too much further than that. We all have a Light within us – it is the Soul; it is that spark of God, of the Divine, that activates our consciousness.
-John-Roger, DSS
Source: New Day Herald website
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I enjoy baking, Patty. I find it relaxing.
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Thanks for the comment, Patty
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Thank you, John. I am going to start the assembly next week after I finish off work for this year.
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Ah. The old year end closeout. I remember it well.
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Amazing! Great ideas…I have never thought of Christmas project… that is an eye opener. Thanks.
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My pleasure
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These look wonderful. Do you sketch out your creations first or just create it as you go along?
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Hi Jim, I always use a pattern for gingerbread houses. Some I find on the internet and some I design myself. The chocolate houses I make up as I go along. I also make up the fondant fairies as I go along. Fondant flowers are made to some instructions as they are complex to assemble.
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Thanks for the insight; sounds like a little of both 🙂
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Your projects are simple stunning. I can admire them but won’t attempt to replicate any of them, even the simplest ones. Knowing what you do for your day job, I must say you use both sides of your brain admirably, Robbie! 🙂
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Thank you, Marian. I have always been artistic and done a lot of artwork. On the otherhand, I was always good at maths and accountancy. Quite unusual I think. Most people I work with aren’t creative, but there are some and often they are extremely talented.
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Good luck & inspiration, dear Robbie. You might make a mask cake to destroy it with a thought of the better year to come…Just as a jest. 😂😂😂
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It is funny you should say that, Maria, but I have been thinking of making a mask cake, but a masked ball one rather than medical masks.
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😁😁😁 It might be impressive.
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These are simply amazing!
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Thank you, Dan.
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They are all wonderful! My daughters used to make gingerbread houses. I’m not doing anything for myself, but I hope to get a small tree next weekend.
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I want a tree too.
I think Iâve an artificial one out in my storage shed, and if I have to use it I will. But Iâm hoping to manifest another client or two so I can have a small live one.
Patty L. Fletcher
Self-Published Author and Social Media Promotional Assistant
Email: patty.volunteer1@gmail.com
Website: http://www.campbellsworld.wordpress.com/ .
Food For Thought
We all are the Light, automatically. So we really don’t have to go too much further than that. We all have a Light within us – it is the Soul; it is that spark of God, of the Divine, that activates our consciousness.
-John-Roger, DSS
Source: New Day Herald website
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I hope you get your tree, Patty. I would love to have a real one but my husband won’t hear of it.
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Gingerbread houses are very popular, Kerfe. I am amazed at all the challenges and competitions and how many people get involved. I recently joined the Gingerbread Exchange and am getting some great ideas from other Gingerbread bakers.
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The possibilities are endless.
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Oh, wow, Robbie, these are amazing. what a great selection. I love them all. How do you do them? I wouldn’t even know how to begin. But again, i never bake cakes. You are so good in them. I really enjoy to look at them.
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Hi Gigi, I use Christmas cakes for these so that they last for a long time. I add a lot of brandy to preserve them. The decorations take me 2 to 3 months to make. I’m glad you enjoy them.
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I especially love the 2018 all white cake. Sometimes we get that much snow on Christmas and everything is white. I am going to bake a stollen, but that is about it for this year. Next year back to baking with the grandkids I hope.
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Stollen, how lovely. I hope you share pictures and the recipe. I’ve always admired them but never actually made one. I also hope next year’s Christmas will be different.
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I will try to remember.
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I’ve already said way too many times how amazing you are. I need a new word.
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I just like cake decorating and cake art, Jacqui. I think we are all good at things we like because we put effort into them.
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How do your prevent the chocolate houses from melting in this heat?
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I don’t usually make chocolate houses at this time of year, Tandy. I usually make them at Easter time. This year, however, I want a village and I thought it would be more fun to have some variety with the chocolate houses. It has been quite cool here this year with all the rain so I’ve taken a chance. I have fans to cool the display down if necessary.
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Does your son still like to bake with you? I use to bake with my mom (nothing as intricate as the amazing work you do), and I still enjoy it a few times a year. I love the smells in the kitchen when I’m in the middle of baking.
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Hi Pete, Michael helped me with baking the gingerbread. He also helps with cakes. He isn’t that keen on the decorating as it is rather painstaking although he is very artistic. He is mini-me.
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What a stunning Christmas legacy, Robbie – and your new projects are amazing. Those photos would make a fantastic exhibition. You are a phenomenon. Toni x
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Thank you, Toni, that is kind of you. I am quite excited about the gingerbread/chocolate village project.
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A beautiful look at Christmasses past and Christmas present, Robbie. I wonder what Christmas futures will bring.
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One thing at a time, Norah. Gingerbread and chocolate village this year. Next year will be something new and as yet undiscovered.
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That’s perfectly sensible, Robbie. I just can’t help myself wondering what comes next. Always. 🙂
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Wow! You go all out with your Christmas cakes! And they’re so different from year to year. I look forward to seeing the finished village.
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Yes, I do a project every year, Liz. I make celebratory cakes four times a year, Christmas, Michael’s birthday, Terence’s birthday and mother’s birthday. Greg always wants a humming bird cake with cream cheese icing. No fondant!
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Not even a wee decoration on the cream cheese icing for Greg?
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Haha, no, Liz, not even a carrot. Greg does not like fondant.
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Those are absolutely amazing, Robbie. I wouldn’t want to eat them! Can’t wait to see the final project.
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Thank you, Carla, I am having a lot of fun with it.
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Reblogged this on Jessica Bakkers and commented:
We all know Robbie’s a fantastic writer, but did you know she is an expert cake decorator too? Check out some of these gorgeous projects she’s working on for Christmas!
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Hi Jessica, thank you for the share. I appreciate it and your introduction.
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Your creativity continues to astound me, Robbie. I bow before you!!
These are stunningly gorgeous!
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Oh, you are funny Jessica, but thank you. I have always liked artwork and sculpturing and I enjoy relaxing by doing fondant art projects.
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I’m always in awe of people who can do arty things. Aside from words, my creativity is nonexistent!
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Your baking projects are so beautiful and magical, Robbie. I’m not surprised that they take you months to complete. I love the little fairies, especially the one with the skirt of leaves. So creative. I hope you show us the whole project when it’s assembled. 😀
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Hi Diana, I am sure I will blog all about it over the next few weeks. I will start assembling the gingerbread houses on the 16th of December.
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Can’t wait to see it!
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Beautiful! I can’t imagine how big your freezer must be. I don’t have any Christmas projects, but friends and I are getting together this weekend to decorate gingerbread houses (bought in a kit). Any tips? I need all the help I can get!
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I always use royal icing as it is the best glue. I’m not sure what your instructions advise but its much better than chocolate. I use tins to keep the walls in place while the icing dries.
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Wow Robbie. I love your ‘cakes of Christmas past’. Brilliant! You should be selling them for a fortune 🙂 I remember that beautiful wedding cake you made for someone. 🙂 Sorry, I can’t share on Fakebook til the weekend. I’m in FB jail again, lol. 🙂
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Hi Debby, thank you for your lovely comment. FB can be very annoying with all its suspension of URL’s. Sorry about that.
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Not to high-jack the post or change the subject but Iâm doing some work with FB and looking into some of the problems people are having so if anyone would like to contact me directly to talk about those please do.
And Robbie, thanks to your delicious post, I dreamed of cakes last night. LOL.
Patty L. Fletcher
Self-Published Author and Social Media Promotional Assistant
Email: patty.volunteer1@gmail.com
Website: http://www.campbellsworld.wordpress.com/ .
Food For Thought
We all are the Light, automatically. So we really don’t have to go too much further than that. We all have a Light within us – it is the Soul; it is that spark of God, of the Divine, that activates our consciousness.
-John-Roger, DSS
Source: New Day Herald website
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Hi Patty, that is good to know. Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed this post.
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😊
Patty L. Fletcher
Self-Published Author and Social Media Promotional Assistant
Email: patty.volunteer1@gmail.com
See my latest book, Pathway to Freedom Broken and Healed: How a Seeing Eye Dog Retrieved My Life Second Edition in eBook and Paperback at: https://www.amazon.com/Patty-L.-Fletcher/e/B00Q9I7RWG
Find it in various accessible formats: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/PattyFletcher
See my Facebook business page: https://www.facebook.com/tellittotheworld/
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No worries. At least you know where I’m not when you don’t see me posting lol 🙂
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Very exciting! Thank you for a glorious photo of each past year. Robbie, you are amazing.
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Thank you, Jennie. I enjoy cake art.
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It is one of your many talents!
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Wonderful cakes you are so talented Robbie.
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These are all lovely, Robbie. (The fairies are adorable!)
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the fondant figures are so good
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Thank you. I’m glad you like it.
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Gosh Robbie…these cakes are so beautiful. The 2018 one is ethereal. How big is your freezer🙂? Waiting to see the 2020 one.
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I have three freezers, Smitha, and one is just for my goodies. I’m glad you like it. Two parts of this project are finished, three are three quarters complete and two are half complete.
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That makes sense 🙂 I loved it. Was showing the girls your creations yesterday. It helped brighten up our spirits a bit. Waiting for the end result.
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PS I may have underestimated this project a tiny bit – giggle!
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LOL…I was asking my daughter if she wanted to intern with you during the summers :). I said, ‘It will all in one- baking, finance and writing.’ She liked imagining it :).
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That is so nice, Smitha.
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Your creations are whimsical, sweet and made me smile. So glad you posted them!
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Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed them.
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