Reflections on NaBloPoMo and I don’t know I guess I missed you guys…

How sad is this?  The first day I don’t have to write and all I can think about is how I want to write my blog!  I am a girl with serious problems.

First thing I want to address is that I am a little embarrassed about my NaBloPoMo content.  Has anyone ever done this and felt like their posts were better? More inspired? Helpful to anyone?  While I don’t think that my posts were what one might call “good” I did learn some things about how I cook/blog:

1.  I don’t always buy only local ingredients. I try, I try so hard, but sometimes I see an avocado and I MUST BUY IT.  Or what about celery? I need celery in my life and I am not afraid who knows.

2.  I am in love with Smitten Kitchen. I think half of my cooking inspiration comes from her blog. Think I am exaggerating? All these recipes are inspired by her: cassoulet, stuff on bread, breakfast apple crisp,citrus salad, coleslaw, (sigh) fridge pickles, squash and lentil salad, and finally(!) cheddar apple scones. And sadly, that isn’t all. I have more I just don’t put up here because I am embarrassed.

3. It is hard to write a blog about food when you are sad about losing your grandmother. Actually, that doesn’t just apply to writing a blog.  I could also say, it is hard to concentrate on anything or not take everything super personally or be a good partner or friend…  The loss hit me harder than I thought it would and I am still working through it.

4.  The one thing I had hoped would happen – that I would settle into my writer’s voice – did not occur.  I hoped writing every day would help me feel more clear about what was important for me to say and how I want to say it.  Instead, it felt like I floundered more than I took root.

From now on I want to share with you when I am really excited about something, not just because I feel like I have to.  Because, you know what?  If I can’t promise original recipes every day or hilarious content – you at least deserve enthusiasm!