A Year of Living Dangerously
Apr 9, 2010 tagged Recipe-Free 
The very first TSP Recipe - Dense Chocolate Yogurt Loaf Cake. Fitting since I’m a known chocoholic.Making it through an entire year of food blogging is my idea of living dangerously. Clearly I’m not the adventurous type because blogging is more like a virtual adventure than an out-there-in-the-wilds kind of adventure. Still, the blogisphere can be a jungle.
I had no idea what I was getting into when I jumped into food blogging a year ago. There’s so much I didn’t know. What made me think I could hold my own? Food blogging is not your “lay it all out there” or “what’s on my mind” kind of blogging. Oh, no. It’s a bit more complex. I was naive.
First, a big applause for all food bloggers. The commitment, the work, the creativity required is phenomenal. I don’t mean to scare anyone…it’s certainly doable. Just look at how many food blogs exist. But, please, let’s be honest. It’s complex, demanding, hard work and it takes a monumental commitment—not to mention skill, creativity and passion.
Yes, it’s fun. It is. You get to create recipes, share your enthusiasm about food, your successes and failures, and meet new people. And, those people are interested in what interests you. That’s way cool.
But, you gotta work it baby. Let’s see - come up with the idea for the recipe, make it 2, 3, 4 times until it’s just right, photograph it (ugh-that in and of itself is at least an entire post worth of ranting), write about it (and be interesitng, funny, provocative), post it, proofread it, and tell the world about it via as many social networking sites as you can maintain (again, another whole post). Then do it over again, maybe twice a week? Oh, did I mention you have to master the creation of a blog space—how many columns, type faces, a logo, a header? Let’s not even discuss HTML.
It’s my second job. (oh, did I really say “job”?) …um, adventure. But, it’s one that I love. One that I daydream about doing full time. Sigh. For now it’s just going to have to stay a very time consuming and gratifying hobby.
So, will I attempt year number two? You betcha!
One more thing—thanks to all of you for sharing this year with me. It’s been a great adventure and I’ve loved meeting each and every one of you.
Join me for a bit of a TSP Year of Living Dangerously retrospective.
Your favorite TSP recipes from year one…
Tiny Turkey Meatballs Atop Penne and Escarole
And, a few of my favorites…
Reader Comments (5)
Well done on your first year! I really relate to your post but what satisfaction when you look back on a year's worth of recipes, you should be very proud. I love the look of those Sweet Potato Biscuits, yum!
Pippa - thanks! I loved this first year. But, I won't lie...I stressed a bit, too. This has been a fun journey! Nancy
Congratulations on your first year! You make it look so easy. I don't think there is a recipe of yours that I have tried and not liked, but the raspberry yogurt muffins are my favorite. Yum.
Thanks, Tanya. That means so much to me. So glad you're enjoying the recipes. -Nancy
Nancy: Hip hip hurray! What a monumental week this is! One year!!! I've only been at this three months but can attest to all that you say about food blogging. It must be in our blood because it really does not feel like work AND the fact that we'd consider doing this fool time says that it's really a passion. Love your creativity despite a hefty list of foods to avoid (like ours). Looking forward to your first recipe of Year #2. In the meantime, I will try that chocolate cake .... mmmm.
Alexa - Well, I guess we foodies are passionate people! And, a little crazy. But, the good kind of crazy. Before you know it you'll be celebrating your first year anniversary! -Nancy
Congratulations on a fabulous year! I think you've summed it up perfectly. Yes, it is a lot of work, but it's the other bloggers and readers who make it worthwhile. . . I 've met so many amazing people through my blog. Looking forward to what you bring us in Year 2! :)
I couldn't have written your description of food blogging any more aptly or articulately. And I've been at it for a little over four years! Well spoken! It is definitely time consuming, but thoroughly gratifying. Keep up the good work. Here's to your year number 2 and my year number 5.
Ellen Allard
www.Iamglutenfree.blogspot.com