I want to start by saying that this assignment had me excited since I read the course syllabus. The ideas immediately circled in an overwhelming response while I unsuccessfully tried to focus on one! There was crochet, knitting, dream catchers, nail and sting art, ASL and many more…..how could I decide???? Finally, it was time to just make a decision. I began watching learn to crochet videos and found my mind wandering after a short length of time. This is a skill I will try at some point, but I wasn’t “hooked”. After a conversation with friends about my ideas and days of overthinking and stressing about what to get my amazing mother for Mother’s Day, an idea formed. My Mom is one the most low key ladies I know. She does not wear make-up, is not into fashion, is allergic to bath products and most metals, and has a house full of treasures. She, like a lot of other Moms and Grandams are delighted in the little gifts with BIG meaning. So, what could I give her that she didn’t already have much less need she is blessed to be able to purchase what she needs. This is where the idea of edible arrangements budded.

I remember my sister getting an edible fruit basket from a friend a couple years ago and thinking….”What a great gift!” I still questioned whether my idea was an actual skill…..While looking further I was able to find multiple online resources to help me learn: YouTube, Facebook, Pinterest and articles. I also found that there were many different aspects that could be incorporated: bouquets, arrangements, themes, chocolate dipping/decorating, strawberry carving, and the addition of edible accents (probably doughnuts!) My decision was made and I could not be more excited. Memories of my theme party planning days when the boys were little were flooding my mind as well as that feeling of joy an accomplishment I felt when pulling off that perfect cake or brownie graveyard for the playschool Halloween party, and how the boys eyes lit up with delight when they seen the finished product. While I have baking and decorating with icing experience, turning fruit (maybe veggies) into art will be a whole new experience. My plan….start simple and work my way to an elaborate edible masterpiece with all the bells and whistles!

Now, what will I do with multiple arrangements that are meant to be enjoyed within a short period of time? This is where I thought of the idea to make this learning project meaningful. I realized that fruit is quite costly, though easy to obtain in a small town during a pandemic, but decided it could be an investment. I am an active member of my community and the businesses here make giving back to service clubs and local organizations an ongoing commitment. During the uncertain times were are facing due to Covid-19, essential service workers enter the public on a daily basis putting themselves and their families at further risk. I decided I would say thank you these services and businesses by dropping off an edible arrangement as a small act of kindness to pay it forward.

Thank you for reading and stay tuned to see how may first edible arrangement turned out and the various skills I want to learn along the way!

Excited to learn, experience, give back and enjoy some of the fruits of my labour!

Shelly