Saturday, October 17, 2009

"World" Tour Wrap-Up: Austin

Saturday, October 17, 2009

After our book tour self-imploded (go here if you missed it), I was determined to get back on the road as soon as my health would possibly allow it. First I had to convince Jen, the doctors, and the publisher, though. We eventually reached a compromise: Jen and I would stay in Dallas for a few days more to recuperate, and then we would drive to Austin instead of flying.

From the moment we arrived at Book People, we were treated with such kindness and hospitality that it was almost overwhelming. Our two bakers, Nicole from Wicked Cakes and Paloma from Coco Paloma Desserts, had each made cakes for the previous week's show - which of course was canceled at the last minute - and yet were gracious enough to do it all over again for this one. Jen and I had assumed we just wouldn't have cake for the show, but these ladies insisted. How awesome is that?

Here's Nicole with a few of her sample cakes:

Unfortunately we didn't get a picture of Paloma with her cake - I think it was almost gone by the time we showed up! - but we did get to taste all the different flavors both bakers brought, and they were delicious.

Considering that we rescheduled the event with only about 4 days notice, and on a Saturday afternoon at that, I wondered if anyone would show up. I guess someday I'll learn to stop underestimating the awesomeness of our readers:

I think we had about 200 fans there. The smiling guy in the front row actually came to both the Dallas show and this one - and all the way from Houston! He also left us a big container of sprinkles. You know, in case we wanted some. ;)

Another thing I wondered was whether anyone would still have a cupcake wreckplica to bring. Foolish man. We had plenty of goodies to choose from! Here are our three "winners":

(That's Lara, Laurel, & our grand prize winner-who-didn't-have-her-name-written-on-her-cupcake-plate.)

And their entries:





(This was my favorite. It actually had tiny little flies on it! There's a picture of me somewhere online looking at this cupcake in a very concerned manner.)

Here are a few more of my favorites:





And lastly, we had a few folks e-mail us the entries they'd made for the previous show, since they couldn't make it to this one. Jen and I thought this one was especially spectacular:

It's the scene from the Kill It With Fire post! Isn't it great?

Kimberly left the wrapper on the bottom of the cupcake to show that she was still following the "rules" (ie, this was partially carved from a cupcake).

That's the guy with the fire extinguisher, and check out the little "Food Network" badges on their sleeves! Great detail.

(To see the rest of the amazing entries for Austin, go to the Cake Wrecks Facebook page.)


We initially hoped to continue the rest of the tour from Austin, but the scheduling didn't work out. That was just as well, though; the evening we got back to Orlando I ended up in the hospital again for a few more days. Bah. But let me tell you, Austin, I wouldn't have missed this show for the world; you guys really showed us the meaning of kindness. Thank you!

TOUR UPDATE: We're still finalizing the dates, but I can tell you that the tour will recommence in about two weeks, AND that it will include two additional cities: Boston and Atlanta! More details to follow very soon.

John's Update to the Tour Update: It's actually the B&N in Framingham, MA which is only 18 minutes away from downtown. Best we could do. I can't wait to see you guys.
Anonymous said...

BOSTON? BOSTON?

blink blink

BOSTON! Yippee!

I know of three people who are coming and one of them is ME! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am really happy that you are back on your feet and open to adding a few extra stops. I am sure we New Englanders will show you we are'nt fridgid in the hospitality department. Can't wait. Weeeeeeeee!

-WM

EEMorris said...

Glad to hear you guys are feeling better and that the tour will continue....especially in Boston...see you there:)

Rebecca in Canada. said...

Well, despite our hate mail, multiple comments that are all the same, oblivious references to obvious things and selfish demands for you to run the blog the way that we want you to, we are united in that WE ALL LOVE CAKEWRECKS!

angrynikki said...

minneapolis!

Jedi Knight Ivyan said...

I'm loving the last wrecklica. I like to think that "Cupcake-Kerry-Vincent" is laughing hysterically.

Unknown said...

Yay! So glad you guys are coming to Boston!

MarieA said...

John ( and Jen) good to see you back "en forme" as they say in Quebec. BUT really man... don't over do it. I mean seriously - a day at a time. relax, smell the cupcakes, er flowers , and be gentle with yourself. But we love the roar of the crowds too.

Austin done themselves proud.

Waiting for a Canadian tour date. (-:

Jen, clearly, you can't keep a good man down.

be good to yourselves.

Lisa Gibson said...

How about Salt Lake City, we love you too. You could come here! ;)

L Gibson

Rosala Atkins said...

So... where is there a schedule of the dates etc? Are there any plans for Ohio (in the current plans or near future)?

~Amber

Anonymous said...

1st comment! Wheee!

May I just commend you on continuing with the book tour in the face of such adversity. You really do love us!!!

That being said, I'm still a little disgruntled that you're going to NY, NY,but not LA,CA. Just wrong.

Marisa

Unknown said...

I love reading about your tour! So glad you got to go to Austin and that the amazing people there got to see you!

Other people want to see you well and healthy, so make sure you give yourself recovery time before you head out to the other locations. Let me know when you come to China. 'Cause you know there will be an amazing cake waiting for you saying, "Good luck in China!"

miss warrior to you said...

yoohoo! love the cupcake "winners"!

Leanne said...

*chanting*

Boston, Boston, Boston, Whoppie! (that cross-between-a-Whopper-and-a-Whoopie-cushion thing ;-) )

Anonymous said...

nova scotia, oh please, oh please?

Sandra Bragg said...

Atlanta??? REally... REALLY!!!! I live in Atlanta! I can come to that one! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Amy said...

Oh John! Please get well for good!! I start praying for you again...

And BOSTON???? Woo Hoo!! I will SOOO drive the 2 hours to get there : )

WV: fiernf - The sound one makes when trying to alert others to a possible fire, only to discover mid-word that it's just flour from the bag that was accidentally dropped.

Cyndi said...

OMG, the Kill it with Fire cupcake is AWESOME!!!!!!

I'm a Food Network Challenge junkie (and Cakewrecks...I've lot a bunch of weight...notice the theme here?) and I wanted to reach into the screen and bitch-slap (am I allowed to say bitch-slap here?) Stevie that whole frickin' episode.

Kerry can be abrasive, but no one deserves to have their first birthday cake ever be a giant joke/fiasco.

WV = badrimpa...The flaming birthday cake gave me the most nauseating feeling of badrimpa.

Cyndi said...

ps You've been DYING to visit Indianapolis, riiiight? It's, uh, beautiful this time of year...sure!

Anonymous said...

ATLANTA!! Yay! :D

KC said...

How about some SoCal? say Huntington Beach/Costa Mesa/ Newport Beach? Pretty please!!!

Kate

Anonymous said...

Book People is possibly the best book store ever! Good choice for a stop. My friend got married there!
Glad to hear everyone is well and ready to hit the road again!

Kate said...

BOSTON!!!! We love you guys!! Take care and rest up!

snuffly said...

omg! the kill it with fire cupcake is magnificent! truly outstanding!

Anonymous said...

Does anyone here know what the writing on Lara H.'s cake says? I'm not even sure which language.

Me said...

Woo hoo...you WILL get to Boston in the fall! I suspect you'll get a huge turnout up here, so make sure to pick a big place and save a seat for me (wink, wink)!

Kathleena said...

The scene from "Kill it with fire" has made my day!!!! I love that Kerry Vincent is sitting of the ground with her face in her hands & I love that Stevie is standing there proud lol!!! GREAT DETAIL!!!! Cake Wrecks you truly are amazing!!!

Melissa said...

You're coming to Boston?!?!? I'm so there! I'd love it if you came to Maine, but Boston's doable. Yay!

Anonymous said...

Hey, the "winner" has a name. She's Meredith B.

And for what it's worth, I (Mere) would have voted for the crackpipe.

Thanks for coming to Austin!

beckiwithani said...

BOSTON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That was probably an obnoxious number of exclamation marks, but necessary.

Anonymous said...

Is that a miniature crying Kerry Vincent? Wow, that cupcake sure is awesome!

Angela Wignall said...

We love Cake Wrecks! Come to Canada soon!

Anonymous said...

Yay! Boston!

Sara said...

It MUST be my birthday since y'all are coming to the Peach State!!!
(My husband is wondering why I'm squealing like a little girl)

Anonymous said...

Atlanta???!!!??

*squeals with delight*

Try and take care of yourselves - SERIOUSLY. I'm delighted at the well-deserved acclaim you have been receiving all week, but your tried and true fans won't have anything to love if you fall apart on us.

Cheers!

wv: quett As we say in Hotlanta, "y'all be quett down there. I cain't here Jen talking."

Gary said...

The "Kill it with Fire" cake wreckplica is superb.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad to hear that the tour will continue, and that people have such amazing cake talents.

Any chance you'll stop by Virginia?

Anonymous said...

ATLANTA?!?!!?!?! I can't wait!!!!!!! :)

Rachel said...

ATLANTA!!!!!!!!

I will totally drive four hours then through four hours of Atlanta traffic to see y'all. And besides, I hear they have excellent hospital facilities there.

Seriously, Jon, be well! Get better! You are more important than cake.

hillary said...

Yay, Boston!! Now, please come to *actual* Boston and not some suburb it takes an hour to get to...

Anonymous said...

I so wish you were coming somewhere in North Carolina! If we could afford to Atlanta, we would so be there! Glad you are feeling better!

Unknown said...

You two are amazing. Simply amazing.

It's interesting, though. NO LA??? Do I need to get on my hands and knees and cry and squeal and beg and plead and wish and hope and give you money? 'Cause I'll do it. I will. Except for the money part. We're broke. But I'm good for everything else.

duffylou said...

i'm so glad you are both "on the road" to recovery. i used punctuation to make a funny. okay maybe not that funny, but heartfelt.

while you are not headed in my direction, (cleveland), i am still excited for your successful tour. rock on!

dharmamama said...

So... Charlotte, NC is 4 hours north of Atlanta. Far enough that most folks wouldn't *not* go to one city, just because they were going to the other, ya know? But close enough so that it wouldn't be stressful for you to get here!

I was unable to volunteer to organize anything after the first announcement of the tour, but if you were to come to Charlotte, I can do it now!! Would love to see you here.

I am VERY glad you're feeling better! Take care of yourselves!

Bethany said...

Thanks so much for stopping in Austin, we had a total blast!! Hope you are both still in good health!

Ally said...

BOSTON??? I might actually drive up there from Providence! Not that it's a bad ride, I just tend to get very lost and frustrated. But I might have to for this! :) I will be keeping eyes and ears peeled! (And bringing some new wreck addicts, hopefully)

Hobbit said...

Du'oh! Take care of yourselves on these long book tours, guys.
Oh, but that 'Kill it with Fire' wreckplica was fantastic! I was watching that thinking 'she's not really going to light those sugar bowls filled with alcohol on fire, is she?' An excellent replication of that famous
wreck. :-)

DottiePark said...

GET WELL GET WELL!!!!!

Seriously, as much as we want to see you in person, we want everyone healthy.

That little Kerry Vincent is the cutest little fondant thing I have ever seen.

W: cupizedi

To make this Italian pasta dish, you mix together 1 cupisauce, 1 cupiricotta cheese, 1 half cupiparmesan cheese, and 1 cupizedi.

Katey Lady said...

Yayyyayayayayayaaaayyyyyy Boston! (or Framingham, whatever. It's an hour away from me but I will BE THERE.)

I'm scheming about what I wrecklicate already.

Nicole McGarry said...

It was fantastic having you both here in Austin! You're welcome in Texas anytime! :) Glad to hear everyone's on the mend... All the best! ~Nicole, Wicked Cakes

Leesa said...

Today I received my copy of the book (as well as the two extra I've ordered as presents!) from Amazon (UK), and let me tell you, it's every bit as good as the blog! Several times I cracked up, and all the way through I was smiling! And yes, I read it all today!

Now, I'm wondering if there's anyone else I can buy this for...

Leesa
-wishing she could 'pop over' to the the US for your 'world' tour!!

Pam said...

how dare you underestimate our awesomeness! ;) Please take care of yourselves!

Anonymous said...

I was soooooooooo excited about you coming to Boston that I forgot to comment on the wreckplicas. I LOVE the Kerry Vincent "on fire" one. I think I would have picked that one as the grand prize winner. I hope you send her a book at least. It is truly marvelous and the others provide lots of inspiration for making one for your upcoming visit to our area.

So many wreck to choose from. Hmmmmmmm.

-WM

Anonymous said...

Oh Jon,
Your poor Momma Donna! I can just imagine how worried she was. I only met you for a few minutes in Orlando and I was worried sick- I'm that crazy mom Ariel who dragged her kids out of school to go to your book signing. Let's hope they remember how cool I was when they pick out my home!

Anyway get better already, my nerves can't take it! And say Hi to your awesome mom for me!
Love, Ariel in WPB

Blessed said...

My 4 year old daughter was standing at my elbow when I looked at today's entry and when we got to the Scottish mayhem wreckplica, she leaned in and said, "Oooooooh, I want THAT cake!" I asked which one, and her little finger pointed directly. . . to the photo of the REAL cake wreck below the wreckplica.

Then she seemed to realize I might think differently, and pulled back hesitantly and asked "Would you, Mommy?" Pause, pause. "Well, it does look sugary!" She beamed, proud she had chosen wisely. ; )

Pam Walter said...

So glad you enjoyed Austin. It is such a great city and from the photos it looks like it lived up to its slogan of "Keep Austin Weird." http://blog.sweetservices.com/sweetscandyblog/

Cassie said...

Woo! So excited about Boston!

Anonymous said...

Framingham? Only a short half-hour drive? I'm on my way, cupcake in hand... just gimme a date and a time - I'll even close my bookstore if I have to, just to see you! Don't suppose you'd like to make a short detour to a very small (1300 sq. ft.) indie bookstore? I know, I know - I'd have to set up a tent in the parking lot for everyone. Ah, well. Can't have everything. Been chortling over the store's copies of "Cake Wrecks" ever since they arrived. You're my reward for finishing my work on time, y'know... after I answer email, wait on customers, return calls, etc. then I can check out the day's offerings. Thanks for all the smiles - be well/stay well!

Merry from Annie's Book Stop/Sharon, MA

WV: acquan Can't wait to become acquan-ted with Jen and John!

Unknown said...

Oooh!

I was so sad, because you guys were scheduled to be in NYC three days after me and my fiance LEFT NYC after apartment hunting. And then I was concerned, because you guys were sick and hurting! And now I feel better that you guys are feeling better. And! If all works out, we might be moved there in time for the rescheduled NYC appearance! Yay!!

Also: I bet the New Englanders are stoked! We currently live in FAR Northern NH, and before I knew we'd be moving to NYC for sure, I was sad that there was no Wreckage for the Great White North. :D

-Trey

NYCGirl said...

Yikes! I hope you're completely healthy now, John!

PD said...

Uh-oh... I work in the Framingham store...

Runs to warn the events manager just how *huge* this is going to be

And yes, I am soooooo going to be there!! :-)

Melissa Hale said...

Can't wait to see you guys in Boston (Framingham). Framingham is actually a nice area, and easy to get to from boston (or, if you are traveling from north or south, it's actually EASIER for you commuters - better parking, less traffic! win win!)

Sharon said...

"TAHNKS" again for coming to Austin! We truly felt loved on and are glad you did, too. I want everyone out there to know, we did ask John repeatedly if he really was well, and told him not to be pushing himself, and he kept saying he was well....

Tsk, tsk, tsk. We know you love us John, but you won't be any good to Jen or us if you don't take good care of yourself! So kick back for a couple of days, eat some cake, watch a couple of those foodie shows we know you've DVR'd for when you have a few extra minutes, and REST! I mean it! Don't make me come out there and get all Mama Bear on you!!!! Just ask my four kids - I know how! Big "BEAR" hugs to you both.

Anonymous said...

I know LOTS of people who would go to a tour stop in Charlotte!!!

Jennifer said...

ATLANTA?? Squeeeeeeeeeeee!!

That almost makes me glad that... aw, nah, that's just selfish. :P

Get better John!

Liz {Learning To Juggle} said...

Oh yay yay yay!!! So happy the tour is coming to Framingham (so much easier to get into than Boston!!) so YAY YAY YAY...I'm all over that event!!

Cheryl Pitt said...

I love all the photos of the cake and bakers and fans...really I do! But when are we going to see photos of YOU TWO?? I want to put faces to names :)

tracy said...

Hows about Baltimore? I know it's not toooo far from Bethesda, but it's better!

Anonymous said...

It was great to see you and Jen! And of course to see the slideshow and the wreckplica entries, and to eat cake.

I'm the smiling guy in the front row from Houston. Glad you appreciated the sprinkles! Y'know, there must be something psychological about the very presence of sprinkles, because they helped me deal with the stress of driving such a long distance. Even though I didn't eat any, I was able to deal with whatever problems I faced: heavy rain, crazy drivers, bad food, the lamp in my hotel room that didn't work... none of it mattered, because I had sprinkles.

rbtzn said...

Framingham is about an hour from Providence - can you fit a weeknight stop down here? Otherwise we'll try to drive up to Framingham!

archersangel said...

i love the kill it with fire cupcake

Anna said...

John! It's great to see that you are well enough to blog. But don't overdo it, we all want you to get completely better, okay?! Okay.

I love that all those people came to see you. But I could've told you that. Wreckies are die-hard dudes and dudettes! If we can make it through some of those baby-shower cakes and the sawed off animal heads cakes, we can make it to your book-signing. Except, that is, if the Wreckie in question is me and I'm sitting in Switzerland, hella mad I can't go. But I'm at all your tour stops in spirit, believe you me! :)

Wreck on, Jen and John!

Julie said...

Yay, you're coming to Atlanta! Yay yay yay!

Anonymous said...

YEA!!! I'm so glad you are re-scheduling the tour!! And, so glad you are well on the road to recovery.

Pat said...

Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Atlanta!! At last! Thanks!

Alli said...

Yay! Framingham is only 15 minutes from me. I will be there!

Sarah said...

What about Canada?!!! GAH!!!

Anonymous said...

Atlanta? Really! Wahoo!!!!

Unknown said...

*squee* So glad you liked the wreck in abstentia. :D

Still want you guys to come to our cake show next February here in Austin! Did I mention the science fiction theme?

John should rest up and get nice and healthy so you guys can come. :D

Promise said...

Whooopeeeeeee! You're coming to Atlanta!!!!!!!!!

That sound you hear is me screaming for joy.

Only hitch is ooming up with a cupcake wreckplica as the idea I had has been done (and won, woot!).

I am happy to say that I am up to the challenge!

WV = cansel

ironic?

Anonymous said...

Framingham is just a half hour from me!!!! I am so excited...when are you guys coming up here?!?

Glad to know you're better, John!

Kate Lerner

Anonymous said...

Boston!! Yipee!!

Oh, boo. Framingham is basically inaccessible unless you have a car : ( I love the fact that you're coming here, but why couldn't it be one of the many bookstores on public transportation!

Kari said...

Since I haven't seen it mentioned yet, I wanted to point out that the Kill It With Fire cupcake was done by Kimberly Chapman, who last appeared on CW as a Sunday Sweet for her absolutely amazing Fraggle Rock cake. Link to that post is here: http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/2009/03/sunday-sweets-more-80s.html She's totally awesome and has mad creativity skillz, so I had to point that out here. :-)

TB Tabby said...

In case you haven't seen it, here's a wreck depicted in Marvel Comics. This decorator has an excuse, though...

http://bullyscomics.blogspot.com/2009/10/365-days-with-ben-grimm-day-287.htm

Unknown said...

I love the little Kerri Vincent!

songofelbereth said...

I'm studying abroad in Spain, but my mom was super nice and got me the book from the event in Austin! Best early-Christmas present ever!

Meera

Julia said...

It's GREAT to hear that you guys are feeling better. Don't worry about anything - we all love Cake Wrecks and at every tour stop will be a multitude of Wreckies carrying Wreckplicas. Thanks a MILLION (and so much more) for adding Boston to the tour list. I'll be there if I can. You're the best!

Morgan said...

So glad John's on the mend- take care of yourselves! Gads of healing psychic fanlove is great, but one must also rest...

That said, let me add my geographic demands: for future reference there is a high speed ferry between Portland, ME and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Wreckventure on the high seas!! Uh, perhaps invoking wreckage while trying to sell sea travel is not the best tactic... But I think my point stands- two lovely towns, a chance to take the quotes off of a "world" tour, and to do it via a slightly exotic mode of transportation. Slot machines are exotic, right?

Best wishes for the rest of this tour!

Kevin Coolidge said...

Love the book and the blog. I actually came across the book first in my local bookstore in Wellsboro PA. I bought the book for my book review column in the Wellsboro Gazette and I stayed up until past my bed time reading and laughing. I'll post the review my column to my blog at http://frommmyshelf.blogspot.com once in runs in the paper, but big congratulations...

Gail said...

YOU ARE COMING TO ATLANTA!!!!! THAT MAKES MY LIFE!!! I WILL TOTALLY BE THERE!!!

Tara Jackson said...

Why does Nashville keep getting looked over?!? Is it the country music? Miley Cyrus? Or is it that Kid Rock lives here and somehow manages to be in country music that is keeping you away? Please come to Nashville!! There's Davis-Kidd at Green Hills Mall, or the Barnes & Nobles at Orpy Mills Mall! And I'm sure we could find SOMETHING geek-tastic around here! :)

Chris VR said...

If you're looking for professional bakers for your cakes in the Boston area, two of the more creative that come to mind are The Icing on the Cake in Newton (http://tiotc.com) and Truly Jorg's in Saugus (http://trulyjorgs.com) -- he's been on some Food Network show according to the posters in the bakery.

Can't wait to see you guys in our area!

Em said...

wow. i'm really amazed at what you can do with a single cupcake. nice wreckplicas, guys!

Melissa (& Billy) said...

OH heavens the demented Scooby Doo had me LOLing even more than the original post. Man, that's messed up (in all senses of the word).

These are great. Glad you finally made it to Austin! (I hear it's a right nifty town)

Wreck on, brave ones!

Anonymous said...

The 'Kill it with Fire' Wreckplica is brilliant!

Melissa said...

What's the date for Boston/Framingham?!?!?!?!

someone email me

melli_fera at yahoo dot com

Redhead in the City said...

Yay Boston!!!

Although I must say, whoever told you Framingham was 18 minutes from downtown Boston is sadly mistaken. Unless they're driving there at 2 am on a Wednesday ;-)

dessertschick said...

Boston, WHOO-HOO!! I'm so thrilled, thank you! And Framingham is even better for me, 'cause I live waaaay out in what passes for the sticks up here. And now to work on my wreplica cupcake...

Unknown said...

YAY BOSTON!!! Or, Framingham. Whatever. There's actually parking in Framingham. Can't wait to see you there!

The Archduchess said...

From a bunch of sad, sad, sad Austinites who couldn't come to the make-up: We love you! Please come visit again so we can shower you with love, cupwrecks, and icing!

Fle said...

::Calls mate:: Pack the car, baby, we're going to Atlanta... For a book signing... Yes you have to go!... Because there will be cake!

I will totally drive three hours (plus three hours of Atlanta traffic) to see you guys. I can't wait!
I need to start wrecking cupcakes!

Allen said...

YAY!!!!

ATLANTA!!!!

Anonymous said...

Los Angeles! Los Angeles! Give the west coast some love.

maxon said...

Glad to hear you are getting better and, indeed, awesomeness - awesome bakers, awesome cakes. Ain't that nice?

queenb said...

AAHHHH!!!! see what happens when I don't get to the blog for a couple days...a dream comes true and i don't even know it!!! ATLANTA!!!! YAY!!! Absolutely can't wait! There are plenty of bookstores in and around the ATL that would love to have you...even the Margaret Mitchell house hosts authors...

~Bonnie B

Briana the Magnifi-can't said...

Aw had I known you were in Austin...Oh wait ... couldn't have gone anyway...or probably not...

sendingtheclowns said...

*SIGH*...I wish THE TOUR could swing nonchalantly through Vermont...
("Whaaa? Vermont? Hmmm...never heard of--What? Oh, it's one of the states? As in, "UNITED States"? Of AMERICA?? Huh!")

=^~.-^=

OMG! I can't believe my WV! It's "turoc," and I haven't seen that word in like 50 years!! My brother used to read a comic book called, "Turoc, Son of Stone." Really!