Sylvia Bannock, Sweetie Pies ‘n Baby Cakes
While Sterling and I are baking, baking, baking, it’s not always easy to find time to write. But I have a precious moment this morning. The wind chimes hanging over the front porch are gently sending out beautiful tones that rise and fall in the background of an outdoor world that is filled with birdsong. There is no sign in sight of what the weather forecast calls for this weekend…so…I sit for a moment and sing, myself…praises…for a beautiful soul I’m so grateful to call friend.
In life, none of us is immune from challenge. However, it’s our choices in response to any adversity that demonstrate character. And, for this reason, I most admire those with a deep sense of humility and courage – the stuff that comes from genuine self-worth…or, rather, a knowing of who one is in one’s soulful being that comes from GD. If that term freaks you out, feel free to change it in your own mind – to spirit or whatever works. The point remains. And it’s one that reminds me of a bit of Jewish wisdom that declares, “Every person should have two pockets. In one should be a piece of paper on which is written, ‘I am but dust and ashes.’ In the other, ‘For my sake the world was created.’”
As much as there is an entire camp devoted to the notion that challenge is to be viewed through a lens of trauma and that focus should remain on what does not work for moving past comfort zones to growth and greater fulfillment, the simple truth is that difficult experiences exist not to develop character but to reveal it and to provide us opportunities to focus on what serves our growth. None of us is guaranteed an easy life. But we are all offered the opportunity for a meaningful one. And for that, it takes courage. It takes faith. And it takes humility. Standing in one’s integrity, particularly in today’s world that is full of so much outside “opinion,” for lack of a better term – standing, as my Papa would say, “your own two feet of ground” – does not always make for an easy life; but it certainly promises the gift of a meaningful one.
It’s been a while since I wrote an “otherie” as I call ‘em. Not being a big fan of “selfies,” I enjoy writing “otheries” once in a while. And, today, I feel the desire to do just that. In this case, I am moved to share with all of you the beautiful Soul of my dear friend, Sylvia Bannock. She is, herself, a magnificent baker who, along with her husband, Frank, owned and operated a very successful bakery called, Sweetie Pies ‘n Baby Cakes. Like so many, Sylvia has overcome a variety of challenges in life and has a quality I share and admire deeply. She leans into her soulful being and keeps moving forward with love in her heart and an ever-flowing abundance of joy in her soul. That doesn’t mean using positivity as a means of avoiding deeper conversation or never meeting up with frustration or upset without missing a beat. It means, come what may, she chooses faith – kindness – integrity – love – gratitude. And this is what I most enjoy celebrating in my “otheries” – people who are what I call “active in their souls.”
Last but not least, those who buy our products at market may be aware that there is often a “backstory” to the names of our baked goods. Our “Highway 17 at Sunrise” Lemon Tea Cake or our “Did you need to get by?” Anise Biscotti, for instance. Lovely stories I shall take time to share one day. But the purpose for this is to always honor those moments of inspiration – or the people who have inspired or shared a recipe or idea – and, in Sylvia’s case, when we feature the most moist and delicious chocolate quinoa cake, it’s named in her honor, as her own version made it impossible for me to enjoy organic versions from a grocery that shall not be named anymore…sigh…that’s the thing about tasting the best of something…hard to go back :-D.
Anyway – this is my tribute – my “otherie” – in honor of one of the most beautiful souls I know. I can’t parade her around in our booth but I can certainly share a lil’ something here. Now…back to woik, as my mama used to say! Of course, she was out in the garage painting huge abstracts on doors…but that’s a story for another day…anotherie Otherie!
With blessings & Gratitude,
Aliza Wiseman (“Birdie”)
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