“Are you still working Sundays?”

Yes please, to the early morning shift. If I am especially lucky, like this holiday weekend, I can have some rare quiet kitchen time, alone with my cakes. Although I love the daily hectic pace and people of my bakery kitchen , a solo Sunday morning cake decorating shift provides solitude and space not often available; no interruptions for a linen or paper delivery, no chatty staff members, phones blaring or customer questions yet…. just the gentle hum of the refrigeration and whatever music I choose.

It’s a rare chance to commune again with just the cakes. In the beginning there was only me and the cakes. The meditative repetition of the work is a kind of zen; the whipping of the cream, assembly of layers, piping borders, garnishing. Baking allows for immersion your thoughts… your plans, dreams, memories. These four walls shelter and comfort.

I don’t have to micromanage the other decorators, make a schedule or look at a balance sheet. All I have to do is decorate cakes; 5 am to 8 am.

At 8 am the rest of the staff and customers start. The Sunday vibe can be spiritual. Sometimes it’s stressful, busier and more fully staffed. Most Sunday mornings everyone seems to be in a better mood; customers and staff alike. My people feel the calm that comes with the end of the work week. ( like a Friday for normal people) Customers may have their own Sunday morning ritual, whether it’s a family breakfast, sleeping in, taking a run, or attending a church service. And picking up a cake for a celebration seems joyous in so many ways.

After early production, I enjoy some customer service, a staff breakfast, followed by a little clean up, inventory, payroll totals, and a quick look at the week ahead.

The rest of the day can be a mix of newspaper reading, a walk, maybe golf, or cooking family dinner. Whatever happens, I am ready after my quiet morning time. It’s a great way to recharge and to find the sweet magic in this business.

So yes, please let me work Sunday mornings.