Cupcake Therapy for All Ages

My daughter's creativity never ceases to amaze me. From her incredible photography skills, to making every type of yarn craft, to fun stuffed creatures which she has taught her children to build, I sit back and marvel at both her talent her ability to engage others in fun activities.

Her latest, but certainly not least endeavor has been the creation of beautiful, delightfully edible cupcakes. These cupcakes are highly anticipated by family and friends, and now are reaching epic proportions of worldwide renown as they are transmitted electronically for others' pleasure.

I feel privileged to be her mother, although I am deprived of her close proximity. I keep daily contact with her family life through Path, and one of the things I look forward to is being connected to cupcake fantasies. Unlike Facebook, what is in my life with my family stays somewhat more private, as I am not sure I would enjoy constant comments about cupcakes.

Cupcakes seem to emit briefer comments, like "Yum!", "Wow!", and "Amazing!" Cupcakes don't invite analysis or ugly dialog, they simply aren't "complicated". For that I am eternally grateful. You want more, but they are a simple study.

Concerning Nikki's cupcakes, they have come to represent a sort of family therapy. They are a call to togetherness, enjoyment, and reflection. You cannot just have one. By virtue of the colorful imagination to create new frosting, flavor and combinations, there must be a vision.

One must imagine a palette in the mind, sort through the creative juices and come full circle to completion of the masterpieces. Cupcakes make me dream, of being with my loved ones where they are as a family, and of the enjoyment of their mutual moments of laughter and joy.

The aroma fills the home with anticipation. I suppose that each child has their favorite composition, and eagerly awaits the flavor granted at the proper time of life. Generally, no matter what the production, consumption is imminent. Adults are not exempt from the temptation to pick and choose their own brand.

I have been there. Unable to restrain from sampling each savory frosting tidbit, the animal in me arises for the hunt. My personal favorites are orange and fruit punch frosting. I have not yet had the honor of being present for the espresso, however, I am reasonably convinced they would most likely be in competition for first place in my heart. After my family, of course.

Bad days soothed, emotions balanced, love expressed, all are accomplished with cupcake therapy. It matters not whether large or small, muffin tops or muffin entirety, all are welcome here. Additional dreaming is provided by IPhone as I receive my daily imaginary dose wirelessly. Best of all for me is lack of caloric consumption, although sometimes I feel compelled to pour a cup of coffee anyway.

So when I dream of better days, cupcakes are just the vehicle to take me there. I imagine, flawless, enjoyable, picturesque days with combinations of events and friends who add variety, insight and creativity.

When I see a perfect day, cupcakes remind me that everything I get is just icing on the privilege of living each day to the fullest. Some days, like cupcakes are just better than others, but they are all enjoyable to someone.

So let cupcake therapy overtake you and imagine the days of yore, when sweets abundantly graced your life, and the treadmill was not required. Dream of them as representations of larger cakes enjoyed, such as birthday cakes, wedding cakes, and the like.

Dare to dream a little, as you make your way through these delights and then work through the boring parts of your day. You too, can meditate on the healing nature of cupcake therapy.

Please, by all means feel free to revisit "the shoppe" as often as you like, these cupcakes will be here for you in good times and bad, and they are not nearly as expensive as a therapist.