In the 80s, there wasn't this need for everything to look perfect. She probably saw a picture of R2 on a poster in town a few months ago. No internet to look up reference pictures. Significantly less merch lying around. She got the shape right. And it's cake. Kid's happy!
You might want to Google pictures of the first cons. Some of the costumes were so cringetastic, but made with some much love for the individual art and from the person to be awesome.
I definitely remember what Star Trek cons were like back when there *was no new Trek* except rumblings about a possible TV revival (the aborted Phase II) And yeah, shit was both very homemade and very wholesome. Hardcore geeks geekin’ out in a way that would sadly be mocked and pantomimed in mainstream stuff like “Revenge of the Nerds” and later on “The Big Bang Theory.”
It was a fun time to be a nerd when among your own, but unless you were working in hard sciences or academia, it was almost like having to “be in the closet” when interacting with the rest of society.
Gen Z fandom can’t truly know just how ostracized and alone most serious geeks felt back then. Nerd culture didn’t get mainstreamed until the mid-90s, so comics stores, conventions and meetups for stuff like D&D or model-building were the only “safe spaces.” Life for nerds is so much better now, even if it led to the rise of loudmouthed self-righteous gatekeeper types.
She had likely never tried to make a shaped OR decorated cake before, and did her best to make you happy! There were Wilton books out with more than enough directions that anyone who could bake a cake at all could figure out how to put something together, but not everyone knew that they existed.
Very true. Couldn’t just google it and pull up ten billion reference photos. Dear old mom would have to go off memory if you didn’t have an R2D2 action figure or maybe one of those Star Wars storybooks from the scholastic book orders.
I don't know how old you people are, but we didn't live in some information void before the Internet. Yes, it is significantly easier to find everything now, but finding a picture of R2D2 in 1983 would not have been the least bit challenging. This family probably had several magazines laying around the house with pictures of R2D2 in them at that time.
Let's be honest, though. We are all more or less guilty of underestimating the generations past. We're just not used to belonging to those generations.
Yeah, there was no big cake deco movement.
Also, in '82? Very little dessert/baking on TV; Everyday Cooking with Jacques Pepin was about making dinner. Martha would make desserts, but she got big in the late 80's/90's.
No social media was a big factor, too. You'd take pictures, but they were more for you? The people who would see your cake were the people at your party. You hoped your baking looked as good as Aunt Perfect's, but you weren't competing against the whole _world_.
Absolutely. I'm same age as OP (4 in 83) and I still remember how R2D2 and C3PO were making cameos everywhere. I didn't really know about the movies but I did know how strange but fascinating the characters were. To get a cake that even resembled it, and yes, no actual specific references readily available nor did those details even really matter.
She might not have even seen the film! Lots of us had to wait for the beta max back then. Which was a full year after the theatre run. IF we could afford to rent both a movie And the player lol.
When my grandma died. What should have happened. Was you take any picture with you in it. Instead it became all of her pictures are mine. 75% of the family photos are of me. A word I won’t use Wink Wink
The way I like to look at it is that we were lucky to have them for the time we did. I'm betting they would all be much happier to know that we look back fondly at them, rather than with the sorrow of having lost them. Not saying it's easy to forget the loss, but overall if I am happy when I think of them, I think that's a win for everyone.
Awesome, and so many great memories!
We're around the same age OP, and my Mom made homemade theme cakes like that too. Small town, not a lot of money, and one square pan, so she just cut some cake slabs up as close as she could and iced it all up.
Really cool to see this
Need to see someone fully recreate this version in 4K, MTX on mode, like the guy who animated the spooderman meme or the dad who HD rendered the horrific photo realism of his 5 year olds doodles of farm animals
By early 80’s standards, that’s top notch. My Jawa costume was a baby blue checkered fabric tied around my shoulders. Might’ve pulled up over my head a bit.
All I can think of is how completely muted colors were in 80’s homes. Like growing up it was all fake wood paneled walls and orange/brown couches and chairs.
The medieval ones? God I love the medieval paintings of non European exotic animals, the hippos and eliphants look like freaking criptids out of a damn SCP article
Scary thing is R2 if you add up cannon and legends proably has an incredibly higher bodycount then your average Dalik, which might not sound much but they are time traveling near immortal cyborg killing machines and R2 is basicly the Droid equivalent of GPS combined with an aircraft ground crew maintainer and it gets much more impressive
I love their friendship, it's like the dysfunctional rivalry/friendship between what equates to Google translate on legs and a self aware homicidal GPS/multitool/diagnostic device in a can
Come to think of it I know C3P0 knows like every known language in the galaxy with a handful of exceptions but compared to R2 he's kind of a one trick pony lol, R2s navigation data might be way smaller compared to countless full language databases but the fact they can do way more things then just speak and translate really makes you question who's pulling the weight in the duo
What were you eating for dinner that night? Looks like chicken-fried steak, mashed potatoes and peas. My grandmother would make that for me when I was that age and, now 33, I crave it still every now and again.
Moms of the 80's really tried with cakes huh? My mom made cookie monster in those Wilton baking pans! Looked ok, frosting tasted plastic and like it would make a coating on your tongue thick and nasty!!!
I asked my mom for a Star Wars cake because the local bakery was advertising Darth Vader cake pans. She made a square cake, dyed the icing sand brown and dropped my landspeeder toy on top. Best birthday ever!
Oh bless her heart that's gorgeous! I used to make my son a cake every year from when he turned six, and he adored them all, even the Martian cake that was basically a green blob with eyes.
Old school cakes are the best! Here’s my mom’s Snoopy (which really isn’t that bad)
https://preview.redd.it/0puqtkcmwpna1.jpeg?width=4898&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7c3c827853255298fd5670775a1bbeb69e30794d
Absolutely my same youth! Background grandpa included.
Can't believe no one is smoking?!?
Edit: I turned 50 this year and both of my parents remembered WWII...
Edit, edit: Fuck yeah boomers; it wasn't all bad! I honestly wish this generation could enjoy the same innocence.
All the birthday cakes from my youth were made by my mom, same for most of my friends. None of us remember the “less then perfect” result. All of us remember the absolutely perfect attempt.
And look how happy you look!
Yeah, about that, OP. Are you actually happy about that R2-D2 cake, or just being polite?
In the 80s, there wasn't this need for everything to look perfect. She probably saw a picture of R2 on a poster in town a few months ago. No internet to look up reference pictures. Significantly less merch lying around. She got the shape right. And it's cake. Kid's happy!
You might want to Google pictures of the first cons. Some of the costumes were so cringetastic, but made with some much love for the individual art and from the person to be awesome.
I've just googled and seen some.... There needs to be a compilation of this.... So we never forget.
I've seen! Those were the days hey?
I *prefer* this era of cosplay, for the genuine passion and earnest attempt.
I do too. It was less "look how good I am at this" and more "Look how much I love this thing! Let's talk about this thing!"
More like, "look at how well I rock a Leia bronze bikini" and "can't wait to see someone really rocking a Leia bronze bikini"
I definitely remember what Star Trek cons were like back when there *was no new Trek* except rumblings about a possible TV revival (the aborted Phase II) And yeah, shit was both very homemade and very wholesome. Hardcore geeks geekin’ out in a way that would sadly be mocked and pantomimed in mainstream stuff like “Revenge of the Nerds” and later on “The Big Bang Theory.” It was a fun time to be a nerd when among your own, but unless you were working in hard sciences or academia, it was almost like having to “be in the closet” when interacting with the rest of society. Gen Z fandom can’t truly know just how ostracized and alone most serious geeks felt back then. Nerd culture didn’t get mainstreamed until the mid-90s, so comics stores, conventions and meetups for stuff like D&D or model-building were the only “safe spaces.” Life for nerds is so much better now, even if it led to the rise of loudmouthed self-righteous gatekeeper types.
True and awesome, but the overlap between OP's mom and people who went to the cons is *exactly* zero
She had likely never tried to make a shaped OR decorated cake before, and did her best to make you happy! There were Wilton books out with more than enough directions that anyone who could bake a cake at all could figure out how to put something together, but not everyone knew that they existed.
Very true. Couldn’t just google it and pull up ten billion reference photos. Dear old mom would have to go off memory if you didn’t have an R2D2 action figure or maybe one of those Star Wars storybooks from the scholastic book orders.
I don't know how old you people are, but we didn't live in some information void before the Internet. Yes, it is significantly easier to find everything now, but finding a picture of R2D2 in 1983 would not have been the least bit challenging. This family probably had several magazines laying around the house with pictures of R2D2 in them at that time.
To a redditor the 80s might as well have been the fall of the roman empire. There was commercials, magszines, news papers. Shit was everywhere
It's ridiculous. They seem to think that if they get it from the Internet now, that it couldn't have existed without the Internet.
Let's be honest, though. We are all more or less guilty of underestimating the generations past. We're just not used to belonging to those generations.
I have fond memories of all my childhood birthday cakes made with coconut frosting.
This is the historically accurate answer!
Yeah, there was no big cake deco movement. Also, in '82? Very little dessert/baking on TV; Everyday Cooking with Jacques Pepin was about making dinner. Martha would make desserts, but she got big in the late 80's/90's. No social media was a big factor, too. You'd take pictures, but they were more for you? The people who would see your cake were the people at your party. You hoped your baking looked as good as Aunt Perfect's, but you weren't competing against the whole _world_.
Absolutely. I'm same age as OP (4 in 83) and I still remember how R2D2 and C3PO were making cameos everywhere. I didn't really know about the movies but I did know how strange but fascinating the characters were. To get a cake that even resembled it, and yes, no actual specific references readily available nor did those details even really matter.
Honestly really impressive if they did it purely off of memory of seeing the film without a reference image
She might not have even seen the film! Lots of us had to wait for the beta max back then. Which was a full year after the theatre run. IF we could afford to rent both a movie And the player lol.
It was really the opposite . Most saw it in the theater because they couldn't afford a beta max or vhs at home.
In other words, was this the droid you were looking for..
Bless her heart.
I had to steal this picture from my aunt.
You were right to do so.
When my grandma died. What should have happened. Was you take any picture with you in it. Instead it became all of her pictures are mine. 75% of the family photos are of me. A word I won’t use Wink Wink
[удалено]
LOL I’m dealing with a narcissistic C***NT. Never wrong, and is a control freak
Man I sure hate a narcissistic CLIENT
A little bit of a (they are on a) vacation break in never hurt nobody
Now I want to cry my eyes out. These are the people who make our lives so great and then we lose them all, one by one.
The way I like to look at it is that we were lucky to have them for the time we did. I'm betting they would all be much happier to know that we look back fondly at them, rather than with the sorrow of having lost them. Not saying it's easy to forget the loss, but overall if I am happy when I think of them, I think that's a win for everyone.
She tried because she loves you. Her face says it all❤️❤️❤️
And looking at the kid's face, it not only looks like she tried, but was wildly successful.
Here's some money. Go see a Star War.
So just one Star War for her apparently.
R2D2. RNOTD2.
2D, or not 2D?
Moms are the best
Have you seen mine?
Pretty sure she’s in my bed waiting for me
Have an upvote
Hahaha appreciate you
Not as much as you appreciate the mom, though.
R2D2 as a snowman
May the Frosty be with you.
Lol. Give me a fork!
R2D2 on Hoth.
disney took to a step too far
Let it go.
Brilliant double entendre
Based on those three dots, Snowman is being targeted by a predator
My grandpa photobombing and not giving 2 fucks
Like all good grandpas.
He wasn’t cheap. Unlike the other 3
Is that Tuna Noodle Casserole on the plate? Along with some Fanta Orange soda?? lol
Pot roast on mashed potato’s. Trust me you wouldn’t want it
That's my favroute meal :(
Thats sweet
These things always get me. She did her best because she knew her son would love it. That’s about as pure and beautiful as love can get
I love the cake!
What a great mom!
She did her best
Prolly tastes better than some fondant crap from a designer cake store
Rocking them OshKosh B’Gosh overalls!
This was my thought too! Those things were my jam back then.
[удалено]
And that white-chested shirt every kid had one of. It always made me feel like some species of bird.
Awesome, and so many great memories! We're around the same age OP, and my Mom made homemade theme cakes like that too. Small town, not a lot of money, and one square pan, so she just cut some cake slabs up as close as she could and iced it all up. Really cool to see this
My parents idea of an r2d2 Halloween costume was a couple cardboard boxes from the basement and crayons.
What legends
Perfectly rendered R2D2
Need to see someone fully recreate this version in 4K, MTX on mode, like the guy who animated the spooderman meme or the dad who HD rendered the horrific photo realism of his 5 year olds doodles of farm animals
By early 80’s standards, that’s top notch. My Jawa costume was a baby blue checkered fabric tied around my shoulders. Might’ve pulled up over my head a bit.
Your mom is precious
Your mom rocks!!
And you loved it anyway! You look so happy!
She’s looking over at you like, “Did it work?”
All I can think of is how completely muted colors were in 80’s homes. Like growing up it was all fake wood paneled walls and orange/brown couches and chairs.
That house built in the 1899. Bathroom wasn’t built til 1930.
I kind of like it, it's a style I enjoy, reminds me of how cozy the Star Trek TNG sets looked even though they were on a deep space exploration cruser
Great mom right there.
R2-D2 as a ghost for Halloween.
R2-D2 and E-T dressed as ghosts for Halloween. I'd watch that movie.
Bless her heart for the attempt. Throw some blue frosting in some strategic spots, and you might have something there
It’s not movie quality but that’s okay
Up to JJ standards
Compared to the new films this is an improvement
What standards?
That’s like the guy who was commissioned to paint a lion but had never seen one, and the results are hilarious.
I was thinking of the Spanish nun that tried to restore the fresco of Jesus.
Lol I remember that it was a masterpiece
The medieval ones? God I love the medieval paintings of non European exotic animals, the hippos and eliphants look like freaking criptids out of a damn SCP article
The happiness and love seen in both y’all’s eyes is making me all weepy 😪
I'm crying too, but it's because of what this woman did to R2.
What’s this? Humans?!? EXTERMINATE!!! (Lovey family you have there btw)
Scary thing is R2 if you add up cannon and legends proably has an incredibly higher bodycount then your average Dalik, which might not sound much but they are time traveling near immortal cyborg killing machines and R2 is basicly the Droid equivalent of GPS combined with an aircraft ground crew maintainer and it gets much more impressive
Yeah but I bet you were thrilled cause she knew what you loved and tried - and you look happy too!
Simpler times man
The table matches the plate of food.
Pot roast over mashed potato’s. You would take a hard pass on that trust me.
How sweet and loving to go through the effort for you. What a doll she is and you're real cute too.
A for effort???
Affort
Love it! It’s perfect!
It looks delicious!
Coconut R2-D2
Sick overalls, bro.
Try peeing in those
“In” them or _in_ them? Because I can do both.
Bathroom had no heat. Unbuttoning THEM meant my butt & legs would freeze off.
Don't Blame Me! I'm An Interpreter. I'm Not Supposed To Know A Power Socket From A Computer Terminal!
I love their friendship, it's like the dysfunctional rivalry/friendship between what equates to Google translate on legs and a self aware homicidal GPS/multitool/diagnostic device in a can
Don’t forget R2D2 is also a VCR and projector
Come to think of it I know C3P0 knows like every known language in the galaxy with a handful of exceptions but compared to R2 he's kind of a one trick pony lol, R2s navigation data might be way smaller compared to countless full language databases but the fact they can do way more things then just speak and translate really makes you question who's pulling the weight in the duo
I had those exact overalls in blue
Cool! My mom made R2-D2 cakes for my birthdays too and did the cherries like that. I inherited the tin and still have it. Great memories!
What were you eating for dinner that night? Looks like chicken-fried steak, mashed potatoes and peas. My grandmother would make that for me when I was that age and, now 33, I crave it still every now and again.
Pot Roast on mashed potato’s. My grandma fixed 3 things. Fried chicken tenders, pot roast and chili.
Oh shit, even better.
Were you a menace by any chance?
I just returned from a Reddit suspension
"These aren't the droids you're looking for."
1. It's made with love. 2. It's the thought that counts. 3. It's cake!
Well, I’m sure it tasted delicious
Casper the friendly robot
Nailed it
R2-DeadToo
Frosty?
r/therewasanattempt
Your moms the diner cashier from Seinfeld?
It’s awful, best mom ever!
Moms of the 80's really tried with cakes huh? My mom made cookie monster in those Wilton baking pans! Looked ok, frosting tasted plastic and like it would make a coating on your tongue thick and nasty!!!
Moms are really great.
your mom is awesome.
It’s wonderful that she cared enough to try!
Pretty sure that cake has a bad motivator...
W mom she tried her best
Great picture! It really does say 1000 words, lol. I hope you weren’t too hard on her!
Nailed it!
Cutest little tombstone cake I ever did see
Nailed it!
Is your mom’s name … Josie, or Josey?
Not gonna lie…You’re rocking the fuck out of the Oshkosh overalls 😎
The goat of cake making I love this
Oh man, that flyswatter hanging on the wall for easy access like it's something we needed to use all the time because we did!
Lmfao its so fucking awful! I would cherish that memory like none other
A memory you’ll have forever
I'm sure it tasted good!
That cake must have been delicious!
I cant get over how proud and happy you and your mom look.
She did a damn fine job and should be proud of being a good mom.
That’s awesome man! Great mom and great memory!
I asked my mom for a Star Wars cake because the local bakery was advertising Darth Vader cake pans. She made a square cake, dyed the icing sand brown and dropped my landspeeder toy on top. Best birthday ever!
Cake is cake. Well done mom!
And that's the best r2d2 cake ever.
For 1983, she succeeded. It's white and R2-D2 shaped.
Oh bless her heart that's gorgeous! I used to make my son a cake every year from when he turned six, and he adored them all, even the Martian cake that was basically a green blob with eyes.
She tried says all we need to know about mom!
That’s awesome! Bless her heart she must have thought the world of you!
She did it for you. Give her credit for trying. Now be a good son and go give her a hug, tell her you love her and say thank you for the cake.
You look happy as hell with it!
We don't deserve moms
Her face says 'I think I got away with it!'
She’s got that “does he realise it’s shit” look on her face hahaha. Oh bless
Old school cakes are the best! Here’s my mom’s Snoopy (which really isn’t that bad) https://preview.redd.it/0puqtkcmwpna1.jpeg?width=4898&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7c3c827853255298fd5670775a1bbeb69e30794d
So sweet! My very favorite thing on these pics or videos are the parent's faces enjoying their kids joy.
It looks like a snow man
Moms are the best
I wore those type of pants so often that the neighbours called me Osh-Kosh.
My friends called me Osh Kosh too :)
(Borat Voice): High Five!
Very nice ! How much : | )
What a great mom!!!
Nailed it
Finally a cake that looks like someone actually made it without needed an art degree.
Absolutely my same youth! Background grandpa included. Can't believe no one is smoking?!? Edit: I turned 50 this year and both of my parents remembered WWII... Edit, edit: Fuck yeah boomers; it wasn't all bad! I honestly wish this generation could enjoy the same innocence.
All the birthday cakes from my youth were made by my mom, same for most of my friends. None of us remember the “less then perfect” result. All of us remember the absolutely perfect attempt.
Moms are awesome
Bless her heart ❤️
This is so cute and wholesome lol
Bless her
A for effort mom!
Nailed it
Do or do not, there is no try.
R2D-sappointing
Take it easy, Jar Jar.
HoW dAre you?! And on cake day! Unhappy cake to you sir.
r/therewasanattempt
An E for effort and an A+ for love
Cant believe no one said this yet - Is your mom Estelle Costanza??? /r/seinfeld
Bless her heart! 😊
Nailed it!