Phoebe is not happy. She is tired and fed up with GCSE pressure at school (she takes them next year, but it's never too early to start the anxiety, it seems).
Tom is happy. He is also tired because he working twelve-hour days at the Hampton Court Flower Show to earn money for a holiday with friends next week. (He hasn't seen a single flower, but he has seen a lot of pints as he is doing bar work.)
Alice is very happy. She is extremely tired because she is having a holiday (funded by a Saturday job in Boots) in Portugal with friends, and is getting in after nights out at a time I now associate with getting up.
Simon is pretty much always happy, especially when the Tour de France is on TV. He tired as he hardly been at home for the past fortnight, and is mostly to be found pretending to be awake and listening to the droning commentary.
I am happy because a very exciting new project has just been agreed this week, I am going to Bristol tomorrow for a special event, and am off for a few days at the end of next week. Then I will be really tired.
Despite Phoebe's tiredness, she made the cake for a friend's birthday last night. She was very weary and couldn't think of a clever decorating idea, so I said she should just call it a 'jewel cake' and go to bed early. Which she did.
Your daughter has such flair with cakes. Don't suppose you'd like to share the recipe for the bisquits with smarties on would you? Please.
Posted by: maggie | July 08, 2011 at 11:01
I have to tell you...that cake made me smile.
Posted by: Mindy | July 08, 2011 at 14:35
Those are two very deep sponge layers - wish mine would rise like that!!
Posted by: Ella | July 08, 2011 at 15:16
I'm not too tired today. I'm quite happy because The Gentle Art of Domesticity arrived the mail today. When it first came out in the US, I had my local library order it. After checking it out many times, I finally ordered my own copy. I currently have your Spiky, Slimy, Smooth book checked out. I asked the children's librarian to order it, and she was happy to, as she is trying to update her collection of that sort of book.
Posted by: jemilyea | July 08, 2011 at 15:34
What a beautiful cake, your daughter is very talented. I hope her school finishes soon and she can relax and enjoy the summer holidays. I do feel sorry for teenagers, school is such a treadmill now, isn't it?
Posted by: A Trifle Rushed | July 08, 2011 at 16:46
it must be end of term-it is, a lug that sweeps through our house at the beginning of July. there's always too much to do, some of it lovely, some of it not quite so lovely...roll on the summer holidays!
Posted by: janice | July 08, 2011 at 16:53
Phoebe's cakes are always fab. I'm tired, too, for what it's worth.
Posted by: Lisa G. | July 08, 2011 at 18:05
Ooo, what's the event in Bristol? Can you say? I wanted to come to your Malago WI event last summer but couldn't...
Posted by: Rosee Woodland | July 08, 2011 at 18:45
What a smashing cake! I love that frosting color... It looks as if it should be grape flavored. I love that you display things that are just a bit crazy - it gives people who need it a sort of permission to just go a little bit wild!
Jake
www.dapperdreamy.blogspot.com
Posted by: Jake | July 08, 2011 at 18:56
Even a tired Phoebe makes great cakes! Perfect for my mother, my husband and my friend Shani for all of whom purple is their favourite colour!
Posted by: geraldine | July 08, 2011 at 19:41
Very decadent!!!
Posted by: wasabi honey bee | July 08, 2011 at 20:54
Wowzer, that is a purple cake. Good work.
Posted by: Jessica | July 08, 2011 at 20:59
Great frosting color! It looks like smashed blueberry-blackberry-yumminess.
Posted by: patty | July 08, 2011 at 22:23
Jewel cake like Monty Don's Jewel garden!
Posted by: karen waterman | July 09, 2011 at 09:44
I just love that cake! I'm sure her friend did too. Hoping stress and tiredness subside and happiness increases! xxx
Posted by: Me | July 09, 2011 at 09:45
Poor Phoebe , it must be a little hard to see Alice and Tom having such fun , while she's still got to plough on . But you must be very proud that she can , despite it all , produce one of her trademark scrumptious cakes to order.
As for the Tour De France?
My husband "watches" it on Belgian television , where the two commentators have done this so long they can gossip about the cyclists most companiably for HOURS .... and do , day in , day out .
It's very soothing apparently .
Posted by: SmitoniusAndSonata | July 10, 2011 at 07:26
MMM..... Lovely post on tiredness. I am bone tired too. But am about to get the best rest for the rest of my life. I retired on Friday. Am looking forward to domestic inspiration from you Jane. So far I haven't tried much, but am raring to go!! Keep it coming!!
Posted by: Lynne Kovan | July 10, 2011 at 10:53
MMM..... Lovely post on tiredness. I am bone tired too. But am about to get the best rest for the rest of my life. I retired on Friday. Am looking forward to domestic inspiration from you Jane. So far I haven't tried much, but am raring to go!! Keep it coming!!
Posted by: Lynne Kovan | July 10, 2011 at 10:53
Beautiful cake, such lovely colours, I have a 15 year old in just the same state of unhappiness and anxiety, encouraging her to try and live in the moment and enjoy the holidays.
Posted by: esther | July 12, 2011 at 13:43
What a gem!!! Sorry couldn't resist!
Posted by: Mrsbris | July 12, 2011 at 21:51
Oh, what a fabulous cake! I love the way the cake and the table cloth compliment each other. Phoebe's creation has inspired me to make a "jewel" cake with neon orange frosting for my niece's birthday; it will look great sitting atop my party table cloth (embroidered with flowers, streamers, and fireworks in shades of red, yellow, organge, and green). Thanks to Phoebe for stirring my creative (and gustatory) juices. I hope you all get some much-needed rest very soon.
Posted by: Linda | July 13, 2011 at 20:44