Well, folks, today marks four years of blogging for yours truly.
Wow, I feel old…physically and in the blogging world.
So much has happened since I started this little think fruitful thing:
- I’ve moved states
- I got married
- I’ve had three different jobs
- I bought a house
- I became an aunt
So many exciting times. So many ups and down. And so many recipes, all 455 posts worth. Lots of cookies, casseroles, scones, salads and yummy things to make and share.
I’ve also been able to share new spots in both AR and Raleigh, introduce artisans from NC and encourage you to go explore cities around the country.
I feel like I’ve learned so much, which I will now narrow down to four main points…because that seems like a good number for this occasion.
1. Blogging is hard work
For real, guys. Blogging, while it is fun and fulfilling, is dang hard work. Whether you’re getting paid for it or not (like me), it takes a lot of time, passion and dedication to keep posts consistent, interesting and real. The good news is that I love preparing blog posts, and all of the work is worth it when I hear that someone out there made my recipe or discovered something new because of the blog.
2. Always try new things
One thing that has been great about cooking for the blog over the past years is that it’s forced me to try lots of new things. Finding creative, new recipes and ingredients for you guys to try has helped me explore them, too. I love putting a new recipe or two on my meal plan each week and trying out the unique seasonal ingredients that grow locally.
3. Food opens all kinds of doors
It makes me sad to think of all of the people I wouldn’t have met or ate with over the past four years if I didn’t share a meal with them. Sharing food is one of the best ways to meet and really get to know the people around you. Go out on a limb and invite your friends and coworkers over for a meal, wine and cheese party or soup Sunday celebration. I guarantee you will have a great time!
4. Go for it!
No matter what you’re passionate about or what dream you have, go for it. Take one step each day or week to achieving it. Challenge yourself and take it one step at a time. There were so many reasons that I shouldn’t have started a blog four years ago: My photography was not great (hello yellow tinted pics), I didn’t know how to build a website, life was busy and there’s always that fear of failure. If you focus on the negatives, you’ll never do anything, so quit that and find something in your life that you love to do (whether it makes you money or not).
I don’t know how many years this blog will last, but I know that I have really enjoyed the time I’ve had running it…and I am so thankful that you are here.
Please come back. Please reach out. Please keep cooking and sharing!
Happy 4 years, think fruitful!