how awful for you. I cna't even imagine that happening after all that time, work and expense and he didn't even see it. Sound like my luck lately with these cakes. Some days you hit it on the nail and others it's like your first day on the job. Practice, plan and compete again. You are sure to place next time. Good luck and wihs me luck too I have a competion in march in VA

Yeastconfection: First, the cake is amazing !!! Mary Alice often checks in on CC and has even had the courtesy to respond at times... I HOPE she sees this forum and has the opportunity to let Duff read some of the background story to the cake. You are soooo talented. If you could pull off a display like that and are such a newbie, then the sky is the limit for you!

Second, Merissa.... is the scarecrow cake the same one you did in the past? Did you not have your picture taken with Duff at another competition with that cake featured? Or, is that the same competition? Am I thinking of the right cake? It was so cute.

AHH sorry to hear that it was so beautiful!

Merissa, I remember that cake well and thought it was so cute at the time. After I posted, I realized it must have been the same competition and had taken place well before.

What stands out most for me in the story is that the OP mentioned what a "sweet lady"you were!!! Is that not what each of us should constantly strive for? NOT that your cake was impressive even though it was,) but more importantly you were impressive!!! It once again proves that we live in a very small world and never know with whom we are rubbing elbows.