Spring is here and full of changes. Recently, I decided to take a leap of faith and leave the hospital I've been working at for the past 10 years. I mean, I'm still going to be there occasionally to help as-needed, but when my co-workers decided to throw me a farewell lunch, it started to sink in...I'm (gulp) really doing this. I cleaned out my desk (filling my car trunk to the brim), and I'm moving on to pursue therapy in the private practice realm.
Not only will this venture provide me with new career opportunities, but it will afford me the flexibility to spend more time with my kids, as I'll be the one making my schedule. Yes, when I didn't get to see my son at all on his 2nd birthday (and I mean leaving for work and coming home from work when he was sleeping), I decided...I need some time to stop and smell the flowers.
Thus, at the farewell lunch, I brought zinnias. I will miss seeing many of my co-workers on a regular basis, but those with whom I have developed close friendships will continue to stay close regardless of where we work, I'm sure.
These zinnias, although a workout in hand strength and patience, are fairly simple to make.
I found the design on Cookies with Character's website, and I thought, I want to try that!
I used a basic scalloped cookie cutter, and then made little loops using 20-second icing all around the outer circle, alternating between "petals." Then I filled in the missing spaces with more loops once they set up a bit. Then, yep, you guessed it. I continued with the second and third layers.
Once dry, I added some icing to the centers and sprinkled some non-pareils on top for texture.
I didn't worry that my loops weren't "perfect," as there were so many layers of frosting, that I think it just made them look more natural...can I justify any other lazy techniques with that rationale too?
I added some quick leaves and mason jars (a cookie cutter I've been excited to use), just as seen in the design, but I chose a simpler mason jar design, inspired by The Baked Equation.
These cookies really looked best all lined up on a platter, and I was happy to bring a personal treat to share at the lunch.
Although change can be difficult, I know I made the right decision for me and my family, and I look forward to seeing how this new opportunity for a better work-life balance will blossom over time.
(See how I wove that last little pun in there? Yeah, I know...)
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