Let them eat cupcakes

To Julie, who first saw the light 33 years ago today. By the way, I love the Spanish expression for giving birth, which is "dar luz," or "to give light".

While in LA we were staying with our good friends Julie and Marc, who left Montreal for SoCal over six years ago (Marc had also previously lived there for a few years as a single dude.) I know that their life is not always as "fun and games" as it appears to us from the outside (because it never is, isn't it?) , but man, how great, still.

For the last few weeks, M and I have been talking about how we could move there every day. It's like we can't get the sun out of our heads. Whether we will go through with it is still uncertain, and will depend on a lot of variables, including timing and luck over which we have little control... But when we envision how it would be, Marc and Julie are always there, proving us that such an adventure is possible, doable, livable, reachable, and real.

Julie used to work in a small Web design firm, doing something she wasn't really crazy about. A few months ago she started a sideline which tended to her creative side a lot more: cupcakes. Not just any cupcakes, but the most beautiful, artistic, whimsical creations you can ever imagine. Very quickly her business grew, and there is a real buzz about her among all cupcake bakers all over the US, where she is already recognized as one of the best. Moreover, during the time I was there I had a chance to bite into a couple too, and unbelievably, they taste even better than they look.

Julie made these adorable, all-edible Luau penguin cupcakes while I was there, and I can testify that she was up until 4 AM lovingly preparing everything (and was still smiling at 7:30 when we woke up)

The first day we arrived, she boldly quit her day job and decided to try turning her passion into both a lifestyle and a decent income. I can only see major success in her near future, because, I mean, the pictures just speak for themselves!!! And cupcakes are such a big trend right now and have a nostalgic, feel-good, comforting feel (and given their size, are a treat you do not feel too guilty about). Her business is almost all word-of-mouth, because once people see them and then eat them, they never forget it, I'm sure.

So this post is about people who dare to go the extra mile and make things happen. Kudos to Julie and Marc for pursuing their goal, for leaving dreary winters behind and making it in LA, the land of driven and hopeful dreamers. And kudos to Julie for making her life revolve around what makes her happy. It seems so easy to do but it really isn't. Happy birthday.