The tune is catchy. The characters are darling. The story -- about a dog and a cat that drum up a friendship -- is sweet.
Lake Oswego resident Steve Cowden created the 3 ½-minute cartoon animation to help him and his family work through their grief from the unexpected death of his nephew last December. That was pre-pandemic, but the video surely may resonate with others going through tough times.
Cowden, who is a former graphic artist for The Oregonian and now works for the Port of Portland, said the idea started during an out-of-state celebration of life for his nephew, Blake Cowden. Here’s how Steve Cowden tells the story:
“My son, Trent, began spontaneously playing a sentimental tune on the piano. My twin brother, Scott, joined in with singing the words 'chocolate cake and ice cream. The silly words seemed to lighten our heavy hearts.”
“I came alongside and we all sang in harmony together. It was just a jingle at the time, but it stuck with me. After returning to Oregon, while commuting to work, I made the jingle into a song. Trent and I recorded it and then I decided to make the song into a story.”
Steve Cowden named the video “Chocolate Cake and Ice Cream.” Among the lines of the song:
I’ll always treasure, these times forever. And whenever I see your smile.
Some things are better, when they’re together. So let’s never say good-bye.
-- Aimee Green; agreen@oregonian.com; @o_aimee