Slieve Bearnagh

The vastness and power nature holds nurtures my awe for the incredible planet earth. 

It's majestic and silent ways are both sublime and consoling. 

Here I am, pleased I've made it to the summit of Slieve Bearnagh. It was decent weather. Some light rain and glimpses of blue sky. Of course I got wet in the mire under a dry looking clump of heather just as I was getting started out, but that was minor. The inspiring view from the top was clear and crisp and well worth the four hour trek. Nothing taller than heather grows as you begin to truly go upwards, but there are many tiny, cheerful wild flowers. There are interesting outcroppings of rock on this particular peak, as well as it's section of the wall. Quite a few others, all locals judging by their voices, joined me in the peacefulness of the outdoors. 

More photos later when I transfer those from my camera, including from the summit. 

The panorama is only from part way up. 

I think I might be becoming Northern Irish-

I did manage a sunburn when there wasn't even any sun...!

A few dabblings here and there in the pursuit of artistic happiness brought me to experiment with a wee naked cake and some fondant. I'm really fond of this cake trend, both coloured and natural. They make a fine canvas for fresh fruit and flowers, though obviously won't hold in the moisture the way a covered cake can. Looking forward to decorating a bigger one some day soon. 

Fondant is fun, but better when proper tools are on hand, and best when you've figured out how to control it under prevailing levels of humidity. The clean lines it creates are very stylish and posh and something I'd like to master, simply to comfortably add it to my repertoire, though truly, it's the look, texture and taste of a nicely frosted cake I love best. 

It makes me laugh that these are referred to as 'buns' rather than cupcakes, but that'll do. ;)

Nothing Cheers Me Up Like Making Cake

If I've got the time to bake and frost a cake, it will always brighten my mood. And if, like below, it makes other people happy, too, I know it's a very cheerful endeavour. 

Who doesn't like making your friends smile? 

I wish I'd taken a close up photo of the cake, but alas I did not. 

The flower decoration worked very nicely albeit I wanted little sprouting carrots to appear out of the top. They aren't quite ready yet this season I'm told. Next time carrot cake. Next time.

Loving this current naked cake trend. Quick yet super pretty. 

The flowers could include leaves, fruits, or nuts... Endless possibilities!

Exercise boosts my mood. Especially when this is what my route looks like. Jealous? 

I have been since I left two years ago. Glad to back on track! 

Or what about homemade rustic bread? Delicious and happiness inducing. Yum!

This loaf represents my first bread baking in Northern Ireland. 

Quite successful but will try a little less liquid next time. 

The air here is just so full of humidity and I ended up with too much stickiness for my new rising basket for round loaves - recently acquired, care of another Elfi, and someone who likes Elfis. :) Thank you!

Another thing to make me glad, deep in my soul, is the beauty of the natural world.

And finally, after being to Corfu, Greece five times, I've had the pleasure of seeing it during the day! 

Above is actually Albania, below is just a little closer to the destination, from a slightly more south facing perspective. Behind the ridge you see on the closest part of Corfu, is a bay. On the far side of the bay there is a slightly browner patch, about halfway between the horizon and the main bolt of the window wiper. That's the airport of Kerkyra! (Albania is the land to the left.) 

What puts a spring in your step? I would love to know! 

But most importantly, do whatever it is and be happy :)

The Last Weir

It is important to realize the gratitude for what life gives us and 

for those ways of living which make life extraordinary. 

Sometimes these thoughts float through my philosophical head, unaccompanied by an event. 

More often, not.

Death, however often forces one to think, and now I must consider the meaning of life, 

as it were to Nigel, my nephew, my wonderful nephew, so full of joy for life. 

The kind of person I wish the world were made of... 

The missing, the knowing, the sadness, the loss, and the feelings of absolute sympathy I have for my brother and sister-in-law. All so intense. 

This will hurt forever. 

But this is also a time to reflect upon Nigel's enthusiasm and passion, and to apply oneself with his same principles. He was focused, happy, committed, positive, enthusiastic and busy taking on the world with a gentle sort of unfailing passion that passed goodwill subtly to those around him.

I feel so grateful for the time I spent with Nigel, and for all the time everyone else spent with him, most recently, his friends in Brisbane, who've all contributed to making these 21 years of his life wonderful. 

This is a moment of dusk and also a moment of dawn - a novelty of June. 

I promise to bear this painful time and create in myself a person of the same principles so I can forever hold you in my heart. 

How sad we all are to be without you Nigel!

Happy Orange Chocolate Birthday!

I really loved the Millionaire's cake I made for my birthday last year when we got home from San Francisco. But, another birthday offers another cake choice... I wanted chocolate, of course, but I thought why not add a little orange just for interest sake and to add a little complexity of flavour? 

So I added orange in three ways: 

Zest in the whipped cream filling, juice in the frosting and Triple Sec in the ganache. 

It turned out to be deep and dark and chocolate-y with just the right amount of orange. 

And I thought, why not and a tier? Who knows I might want to eat a lot of cake? Or share it! 

As you may have guessed I took inspiration from the Sweetapolita Bakebook, however in the form of components only in order to create this specific cake. Anyway, it was sooooo tasty! Wow! 

And I loved the tier. How fun :)

I took some photos with my camera I hope will turn out well. However in the mean time I'll thank my iPhone and Justin who thought to take a few photos, too. 

This Mylar balloon really speaks for itself. Awesome, right!?

Of course, roses for Miss Rose herself. This colour is addictive. 

I'm drying them now to see if I can save some of their beauty. 

I finally finished folding and stringing up my paper stars to make my otherwise barren bedroom walls exciting with a banner-mobile - arguably it's actually six. 

It may have a bit of a dorm decor look, but I am in Templepatrick, not at home. 

However I'm rather pleased with the effect. 

Even if I have artistic qualities, when I use the other side of my brain a whole lot, I find it somewhat difficult to flip back into the creative mode. It takes time, patience and inspiring supplies to channel my inner artist. In the end I'm very happy with the effect and my choice of colours (some created specifically with oil pastels) as well as the layout in the 'constellation'. 

I love that it is the first thing I see when I wake up, if I cannot see Jordan. 

P.S.

I'm thinking a slightly orange flavoured cream cheese icing could make a smashing carrot cake. 

Any takers?

Plane Business

Sometimes so much technical reading and attention, as much as I do enjoy it in a way - I do like to think it makes me more aware and possibly intelligent, too - plus some of it is actually interesting especially when it can be put to practice... really makes me yearn for some artistic action. 

The other side of the brain. Whatever. My whole brain hurts from studying!!!

The place where I'm living is rather devoid of character. It's plain. 

Ready to be dressed up a little. By me, for me. 

My first wee project, to put a little me in my home away from home, was to give an amazing card 

I received a showcase. It's the dark blue in the center with the biplane on it. When you open it it folds out into a paper plane... Now you know the secret of what's hanging on my wall :)

More decor soon I hope. I was totally inspired by the wife of a colleague, Leona. 

Their place looks like they've really moved in and the accent colour is red. 

What's not to like? Oh and she likes to cook real food. 

The two are totally entertaining and make a perfect couple to have in the next building :)

And speaking of planes... Here is the island of Menorca as we approach it from the north. Not so impressive as it's sister island Majorca (or Mallorca) because it's not got a mountain range on the north coast, but the coves are just as bright blue. It's a more family oriented destination, which I know for certain because we had 45 children and 10 babies on board (!) and the island certainly has fewer visitors as the airport is quite quiet. The airport is called Mahón after the nearby city. 

Canadians just do not take their children on holidays the way they do in the UK - for better or for worse I suppose - that's another discussion all of its own ;) What I can say though? With (only) four flights at the beginning of the European season, our passengers are so nice and well behaved. I went to Ibiza (party island of the world in case you're not familiar) the other day and we had to move the plane a few feet after we initially parked. After an announcement and us coming to our final parking position, I opened the door and everyone was sitting and so quiet, that when I spoke I'm certain the passengers in row 32 could hear me. Ahhh, the darling Northern Irish! 

Above is the south of France, looking toward Montpellier with Istres and Marseille on the other side of the plane. Paris was once again overcast. I'm still waiting for my chance to see the Eiffel Tower... 

                               

Hello sprinkles! 

The quins dreams are made of... or perhaps the quins of 31st birthdays...!

Right! More on that shortly, too. I've only got two days to go!