A happy celebration of my dear sister's birthday on Thursday (post-dated entry). In true generous form, after working all week, she hosted our whole family (minus Nick, our brother, living in large in Asia after finishing uni) and supplied more Asian greens in oyster sauce and pork ("chicken" for the benefit of Owen, the sometimes pedantic 3 year old) than you could poke a chopstick at. It has been HOT in Melbourne and steamy courtesy of all the rain (I have had to drain our pots of tomatoes of several liters of excess water each day), so this was no small feat. We had vanilla cupcakes which I seem to use for pretty much all birthdays, weddings, blessingways, picnics etc (recipe below).
I was 6 when my sister was born. I don't really remember it clearly. I do recall her beauty being admired by everyone who met her (all golden curls and smiles - the only babe in our family to have professional studio photos displayed in the family home, early 80's - lots of baskets of jip and dusky pink). I also remember being rather pleased at having a sister and taking her to show & tell while mum was on canteen duty, and the devastation at having my teacher turn us away (wrong day? time? details some 19 years later are sketchy).
I was 6 when my sister was born. I don't really remember it clearly. I do recall her beauty being admired by everyone who met her (all golden curls and smiles - the only babe in our family to have professional studio photos displayed in the family home, early 80's - lots of baskets of jip and dusky pink). I also remember being rather pleased at having a sister and taking her to show & tell while mum was on canteen duty, and the devastation at having my teacher turn us away (wrong day? time? details some 19 years later are sketchy).
Fast forward through years of shared bedrooms with her and our two brothers, playing nicely (sometimes) and at others being told by our mother to take it out to the yard and finish it for good. From teaching her to push mashed veggies through gaps left by her lost baby teeth through to continued annoyance as a moody teen at her attentions, not having privacy & space.
Somewhere along the way we became friends, long after I fled the family home aged 18 to live in sin (seems far too young now on reflection). I think it might've been around the time I spent a year working and traveling through the United Kingdom and Europe in 2001, as all health professionals seem to. We connected with email and talking long distance - who knew I had such a great women for a sister? And who knew how fabulous a sisterly relationship could be? In many ways more honest and resilient than friendships, and at the same time amazing to still be learning more about each other in spite of our shared history.
We had a beautiful role model for sister relationships in our maternal grandmother, Mama, and Auntie Maureen who lived in LA. Our Mama died earlier this year and I know for me some of that grieving was imagining being in the same situation. These photos were used for the memorials and I think captures some of the warmth and mischief that sister-hood encompasses.
It was at her recent garage sale I sounded out the idea of blogging (where yes, I indeed pillaged her life and argued over many items of contention - who really actually owns that doctors bag? And no you don't need to take that awesome shirt dress, leave it with me..). I think the idea of blogging has grown on me, much like the idea of a non-tradie having a mobile phone back in the mid 90s, or the ubiquitous iPhone along with all the apps in more recent years.
I was thinking of how a blog could be a modern family journal of sorts. Was it too narcissistic? Or is it a practical way of reflecting on life given how plugged in the world is becoming and the fact I haven't albumised (totally a word) any photos from that Europe trip, and stopped printing or looking at digital photos when Owen turned 1 (more than 2 years ago).
I am glad Katie jumped in and just did it ... I would still be trying to mull over how do I want this to be ....trying to find some framework ... thinking I love the snort-out-loud funny blogs out there, but couldn't keep the energy or material coming. I love the generosity and depth of thought that occur in some and hope that others might find some of my (our) stories helpful, inspiring, or of interest. I was keen that while chronicling my days and the stuff I do that it doesn't become show-offy or intimidating (how some of my favourite bloggers manage to do the stuff they do, let alone write about what they do is beyond me).
I was thinking of how a blog could be a modern family journal of sorts. Was it too narcissistic? Or is it a practical way of reflecting on life given how plugged in the world is becoming and the fact I haven't albumised (totally a word) any photos from that Europe trip, and stopped printing or looking at digital photos when Owen turned 1 (more than 2 years ago).
I am glad Katie jumped in and just did it ... I would still be trying to mull over how do I want this to be ....trying to find some framework ... thinking I love the snort-out-loud funny blogs out there, but couldn't keep the energy or material coming. I love the generosity and depth of thought that occur in some and hope that others might find some of my (our) stories helpful, inspiring, or of interest. I was keen that while chronicling my days and the stuff I do that it doesn't become show-offy or intimidating (how some of my favourite bloggers manage to do the stuff they do, let alone write about what they do is beyond me).
So with a big breathe, and a merciful 20 minutes of Gus sleeping in bed (by himself!!) I have put fingers to keyboard, introduced me and my sister and will take the space to say how proud I am of my sister, the talented writer, an amazing auntie to her 3 nephews, a sounding board for everything for her sister, a beacon of style, vessel of inspiration, an ally in our (at times) crazy family, an EXCELLENT cooker of all things minestrone, sausage roll and peanut butter choc-chip cookie maker. Now off on scholarly pursuits in New Paltz, New York State, and with the most fabulous gift registry to set-up her new digs (Liberty sheets anyone?) - I will miss you, but am so happy to share this blog to keep in touch with thoughts, pictures and writing.
x L Vanilla Cupcakes
These are my go-to cakes. They are super simple, coming as they do from a kid’s recipe book from the king of simple, Bill Granger. I make them for weddings, birthdays, blessingways, afternoon teas, baby showers, farewells, welcome homes … basically any time I have to make a cake – they have even been used in large format for recent fire engine, sea creature and lion cakes. They are equally good in tiny weeny cases, or big muffin type cases, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. The icing is pretty magical (play guess the ingredients with unsuspecting recipients) but you could substitute boring normal icing. You can pretty them up with a large freckle, some silver cachous, smarties, sprinkles etc (but do this close to time of serving or the colour leaks into the soft icing)
1 ½ cups flour | 1 tsp baking powder |
½ tsp salt | 125g butter, softened |
1 ½ tsp vanilla essence | 3 eggs |
¾ cup milk | 1 cup caster sugar |
Icing: | |
250g white chocolate | 300g sour cream |
Lollies/smarties to decorate |
1. Preheat oven to 180°C
2. Line muffin tray with paper cases
3. Sift flour, baking powder and salt
4. In a separate bowl cream butter and sugar
5. Add vanilla and then eggs, one at a time. Mix
6. Add dry ingredients, alternating with milk until a soft dropping consistency
7. Divide between paper cases and bake 20-25 minutes. Should be a mild gold tinge on top.
For icing
1. Melt chocolate and allow to cool slightly
2. Mix in the sour cream
3. Cupcakes must be cool before icing
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