hi again (finally)
February 23rd, 2012 § 11 Comments
It’s been a while since we’ve talked, hasn’t it? Sorry about that. I wish I had something cool to say for the nearly two weeks I was gone, but sadly I don’t. That is, unless you like stories of work, over-scheduling, dinners consisting of whatever one can find in the pantry (grilled cheese, anyone?), and sleep woes. In which case, I’ve got loads to tell you. It is a truly fascinating life I lead.
One thing I did do while I was gone, however, was think about this blog. I thought long and hard about it, and the question that kept popping into my head was whether I’d like to continue doing it. And the answer kept coming back as a rather hesitant, unstable ‘yes?’. I’ve had this blog for almost two years and have really enjoyed cooking, photographing and posting all of the things I’ve made during that time. But, for reasons I didn’t understand, I realized my heart suddenly wasn’t really in it anymore. So, I gave that some even deeper thought and discovered that this space had served as a great hobby (re: distraction) during a very difficult time (re: a soul-crushing court case), which ended last summer, but whose physical/mental effects have only recently faded, six months later. Looking back, I see that this blog really held my hand through that experience, and gave me a positive place to focus my energies. A little slice of sanity, I suppose.
Driving out of Palm Springs, 2/18
Now, with all that behind me, I’m in a new place, and therefore I feel this blog should be, too. Rather than start a new blog altogether, I’ve decided to just revamp this one a bit. I’ll be fixing things up – nothing major, just a few tweaks – and the content will change a little as well, focusing more on everyday life and other subjects rather than strictly food.
I’m sure I didn’t need to explain all of this, but I want to be clear about my direction. I also want to take this time to truly thank those who have been following this blog. Your readership means a lot to me, and I treasure all of the kind and thoughtful comments you have left and emails you have sent. Thank you.
Of course, with all that talk of ‘changing content’ I just did, I have a cake recipe coming up shortly (because what would I be if not contradictory?), as well as a tale of hair cutting, and the beginning of an ongoing series about Invisalign. Back soon!
A treat of a sunset through the hills.
Janae – Tonight (right now) we are eating pizza with your recipe for dough. I migrated my blog from everyday life to a food blog…follow the sun and share every moment!
We change everyday. Take us along on your journey!
Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and support. I hope you like the pizza!!
I am excited for the more life stuff! Also, I have an almond coffee cake from the German bakery in Bishop for you.
Thanks!! And I CAN’T WAIT for my coffee cake :)
Hi Janae,
Gorgeous photos!
I can relate – I started my recipe blog in 2009 as a creative outlet. Then in 2011, my husband and I completely GUTTED our house to rebuild the kitchen… and in that time, I wasn’t able to cook/blog about what I’m cooking. When the kitchen was finally finished, I found I couldn’t get back “into” blogging about recipes. So, I too, am struggling a little bit. I realized just this morning that the blog should be about whatever I want it to be… at the end of the day, it’s a release for me. Or, it should be. And I should write about whatever moves me.
So kudos to you for figuring that out!
Best,
[K]
I’m looking forward to what you have in store! :)
I just found your blog, and am loving the food and photos – but I’m sure it will be interesting whatever direction you go in. Looking forward to your non-foody posts.
I was worried for a second that you were packing up and leaving for good, so I’m relieved that you’re stickin’ around! That’s what I’ve liked about your blog anyways — that among all the food, there was a slice of something else. So expand on that! I, too, recently went from a food blog to a more general thing — but even my new blog has a recipe here and there, since cooking will always be one of my creative endeavors. Even the food bloggers that have published books, like 101 Cookbooks, Wednesday Chef, and Orangette, talk about more than just food. It’s about whatever your voice is, so long as it’s clear and from the heart.
I can’t say that I’ve followed your blog from day one. in fact, I can’t remember how I came across it, but I have thoroughly enjoyed reading/viewing the recipes with your experiences for the past few months. THANK YOU! (In fact, just made the fig swirls this weekend! yummy!) wish you the best with whichever way you take this blog.
Janae,
I will follow you anywhere (meaning into non-food topics). Not to worry about not making cooking the main focus. I have saved enough of your recipes that it would take me 2 years of here-and-there cooking to put a DENT in making the beautifully illustrated culinary delights you’ve shared.
I still love my M-F “punny” photoblog (launched Nov. 1, 2010), but I’ve advised others, “If your blog stops being FUN, either don’t DO it or do it differently.”
You been through a rough time, so go for the fun!
–John
Thank you all so much for your kind and supportive comments – it’s very much appreciated. I think I may just have the nicest readers ever. Thank you!!