As I sit down to write this, I realize it was about this time of night six years ago—late in the evening of New Year’s Day, 2006—when I tiptoed out onto the internet and decided to start a food blog.
I was sick that New Year’s, I had been for weeks. We celebrated the holidays at home. My friends who had also been sick came over and we drank butternut squash soup with roasted garlic from large rounded mugs my friend Violeta gave me, and ate walnut bread spread with blue cheese and slices of pear as we sat in front of the fire and wondered what the new year might bring us.
The next day I spent in bed, as I was spending most of my days. As the day drew to a close I propped my laptop up on my knees, in my cream-colored San Francisco bedroom with the bay window and the view of the cypress trees in Golden Gate Park, and started typing. In a few years the Academy of Sciences would be rebuilt and the domes that Renzo Piano designed would glow in the night and I would be able to see it from my perch in bed, looking otherworldly and ghostly in the foggy dark. But all that lay in the future.
I could never have known then as I sat there, legs drawn up beneath my down quilt, that the thing I was doing would change my life. I was simply picking out keys to write about something I love and wanted to share—Japanese nabe stews that are served in the winter. Key by key, I wrote that story, and the next day I wrote another one.
Story by story this site grew, and it brought new people into my life, new work opportunities, new adventures. Story by story, it changed my life. I now live in another city, my work has changed, my world has broadened in ways I never could have imagined. I’ve made friends I never would have otherwise, I’ve fallen in love with photography, I’ve learned to make cheese. Best of all, I have you lovely people reading along, sharing your stories, sending me notes to tell me when something in particular has touched you. It’s all been so much more than I ever could have dreamed.
But imagine if I hadn’t taken that first step. What if I had decided to watch TV instead? What would my life have looked like today if I had just gone to sleep?
There’s a takeaway from this story (and it’s not that everyone should start a blog). When I started writing about nabe, I was writing about something I love. I was following my passion and curiosity. I had no idea where it might lead, I had no expectations or ambitions for it. Back then no one had gotten a book deal from their website, no one had advertisements or cared about search engine optimization. I wasn’t writing as a launching pad to anywhere. This site was not a resume builder. For the first three years I wrote it anonymously, not even listing my name.
I began because it excited me. I was curious and I wanted to write about something I loved. I was following my passion, with no thought to where it might lead. The destination was never the point, the act of doing was reward enough. Everything else has been a delightful surprise.
I spent New Year’s on the Oregon coast this year, a place of woodsy hills, long flat beaches, and a charming quirky hotel I will tell you about soon. I met a lovely woman there who emailed me afterwards and told me she and her husband had resolved this year to “follow-through on all things intriguing.”
Follow-through on all things intriguing. I’ve been thinking of that idea ever since. I love it.
That’s what I did the day I started this site: I walked in the direction of something that intrigued me, an idea that brought me delight. I didn’t yet understand why, but there was a flutter in my heart and I followed it—even though, as a professional writer, I had plenty of people telling me I shouldn’t write for free. Food blogging intrigued me and I followed through. Everything has come from that.
I’m really excited about 2012. I have some ideas that make my heart flutter—ideas for my own life, and also for the life of this site. You all inspire me so much, and I have fun plans for things we might do together. I’ll be telling you more about that in the weeks to come. It’s going to be great.
But here is my question for you, and the first day of the year feels like the perfect time to ask it:
What intriguing thing do you want to follow-though on this year?
Do you want to travel, or write a book, or take singing lessons, or pull out that painting set in your garage? (I do). Maybe you want to run a 10K, or learn how to ride a bike, or stand on your head in yoga class. Maybe you just want to organize your spice rack (if that is the case, I highly recommend it).
On this brand new slate of a year, what is the story you want to write for yourself? What is fluttering in your heart?
If you feel comfortable sharing in the comments, I’d love to hear. Your answer doesn’t have to be practical or even make sense—often these things don’t make sense until later. I always think you know what is right and true because it both excites you and scares you a little bit too. It’s the thing that makes you flutter on the inside.
Let’s all hold hands and take a big step forward together, closer to what is calling us.
Happy New Year, friends. I have a feeling it’s going to be a great one.
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What a great motto for the year, to follow what intrigues you. I think we probably all start out trying to do that, but then wind up getting swamped by little things that drag us away. Keeping that in the forefront as a mantra might be the way to clear through the clutter of life and make me realize that if I let myself get distracted, I really do miss out on the most fulfilling parts of life. Here’s to an intriguing year!
An intriguing year, indeed! You’re right, it’s so easy to get pulled away. But then, what might you miss…?
Hoping you find all the intrigue that’s waiting for you
Congratulations on 6 years Tea. I remember finding you when Sam Breach mentioned you. Your writing is wonderful and I enjoy coming here.
I celebrate my 7 years blogging this week. In my head I wrote a post like you have written above. When I sat down at the computer the words wouldn’t come. You have a gift Tea. I wish I could write the things I feel as you do.
xoxo
Seven years–that is so amazing. Isn’t it? I honestly never thought we’d still be at it (and of course, many of us are not; I miss Sam’s site).
Here’s to sticking around, Barbara. I know you know how sometimes that’s the most important part of it all.
Biggest of hugs to you. xox
There’s no chickening out for me–my family is moving to Naples, Italy this summer, courtesy of the US Navy. It is what I’ve wanted for years; the promise of a three year stint in Europe is how my husband persuaded me to go along with the Navy thing to begin with, and it’s what we’ve been aiming for for the past 6. Naples was my first choice of all the bases, despite the mafia, despite the trash piles, despite the home invasions. The city itself intrigues me, because it’s a real city full of real Italians living un-tourism-centric lives. It’s gritty and dirty and beautiful,and I can’t wait to get out there, but now that it’s real, I’m getting very nervous. It’ll be the adventure of my life, ut i can’t wait to be there and settled in a home and be familiar enough to have a favorite bakery, etc. Fingers crossed, here we gooooo!
I lived in Germany for 3 years when my husband was in the Army. I was terrified as I was also a new bride. Got my first gray hair the week we found out we were going! But it turned out to be a life-changing experience I have never forgotten. I still miss Germany every Christmas season. I hope your time in Naples will be everything you have hoped for, and more.
How exciting, Eileen! One of my friends is in Naples with her family right now–her husband is in the Canadian military (let me know if you want me to connect the two of you). I have been drooling over her photos on Facebook: trips to Rome, the Amalfi Coast, etc. What an adventure you will have!
I visited Naples when I was in college and it was, as you say, the real deal. How amazing you get to live there. Please let us know how it goes. I will be sending best thoughts for this grand new chapter for you all.
And Terry, I miss Austria every Christmas season. Only lived there a year, but it was life-changing as well.
Thanks so much for the offer to hook me up with your friend! That would be lovely. So far away from friends and family, I’ll take any connections I can get. Naples seems like one of those places that people either love or hate, with no in between. I’m a city girl, so I’m hoping to land squarely in the “love it” category.
My husband studied in Berlin for a year in college and loves Germany, so I’m sure we’ll spend plenty of time there. I’ll blow it some kisses for you, Terry.
What was your favorite place in Germany to visit? Dresden is high on my list of places to see.
Thanks, Eileen! My favorite places were the tiny town we lived in, Bad Hersfeld, which has an old Roman city wall and an outdoor amphitheater which was still in use for plays and concerts; Rothenburg — another walled city, known for its art; and Trier, which is Germany’s oldest city, again with Roman ruins, many museums, and lots of art.
Tea, I only got to spend one afternoon in Salzburg, but it was memorable. I can understand why you miss Austria.
I am glad you decided to do this food blog. However, I have no doubt that if you hadn’t , you would still be doing something equally interesting and intriguing. You are a natural story teller. As you spin your words and make the most ordinary seem quite extraordinary I will continue to read you well into 2012.
Wishing you a fabulous year!
Thanks so much, Angelina. You are very kind.
WIshing you a fabulous year as well. I’m excited!
What a great “resolution” for a new year! The thing that is intriguing me for this blank slate of a year is *stopping* – stop trying to improve, stop trying to do more, stop trying to be better, be more – and just be. To live fully in this life I have, and to find it enough. I was born a striver, and while I think it’s a good thing that has carried me far, if I always keep striving for more, the amazing abundance I already have passes by. And I suppose even by trying to stop, I’m still striving for more – more time, more peace, more appreciation.
Wishing you an intriguing year, in the best ways possible!
That is so beautiful, Katie. And it’s true. There’s is so much emphasis on improvement in our culture, sometimes the most important and vital thing we can do is simply to be where we are and appreciate that.
I’ll be thinking of you this year, slowing down and appreciating more.
I love this idea! I am a big fan of the clean slate that seems to come with the new year and the possibilities that it brings. I have many thoughts and ideas of what I hope for this year and one part of that is pushing myself to do more with my passions for food, learning more about writing and photography, and figuring out where to go with the small sewing business that I work on. I have a huge desire to make my living through my creative interests and that is the goal I am working towards this year.
What a great goal that is! I think it’s a struggle for all us creative types to find the right balance between work and creative work and supporting ourselves (I know it’s a challenge for me). Here’s to finding that sweet spot. I hope this year brings you where you need to be.
As I was cleaning out my incredibly messy “attic” yesterday, I came across several blank journals that I had purchased over the years or others had given me as gifts. I stood with one in my hand, just wondering whether to throw it away with the other trash, or keep it and do… what? with it. I can’t think what in the world to fill them with but some combination of words and pictures/drawings come to mind. I’m intrigued but need more than the “what if…” I will ponder.
Do you know about my friend Karen Walrond? (Chookooloonks). She has a great post on art journaling. I’ve been wanting to try this myself. Totally inspiring: http://www.chookooloonks.com/the-beauty-of-different/2010/12/29/journaling-101-a-primer-for-those-whod-like-to-start-a-pract.html
Tea,
I met Karen briefly at a blogging conference back in April and I took her first Pathfinder online course this Fall in September. It was an amazing five weeks and it has helped me set direction in how I am approaching 2012.
With intention. Intention is my one word on my vision board (we created the board during her course). I just hung it last night and it feels scary and oh so good to put it out there for everyone to see. Especially me!
My heart flutter idea is to write a children’s book this year. I know I have one, if not several, in me and I am looking forward to getting the process going. Now I need to start researching the process itself with those I have been fortunate enough to meet over the past year.
Happy New Year and so glad we have “met” here on your beautiful space. It is always time well spent.
xo
Jill
I’m so glad you did Karen’s class! I was too busy to commit, but I wanted to. Hope I can in the future.
And children’s books, that is SO exciting. Wishing you all best with that. Keep us posted, please.
Thanks for your kind words on the site–and for all your comments and support. It means more than you could ever know!
Congrats on 6 years Tea! I can’t wait to hear which little quirky establishment you visited on our coast. I’ve stayed in a few myself over the years!
As for me, I’m stepping way into the unknown this year with a new job. I’ve been safely ensconced in my little world for 10 years, now I’m moving into a completely new area (one in which I have virtually no idea what I’m doing!). Wish me luck!
Luck, luck! New jobs always make me feel really dumb the first few weeks, but the learning curve is steep, and how fun to challenge yourself like this. I’ll be thinking of you.
Have you stayed at the quirky hotel in Newport? I was charmed.
Happy adventurous new year!
Thanks Tea! I’m really excited about the new job and the new challenges. I really hate the feeling of the first few weeks of a new job, I guess it’s the type a in me wanting perfection. I probably should get over that, huh? Thanks for thinking good thoughts for me.
I don’t know which hotel you mean, but we don’t usually stay overnight when we go to Newport or Florence because we’re so close to home. We have stayed at the Whaler (they welcome dogs) but I’m always up for a charming new place to stay!
Oh fun, I’m sort of glad you don’t know this spot. It’s a quirky gem. Can’t wait to share it.
And oh yes, please don’t aim for perfection the first few weeks on the new job. Just remember: learning curve.
You get to perfection soon, I am sure of it
This year I’d like to follow through on the work I’ve focused so thoroughly on, my Masters research. I finally feel like I know enough to share and it’s really exciting! It seems like I’ve been moving toward this moment for… years! This year I’m going to present at a conference, graduate with my MA, and apply for a job in my field.
How exciting. You have quite a year ahead of you! What an amazing thing it will be to see all the years of hard work come together.
Sending all best for a smooth and rewarding masters thesis. Keep us posted, will you? I want to cheer for you when it’s all finalized.
Congrats on such a wonderful accomplishment. I know that your words have brought me much joy and consolation so thank you. Even in this post, you give me courage!
I have two big things I am focusing on this year. The first is that I am starting a business. I have been working on the plan and start up for about 6 months. I often feel overwhelmed, but am completely excited about the possibilities. The second is to be more present with my time. I feel as if I have become quite passive with certain aspects of my life and I no longer want to watch the world from the sidelines.
I can’t wait to hear about your plans for the coming year!
Thanks for your kind words, Kim. That means a lot.
And congratulations on your business-to-be! That is exciting. Please keep us posted, and let us know if it’s a business we can help support.
Wishing you great success in new endeavors.
The Oregon coast for new year’s sounds lovely – we usually go the first week of October. And to follow through with what intrigues is a wonderful idea. I’m so very glad you started this blog and that I found it to follow. I keep trying to create space for creativity in my life, so I’ll add that element to the mix and see where it takes me. Happy New Year, Tea.
I didn’t want to leave the coast–it was so lovely. I bet October is stunning. Do you have a specific place you go? I will be back, I am sure.
Yay for creative plans. I’m working on that as well.
Tea,
I go to the coast as much as I can. Check out this PDF of the wildlife refuges:
http://library.fws.gov/refuges/oregoncoast00.pdf
Try the Nestucca Bay Wildlife Refuge for a beautiful, easily-graded hike up a hill to a stunning view of the coastline. I discovered it last July; there is a rare moth which flourishes there, Ctenucha multifaria. Two favorite beaches, among others: Lost Creek, near Newport; and Oceanside, near Tillamook. Go to the Oregon Coast Aquarium if you ever have a chance, in Newport. And if you ever can, go on one of the whale watching boat rides out of Depot Bay (the littlest natural harbor in the world, they say) — there are whales that live near Depot Bay year-round. The boat rides are reasonably priced, about 2 hours. Have chowder and pie at the Spouting Horn Restaurant.
Thanks for the tips! I can’t wait to go back. Soon! Such a lovely area (and we had good weather too). A real treat.
Thanks for sharing your favorite spots with me
Tea, we go to the same place every year (very family friendly) in the Tolvanna area of Cannon Beach and in October we get all kinds of weather from bright, warm sunshine, to howling winds, to fog and mist and drenching rain. If it rains it makes the fireplace and DVD’s seem so much cosier and if it is sunny, we walk the beach for miles or dig holes into the great beyond. And there is a wonderful bakery/coffee shop right across the street for indulgences.
I love this post! You always seem to know what’s on my mind. I intend to follow through on a physical fitness regimen, I started with yoga mid 2011 and I’m thinking of expanding to running and maybe even dance classes
Oh fun! I’m getting back into running as well, and hoping for yoga later in the year. See you out on the trails!
Thanks for sharing your story of how the blog came to be. It is quite inspirational in its simplicity and of course, powerful in the context of the wonderful creation your blog has become.
Your experience will be there beside me as I start the New Year and discern just what intriguing thing I want to try for 2012. So often I find that your writing strikes a chord with me. It is a gift indeed.
Late last year, I rediscovered knitting and in particular the knitting of Nativity figures for a crib. Just a toe in the water, but it sparked such a response in my own family. My sister was enchanted and worked alongside me with her daughter. There has been a joy and a sharing I could never have imagined. And it did come without warning from following something that intrigued.
Your post has reminded me of the power of taking an initiative. I am most grateful for that!!
Thanks so much, Ana. You are very kind, and your nativity figures sound amazing (I’d love to see a picture, if you have any posted online and want to share a link). I LOVE the idea of you and your sister and her little one working together. What joy for artwork to bring a family together. THAT is a gift, indeed.
Can’t wait to see where 2012 takes you. Please keep me posted!
You have given me the “push” I needed to go ahead with posting some of the Nativity figures on Ravelry. Just have to perfect my tech mastery there!! Will let you know when i get it sorted, Tea
Oh good! I totally want to see them
This is a very beautiful and inspiring post! I felt so encouraged and enlightened and heartened by everything you said especially when you asked: “But imagine if I hadn’t taken that first step. What if I had decided to watch TV instead? What would my life have looked like today if I had just gone to sleep?” That one really went deep because more often than not, I have procrastinated on that first step or I have allowed fears and doubts to keep me from making it.
Another thing that jumped out at me is the honest intention to just follow one’s heart — not strategizing to be popular or to make money but a simple reaching out towards what calls to us. I believe it is very important to understand this.
Thank you for sharing and for holding out a hand to hold!
My pleasure, Marichit. Often a hand makes all the difference. I too struggle with the fears and the procrastination that keep me from doing things I want to do–some of them really good ideas I never move forward on–so it’s an important reminder for me too. But holding hands, one step at a time, I think we can get there from here.
Best of luck with your hopes and dreams–and let us know if you ever need a pep-talk! Please keep us posted. I’m cheering you on from here.
lovely, inspiring, uplifting post Tea!
In 2012 I wish to return to my home in France to work remotely. I have a large and lovely house in Brittany and a fascinating job in Britain as an internet threat analyst – computer viruses to most people. And then, in between analyzing bad code and writing smarter detection for it, I will finish The Book, and the degree and spend a lot of time in my French kitchen cooking for the commune’s crazy residents…
Perfect
Just need to persuade the company to let me go home!
I wish I were your boss—I would send you home in a jiffy, on the one condition that I get to visit you to check on your work (and what you’ve been cooking!). That sounds LOVELY.
I’m hoping they see the light too
Nothing drastic comes to mind. Work less (I gave up one of my jobs), eat better, do more yoga, complete my first year of grad school. Graduate school makes me tingle.
Graduate school is definitely tingle-worthy!
Congratulations! What a wonderful thing has grown from those first stories.
I’m working on a novel, and I’m going to apply to some writing workshops this year. My need to get out of my current job is turning into a drumbeat rather than a flutter, so I’ll be working on that as well — possibly by going back to school part-time, if I can swing it.
Happy New Year!
Ah, the flutter that turns into a drumbeat. Yes, that happens sometimes. And the drumbeat grows louder and louder…
Here’s to your new adventures! I hope they take you marvelous places.
Thank you. I feel I should also mention that this blog post of yours seems to have kicked me in the correct neuron as far as another project. So thank you again!
Oh good! That makes me happy. Thanks for reporting back.
Just read last night that Joseph Campbell said later in his life that he should have said “Follow your blisters” and not “bliss” because if we listen to our hunches, we’ll end up going down these intriguing paths.
Happy new year!
Oh my gosh, that is so funny! Follow what rubs and chafes against our soul. I love that.
Thanks for sharing! Happy New Year to you too (I suppose you can’t wish someone a blister-filled new year—that sounds awful
I’m very happy you started this blog as it’s one of my favorites. You always make me feel nostalgic for times and things I haven’t actually had, but wish I could have. This year I have a VERY long to-do list which essentially boils down to clearing my path of all the clutter I’ve surrounded my life with in the last decade so that I can start on the path of something new and intriguing. Oh yeah, also less computer and TV time to make sure I stay on track
Thank you, Anna–what a lovely thing to say (nostalgia for the unexperienced). I am going to remember that one.
Best wishes on all that you want to accomplish this year. I can definitely relate to the clearing clutter! And the need for less computer time (sigh).
I hope it’s a productive and satisfying year for you. I’ll be thinking of you as you clear away and move forward.
Writing projects, writing projects, writing projects. But also — committing more time to the things that make me the most happy (being outside, yoga, hiking trips, etc.) and not getting sucked into the malaise that sometimes occurs with the usual workday. One can hope!
Congrats on your anniversary and happy new year
Hi Tea–thank you for another thoughtful post!
On the intriguing things front, I would like to check out a shape note singing group in the new city I’m living in. I also want to learn to make pickles & jam.
Happy New Year! So glad you started this site.
I have been following for a good long while and thought I would just take the time to say how much I enjoy the site and wish you a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous New Year! My goal for this year is to improve my photography skills mostly ~ and writing skills too. I am not a writer at all, never had that gift. But, I do love to cook and share my love with others. I have started a new food blog and i am plugging right along but still needs fine tuning. There is hope for the photography part but the writing heee heee not so much oh well ~ I get a phone call daily laughing with me about something I have said welll….at least I made you laugh if I can just get you to cook I have been successful ~ right!!
Well….I wish you a wonderful New Year!! Thanks for sharing…I enjoy your site…your photos and your stories!
Thanks,
Angie
I loved your post so much I just linked to it on this week’s post of mine. Couldn’t think of a better New Year’s greeting to right: http://cookwithwhatyouhave.com/blog/.
Congratulations on those six years and all the best for 2012. Maybe on your next Portland visit we can have a visit!
P.S. And that must be the Sylvia Beach Hotel!
Tea, as always, your words are so inspiring. And today’s post – particularly well timed. Your words have brought me back to center. I am launching a baking blog in the next month or so and I have gotten so caught up in what everyone else is doing and lots of negative thought about not measuring up, etc. The thought of criticism and failure have crippled me for years. But after reading your words I was able to remind myself of the reasons I want to write a baking blog. I love baking – period! An immediate sense of relief washed over me when I read your words. On that same note – to help myself in realizing my dreams for 2012, per your suggestion, I have enrolled myself in Mondo Beyondo. I am looking so forward to reaching new heights for myself in the coming year. Happy 2012 to you!
Congratulations Tea on six years!
I adore visiting your blog and know that I’ll always find inspiration. You never disappoint
Today you’ve set me on a path for 2012 to follow-through on all things intriguing…how exciting!
I’ve had so many ideas and wishes previously but they are all fighting for attention which is clouding and confusing my direction.
I’m going to focus on the ‘now’ feel the flutter and fly!
I wish you nothing but the best for 2012 and can’t wait to visit again xoxo
It would be wonderful to learn to blow and go my own hair, or entice my hairdresser to visit me at home.
I’m going to rewrite my book proposal, and find an agent for it this year.
And maybe take a new artsy/craftsy class, maybe photography.
And small-scale: make our own tortillas.
And…..the overachiever Capricorn’s emerging, so I’ll stop there for now.
Thanks for the gentle nudge, dear friend!
I loved reading how your blog got started. I didn’t realize you posted anonymously. Your blog is such an inspiration and I find myself always checking back to see the latest from you. Beautiful writing, as always. Can’t wait to see what you come up with this year. Happy New Year!
Wow – six years. And yet I only just found you. I have lots to read and catch up on. Things that will keep me intrigued this year include organized closets, yogurt making, and inspiring my daughters that they can do anything! My oldest is 9 and she is going to compete in her first triathlon with me in March. So excited for her!
Wow…what an amazing post! I too had my blog do a lot for me…Thanks for sharing your heartfelt post…wish I had found you sooner!
love love this. I have so much in common with your feelings about starting your site, Tara. You of course put it so eloquently compared to how I hear it in my head. I just think of what has come about and the people I’ve met through what started as a “hobby” and it’s all been so un-planned. I’ve realized in the past year that my life looks completely different than I thought it would and I love it like that. It often makes me feel insecure, but I’m the unexpected has worked well for me so far.
This coming year, I plan to entertain and welcome friends over more than I did this past year. I let stress, dirty bathroom mirrors and cost keep me from hosting people I love and I plan to move through those things and have huge open arms to whomever will come
I think you must have been reading my mind! I’m going on a photography journey this year. I want to be worthy of that ridiculously awesome camera of ours. I’ve just blogged about it too, but since this post is much more eloquent than anything write I’ve linked to it to. Thank you and a happy new year!
Yes! We have a lot to live up to now, don’t we
Inexplicably, I woke up New Year’s morning and decided to bake a loaf of bread. I don’t yet know precisely what it means, but it cannot be a bad thing, no matter how poorly made the bread was.
My wish for 2012 is to become more of a writer and less of a waiter. And to just keep on telling stories as they pop into my head.
Happy New Year, my dear lady. Thank you for this post.
Michael
Yay for baking! Who cares what it means. Meaning can come later
And here’s to a year of writing—you are such a great storyteller. I like that idea very much. Cheering you on from here.
Not even kidding, my only New Years Resolution is to organize my spice rack! It feels overwhelming, because I feel like I need to buy all sorts of new cute little spice containers, but I think I just need to go step by little step.
tara,
i’m so glad you took the step you did and followed through on something that intrigued you – i so enjoy your blog and view on things and whole heartedly look forward to the next 6 years of reading your work.
cheers to you!!
L
Thank you for sharing the story about how your blog came to be. Each post feels like a treasure – the photos, words and stories – wow!
In 2012, I am focusing on the word “DARE”, participating in Ali Edwards’ One Little Word class.
I am daring myself to take a trip to Florence, on my own – no kids, no husband, no friends, just me. I have not traveled alone but am drawn to this particular adventure which will require many moments of daring for me.
Reading the bread baking book, Tartine, has inspired me to dare to learn more about making artisan bread. I’m especially intrigued by the varieties of wheat, and grain that are available and the fermentation process.
Thanks for asking the question and providing space for me and others to declare what is calling to us. One step at a time to bring our passions to life
Your word for the year is so great! Dare. I love that. And Florence? I love that even more.
I will be thinking of you sauntering through the piazzas all by yourself, feeling brave and adventurous. Happy New Year!
I’m just so happy that you didn’t go to sleep or turn on the TV that day. It’s been such a delight to read your words.
Thanks so much, my dear. I’m glad too!
I still remember the first post of yours that I read six years ago. I’m so glad you decided to start your blog, because without it I would have never met you.
As for following through…I have a feeling this year for me is going to be more about just going with it all than anything else. But that’s fine by me! A million xo’s.
Love your blog – so very glad you did it – you’re inspiring and entertaining many of us out here.
I’m hoping for more balance in my life … work has been a huge demand on my time these past 2 years and I’m tired of telling family and friends that I can’t do this or that activity because I have to work overtime. I’m very grateful for my job and it’s been incredibly steady and stable, but a more “normal” schedule would be nice this year. Our whole department has worked 10 hours of overtime every week since last April. We finally got caught up last week over the holidays and it feels good but I don’t think it will stay that way.
However, I’m hoping for more time to visit with family and friends, and hopefully have some fun this year. I think it’s time for that. Everyone needs to have fun – I think it’s essential!
Happy New Year and may we all have a wonderful year in 2012!
Oh goodness, that is a tough schedule. I am very glad to hear that it sounds like things might be caught up now (I hope!).
Here’s to more fun in 2012. That’s what I am wishing for you!