Tribute to My Style Icon

On the anniversary of my sweetest mother's death, my daughters and sister and nieces like to bake something to give away in her honor. Mother was the ultimate baker of fine gourmet treats and taught all her daughters the tricks or her years of experience. She often baked to save herself from being bored and gave the fruits of her labor to neighbors, friends and often, my sister Denise, who lived a few blocks away.

This year, I baked a cake that I have many fond memories of from my childhood. As I sifted (3 times, a must, according to mother), mixed and poured the batter, my heart was flooded with memories and awe for that woman. She taught me so much and was an example of unconditional love and service. I had the image of her making that cake so many times. I always liked to lick the frosting pan, and she always indulged....even as an adult!


I turned to my Betty Crocker cookbook given to my by my mother on my birthday in the year 2000. This cookbook was a standard in my mother's eyes and she had found this vintage 1st edition copy that was in stellar condition. Priceless.


This tender note was penned by her to me. Just a few years later, her eyesight was virtually taken from her with sever macular degeneration. This hand written note is very special. By the way, she cooked and baked to perfection without being able to see how to write anymore.


Here are the cakes going into the oven...

I was happy as I turned out what I think might be the finest cake I've baked in a while!



The layers were full and perfectly shaped (no high-center!). The texture looked fine and delicate and moist.


As mentioned, I haven't made this cake (chocolate with white mountain frosting) for several years, so the success for this occasion was rewarding.



I found some blooming vinca from the front yard and thought it made for a sweet little decorative touch.

Fred (Sneelock) and I discussed several possible recipients and decided on a friend who had done a favor for me when she had no more time than I and never made a mention of it...just quickly agreed and it was taken care of. Tina reminds me a lot of my mother in her selflessness and Christ-like commitment.

Fred drove, I steadied the cake. This brought another flood of memories of how many times I had helped my mother deliver this very cake to a friend, a new mother, an ailing woman, or a friend who was having a birthday.

It seemed like the perfect honor to mother.

I'm so grateful that my mother was the lady that she was. She is my hero.

That First Green Blush!

Spring. It makes my heart sing!

On my frequent drives through the picturesque back roads of Bucks County, that first blush of the green haze seen on the weeping willows just takes my breath away! One day, it is just a hint-a tease. The next day, wow! It's all about Spring.

Just one week ago, I was half an hour early for my first appointment (chalk it up to Daylight Savings!). As I drove slower than my usual break neck speed, this favorite sight made me happy.



At the end of the day, when I pulled into my driveway a sweet reminder of my darling mother had popped through the mulch. My staff had given me a tender basket of spring blooms at the time of my mother's death two years ago. Each spring, when they peek their stems up through the soil, I smile and recall that dear one I love so much.

I picked a handful and took them into the house where they found a home in one of my vintage juice glasses. Oh yes, Spring is the best time of the year.


This week it should be in full bloom everywhere. Ahhhhh.

Take it in. I'll be smiling.

Where I Got My Start!

You've heard me speak about my Mother, Charlotte Jane, often enough. Here she is with my darling sister, Denise.

At age 82, Mother stands as my standard for all things beautiful and impeccable style. My love of these things was influenced by her. She has always been the perfect example of service, unconditional love, integrity, refinement, and purity. Her beauty comes from within and is enhanced by her wit and entertaining way.

Growing up, our home was filled with cutting edge style! Uncommon color, linen draperies with fine passementerie trims, stylish room settings and the smell of fine baked treats welcomed all.

Today, she is the envy of all of her daughters and granddaughters, when she dons her size 2 jeans and freshly pressed white shirt, well appointed jewels and shoes....just pure style!

My sister, Patricia , is a fine composer, lyricist, and writer. Years ago, she composed a song for my mother . I know that I don't have all the lyrics just right, but this is the best I can do for now! I love these tender words that tell so much about the mother that I love and cherish.

With a way too willing, and a silent unrepose

She could turn a day gone wrong to he advantage!

With a tape measure ribbon and a cushion full of pins

There was nothing in the world he couldn't manage.

With a gift to entertain

Still there's no way to explain

How she could turn a day of sorrow into gold!

Always in above her head

And wise beyond her years

And overall, an angel underpaid!

Mother!

Mother!

When we did the evening dishes, she would teach us some old song

Through soap and steam, we could feel the cold earth warming.

Am I skimming all the cream off a vague and distant dream
Or is time the surest looking glass for lif

Am I all too sentimental? Do I go to an extreme?

Do the good times overshadow all the strife?

Mother!
Mother!

That's what I always called her, but her name was really Charlotte.

Charlotte Jane Hunter Petersen

Happy Mother's Day, sweetest mother of mine. I love you.