08/06/2026
These watercolour paintings of our cakes were gifted to me by a very dear customer who sadly lost her battle with bowel cancer a few years ago ❤️. To me, they are reminders of happiness, kindness, compassion, love, and the incredible strength of the human spirit.
During her long stays at the hospital in between chemo sessions, she told me that thinking about our little patisserie has brought her comfort and made her smile 🙂, so she painted them. Many of you who have visited my Masterclass Kitchen in Onehunga will recognise these paintings hanging on the walls.
Life passes by so quickly. When our time comes, the material things we've accumulated lose their importance. What truly matters is how deeply we loved, how kindly we treated others, the peace we cultivated within ourselves, and the lasting impact we left on the people around us.
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month always leave me a little emotional. It makes me think of those who are currently fighting cancer, those we have lost, and the families who continue to carry that loss in their hearts. It also reminds me to reflect on the kind of person I want to be and the kind of life I want to live. Having purpose in the things I do, no matter how small, gives me strength and happiness. Happiness isn't something to wait for ‘one day’ in the future. It is something we can practice and nurture every day in the present moment. It's the warmth of human connections that help carry us through life's busy schedules, stressful moments, and difficult times. It may be just a smile, a small act of empathy, or a genuine conversation. It can be as simple as giving someone a compliment, picking up a piece of rubbish on the road, buying a coffee for the man collecting rubbish on the roadside, helping an elderly person return their shopping trolley, or giving someone you know a nice long hug without saying anything! These small acts of kindness have a remarkable way of lifting not only others but also ourselves 😊
My life always feels hectic and I’m running around non-stop like a rabbit! But despite that, my life feels full, meaningful, and rich in the things that matter most. And for that, I am deeply grateful. 🙏
