It can take a Piper upwards of 45 minutes to put on her shoes before school. The stalling is excrutiating. Eating broccoli can be an hour long affair. Writing her name requires multiple bathroom breaks. As frustrating as it can be to get a Piper to do anything she doesn’t want to do, you have to admire her commitment to non-violent resistance. She’s a master. It’s sheer will.  But this afternoon when I asked, “Piper, do you want to go with Sissy and her friends for cupcakes?” all I saw was a blur of light I assume was my child speeding out the door.  Her shoes were on. Her coat was on. And zipped. She was halfway to the car. Clearly, it’s the cupcakes.

Our local cupcakery won Food Network’s Cupcake Wars shortly after we moved to town. We don’t flatter ourselves to think the two events we’re related, but we’re happy to share in the benefits.  It’s become our pilgrimage. When we celebrate, we go to Cake Dreams. When we’ve had bad days, we go to Cake Dreams. When the Dancing Queens perform in their school’s talent show, we go to Cake Dreams.

It never takes Piper long to make her cupcake selection. It’s always the one with the sprinkles. She knows exactly what she wants.

A Piper might fall asleep in a bowl of pasta a vegetables before she finishes it. Yet, this…

…was gone in ten seconds flat.

Cupcake time must have its own clock.