Hi all, welcome to my long-overdue blog. Seems like I’ve tried to start one several times, but I would hardly call myself tech savvy and I’d get discouraged and go do something else. But with my journal filling up and my Facebook statuses getting longer and longer, I figured it was probably time to get some of that writing into a more dedicated space.
I don’t really have a target audience in mind. I have so many friends who have stood by and watched with great interest at the things I’ve done this year – whether that means they’ve drooled on their computers at one of the many pastry creations I’ve posted, or followed my first experience with Florida’s legal system. I created this page for them, so they can follow my progress as I start my new path to my Baking & Pastry Arts degree in Providence, Rhode Island.
A small part of me also created it for people going through a lot of my same challenges. My goal here is not necessarily to “inspire” people – my disability is only a small part of who I am – but as one of the first pastry students to go through private culinary schooling with a physical handicap, I want people to know that they can do it too. The culinary arts industry is quick to question my abilities and to tell me I can’t, and it shouldn’t be that way. I want to serve as an example and show that attitude and work ethic matter more than my irregular gait and balance issues.
Ordinary foodies and dessert lovers needn’t be disappointed; I’ll be posting pictures (though amateurish, I’ll just warn you now) and recipes often. I like to keep a positive attitude and I have a lot to say, so I hope you’re ready to follow along.
Life on the Sweet Side 
You go girl! You know I’ve been a fan of yours from the first time we met. And not because of your “issues” but of who you really are. You are one terrific lady with many incredible abilities. You are personality plus and I have such faith in you. You are tenacious when you want something and really go for it. That’s more than a lot of people can say for themselves. Your career has no limitations and I expect really good things from you. And you make me so hungry when you post your culinary delights!!!! 🙂 Stay on your path, don’t waiver in your convictions and you will end up on top.
Congrats Erica on a great year so far.
It has been such a joy to share the ups and downs with you these past twenty years. Papa and I know there are no boundaries you cannot reach because of your dedication to the accomplishment of your goals. This has been a year you will never forget and neither will those of us who love you. We can only look forward to all that awaits you because of the events of this year. We love you and pray for you daily. Grammy.
It is good to see you putting those great posts in a more widely accessible format! I love watching your creativity and growth. Can’t wait to see how far you will go!