Cupcakes = Happiness ??

We made cupcakes one night, and it got me thinking how much I loved cupcakes! Oh, how I love a cupcake, and don't we all?!  Cupcakes are precious and delicious - and are very trendy right now.  I keep hearing about cupcake specialty stores - and really fancy cupcakes, and cupcake shows on TV.  Why do we love cupcakes?  Why does this precious little cake bring us so much happiness???

According to this article, the cupcake is symbolic of childhood innocence:

With childhood obesity rates skyrocketing, the New York Times reports that "school districts across the country have been taking steps to make food in schools healthier because of new federal guidelines and awareness that a growing number of children are overweight."

A few school districts have actually banned cupcakes at school birthday celebrations, which has some parents up in arms, because, to many, "the cupcake holds strong as a symbol of childhood innocence and parental love."

Parents in Texas lobbied to get a "Safe Cupcake Amendment" added to the state's nutrition policy. The measure, which passed, ensures that parents may bring frosted treats to schools for celebrations.

Yes, you read correctly - they put a ban on cupcakes.  What is this world coming to??

I found an entire blog devoted to cupcakes - totally worth checking out: http://cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com/2009/06/cakewalk-symbolic-power-of-cupcake.html

I also found this shirt using the symbolic cupcake as if synonymous with PEACE itself!

A few years ago, my friends and I attended an exhibit at the non-profit Visual Arts Center where I was working, Space One Eleven.  The exhibit by Spencer Shoults was simply called: "Cupcakes!"  

His super cute mini cupcakes became kinetic art, as over time he released different substances into each one.  Some substances (water, oil, wine) didn't really affect the cupcakes, others (acid, alcohol) completely disintegrated them.  His installation illustrated how over time life destroys or decays our hopes and dreams.  Sad.  But true for some people - life is hard - so we choose to despair and loose hope, or turn to Jesus.

So, if your happiness comes from a cupcake - you aren't going to have much to hope for when life hits.  My hope is in Christ Jesus, but there are some things in His creation that bring me joy:

Being able to look out over a yard or field, especially in a special place.

And spending time with family.  Good stuff.