Elusive Inspiration
I want to start out by apologizing for being so lax in responding to comments and also want to apologize for not visiting your blogs like I used to. I want to do better and I won’t go into detail about what is going on but I want you all to know I will try to do better.
Blogging can be a lot of work, I love it but when I am uninspired I don’t like to just post anything just for the sake of posting something. I have been searching for inspiration and it eludes me, hence you haven’t heard from me in a while. I cook but it’s nothing new or exciting and certainly not blog worthy. It’s also so strange, as when I bake lately I have more fails than I normally do which is discouraging. I took that as a sign that maybe I needed to lay low for a while, re group and then start over.
I finally was inspired to bake something when I watched the royal wedding. Now I am not a big fan of royal weddings, I did watch so I could see her dress and what the guests were wearing but the pomp and circumstance doesn’t really peek my interest. The cake however did! It is simple and beautiful and the flavors sound wonderful. A lemon sponge with lemon curd and elderflower soaking syrup and it’s frosted with a Swiss meringue buttercream gently flavored with elder flower. I grabbed these photo’s from Instagram from the bakers feed. She is an American living in London who has been baking since she was a wee one and has a lovely bakery, Violets Cakes.
I love that this wedding cake is not fussy, simply decorated with fresh flowers, this cake spoke to me. So I plan on making it and will post no matter how it turns out. What could go wrong, well plenty given my penchant for fails lately but this cake inspired me and I have to make it.
On another note, Percy and Jenna Rose are doing well. Percy’s diabetes is much more difficult to deal with than I thought it would be and my poor boy is having a difficult time. Percy has had a persistent eye infection that has not responded to antibiotics. Hoping the new meds I have now will work.
apuginthekitchen 
No need to apologize we all lose our “mojo” from time to time. Glad you got yours back and look forward to your creations.
And good luck with the “kids”
Cheers.
Thank you so much! After 6 years of consistent blogging I think I hit a road block😂😂
Like I said glad you’re back.
Your fails in baking…
Must be something going around for of late I have had many fails in cooking
The other day I put chicken in the oven to roast it…very simple…right!
Well…the kitchen filled with smoke
I shut off the oven and
Dare not to open the oven door
After a while and once the smoke cleared I got the courage to peek inside the oven
Chicken was nice crispy and burnt
I guess I had one of those memory lapses and lost track of time or something like that
So for now and perhaps for a while I’ll just stick to cold cut sandwiches
It’s not just me, I don’t know what’s going on but want to find out. I know exactly what you are saying I fail at things I have done a zillion times and normally could do blind folded. Cold salads and sandwiches here as well. Let’s hope for whatever is causing this to happen passes.❤️
Maybe our minds are preoccupied
Yes I know mine is.
It’s so hard when your baby isn’t doing well. Hope the infection clears.
I retire tomorrow!!!!
Love to all!
Maria
Sent from my iPhone
Oh wow!! Congratulations Maria a new page opens in your life now. Best wishes❤️
A friend who is a professional baker says that it’s really hard to make cakes that rustic looking! I know nothing, although you’d be happy to know that I’m actually making a dessert today! First one since my Mille layer cake! I’m sorry you’ve hit a roadblock. And it is work. And you work. Pick up a new cookbook, or some old ones, and you’ll find inspiration!
Oh that’s great Mimi what are you making? Yes I bought some new cookbooks which I am thumbing through. Have some ideas in the works including replicating or trying to replicate the cake
Well, I just finished making pots de creme, and you’ll be “happy” to know that they acted like soufflés, rising, and falling into nothingness. I’ll still post, but only because I used my mother’s little porcelain pots with cute lids. Hope they actually taste good!
They rose like a soufflé, well I’m sure it will be delicious. I love pot au creme. There was a restaurant in Manhattan I used to go to in Union Square that had the best every time I went there I had it. It was so good it was addictive.
I lost the mojo a bit last summer. I hope things are going ok for you and it is nice to hear from you!
No sure what’s up, a lot going on I’m way out of balance. Hopefully will snap out of it soon. How are you?
I’m doing well but I understand how it can be when you feel unbalanced. Not fun at all. Here’s to it being over for you soon.
Reblogged this on Campbells World and commented:
Let us all visit Tasha and her babies, and Steven Too. Give them a bit of encouragement and wait for the cake to be done. Love you Tasha.
Reblogged at campbellsworld.wordpress.com
Happy baking.
Oh, and I made up the recipe myself for the pots de creme, which I know better to do with desserts!
Can’t wait to see the photos!!
I hope you have a lot of luck with the cake and make it half as tasty as you make it sounds Suzanne.I hope Percy’s eye responds to the new meds
xxx Massive Hugs xxx.
Thank you David, I am working on catching up on my favorite blogs and your blog is right up there. I hope the cake turns out we shall see. I started Percy on the new eye meds today fingers crossed. Thank you so much, big hugs my friend.
You have been much on my mind lately, and I was thinking about emailing but you beat me to it with this post. I bet Percy’s eye will improve as the diabetes is treated, poor baby! But it does look as if it could be much worse. And look at that bow on Jenna!! And Percy’s tie. They look like they could go to the Royal Wedding!
I had the worst time cooking with my folk’s oven (and I did test the temperature. I think it’s about circulation) and the worst time at my daughter’s house. I kept thinking everyone was thinking “And she’s a food blogger??” I didn’t even think about watching the Royal Wedding but those cakes are NOT what I expected!! I love that they’re rustic!! I’m going for that style from now on, lol!!!
Ha, they were dressed for the royal wedding, took those photos while I was watching it. You know I am still getting used to using my new stove I think we become accustomed to what we use daily and changing throws a monkey wrench into how we cook, the outcome. Aren’t those cakes beautiful, totally love how they look and the flavor profile. Thanks so much Mollie, I hope Percy improves!!
I’m sure he will under your care! And I just want to take a finger and run it through that frosting, lol!!
Hi there! I’m just getting back into popping into certain blogs, as WordPress stopped sending me email alerts (as I hadn’t bothered to log in for a while).
Still haven’t seen the dress. Like you I’m not keen on the p&c. But the cake looks amazing. And I love anything elderflower. Shame about baking fails. Talking of which, I haven’t baked for nearly a year. Like you, uninspired.
Hope you’re well!
Johnny!! So happy to see you. Well the dress was nice very plain and simple, I would have like a little detail or embellishments but that’s just me, nothing garish though. Have missed you, I know exactly what you mean. I feel so uninspired for some reason and almost everything I make is either a fail or just meh… thank you so much for stopping by. Maybe we will find our inspiration soon. Your recipes and blog always inspired me, just saying…. your photos and ability to style taught me and spurred me to want to do better. Hugs!!
Thanks! And so good to hear from you as well.
At least you’re up and running to blog again. Maybe that’s your first tentative step. Here’s hoping. 🙂
Glad to hear from you Suzanne! I blog once a week now and don’t have the time that I used to in regards to catching up with everyone – we do have a life outside the blog for sure!! Anyways, the wedding cake looks simply beautiful…hadn’t seen a photo of it until your post. And I’m looking forward to seeing your take on it. Good luck my friend! 🙂
Hi Linda thank you so much! It can all be overwhelming and if I can do one post a week I’ll be happy. Haven’t figured out the cake recipe yet I’m thinking a genoise because it can stand up to the soaking syrup and lemon curd. Can’t wait to make it!! Happy Memorial Day!!
Thanks Suzanne!! Yes, I agree – once a week is perfect! I’m looking forward to seeing your version soon. Have a blessed holiday weekend. 😊😊
And you too Linda, thank you!!
I’ve missed your posts. The cake sounds exquisite! I watched the whole deal. It was fun. Ask the cake g
Goddesses to guide you.
Sorry your pugs are not feeling well. That is a difficult and stress inducing time. 🌷
Hi, Suzanne. Have no fear. We all hit road blocks now and then. I’ve had a few myself lately. It seems what you call “fails,” began with your new stove. I know you can beat this, but until you think you can, take a breather and don’t worry. My mouth waters each time I hear about the ingredients in the royal wedding cake. Hugs and pats to Percy and Jenna Rose. 💞
You are right it began with my new stove. It’s different and I am still getting used to it. My old stove was something I was comfortable with even with its problems and quirks. Hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend, thank you so much!!
Percy and Jenna Rose are looking good Suzanne! So sorry about Percy’s struggles– I’m thankful he has you, who really knows how to care for him… And I agree that they cake is lovely– not overdone and It sounds like a cake you’d really want to eat. (I’ve had a few slices of fancy wedding cakes that were more for looks than taste!!) Will be fun to see your version!! I’m assuming it won’t have to feed 600 people! And — I agree that sometimes a blog needs a rest. I’ve done it a couple times. I wonder if its’ worth the time I spend– and sometimes I want to spend my month making old favorites and not always trying to drum up something new. Plus we’ve all had plenty of fails! Hugs hugs friend. Has you famers market opened yet??
Thank you Rhonda you made me feel better!! It’s so hard sometimes coming up with something new all I have been making is things that are familiar and have made a zillion times before: lol, nope won’t be feeding 600 the cake is so simple and sounds so delicious and you are so right about wedding cakes they can be just for show this was a real edible cake love that!! Happy Holiday weekend!!
Hi Suzanne– I’m remembering ALL the beautiful cakes and dinners and breads you’ve posted in the past. You’ve been doing this splendidly for a long time! A break could be restoring and set your mind for what you want ahead… God Bless. xox
Suzanne… I’m sorry to be late. I had been watching for a new post from you… and managed to miss this one.
I love that the decorated the cakes with fresh flowers. What a lovely display. I know that yours will be delicious regardless.
I understand about Percy. He wasn’t a spring chicken when you adopted him, but knowing that does not make it any easier. I don’t think I have a moment when I am not worried about Crystal. (Diabetes is a side effect of the shots they have her taking monthly now…) I hope his eye infection clears up quick. Wishing you a beautiful rest of this holiday weekend. Huge hugs.
Oh no Teagan so now Crystal has diabetes? Do you have to give her insulin? Thank you so much, I hope I can do that beautiful cake justice but either way I will give it a go!!❤️
Suzanne, I know your cake will be marvelous.
No, but I’m worried. It is a side effect of the shots she has to take now. They have other effects on her, even though she’s only had 2. Her next one is Wednesday. She gets episodes of being terrified and acts like she doesn’t even know me. So that makes me worry about the other side effects happening.
Happy baking, my friend.
Is it steroids? That can cause diabetes in pets when they are on a prolonged steroid therapy. My friend has a pug that happened too. It is reversible though I am told.
Sometimes its just hard to blog! I can totally understand! Take care!
Hi Lynn; hope you are having a great holiday. I have to catch up on your blog, I’ve been so bad. Take care and hope you and your beautiful family have a great day!!
Have you heard anything from Cheryl?
No but I noticed she liked some comments. But no word from her.
oh ok! I emailed her but no word!
Same here I also tried to call.
I hope she is ok xo
Months ago she called when I wasn’t home and I didn’t check my call log for a few days. I tried to call her back but was unable to reach her. I too hope she is ok.
The cakes are beautiful! And your pugs are adorable! Hope the infection in Percy’s eye clears up soon.
Thank you so much Nancy!!
Your dogs are adorable! Wishing them good health going forward. They are lucky to have you in their lives. (and vice versa, I’d bet 😉 ) I hear you on not “networking” enough with other bloggers. I sometimes fall off the radar completely and love that people tend to be generous with kind words when I return. Personally, I read blogs for the prose and enjoy the flow of how bloggers tell their stories. The food part is good, too, but I’m not reading for recipes or even the photos (though pictures are key with food). And whether your are inspired to bake or even if you bake and fail (which makes you all the better in my book as I can relate 😀 ), I enjoy reading your words, Suzanne. You tell a good story.
I feel the same way. I’d rather wait for inspiration than post for the sake of it. I think quality trumps quantity. Thank you for bringing that up. You do wonderful work 👍
Thank you so much Kimberly. It’s push and pull when it comes to posting. I would rather not post anything than something just meh…
Everything will be okay on the end. If it’s not okay then it’s not the end yet.
You’ll get out of it
Blogging requires inspiration and I am sure your will come back! I did struggle about this time last year, now I just seem to run out of time.
I am sorry to hear about Percy and I hope the new meds will work quickly! x