The Courage of Carrot Cake
Carrot cake is Queen of my heart: moist, orange-flecked with chewy raisins and little chunks of nuts, topped with smooth, cream cheese frosting that sticks to the knife as it slices through the tall, round layers on the plate.
After graduation from the University of Maine, I discovered my chosen career as a high school French teacher wasn’t right for me. I did well the one year I taught in Montpelier, but realized I could teach or have a family. And family won.
Twenty-five years passed. Then, in my Longmeadow home, I offered creative writing groups where, for the first time, and for four enjoyable years, I found my talent and my niche.
It was three and a half years before I found my next wonderful work in Gainesville. As an ordained Alliance of Divine Love minister, I practiced intuitive counseling at Seraphim Center. I took pleasure working with my clients, and as I was appropriately qualified for the work and did well, the money I earned had a special meaning.
Yet, there were days when my wallet got down to five bucks, and that’s when I discovered the courage of carrot cake. Practically, that money could have been kept for some necessity. But I’d start thinking about the thick slice the Book Lover’s Café served, and personal satisfaction would win out.
My realization is, “It might take us years to discover our gift. But when we do, the results are wonderful. And it’s good to treat ourselves, even if, at times, it empties our wallet.”