How to describe working at a bakery? Would it be the aromas permeating the ovens all through my shift? Would it be the warmth that seems to just hover in the air, soft and sweet? Or would the job best be measured by the joy it brings to others, and described in the smiles that pass between them and I? When I am in the bakery, behind the scenes, I feel like I am able to express myself through my work.  Even though our customers tell us exactly how they want their order, it is still deep inside a creation of mine. I am thrilled to see what new challenge I can strive to accomplish the best I can offer. And when it’s just me, that frosting, and the time ushering me on, I feel the magic pour out of me. Then the mastery sits before me, ready to please those who expect it in full splendid glory. And out it goes, where I will never see it again. But between you and I, I remember each and every one. Every detail and curve of the frosting, it lives on in my memories.

But don’t let me fool you, it can still be hard. Especially when you have large order after large order coming in and every detail must be just so…. Well, it can get hectic. There are the seasonal occasions, too, where we will create an almost constant stream of pastries pouring out of our ovens. One after another, we’ll decorate them for a holiday, many quite alike from the last. But when you have a good team, those times still have their flow and so you are still able to smile, laugh, and enjoy what you do.  At the end of the day we bring a lot of joy to others, so all the hard work is worth it to us.