A Winter Rambling with Jennifer
There is a season for all things. For skies full of snow and days of sunshine, for climbing and resting, and for days when we summit. Driving along the Front Range in Colorado, you can look up to the mountains and way up in the distance at the top of a large mountain called Pike’s Peak, is a small dot of something. It is the summit, the top of the mountain, where there is a welcome center.
It was this distant dot that an army of single moms climbed to, with colorful ribbons flowing out of their backpacks. Celebration ribbons (thank you – Ella!). These colorful, long ribbons were attached to wooden sticks with bells. When they were waved, they made the most cheerful sound, a victory sound. The ribbons were carried in anticipation of celebrating. Hiking at the back of the group, I could see the ribbons winding their way up through the mountain.
Carrying the intention to celebrate is powerful. When we are in seasons that are dark, where the news around us or in our own lives is hard, it is easy to lose sight of the healthy practice of celebrating. One of my friends just signed her daughter up for soccer. In the spring, when the snow melts, she will head out on Saturday mornings with the intention to celebrate and cheer her daughter on.
I once read the words, “have an eye towards celebrating”. Meaning, have celebration as a focal point in your life. As I sit and write this blog, I remember where I was when I read this, and the season I was experiencing. Life was hard…the climb of my everyday life fatigued me to the core. As I sat bundled up on a chair outside my tiny home in Bellaire, MI, trying to soak up the early spring sun, I read these words, and they challenged me. I made the decision to purchase a latte every Friday as a celebration for getting through the week. It was a small way I could celebrate. I also began to plan for a staycation to mark the completion of a class I was taking.
Celebration can be a practice. We can prepare to celebrate with a celebration plan, and we can spontaneously celebrate. A co-worker of mine has a cowbell in her office. When she witnesses generosity, she rings her bell in celebration. It is the recognition of marking something of worth and delighting in the accomplishment.
What are the small and big things in your life that are worthy of celebrating?
After eighteen years of sitting with thousands of single moms, and some of you, there are a few things I know to be 100% true. One of these things is that YOU are worthy of celebrating!
A Shared Kitchen
Do you know what accompanies celebrating? Cake. One of my favorite books is The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse by Charles Mackesy. The mole loves cake. His answer to most things, both great and small, is cake. I must admit I am not much of a baker, but if I was I would want to make extraordinary cakes! This week, make a cake to celebrate the ordinary or the extraordinary. And, if making a cake feels like too much – buy a cake or a cupcake!
Funfetti Cake
by Floury Recipes
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened) and 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in 3 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with 1 cup of whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
Fold in the Sprinkles
Gently fold in ½ cup of rainbow sprinkles using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as the colors may bleed.
Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting
While the cake cools, prepare your favorite buttercream or cream cheese frosting. Add a few drops of food coloring for a festive touch if desired.
Frost and Decorate
Once the cake is completely cool, frost it evenly using a spatula or piping bag. Decorate with additional sprinkles for a fun and festive finish.
Serve and Enjoy
Slice the cake and serve your homemade Funfetti Cake. Enjoy!
Creating Celebration
It’s time to wave a celebration ribbon! This week, grab a kid, friend, or a stranger who could turn into a friend, and create something that will mark moments of celebration. A bell you ring when your kid gets his license or your little one learns to walk. There are no limits to what you can make. Think of something that would make you smile to wave, ring, shake, clap, or maybe even a melody you can dance to.
In your quieter moments of the week, think about a celebration plan. What is something up ahead in life you want to celebrate? Is it an accomplishment, a life well lived, a small step in the right direction, or a life milestone?
Once you think of what it is you want to intentionally celebrate, ask yourself this question: How do I want to celebrate this? A tea party in memory of the life well-lived by your grandma? A day trip to a meaningful spot to celebrate a raise at work or a class completed? A night where you let the dishes sit, and dinner is cereal? A walk through a peaceful trail, with a thermos full of coffee?
There is no right or wrong in how you celebrate. It is the encouragement and joy the celebration brings that is the point.
May we all dance our way into spring with celebration ribbons flowing.
With Love,
Jennifer
We would love to hear your reflections from your at-home pilgrimage.
Grand Traverse
Location: 1240 E. Eighth Street, Traverse City
Phone: 231-944-1710
Email: grandtraverse@singlemomm.org
Benzie Leelanau
Location: 901 Barber St, Benzonia, MI 49616
(Our Mobile Office is located in the parking lot of the First Congregational Church)
Phone: 231-499-5817
Email: benzieleelanau@singlemomm.org
Holland Zeeland
Location: 100 Pine Street, Zeeland, MI 49464
(The SMHZ Office is located inside City on a Hill)
Phone: 616-373-1499
Email: hollandzeeland@singlemomm.org
Wexford Missaukee
NEW Location: 118 Stimson Street, Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: 231-463-0820
Email: wexfordmissaukee@singlemomm.org