Sunday Sweets: To Be Of Good Cheer

"Be of good cheer. Do not think of today's failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourselves a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will find a joy in overcoming obstacles. Remember, no effort that we make to attain something beautiful is ever lost."

— Helen Keller

By Bespoke Cakes

We will never forget the events of ten years ago, but we will carry on, and we will carry our hope, and our courage, and our good cheer with us.

I wanted to feature cakes honoring our police, fire, and medical services today, but since we did that not too long ago I don't have enough material for it. So instead, after much deliberation, I've decided to just feature Sweets that will make you happy. Not because we don't honor our heroes, or mourn their loss, but because joy and beauty are their own tribute - and today, I think we can all use a smile.

So, why don't we start by cheering Up?

Cake by Kakes by Katie, photo by Wendy Updegraff

There's something about bunches of colorful balloons that make me think of my childhood and theme parks, popcorn and parades, and warm sunny days. The fact that this was such a sweet movie doesn't hurt, either.

Crisp white tiers with bright zingy colors = instant cheer:

Submitted by Rachel D., made by Hana of A Piece of Cake

I love the lacy swirls and little bows.

Here's one that will *really* take you back to your childhood:

Taken at the Orlando ICES convention, baker unknown

So adorable, it's hard to believe any of it's edible!

Of course, you don't always need flowers and cute characters to perk up your day:

Sub'd by Rob G., made by Kakes NYC

Mmmm. That's the stuff.

This next one is pure, goofy fun:

Sub'd by Geri S., made by Cake Central member irena11

You might recognize the art; it's been all over the 'net and it's from an artist named bri-chan.

Anyway, the best part is that's not edible paper! The baker used a frozen buttercream transfer, a painstaking and time-consuming technique that requires hand-piping every line and every color. Amazing.

These colors always make me smile:

Sub'd by Rachel G., spotted here, but the baker isn't listed.

I can never get enough orange and teal - never. And those patterns on the cake and board! Gorgeous!

It's amazing how many cakes I find that I want in plush. Here's one more to add to my list:

Made by Casa De Cupcake

Just look at that paisley pattern on the owl - and the little edible ribbons and buttons!

If somehow you haven't melted from the cuteness yet, this one will definitely do you in:

Sub'd by Paula D., made by The Bunny Baker

I'm melting. Melting, I say!

Here, this should pull us back together:

Admit it: you laughed.

This is one of my favorite Sweets of all time:

By Wicked Goodies

Those graduated colors are hand-piped icing, which means the baker had to mix up each color individually. And the flowers! Ack! Doesn't it remind you of Mexican embroidery or folk art? Just beautiful.

Ok, just a little more cute:

Sub'd by Jannie P., from this Dutch cupcake contest, baker unknown

Now I'm going to be singing "Honey Bee" all day.

And finally, the Sweet that made me smile the most and the longest:

Sub'd by Amanda K., made by Bubolinkata

Is that not the most gorgeous thing you've seen today? Look at those little strawberries, and each perfect petal! It's like life and love and cheer, all embodied in one cake (and cupcakes). I love it.

I hope you enjoyed today's Sweets, and that they made you smile. Now, go hug someone you love. Then go hug someone you don't even like*. Because we have to start somewhere, and I think today's just the day to do it.

*Maybe check for pepper spray first.