I Have A Secret

Take Pen to Paper: Edition 133

Susan G.S. Abel

Apr 10, 2025

Greetings, Readers!

I’m sure you want to know my secret.

That’s the thing about using the word “secret”. Once you hear or read that word, you want to know what the secret is.

In this newsletter:

Do you want to know?
Is a secret a blessing or a burden?
Someone has a birthday.

I Want To Know (Or Maybe Not)

It’s funny how the word “secret” immediately piques our interest, even if it’s something we would not usually be interested in.

We learn early in life that to know a secret is to be in a special club. To know that a secret exists and not know it means we are being left out. Both situations evoke strong emotions. As humans, we want to be included.

There are many reasons for keeping secrets. Sometimes, it just makes us feel better. Other times, we think we are keeping a secret, but really everyone suspects or knows.

It reminds me of just before my second son was born. Ultrasounds were a relatively new technology and only done if there was a concern. Since my first son was over nine pounds, they wanted to get a measurement on my second. When the doctor said he might be able to tell the gender, my husband and I simultaneously answered, “No!” We wanted it to be a surprise. We both felt it should be a secret until the baby was born. Somehow, I think we both knew it would be a boy.

For a while, it was a secret.

Is It Good Or Bad?

Good secrets can make you feel good. They can give you control over a situation, whether it’s your secret or someone else’s. If the secret is shared with another person(s), it may bring you closer.

Negative secrets can be a burden. They may cause you guilt and negative emotions or come between you and your family/friends.

Haven’t we all been in a situation when we are privy to a friend’s secret (good or bad), be it a job change, relationship status, or whatever they deem secret-worthy, then the friend tells the news, and everyone finds out you were in on it first? “Why didn’t you tell me?” they say. It’s an uncomfortable situation to be in.

It was a secret.

It’s Someone’s Birthday

Let’s just put it out there.

Not that my birthday is a secret. Way too many people know for it to be a secret.

My secret has to do with the family birthday cake frosting recipe. The recipe is not a secret. I will share it with those interested. I got the recipe from my mother. I don’t know where she got it from.

You will not find “Secret Recipe” written at the top of the recipe card. The secret is how you make it.

The recipe has short, easy-to-follow instructions, but it takes practice to perfect this Fudge Frosting. It is candy you put on a cake. If you are not familiar with candy making, it can be tricky to get it just right.

The recipe has the simple instruction of “Mix and heat to rolling boil. Boil one minute.” Just what is a “rolling boil,” and when do you start timing it? There is no mention of what it looks like or if you need a candy thermometer like the one used in candy making.

Knowing how to identify a rolling boil and when to start timing is the secret. I’m not sure I’m in on the secret.

This frosting goes on every birthday cake I make for family members. I only make the frosting three times a year, and it does not always turn out perfect, although it always tastes delicious. If the consistency is right, you can pour it on a sheet cake and it will be just runny enough to seep down the sides and still leave a thick layer on the top. It won’t take long for it to harden into the fudge it is meant to be. Watch others eat it, and you may notice them lift the thick fudge from the top of the cake to leave some for the last bite.

My husband made it for me one year and did an excellent job. My daughter-in-law made it to perfection the first time she tried! Maybe it’s me.

My mantra when I make it is, “Don’t fear the boil.” Sometimes, we must be brave when good things are coming to fruition, like the many good things that come with age.

I haven’t requested a cake this year. Maybe someone will want to make one. After all, someone needs to keep the family secret in the birthday celebration rotation.

7 Days, 7 Thoughts on Gratitude and Good:

My oldest granddaughter helped me decorate this Fudge Frosting birthday cake a few years ago. 🎂
I am grateful to have another birthday with any kind of cake (or not). 🎈
Did you notice how my recipe is written on a card? Now, a quick search on the internet will yield many options. But will they stand the test of time? 🥣
When you see the word “secret” in a headline or title, doesn’t it make you want to read further? It sparks our curiosity. 👀
Secrets evoke thoughts of mystery. Unsurprisingly, the word “secret” is used in the titles of nine classic Hardy Boys books, ten classic Nancy Drew books, and so many others. 📚
Some good things in life take time. 🕰️
I’m grateful to be old enough to appreciate that experience can beat out objects for a birthday present. So we are taking a family trip to the local zoo this weekend! 🦒🐘

Thank you for reading. This week, take action on a good thought.

Until next time,

💚

Susan

How do you feel about birthdays? Leave a comment and let me know. I would love to hear your thoughts.

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