29 Replies

Oh Shirley, that makes me a little sad and happy for you at the same time. How delightful to have had a lifetime doing something you love. Nothing says you can’t still make gorgeous, delicious cakes, even if they don’t require fancy tools! They are my favorite kind anyway.

Shirley, it has been lovely getting to know you. Always keep a window open though, even if only a jar. I second Sandra’s comment about not needing all those fancy tools to make delicious cakes. Wishing you good health and joy in all that you do!

Aww Shirly its so sad to hear you won’t be making cakes anymore! I really hope you will still comeback on CakesDecor and say hello. Your cakes were wonderful and I hope in the future you might still make some and post them here! big hug :-) xx

By the way, Shirley, I would be remiss if I did not tell you what an inspiration you’ve been to me, all the way back to Cakes We Bake, at the beginning of my cake journey. Your geode cake was definitely the only reason I was ever brave enough to give it a try, after purchasing the Craftsy class which you recommended. I love you, lady! XOXO

Shirley you’ve certainly given your craft many hours of your time and you can clearly see the skill in your work. I know it’ll be hard for you to let it go. It’s in your DNA but I hope you can relax and enjoy the time (and space) I know you will now have. There’s plenty new for your to discover. Who knows what new talents you can master xx Take care and be happy xx

Oh my Shirley…caking since 1959!!!! That’s a long time! You certainly have given us many lovely creations to enjoy. But I can certainly understand there comes a time to hang up the decorating apron. Enjoy making cakes for the family, and whatever adventures come your way…💕💕💕💕

I didn’t know you, since I read your post, Shirley, but I know you are a special, beautiful woman. I would feel so lucky if I could reach the age of 80 still baking!!!
I’m sure that love from your family will totally replace the lack of baking.
Take care and thank you for giving me hope to not give up for many years ahead 😊

You are such an inspiration Shirley. Thanks for sharing. I guess I want to make cookies as well till 80 and above… Love, Marta

Hi Shirley
I received an email from CakeDecor – usually ignore them (hangs head and ducks for cover) but your name caught my eye in the post. Haven’t logged on here in forever – had to do the Forgot Password link and surprise surprise….. I have a new User Name associated with my email – and all my past posts are deleted??
So from ApplegumPam who now boasts the name of SweetCake?? haha as if ??
I say….. what a life of cake you have had – so glad to have conversed with you for so long – first with the giggles we had on CC to Flickr and other cake groups and firm FB buddies – no farewells sweet lady – it never truly leaves us :P

You can still make beautiful cake creations with just a few less tools. Your eye for design & color are wonderful and that will always be with you. Best Wishes!!

Dear Shirley,if you still love it and get pleasure from it,then it doesn’t matter that you got rid of your tools,I bet you can still make marvellous creations! Please keep popping on here and keeping in touch with us all. Xxx

Wow Shirley, I think you are brave selling your stuff and making the decision to stop caking. But, also on the other hand you will have so much more time for your family. You have been an inspiration for me on here and will be sadly missed, wishing you well and lots of love, pop back on and keep in touch xx

You are such a lovely group of people and I won’t stay away from this site forever. I will still pop in to see what new creations you have come up with. I consider each of you to be my sugar friends and I thank you for the support when I have had a problem and received helpful advise. I hope in some small way I have shared with you some of things I have learned over the years from such fabulous instructors.

I haven’t found any new hobby that will bring me quite as much pleasure as cake art has. But I have begun growing succulents, my patio gets too hot for anything else so am trying my hand at these. Let’s see how long it takes to kill them. :)

Oh, I think growing succulents would be a wonderful hobby, they are so beautiful and varied! You are certainly in the right environment for it. Although our weather is not ideal, maybe I should give them a try. Perhaps the deer would not eat them, but I would not bet on it, lol.

Well it is now December and I dropped in to see all of your wonderful creations. Thought I would share my new hobby of growing succulents. Not really a green thumb but these seem to be thriving.
Happy Holidays to each of you my friends!

Shirley, please don’t be a stranger. I am struggling myself at to how long I can keep this up. I was diagnosed with Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. Yesterday I was piping on a cake and added details for over 3 hours. Last night, I woke up with my fingers and thumb numb and tingling. I’m also tired of having my summers so booked with weddings, I can’t see my grandkids for their birthdays. I’m trying to figure what I’m going to do for next year, hoping I’ll have made my mind up by January 1st. Right now I’m thinking of downsizing. Additionally, I have arthritis in my left hand which is bothersome rolling out fondant. I just keep praying for guidance. I really do love the creativity. Good Luck Mrs. Shirley. Love your plants!

Shirley, it has been lovely getting to know you. Always keep a window open though, even if only a jar. I second Sandra’s comment about not needing all those fancy tools to make delicious cakes. Wishing you good health and joy in all that you do!

Hello Shirley :) Succulents are much like cakes, you know: can be colorful, full of texture, can be combined together for a lovely arrangement and display … and bring joy to the eye of the beholder! Happy and enjoyable holidays to you!

Hi Shirley! Your succulents are beautiful. I love them too. In the last few months, I find myself loosing interest in fancy cake decorating and am leaning more toward artisian bread baking. Just please keep in touch, my friend and have a wonderful Christmas.

Thanks friends. Sandra I am sorry I haven’t answered your message before now. I have always appreciated how kind you have been in comments about my work. You know I am taking an interest in baking myself, I made Amish potato rolls for Thanksgiving and they were quite good. I understand your losing interest in cakes but maybe just take a break for a bit, don’t give it up all together, you are such an inspiration with your incredible designs. Happy Holidays to you, can you believe Christmas is only 11 days away? I am ready but still will be glad when they are over.

I TOLD you that you were an inspiration to me, Shirley! I also made Amish potato rolls for Thanksgiving, King Arthur Flour recipe. We really liked them and I was impressed that they stayed so fresh for several days. We don’t have any family left except my one sister, who has her own family, so Christmas is very slow for us. We always make us a nice meal and stay home and enjoy. I hope you have a wonderful time with your family!

I hope you continue to enjoy a different slant on life. It’s been a pleasure to see all the wonderful cakes you have made.
Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year. Xx

Thank you Penny Sue.

Sandra, our immediate family is less and less. I am the youngest of 6 and they are all gone except my sister and myself. Daughter Melissa moved up the coast of Northern California last year so it is just son Josh and I here. We had planned to stay home at my place but have been invited to my nieces again. I will be making those Amish yeast rolls again, plus a Yule Log cake to take to them. Glad you and I think alike, aren’t those rolls nice and fluffy? Merry Christmas to you and all of my Cake Decor friends!

Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you, dear Shirley.

You do beautiful work! I’m sure you are missed! Loved your goat. I have a friend who loves and has goats. Was thinking of doing something like that but don’t have the time since her birthday is this time of year.

It is truly a blessing to do something you love and doing it sooo good for all these years. Creative people always find a way to express themselves dear Shirley. Best wishes for the New Year.

Thank you friends, Happy New Year. I hope 2020 is filled with good times for each of you.

Thank you, Shirley! The same right back to you, sweet friend and don’t forget to stay in touch and let us know what you are up to!