Celebrating Connection: Cooking, Creativity, and Spot’s 15th Birthday

For my second blog post, I found myself reflecting on two things that filled me with joy this week: launching the very first program for Fun Programs By Stacy (FPS) and celebrating our beloved dog Spot’s 15th birthday. At first, they seemed like separate moments—but the more I thought about it, the more I realized they’re both about the same thing: connection.

On Wednesday, we held our first online cooking class through FPS. During the pandemic, I participated in many virtual cooking classes, and I noticed how popular they became while everyone was home. There’s something deeply satisfying about following a recipe, creating a food with your own hands, and then enjoying the results with people you love. Cooking is interactive, creative, and communal.

If you haven’t already, take a moment to look at the photos from our FPS online cooking club—everyone is smiling, proud, and clearly having a great time. It’s amazing to witness the joy that comes from making something together, even through a screen.

In today’s world, where so much of our attention is pulled into phones and digital distractions, there’s something refreshing—even healing—about making something tangible. Whether it’s cooking, painting, acting in a play, or gardening, creating with intention brings us back to ourselves and to one another.

Which brings me to Spot.

Spot has been with us for 15 wonderful years. When we feed our pets, walk them, talk to them, cuddle with them—they respond with loyalty, trust, and unconditional love. And over time, that love becomes mutual, deep, and grounding. Spot, along with our other sweet dog Daisy, has added so much warmth and meaning to our family life. I love you, Spot—and I’m grateful for everything you’ve given us.

So how do cooking classes and a senior dog’s birthday fit together?

They’re both reminders that life’s most meaningful moments come from simple acts of connection—whether it’s laughing with friends over a shared recipe or feeling the quiet comfort of a dog resting beside you.

At Fun Programs By Stacy, our mission is to create opportunities for those kinds of meaningful connections. We believe that every time we engage with others—through food, creativity, or even a furry friend—we’re making life a little richer.

Here’s to more of those moments, and to more birthdays for Spot.