My Surprise Virtual Book Release Party!!!!

I was just going to merely mention the Sugarlicious release today. I don’t usually celebrate things for myself.  I never tell anyone it’s my birthday, and I tell my husband “No parties!” (Aside related to surprise parties, the exception to this was the surprise party my sister threw for my 30th. Total surprise, totally worked, totally fun.) Why am I like this? Probably insecurity, lack of confidence, fear of attention. A combination of all.

But now I have an infinitely better way to celebrate.  Because I woke up this morning to the most wonderful surprise. A virtual book release party by some of the most creative, gorgeous blogging buddies a gal could ever hope to know. I was bawling on my keyboard while my teapot of water boiled over and my kid overslept upstairs.

I need to share it all with you.

Kathia from Pink Little Cake

The mastermind behind this glorious event, Kathia of Pink Little Cake, you are just amazing! A true darling and always there to support me. You just made my day in the hugest way. Choosing the melting snowman cookie as inspiration just shows how much you get me. (Oh no, here come the tears again.)  This melting snowman cake just put a big smile on my face. I’m so glad you were able to enjoy my slice! Thank you, Kathia! Find the how-tos for the cake HERE.

Sue from Munchkin Munchies

I have been such a huge fan of Sue’s for so long now. Not just because of her skills with an icing bag. Because of who she is. Commenting led to emailing led to friendship. When I think Munchkin Munchies, I think comfort. Does that sound weird? Probably, but there’s something about Sue that is a comfort to me. Maybe because she’s made me feel better when I was blue before, or because she’s always such a positive spirit, or just because she’s so nice and clever and sweet. As one of the organizers behind this event, thank you, Sue!! And she made my doughnut cookies!! The little smile is just right. SEE THE POST HERE.

Katrina from In Katrina’s Kitchen:

I kind of don’t want to reveal that these aren’t really marshmallows, oh shoot, I just did. This is so very very very much up my alley, Katrina captured it perfectly! It’s like you somehow harnessed ME! You’re a genius. And I wish I thought of that. Harumph. FIND THE POST HERE to find out what these treats really are. Katrina, you are hilarious and always so full of joy and I’m so glad to call you my friend!  Also, I had no idea there were so many kinds of marshmallows. You may have just changed my life. I know have to go to the store. Thank you, Katrina!

Jenn from Clever Girl

I think I miss you most of all!! (That’s a warped quote from Wizard of Oz.) You see, Jenn is the one person in this group I know from real life. Your  presence here brings my worlds together in such a perfect way.  I’m a million years older than Jenn (maybe really only ten or so, if I make myself a couple years younger), so I was the dinosaur when she came on at the cookie store. Jenn and I worked side by side or diagonally or across from each other at the big shiny silver tables of Bundles of Cookies, decorating lots of cookies, but mostly cracking up at Simpsons references and other ridiculousness. I watched her grow from high school student to brilliant artist. She’s smart, confident, and gorgeous, and I”m thrilled she’s in my life. That team at Bundles of Cookies,  Sarah (the owner, she’s why I’m here!!!), Hope, Kate, Kelley, Jen R…. they are my cookie family. Yes. I fully appreciate the ’80s, as you well know, and mix tapes and in my case, racing across the room to hold my tape recorder up to my clock radio when “Gloria!” came on! And you even slipped in an inside joke. Who’s doing what now? FIND JENN’S POST HERE.

 Paula from Vanilla Bean Baker

I am truly blown away by what  Paula of the Vanilla Bean Baker has created. You see, I have a secret fear of real life book signings that I’ll be sitting alone listening to crickets chirp. But this scene–yes, a whole scene of sweet goodness that is pink and has flamingos and a gnome!!–has changed every insecurity I have. That’s a feat worthy of years of therapy. Look at the pile of books! The pink carpet! The cookie sign! Paula, if I ever have to do a real life book signing, I’m printing this picture and putting it in my pocket. Because if crickets chirp, it doesn’t matter, because I know you’re out there. Thank you, Paula!!

Trisha from Sweetology

I cried again when I went over to Sweetology. Trisha is one of those friends to which I was referring in the quote below. I’ve laughed riotously at emails she’s sent, and just as easily as she doles out humor, she doles out her emotional support. She’s helped me through tough times and  knows probably way too much of my medical history. And we’ve never met in person. That someone’s awesomeness can come through so brilliantly over email is a testament to the strength of character she must possess. I’m beyond touched (hence the tears) that she made the froggy cupcakes straight from Sugarlicious! And phew, they worked!!  And my book! She made my BOOK on a cupcakes! Thank you, Trisha!! FIND THE POST HERE.

Loren of The Baking Sheet

You know how I mentioned comfort earlier? That’s how I feel about Loren of the Baking Sheet. I remember once we had an email exchange about someone mean taking photos (grrr), and it’s like we had been friends for ages, a common bond over justice, two like-minded people who just want to be nice! She assures me that people in the world are overwhelmingly good. Your sweetness and friendship gives me faith in the world!  Cookie decorators united!! This cake is utter perfection! I needed you to make the cakes in the book, because your skills are unbelievable!  Loren, thank you so so much!! FIND LOREN’S POST HERE.

Recently did an interview for Country Woman and they asked about the rewards and challenges of blogging. I mentioned one challenge was the tiny percentage of negative comments and critique I face. But the reward? This is what I said:

“But the greatest reward is the friendships, actual friendships, with real people I’ve never met: Kind, encouraging, hilarious, smart and creative woman that I know solely through blogging. These are friends with whom I’ve cracked up laughing, cried a little, vented with, and exchanged advice and guidance, and yet we’ve never been in the same room. Stunning, really.”

I thought only crazy people made friends on the internet.

From the deepest depths, this means the world to me. You made today exactly right. As one with fears and angst and worries about acceptance, insecurities for success, this is what I needed today.

Thank you!!!

love, Meaghan