Monday, September 26, 2011

Tea Party Tuesday ~ Baking a Big Difference

Happy Tea Party Tuesday

I had planned on posting something totally 
different this week.

The post was ready to go and at the last minute
I changed my mind.
For good reason.

I had an amazing experience this weekend, 
and wanted to share it with my 
favorite people.

As many of you may know, I fight a 
battle with brain cancer every day and I plan to win.



My course has been stable up until
2 years ago when I experienced a recurrence.
I underwent radiation treatment and 
I am currently on maintenance 
chemotherapy called Temodar.

The reason this matters is that this past weekend my 
husband and I participated in the annual fundraising Gala
for the American Brain Tumor Association
held here in Minneapolis, called



The woman who started this annual event
is an amazing gal by the name of 
Joelle Syverson.



She is an inspiring brain tumor patient.

She wanted to raise awareness and money for 
brain tumor research but in a way that brought levity 
to an often very serious and depressing diagnosis.

So each year at the "Humor" Gala a different
comedian is highlighted and presents a routine during dinner.

What a great idea....laughter is truly the best medicine.

To date, her efforts have raised over 1 million dollars.

In pasts years I volunteered with the silent auction 
but this year I offered a donation to the silent auction:
THE CUPCAKE CLUB!

I was offering one dozen beautifully decorated cupcakes to be delivered each month to the lucky highest bidder.
About 3 weeks before the Gala, the event coordinator emailed and told me that my CUPCAKE CLUB was being ELEVATED to the
LIVE AUCTION!!!

GLUP!

Apparently they were inspired by my story and thought others
would be inspired too.

I was humbled.  My little cupcakes...

LIVE auction...

Now, let me give you a little idea of the other items in 
the live auction...there were some doozies....

1. Private Jet to Chicago and $1000 dollars spending money
2. Big Sky Montana Ski Trip (airline, condo, ski tickets)
3. All expenses paid trip to Napa Valley with Wine Tasting

You get the idea.

GLUP.

CUPCAKE CLUB!
Cupcakes on the jumbo-tron and me....gigant-o me there in the corner...AAAACCCCCKKKK!!!

 I told James that he better dig DEEP into his 
pockets and bid up those cupcakes if no one else did!

Well...no worries.

He didn't have too.

In fact many, many other people found them to be appealing
and my little CUPCAKE CLUB sold for the final price of...

$1200.00

Thank you Matt & Kristen Thurber

OMG!

Baking a difference.

You see...a year ago I was just getting ready to
begin chemotherapy with Temodar.

I was scared and angry and fighting it every step of the way.

I found an outlet for my worry, frustration and anger 
through baking and eventually blogging.
By way of blogging I began 
to rekindle my love and passion for TEA PARTIES!!

And so I created a virtual Cupcake Shop & Tea Room 
online here at Sweetology.

Cupcake in lovely teacup with embossed fondant fondant cake stand, macarons and rose!!



You see anything is possible if you dare to dream.

Thank you for loving me the way I am

You are my inspiration!


This week I offer not a recipe but a Quote:

"As you go the way of life, you will see a great chasm.
Jump.
It's not as wide as you think"
~ Joseph Campbell

Don't be afraid to take a chance. 
A chance on love.
A chance on friendship
A chance on a dream
A chance to say hello
A chance to say goodbye
A chance to have one more chance.

Looking forward to what you are bringing for tea this week and
just remember, it can be anything you want to share! 
Have a great week friends and don't forget to mingle with others!

Sharing with:

TEA, INSPIRATION & TABLESCAPES:  

OTHER FUN SWEETS/FOOD and CRAFT LINK PARTIES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
 Mouth Watering Mondays, Melt in Your Mouth Mondays, Mingle Monday, Made it on Monday Sumo's Sweet Stuff Made by You Mondays Making the World Cuter Mondays Motivate Me Monday Joy of Desserts Dittle Dattle Amaze Me Monday Jam Hands Recipe Share Monday Mangia MondaysTUESDAY Crazy for Crust Confessions of a SAHM Delicious Dishes Cupcake Tuesday Let's Do Brunch Tempt my Tummy Tuesday Mandi's Tasty Tuesday Topsy Turvy Tuesday  Handmade Tuesday  Tasty Tuesday Tip Me Tuesday  Time Out Tuesday  Get Your Craft On WEDNESDAY Cast Party Wednesday Lil' Luna Ginger Snap Crafts Wonka Wednesday Whatever Goes Wednesday Wow Us Wednesday Look What I Made Wednesday What I Whipped Up Wednesday Let's Do Brunch Whatever You Want Wednesday Wow Me Wednesday This Chick Cooks Gooseberry PatchTHURSDAYArtsy Girl Sweet Treats Thursday Sweets This Week  Thursday Show Your Stuff House of Hepworths Brambleberry Cottage FRIDAY: Tidy Mom Inspiration Friday Feathered Nest Friday Bacon Time Friday Party Sweet Tooth Friday Show and Tell Friday It's a Hodgepodge Friday Weekend Wrap Up Flaunt it Friday  Sassy Sites Friday Fun  Fridays Unfolded Food on Fridays Friday Flair Foodie FridayWEEKEND Sweets for a Saturday So Sweet Sundays The Girl Creative   Sundae Scoop


56 comments:

Lisa said...

Way to go Trish!!! Any sensible person would rather have a cupcake club membership than any of those other prizes. You have to be so thrilled and proud - but most of all, give yourself a large pat on the back for turning a difficult challenge in your life into something SWEET! Your post made my day.
Lisa

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Trisha, that is so wonderful in your "baking a difference"!!! I applaud you & your wonderful baking skills. My hubby has undergone chemo for this past year. This week will be his 15th treatment. We totally understand what you are going through. Keep up sweet spirit...it keeps us all going. Hugs & Blessings to you!!!

My Little Home and Garden said...

Trish,
I thought I'd join you for tea this week. Thank you for hosting this event.
The story you told is so amazing. You must be quite the woman!
I'm off to click your "follow" button.
Wishing you well,
Karen

Lisa @ Flour Me With Love said...

Congratulations!!! That is amazing and for such a great cause :)

Anjali said...

Trisha, your blog made me teary :( You are a very beautiful woman inside and out. What a wonderful achievement with cupcake club sale. I am so happy for you and love love love the cupcake in teacup...cutest thing ever.
Hugs and best wishes!!

Coley said...

That is so awesome!! My Aunt just finished her 15th round of treatments for breast cancer. Hope all continues to go well for you! (saw you on the homemade Savy link up)

Barbara F. said...

Those other prizes were great and expensive, but your cupcakes are PRICELESS! Yes, I am a little prejudiced! :) Way to go, Trish. ((hugs)) xo

kyleen said...

Thank you for this amazingly thoughtful post. The quote is incredibly thought-provoking. And congratulations at the bid; your cupcakes are awesome.

Lynn said...

I am more than thrilled to read this lovely post. You make such a difference, Trisha....you truly do.

xinex said...

What a wonderful and inspiring story, Trish! Congrats on the bid. Your cupcake club is very generous and a great idea. I hope you get better everyday...Christine

FABBY'S LIVING said...

I loved your post Trisha, it's so heart felt! those cup cakes made a difference. Congrats at the bid, great cupcakes and for a truly wonderful cause. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for hosting too, so happy to participate at Tea Party Tuesday. FABBY

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Congratulations, Trisha! Your cupcakes are amazing and so is your story! God bless you!

Hugs,
Sandi

Unknown said...

That is so Fantasticly AWESOME!!!
You amaze me daily! and those cupcakes are so worth it!

Sue said...

WOW Trisha, What an inspiration you are! Honestly, I would rather bid on your cupcakes more than the other prizes you listed! They are worth every penny! Your cupcake pictured above is gorgeous! God bless you!

Anonymous said...

From Your Mom..You dared to dream and within that dream you have found happiness and peace of mind. Each day I see you reaching out to people showing that one person can make a difference in this world. And what a difference you've made! I know my life could never have been so full and complete without you being such an important part of it. I've watched the difference you've made in the lives of others as well. You have a very special gift that inspires people to be the best they can be. I'm so proud of all that you do, and I hope you'll never forget that I love you with all my heart.
God winked at me when He gave me you. Love Mom

♥ Miss Tea said...

Oh Trisha! you're an inspiration! you are truly an amazing woman! this post made me teary eyed and i'm sorry but i just cant help of reading your mom's comment too, i'm so touched and she's right you have made a difference in this world and the lives of others, well done, Trisha! xoxo Susan

VintageMom said...

Oh, I'm following your MOM.... my comment is going to pale in comparison :) I'm so glad you found an outlet through blogging... I feel the same way about it... creating a virtual fantasy world somehow starts to become real and seep into your real life... I hope it works for you and your life is always a party :) Congratulations on the auction bid!

Lisa @ Allergy Free Vintage Cookery

Unknown said...

Trisha, you are just one amazing gal, a true inspiration. Congratulations on the auction, your cupcakes look fantastic.
I wish you only the best.♥♥♥

MsFoxsSweets said...

How awesome, your auction raising so much for such a great cause and seeing your little works of art on that big jumbotron! You are such a beautiful woman inside and out! That's a pretty awesome tea cup cupcake you have made there too! It looks like something from a fairy tale! Hugs!

Melissa said...

Trisha--I always love reading your posts! Thanks for giving us a glimpse into your life---you are one inspiring lady (not to mention one of the funniest bloggers I know)! Here's to your continued success in life & in cupcakes!! xoxox

Sheryl said...

What a great story and a great cause. Congratulations on getting such a wonderful bid on your cupcakes. I understand the cause all too well. My mother had a brain tumor and was treated with Temodar for a long time. I hope all goes well for you.

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Hi Trisha
Anyone would be thrilled to receive your creations and I'm sure you're going to overwhelm your winners when the goodies begin to arrive.
Wishing you continued health and days of baking!
Hugs,
Judith

Kathy said...

I am glad that I am home alone - save our little dog - who doesn't care how crazy I get sometimes - all she cares about is whether I'll feed her or pet her - alot.
I let out a loud YIPPEE! And did a dance to the likes of Bill Cosby - :)
I am so very happy for you - this is an exciting way to share your passion, your experiences for a wonderful cause -
This sounds like an amazing event and humor and laughter are definitely the best medicine - God told us so! For all things!
You've touched so many lives and will do more - so very glad and blessed to know you through blogging! Thank you for hosting and for sharing your inspiring post with A Return to Loveliness!
God Bless,
Kathy

Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust said...

What an amazing story. You are an inspiring woman!

Mrs Happy Homemaker said...

Wow! That is SO awesome!!!

Chats the Comfy Cook said...

I can't imagine what I can add to the other comments. I am inspired by how you took a huge challenge and faced it and used it to make others happy.

I would have taken your cupcakes over trips and other biggies. The cupcakes are love. Love wins.

Nellie's Cozy Place said...

Trisha,
So nice to meet you here in blogland.
what a sweet and inspiring story. How great that you are Baking a difference. Your story is wonderful and it is wonderful that you raised
$1200. with your lovely cupcakes.
Will put you on my prayer list hon!
Fall Blessings, and so glad you pre empted your other post for this one.
Nellie

Diann said...

What a wonderful post today! And the gala sounds like it was a huge hit which is truly wonderful! And congrats on your donation! I LOVE the fact that you can make a difference through baking. How fantastic! And you and your health are in my prayers. Thank you for hsting and have a lovely day!

Anonymous said...

Oh, Trish! Bless you! May you continue to know God's goodness as you work through this challenging time. He is using you in such a great way to bless so many through your strength and creative gifts. You are one very special lady!!!
Joy!
Kathy

Two Minute Takes said...

Your spirit, determination and positive outlook are an inspiration to anyone who ever has the pleasure to meet you or come across your blog. Congratulations on baking such a huge difference and showing so many that despite all its many challenges, life is still beautiful and precious and that every day we wake up to it is a blessing. Just as you are.

Johanna Gehrlein said...

Oh my, Trisha, I didn't knew before. I want to hug you for your great mind and for the great idea of the Cupcake Club. What can be better than homemade cupcakes, made with love. I totally understand that so many people wanted to have that instead of big journeys. I am sure you will make the best cupcakes of the world. Wish you all the best for your way.
Best greetings, Johanna

Darlene - The Tea Enthusiast's Scrapbook said...

Hi Trish,

Your faith has made you whole! You are amazing! In spite of what you're going through, you have decided to bless others! Your blog is a testimony of your faith and your will to press in for your healing! May God continue to bless and heal you! You have a gift that we need more of in this world! You are definitely "baking" a difference! Keeping you in my prayers!

Blessings, Darlene

Paula said...

Often you leave me speechless with your blog posts and this is no exception. I can only say as I sit here in the Honda customer waiting room that the man across from me keeps looking at me with a troubling look until I glance back at him and tell him that these are tears of love and pride. He smiles and says, good for you for regonizing all that. How right he is. People need to take the time to listen, see and truly feel the love that is built out of others struggles. Keep on shining Trisha! I love you so much for the stength that you have daily and how lovingly you pass that on to others.
As Always and Forever,
Your Sister Paula

Kirsten said...

Hi Trish! Thank you so much for sharing your story. And congratulations on the cupcakes.....that's fantastic!! Have a great week!

Tracey @ The Kitchen is My Playground said...

Keep fighting, Trish! I, too, am a cancer survivor! Thank you for sharing your story, and for giving back to 'the cause.' I shared my story this week at "Frosting for the Cause" ... check it out if you'd like! http://www.frostingforthecause.com/2011/09/traceys-chocolate-cheesecake-cupcakes-with-cream-cheese-frosting/

Tea & Chocolate Guy said...

Trisha, though our brains have been affected in different ways (yours through cancer and mine through the car accident) .. the changes and challenges in everyday life is most likely very similar. I'm inspired by your give it all positive attitude and your words " a chance to have one more chance" really hit home. I have been dragging my feet long enough ... I am going to foot my best foot forward and give it what I got !! thank you for sharing!!

CONGRATULATIONS on your Live auction success!! Your cup cakes look marvellous!!! Wishing you a great week, xo HHL

Micupoftea said...

I was touched by your story! How wonderful you were able to make such an impact~ Congrats on you taking a chance and sharing with others, as well as sharing an inspiring story. Love the JCampbell quote, and it is obvious how much love you put into the cupcakes! Be well and God Bless you~
xoxo

Terri said...

How exciting! Your gorgeous cupcakes are very inspiring as well as your story and motivation for your chosen outlet of baking! You do create the most amazing things, and you do it with passion! Yay for you! And congratulations on receiving such a great bid for your organization!
Hugs,
Terri

Notes from the Homestead said...

Trisha, Truly those nice folks got a BARGAIN! Your lovely confections are priceless!! Very cool!! Much love!

Sylvia said...

Trisha , you are a courageous, brave woman . Your story is truly inspiring ! Great Life lessons- simple and wise ! Thank you !

Angela McRae said...

Oh my goodness, CONGRATULATIONS on raising so much money for a great cause! And I can see why this was elevated to "live auction," since it was certainly a fabulous prize. You know, you almost never talk about your brain tumor so on the rare occasions when you do, I'm like, "Oh yeah, I forgot about that." And I also think "Humor to Fight the Tumor" was a brilliant slogan on somebody's part. What a great post!

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

This brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful inspiration this post is. Thanks for sharing.

Marigene said...

You are an inspiration to all...thank you for sharing your story.

HoosierHomemade said...

This is truly amazing! What a fabulous experience you had! Congrats on all your accomplishments!
I'm honored that you linked up to Cupcake Tuesday!
~Liz

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing this beautiful post. You are truly an inspiration! I'm here from the Something Swanky Blog Hop and am your newest follower. :)

Kim @ Little Rays of Sunshine
morrowsunshine.blogspot.com

Michael said...

Following you from Something Swanky! Great blog.

Paige @ The Crunchy Mamacita said...

I'm your newest follower, your recipe page is amazing! Visiting from Something Swanky, hope you'll stop by my blog at thecrunchymamacita.blogspot.com and hopefully become a follower :)

Paige

Shirley said...

Your offering totally belonged in the live auction! Matt and Kristen are lucky to be getting your beautiful confections each month. Best hopes and wishes for your health.

My Little Home and Garden said...

Oops. I'm sorry, Trish. I guess when I linked my cup for "Tea Party Tuesday" I goofed. I've been going through the lovely links and see that I should have had a dessert of some kind. My goodness, these people are talented in the kitchen!
-Karen

Camille said...

Oh my goodness- you are so inspirational!! I am so happy that your cupcakes went for so much- they look amazing, so I am not surprised. I am happy that I found your blog!
Stopping by and following from Something Swanky!
Camille @
SixSistersStuff.blogspot.com

Martha's Favorites said...

Hi: You are amazing! Thank you for sharing your story. Blessings, Martha

Entertaining Women said...

I'm not surprised that your cupcakes are a hit. Look out, Sprinkles! You're going to enjoy each and every delivery. I'm excited for you! Cherry Kay

Wanda said...

What an inspiring story,I too am a cancer survivor, and deal with it everyday in some form. TTFN Wanda

Joy @ Joy Of Desserts said...

Wow, very moving. Keep up the great work and CONGRATULATIONS on the cupcake club auction. :-)

Seaweed and Raine said...

Congratulations! That is a massive auction price. I'm sure you feel honoured. Blessings for your project, and your journey. I pray that health is restored to you quickly.
S&R xo

Doodle said...

You are nothing but truly inspirational and amazing. I am so sorry of the heartache you and your family have been through. Thank you for your lovely post xxx Keep strong

 
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