Whoopie Pies, Caramel Popcorn and RAIN!

Hey there, sorry for the very long gap of time between communication. Let’s just say moving, Covid and pneumonia were not in my plans for the summer. But, here I am again and determined not to let so much time pass before posting. 

You may be wondering about the title here, I’m guessing the photo gives you some clue. My son recently got married to the love of his life. I don’t say that to hyperbolize, rather to tell the truth. The weekend was filled with joy, so much LOVE, a “little” rain (read that as downpours), and yes Whoopie Pies and Caramel Corn. 

The entire weekend was filled with personal touches. My daughter in law is quite the wizard with her Cricut®. Her aunt created magnificent bouquets with flowers that came in 5 gallon buckets, while family and friends made the table arrangements. 

 I had the honor, along with the bride’s mom, of being asked to make whoopie pies in lieu of a wedding cake. You see, apparently there is a bit of a rivalry regarding whoopie pies made in PA vs. in ME, who knew? So, the moms went to work. Months before I had asked if it would be ok if I made a whoopie cake for them to cut, and as there was no plan for a traditional wedding cake, I got the go ahead. But then, I dropped the subject and never mentioned it again. The cake ended up being a bit of a surprise and the topper certainly was (gotta love Etsy®). I was also asked to make my ‘famous’ caramel corn for the dessert table, so to put it mildly, the air in the rental was very sweet before the big day. 

Then on the day of the wedding it RAINED and I mean poured. But no one complained, at least I didn’t hear anyone. In fact, no one wanted the night to end, they donned rain coats, jackets umbrellas and just got on with the fun.

I am telling you all of this not only to relive it in my mind and smile from ear to ear, but rather to remind you that rain only ruins the fun if we let it. Rain didn’t stop the love, the dancing, or the JOY. Fancy shoes were swapped for LLbean boots, at least that’s what the bride did, and it worked. You see I think everyone took their lead from the couple. There wasn’t sadness that it rained but Joy that they were celebrating their love with people who loved and cared about them. 

I think there is a lesson there, be the person who doesn’t let the rain ruin your party. (I hope you are following the metaphor there.) So, when things aren’t going exactly as you planned, hike up your dress (or pants) and put on the boots and get on with it, you’ll be surprised who follows your lead. 

Sending Love and Light to all,

Jan

****P.S. I want to acknowledge that not everyone can, ‘get on with it’, in life, there are times when sadness and grief are so overwhelming that the thought of that seems impossible. If you are feeling this way there is help available. Call the Nami Hotline at 800-950-NAMI (6264) or text "HelpLine" to 62640 for support.