My poor cello was languishing in the corner of my studio for 6 months. All four strings were loose and hung limp off the pegs.. the listless bridge shifted as I tried to pull things back upright into position. One snapped D string later, I knew it was time to take my poor, neglected friend…
A Recipe for Rain Cool, soft scattered drops of comfort, After winter comes the rain… Drenching hardened prairie ground, cracked Dust-streaked glassy pane. Uninvited, unspent tears surprise Quench the heart and fill An unseen thirst renewed and quelled By drops of rain on sill. Let this voice be the splash that spills Soft upon your…
A beautiful and funny post with the most respective letter 
The pound cake looks like it was born from spring – so delicious and extra sweet is how I like it 
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Such a beautiful post, Smidge. I adore the gentle pinks! And the pound cake looks delicious – good to know it will work with or without the extra sugar!
I do love pound cake and yours looks so delicious with the icing dripping all over it. As for us in Sydney, we’ve had more than enough rain thank you very much, in fact, we’re almost drowning. I’ve lost count of the number of rainy days we’ve had but the dry days I can count on one hand. How wonderful to be welcoming Spring xx
This looks so light and fluffy. Making me very hungry! Once again Smidge a beautiful post.
Beautiful poetry, beautifully presented. Yes, it’s hard to imagine that kind of dryness when you live in England’s green and pleasant land but rain’s been a pretty scarce commodity here too just lately.
What a lovely post Smidge and such beautiful photos too. I could go a slice of that lovely cake now with a nice cup of tea.
Mandy
Beautiful words and thoughts and a recipe too. A perfect post!
What a beautiful post to wake up to on a sunny Sunday morning – the words, the sentiments (we need rain here desperately), the beautiful photos, a video (clever you), lovely music and a gorgeous recipe. Heaven Loved that shot of your gorgeous pu lickign the spoon – does that mean he was the cook?!
You knew I meant to write Pup and not Pu right?! Oh dear…I need another coffee 
Wonderful slideshow, and such a wonderfully warm post for Sunday morning, thanks!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a pound cake with 1/3 cup orange zest. It must taste delightful.
That bread looks delicious. And I guess I’m not the only one that overlooks the “divide” sometimes.
What a nice post, Barb! We here have enjoyed a relatively snow-free winter but now we look to the skies for rain. What a weather year we’re having! I enjoy pound cake and yours, with both a citrus-y syrup and glaze would be delicious! I think it’s time to break out the loaf pan. Thanks, Barb!
Yes… I must have been tired… dumped all the sugar in and skipped the orange syrup…
Thanks… and I think I should have added a few drops of orange blossom …:)
Oh, dear, next time I’ll write a poem for sun and maybe it will bring you some:) xo
Thanks, Rhoda, have a wonderful day!
It does need a little cup of tea.. especially this morning, a bit chilly here..
Thanks so much, Bridget.. still no rain:( just chilly!
Oh.. I knew you meant pup.. one has to type fast to get to everyone’s blogs in a day:) Yes.. little pup is my little sous chef.. must get him a cap one day! (the spatula does go into the dishwasher after, however…)
Thank you.. I’m glad you liked it.. have a wonderful Sunday!
One of my patients thought it was a bit strong, but I liked it. Another time I’ll try a few drops of orange blossom water.. have you ever used that?
I had to laugh when I typed it out.. I dumped in the sugar but then skipped straight over the syrup part and went right to the glaze.. crazy day I guess! It still turned out.. that’s Ina for you!
It’s a very strange year, isn’t it.. if we have a few more of these in a row it will become very worrisome! Thanks, John, and have a wonderful Sunday! Still haven’t sat down to put up my map! If those bloggers would just slow down posting every day I’d have a little more time!! xo
Not yet…
What a beautiful post again… So beautiful words, flowers and cake… Thank you dear Barbara, with my love, nia
Thank you and you!
Good morning nia! Thanks so much!
Smidge, Ive done the same… Often. LOL! I agree, writing the recipe a little differently would help this distracted chef. Beautiful post!
Good Morning dear Barbara, but in here it’s been evening You are welcome, have a nice day, with my love, nia
I think dogs are often cleaner than some of the humans I come across!
Wow! Nothing beats this presentation…I felt like being in a dream where I did not want to wake up.
A Recipe for Rain is a beautiful poem. And I am with you on tears refreshing and renewing. I am going to a photography class but I am having difficulty grasping some of the concepts – I am in awe of your images they are really lovely.
Looks delicious!
Very tasty looking cake. If I wished for rain up here in the mountains we would get some stupid amount of heavy spring snow. Praying for lots of warm weather.
Your pound cake ideas sound and look delicious! Thanks for sharing!
That little poem is just beautiful, Barbara. And the parrot tulip photos are gorgeous. Sadly, not a huge fan of pound cake, but it does look wonderful.
morning smidge i love pound cake and also find myself putting citrus in everything lately, i grated orange zest into the chicken gravy the other day and it was divine. Just imagine if i had followed that meal with a slice of your cake on the verandah watching the rain!! Oh Rain!! c
Ahhhhh, so glad it’s not just me:) Thanks so much!
That’s how I feel when looking at your photos… this means a lot to me:)
If you ever have any questions.. my knowledge is quite limited but you could email me and we could collaborate? bjbamber@shaw.ca Have an awesome evening!
Thanks:)
Isn’t that the truth.. we are supposed to get a bit of snow tonight.. so the plants are in taking shelter:)
You’re very welcome!
Thanks so much, Eva… I love parrot tulips.. in fact I think they may well be my favorite flower…
Ahhh… good evening now, c! I’m slow to get back to my computer today! I love the idea of orange in a gravy. We did rotisserie chicken on the barbecue so next time.. I’m making gravy!! xo Smidge
Beautiful photos & the pound cake looks delicious
Love the letter to Ina
Thank you so much Barbara x
Beautiful words, beautiful photos, scrumptious pound cake….I’m serious, I want to move into Just a Smidgen. Really. What a wonderful post Smidge. And just what I needed to see this Monday morning….I feel better now
This is such a fantastic post (it’s raining tons here right now) and I wish I had a slice of this pound cake and a cup of Paris tea to go along with it. I’m envisioning myself sitting outside on our front porch listening to the rain. I love pound cake and prefer ones made with citrus over chocolate.
I always love visiting your site!
Allison
Awww, I wish I could appreciate rain like you do…. but I don’t. At least not this week. I’m thinking a slice of this cake would make me a lot chipper-er (is that a word??) and ready for spring.
You always have me falling in love with a recipe of yours . And this recipe is no different. I love it.. and I know my mom will love trying this out too
Beautiful poem…beautiful photos and very delicious looking pound cake. I agree, the ingredients should be listed separately if you are putting them in two different times in two different amounts. Thanks for giving us the heads up in your version. That’s why I love bloggers’ recipes. Frequently, I’ll have the original version in hand and the blogger’s post so I can get their advice and hints or tricks and compare it to the original I like to offer those tricks or personal twists on the recipe like you do.
I notice that we have the same glasses, which I love to use for flowers too, as well as granola, ice cream and biscotti, and even juice! Such a pretty post Barb. I’ve made Ina’s lemon loaf with the glaze and just loved it…so I’m sure the orange pound cake is really delicious. Any rain today? It’s like summer here in Ontario.
Lovely verse, lovely flowers, lovely photos. Your blog is always peaceful and I love that. And as for this recipe, it sounds marvelous!! I love this kind of thing…
Well, you have to know that all of this good butter and sugar constitutes a perfectly pleasing attraction for *me*.
As much as that’s true, a good and much-needed rain is has enormous attraction, doesn’t it! Me, I got what I asked for this time. After about 10 days of promised rain here and not so much payoff on that, we started in with intermittent poundings from rain, accompanied by bits of lightning and thunder, and flash flood warnings for tonight and tomorrow. Ha! So far, no evidence our house is going to float away just yet.
An absolutely stunning recipe! I should make a pound cake one day soon, this one looks like it would be perfect for us.
It’s hard to imagine England not having rain?? Wow!
I’m glad you’re feeling better, Sarah.. hope the rest of your week goes better:)
I hope you have a better week… and feel chipperer (I think it should be a word!) soon:) xo
I hope she does. My mother-in-law makes cakes like this one… without a recipe!
I love your recipes Geni.. you do give great hints when you write them up.. I think you’ve got a great idea to put the two recipes side by side before making something! Have an awesome day!
I love those glasses.. they’re so pretty with their little bee on the side:) I use them for all kinds of desserts as well. I love her lemon loaf! It’s was one of the first on my website!!
Thanks so much, Gretchen.. I just love having flowers in my home.. if only they were in my garden!
I know…and for me, at least, even in the height of spring and summer, my garden is lame. there’s just not enough TIME to do everything I want to do!!!!
Oh… that sounds incredible! I guess the old saying goes, eh? Careful what you ask for? However, I don’t seem to have the same level of influence:) We’re still bone dry but managed to escape a snow storm yesterday, so I should be happy! Have a wonderful day!
I do love how light it tastes:)
Thanks, Allison.. it was a fun one to write up:) Now Paris tea would be perfect!!
I’m not sure if I mentioned your pretty blue plates (I’m only on my first cup of coffee this morning), but they were lovely. I’m always drawn to blue and white china…I love the history of antique transferware.
I have an antique store in a little town north of us that has this blue flow ware.. I wish I could have bought the whole set. Alas, I am not very “loyal” and, having bought them all, would have wanted to buy other dishes as well… so I limit myself to one or two of each:)
Wouldn’t it be great to have just one extra hour in a day??!! xo
Oh Smidge! What a lovely recipe! Even more your words,your poetry,your thought processes, your tender appreciation, your heart that shines through it all! Thank you for such a beautiful start to the day! xoxo (ps, please sign my name to the bottom of your letter to the Contessa!)
Dear Smidge, Happy Spring to you. Are your flowers from your garden? Love your thoughtful words and deliciously light pound cake. A perfect way to end a rainy day with a spot of tea and a slice of your pound cake.
I loved how you compared tears to rain, both are cleansing and purifying .
Unlike last year and the one before it, we had a good winter season in terms of rain but I know the feeling of looking to the sky and hoping for rain.
This pound cake looks and sounds amazing, I love citrus flavors in cake
Hahaha, I sure will spree;) Thanks for your lovely words!!
Not a chance.. it’s sunny but still so cold here.. I check for any wee little sprout every day.. but to no avail!!
Thank you:) Have a wonderful day!!
Thank you.. I’m not sure many noticed that metaphor.. let’s hope for the perfect balance this year!
I agree with you. How many times have I skipped over the word divided. This needs to be brought to Ina’s attention. The cake looks lovely, I’ll give that recipe a try!
Beautiful, beautiful poem, and the photos are great, as always. The cake looks and sounds yummy!
We’ve got lots of rain coming (want some?), even rained last night. It was very lovely to listen to as I fell asleep…
I really enjoyed the slideshow (Beautiful photos, as always, Smidge!), made me feel all warm inside thinking of Spring
~Ruth
Yes, yes, yes!! Please send some rain!! I’m glad you liked the slideshow. I love making them, but not everyone has the time to take a look:)
Perfect post for rain, this cake looks spectacular! Gorgeous poetry, as always. Absolutely love this verse…”Let this voice be the splash that spills, Soft upon your tender face”
Thanks so much Caroline:)
What a wonderful poem ! And that pound cake looks delicious too !
[...] followed.We had a couple of days when the dust was almost like a fog,the weather reminded me of Smidgen’s post.Everyone was looking to the sky for rain to clear the [...]
un·der·stud·y/ˈəndərˌstədē/ Noun: (in the theater) A person who learns another’s role in order to be able to act as a replacement at short notice. Verb: Learn (a role) or the role played by (an actor): “he had to understudy Prospero”. some wish to be a ★ but i am content to be… the understudy for…
Your sketch is just gorgeous! You are one talented woman Smidge. And I never really thought about being an understudy – but it sure is fitting. Fabulous muffins too.
I loved. You are amazing and creative lady. Your post always impresses me… Beautiful writing, sharing, drawing and photographs, recipe… Thank you, dear Barbara, with my love, nia
Orange spice banana? That is such a neat and fresh flavor combination. I was going to make banana bread soon because I have some overripe bananas, and now it’s going to have an orange spice twist! Thanks!
Thanks, Kristy, I love to paint but sometimes it’s better to keep it simple:) and use a small sketchbook! I have a large canvas waiting… but it’s a bit overwhelming every time I look at it!
It was actually an excellent flavor combination, Caroline really has some of the best baking ever!!
You are so creative as well, nia… thanks so much! xoxo Smidge
You set the mood, like you set the table, Smidge, with such thorough and thoughtful care. This is one exquisite and delicious post, in every sense of the word(s). I want to stay right here…
Oh, this sounds so good! And looks good, too. Really, your work is a feast for the eyes and… in all ways.
Thank you, Spree… If you were here, there’d be a second cup and muffin on that table:) xo Smidge
I guess I am going to be your understudy in food blog writing!
Awesome post, beautiful, touching, just perfect!
(the muffins are great too…
The sentiments in this post are lovely – perfectly put and I know that you have lots of understudies out here reading your posts!
Thank you so much, this recipe was definitely a “keeper”! xo Smidge
That’s sweet, Sally, but I think, no, I know that we understudy each other;)
Thanks so much… I am so pleased to be a follower of yours!
What a delightful post, Smidge! I was literally smiling from start to finish, just as I do whenever I visit you here. Witty, thoughtful, beautifully illustrated. Yes, a real delight!
I have just bookmarked yet another of your posts. I can’t keep up with your fabulous recipe suggestions! Loved the poem, too. Coincidentally, the ladies and I were just talking about being “under-studies” at our retreat!
I bet that your house is perfectly staged! You could do a book on that alone~
These look fantastic! And your photos are always so mouth-watering. I also love your write-up…and the understudy idea. It’s kind of scary, thinking about our kids watching us so much…uff da.
You posts are always so inviting. I can just smell these.
Hey, look at you! I see a beautiful food sketch in that sketchbook. Blow it up and add it to the blog (or just scan it).
What a lovely thought….we are all understudies in life, learning a new part. Love your sketchbook, photos and writing…truly you are gifted!
These sound sublime and the composition of the image you gave us is so beautiful.Tthere is always something so peaceful, yet elegant and so eloquent about your photgraphs! Lovely lovely. c
You really are beyond talented, lady. That sketch is gorgeous…and the muffins sound lovely! Wonderful combination of ingredients.
You are so truly creative in every way! What a lovely way to spend a quiet afternoon, a cup of tea, a sketchbook and your muffins!! Beautiful Smidge!
Lovely words Smidge. I agree with you. I feel like I’m always in the understudy role too. I haven’t been to that website so I’m off to check it out now.
I love the the poem and I especially love your painting. You are abundantly talented and creative.
Gorgeous muffins, and what a lovely poem! I love the way you transitioned the recipe.
And your comments always leave me smiling as well:) Thanks so much!
Well, they can be enjoyed by just looking, too! Isn’t that a neat coincidence? I hope you enjoyed your retreat:) xo Barb
I do enjoy “staging” my home, but at the moment, it looks like a disaster around here:)
Hahaha, yeah, it’s the old adage, “be careful what you do, little eyes are watching you!” (not sure if that’s old, but it rhymed and sounded like it, lol)
Yes.. the kitchen did smell heavenly, if only I could have these baking every morning… before I got out of bed!
Thanks, Sharyn I must be a bit timid, liked that it was just tucked in the corner.. as I begin doing more I promise to share:) I love your paintings, btw!
Thank goodness we are.. I get to visit your blog and feel inspired:) xo Smidge
Coming from a wonderful photographer like you, this is a true compliment! Thank you, c!
If only I had hours in a day to sit and sketch and bake.. how happy would a life like that be?? Thanks for your compliments, Caroline!
It is a great way to spend the afternoon… especially when it’s so darn cold here. It takes so much effort to bundle up to go out!
You will really enjoy her recipes.. I love the barbecue chicken pizza she made today:) I’m still drooling…
It was fun to draw because it was so tiny… workin’ my way up to the big canvas loitering in my study… egad! What was I thinking buying that thing?! Thanks for your lovely words…so kind!
I try to blend the two… without being artificial. I’m beginning to think that the actual recipe just lends itself to something. Maybe it all muddles in my head until the perfect combination comes together:) Thanks so much! xoxo Smidge
Love the illustration and the photos, really nice! And I have to say, what a cute puppy!!! The muffin recipe sounds very tasty and I really like it that they are not overly sweet. Great combo of flavours. I have my very first giveaway on my blog and would love it if you would enter, it’s really easy. http://kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/restaurant-review-ici-and-my-very-first-giveaway/
Thank you, Smidge. If I could sketch like you I would be really pleased.
I always enjoy your writings and your photos. And I absolutely love these Orange-Spice Banana Muffins you have on display. I am getting so hungry just thinking about them
I don’t know what I love more, the recipe or the photos and sketches. You’re writing is beautiful….
beautiful poem, beautiful sketches, beautiful muffins! talented smidge! =)
Your blog posting are always so thoughtful and well laid out. An absolutely warm and inviting place to stop in for a little inspiration. It’s like coming home! I think I will make these for brunch next week. I think I see an inspired blog in the making!
Another winning post, my dear–all of your earlier commenters today have already said so much that I would say to this one, but as always I thank you for it. As you’re commenting on learning and taking inspiration from others, it’s only appropriate to add that I shall have to buckle down and get sketching again myself, perhaps building up to the larger canvas that I too have waiting for me! Thank you for another great spirit-lifter.
xoxo,
Kathryn
Wow very artistic and creative post, I love the photos, writing as well as the recipe
these would be perfect right now for my breakfast
So creative, on all levels
A blank canvas makes always me shudder but for you, it just opens up a world of possibilities. Keep those creative juices flowing. Take Care, BAM
Thanks so much, Eva, I will go have a look in a minute:) I love giveaways! I forgot to say that I added slightly less sugar and it still tasted great (about 1/8th of a cup less)
So am I!! They are all gone now and I’m trying to go a few days without sugar.. so hard for me!!
me either:) I think I would have to put them all at the top of my list!
Thank you, lovely talented jo-lyn:)
Well, that’s how this one started over at Sweet Pea’s page:) Good luck! And thank you!!
Ooooh… I can’t wait to see what you will have sketched and painted!!
Your sketch is so amazing!! I am so glad that you enjoyed the recipe. I will have to make them into muffins next time I have ripe bananas hanging around!
These posts are in a league of their own – you need to create a book or something. As for understudy – its the story of my life (blub, wail etc)
I loved the poem, the sketches, the photos and the recipe. You’re certainly a very multi-talented lady.
I am seriously impressed – with all of it – art, composition, poetry, cuisine. Wow.
Great pics/sketches! And those muffins looks delicious.
There is so much beauty in this post!
This is a truly charming post. I read it yesterday and again today, and it’s still just love lying and tender.
Misk… You’re just so kind, thank you so much:) xo Smidge
I love this post – such understated, warmly bright beauty!
Pretty creative post, young lady! You should be very proud of the finished product.
Smidge! These photos are un-believe-able! So beautiful. They’re going on my pinterest profile now …;p
Hazy summer days at the lake and a few too many lime Beergaritas can leave even the most ambitious cook in a perpetually somnolent state of fevered laziness… Fortunately, it never lasts too long… there’ll be a banging crash at the door as suitcases get hauled in with a smacking, flip-flopping stride and a loud “halllooooo”.
Your cake looks beautiful and so full of sunshine!
Thanks! It’s been beautiful and sunny here in the Okanagan Valley…loving it!
This is lovely, glad I found you blog, had me giggling all the way through. That cake looks to die for, nice and moist I’m betting.
Absolutely, positively GORGEOUS! It is for just such recipes that summer cuisine was made.
I used to frequent a particular farmers market here in Sydney and there was a little stall selling slices of lemon and sour cream cake – it was so delectable. Having said that I like this recipe, because it uses yoghurt which makes it lighter on calories. Yum yum!
I always hope to make readers have a good laugh… glad you liked it!
Thanks so much for your lovely compliment!
I’ve just started working out substituting yogurt for sour cream, etc, for sure in scones it lowers calories and I think they are still just as fluffy.
Oh. My. Gosh. That looks delicious! That will have to baked before summer is up! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
So glad you stopped by my site and I found your beautiful blog! Beautiful photos, cant wait to check out all the recipes. Would love to try your Uncle Bryans Banana Bread, hope it comes out good :c)
Those citrus peels are making me drool. The dog made me chuckle. Great photos. I feel like I’m on the lake for the summer.
You’re welcome;)
Likewise, I love finding new blogs and will visit yours again:)
Our summer here is almost over… dog and family will be heading home soon. It goes so fast!
by Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
Your measuring spoons are so nice!
Rosemary Mullally recently posted…Georgia On My Mind: Georgian Ajapsandali
I went through a rollercoaster of emotions when reading this post, Smidge ! And it’s so true that your true passions never die completely – and how great that you have so many passions that you can devote your time to. We benefit because we get all these amazing inspirational recipes and ideas from you. Maybe one day you could share a recording of you playing the cello ?
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My friend, everything in your post was so true. Honestly, you describe the loss and regaining of passion so wonderfully!
If it is true, it never really dies
Beautiful and delicious recipe to top it off too!
Cheers
CCU
CCU recently posted…CCU Undercover: Maharaja’s Haveli
The pictures of those blood orange curd tarts seem to have been done with passion, so all’s well, I guess:)
So well written, I too would love to hear a recording of you playing the cello.
I have a similar relationship to my fiddle!!! I need to try to play the mountains, the sea, the swaying grass. Beautiful (as usual!). xox
Sue Schlabach 129twigandvine recently posted…Heartbreak on the Hill
Beautifully written and the blood orange tarteletts look amazing!
Cello, I can see you as a cello playing girl … instrument that suits you – so glad that you will be playing again.
Your tart’s are pretty as ever … *smile
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These look so divine and precious…you have made me literally want to grab one thru the screen♥
Laurie @ Pride inPhotos recently posted…“Go Ahead” Tarzan…
Though the outcome was different, I can so relate to your lament here. When I was much younger I found solace and fulfillment in painting — my art. When children came along and the twists and turns of life took me away from that deep longing satisfied, my brushes lay dry and deserted. Few people even knew of the sidelined dream. My family required food, so I cooked. Solace found a new home of expression. Fast forward some 20+ years later, close friends got together and bought paint and canvas and wrapped it in encouragement to return to my first love. Their sentiment was so touching, so deeply personal.
I sat down to meld lines with brush stroke only to realize the skill and verve for this beautiful act of passion had been lost. I grieved only momentarily. The exercise taught me “My passion was never lost, it had just found new pathways to wander.” And that I had precious and dear friends who really saw me, knew me, and cared about my dreams–what a tremendous gift.
Oh, love your blood orange curd tarts too!
Judy @Savoring Today recently posted…A Walk in Scottsdale
I didn’t know that about you, Judy! You really have found a wonderful new passion, I love your site and recipes. Your food photography truly is art! xx
I think there is a lesson for me here as well Smidge. So glad that you shared this. I’m going to have to reread and take a ponder over things quietly this evening. There is something in this story that is resonating with me. And those tarts look fantastic – a browned butter tart shell?! Yum!
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Thank you, Sibella xx
Such pretty little tarts!
What sweet little tarts and I really love that they are so small, bite-size. How pretty.
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What a great message! I have a friend who often says she feels guilty for not devoting time to all her numerous hobbies – I think I will direct her to this post because you have got it right! Don’t feel guilty – instead feel great that you are fulfilled by everything else you are doing
Love the browned butter in the tart crusts. Brilliant!
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I’m so glad to read, Barb, that you and your cello have “reunited,” for lack of a better word. I imagine it like meeting up with an old friend, a very satisfying experience. These tart shells, made with brown butter, sound fantastic! Such a great way to fill them, too. You always write such wonderful posts, Barb, but this one was exceptionally so. A real pleasure to read.
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Smidge serendipity indeed!!! I didn’t know that you play cello? That’s wonderful. I think you’re my hero
Sometimes it’s good to walk away for a bit, you know? Especially when you need to whip up a batch of GORGEOUS blood orange curd tarts! These photos are STUNNING! You go girl. I have the same spoons too xx
That video about Instagram cracked me up. So exciting about the cello, once you brush the dust off your fingers perhaps a video can find its way on the blog! Yummmmmm to these tarts!
Your work is So so beautiful, i crept in today .. as you remember for some reason your site swamped my old computer, so with this little new one I have tip toed in and VOILA! we are back in business and while i was away your work has just got more and more beautiful.. you are truly gifted.. now darling, are you terribly far from canmore? i am going there in july to my eldest sons wedding.. will it be cold?..what shall i wear? love love and so thrilled to be back in touch.. your old blogging friend celi
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Lovely little tarts! I’m thinking that these tart shells will be delicious filled with fresh picked strawberries and blueberries. Thank you for the inspiration!
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I want a few of these for my dessert right now! I just love the tart shells. I can imagine how the browned butter provides such a nutty flavor and that they would go great with lots of different fillings.
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Your cello was not lost or abandoned. Your cello was just waiting for you patiently like a long lost friend. Sometimes life is like this we get busy , work, family and other obligations and we completely neglect the things that we really are passionate about. Don’t lose your passion.
Delicious little tarts. Take care, BAM
Bam’s Kitchen recently posted…Slow Roasted Pork Tortillas
I’m so glad you’re getting back into the cello but I do understand periods of absolute frenzy and other times of the instrument gathering dust. You have so much going on in your life and so many talents, I can just imagine you having an impossible juggling act fitting in time for everything xx
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“Play the contour of the mountains.” These words are going to stay with me today.
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Love your message here. It falls right into my Aries nature and it’s nice to have a positive look on how I can move through different projects:)
And the video is a hoot.
xx wendy
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It’s just wonderful how things seem to fall together and your old ‘love’ of playing can be part of your life once again. Timing and Divine Intervention probably woven together…Diane
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Beautiful images – I love the idea of blood orange curd.
Your little pale orange tarts look delicious…a perfect little bite of goodness.
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I hope I wasn’t too late to be of benefit in clicking on the video! And I loved what you had to say about creativity being fulfilled in other ways that perhaps have prevented you from having the same passion for your cello. I’ve had similar questions. I don’t play the piano with the same amount of time and attention as I have for my whole life, but I can’t be as attentive to absolutely everything I find fulfilling. I’ll have to think more about that!
The tarts look just wonderful, Smidge! I must make them at some point. They strike me as very good to serve at a tea! 
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Those tarts look amazing, I loved how you shaped them
Raymund recently posted…Bento Bowl
I felt the same way as I shifted into writing. Now I know this is what I am supposed to do!
Good for you!
Gorgeous colour..it reminds me of champagne, absolutely beautiful.
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted…Strawberry Soya Protein Balls with Chia Seeds
It was just the right time Barb, just the right time. And look at this tart. I think I would eat a bunch of these and deny I ate them lol. That’s how good they look.
You are so wise – I totally agree that creativity can be satisfied in many ways. I grieve sometimes for the creative stuff I don’t have time to do…but the truth is, one simply cannot do everything. Even if one wants to! So…I have zero scrapbooks, my rubber stamps languish in a big bin, and I haven’t touched the piano in more than a year. BUT…I have a book that I’ve written!
Gretchen O’Donnell recently posted…Suddenly Everything Seems Possible + Ice Storm Photos
I am full parenting mode with my young family and I’ve had to set aside several of my passions since there just isn’t time for it all. I hope to pick those things up later on. There’s a time for everything, I suppose.
Your little tarts are simply captivating, especially the way you’ve styled your photos.
Allison {Main St. Cuisine} recently posted…Egg Salad with Capers and Fresh Dill
Such needed wise insight in this Smidge! Thank you for it! I (very) recently have been grappling with similar feelings – was counseled by my also-wise husband on how to reframe and see differently – and your words here are the (always lovely) icing on the cake. Wishing you abundant joy, refreshment and passion in your time away! xoxo
Those brown butter tart shells look so lovely! I am adding to my list to make this summer. Your blog is just amazing!!
daisy
daisy recently posted…vietnamese spring rolls
Now I’m curious about how your tarts taste and feel like. They look amazing – the creamy colourful filling really makes a nice contrast.
Alex recently posted…Pineapple-flavoured stir-fried chicken // Frango frito com sabor a ananás