If my blog were a child, it would be entering the third grade. I probably say this every year, but I never would have dreamed in a million years that I would still be blogging 8 years after I started. For the first 8 months I had my blog, if I got 50 page views in a day I thought I was hot shit. But you know who my biggest fan was of my blog? Tony. I know many of you have blogs and your husbands never read it, but he read every single post, would tell me if I misspelled something or if my grammar was wrong. He would text me notes at work and say “that picture you took of your soup turned out great!”
Speaking of photography, while this blog has grown, long time readers I appreciate you sticking with me when my food photography looked like this:
I would be shocked if anyone even attempted any of my recipes from 2008-2009! And why did I think I had to get right up in the food?! In December 2010 I got the biggest Christmas present – a Nikon D3100. And I knew the only way we were able to afford it was because we had set aside $1200 for a car repair, only to get a second opinion on it and it was determined it was only a $100 repair, and everyone pitched in to get it for me. I just watched the video of me getting it, and I cried all over again, even though it was nearly six years ago! I also miss hearing Tony’s voice.
It’s still the camera I use today when I am at home. The only thing I did was buy an auto focus 35 mm lens for about $150 a couple years ago. Thankfully, not only is my food photography better, I actually have people tag me on Instagram or send me emails telling me that they made a particular recipe – love!
This blog has let me vent when I needed to. Was my lifeline when Tony was sick and I didn’t have a social life – you guys WERE and still are my social life for the most part. And I am thrilled that I have met several of you in real life, some several times (hi Mel – hi Kris! – hi Mara! hi Christina!), but it’s like meeting an old high school friend that you haven’t seen since you graduated. Because we formed such a personal bond via the computer, meeting in real life was no big deal.
So much has changed and stayed the same. I still love blogging just as much as I did when I started. I no longer care how many readers I have or even if the blog grows, because it doesn’t really matter in the whole grand scheme of things. I view it as a personal visual journal, that I will be happy to share with my future grandchildren at some point. I am sure I’ve written this before, but my grandma had a journal. I was thrilled when I found it after she died, only to read entries like this:
“It was chilly tonight. Baked a chicken. Played Bridge.”
My future grandchildren will know basically what I’ve eaten every day for 2,920 days and counting! And they may discover that I like to use the word amazeballs and I may swear like a truck driverfrom time to time.
So in honor of my blogaversary (is that even a word?!) and because it’s tomato season, I am going to give away TWELVE 16 ounce jars of my homemade pasta sauce/baja fresh salsa/lasagna soup combination (four of each) Unfortunately this will be for U.S. readers only. Kelly from Canada won my BBQ sauce and seasoning back in August, and I have a feeling it got stuck in customs because of the glass jars
Just leave a comment on how long you’ve been reading, even if it’s been one week or five years!
And thank you to everyone who takes a little time from their day to check up on me and my little corner of the World Wide Web. I appreciate it more than you’ll ever know.
My Momma is coming over today for a BBQ. Making grilled pork roast, corn on the cob, garlic green beans and grilled rosemary new potatoes. Yum! Make it a great day!
Eight years…Happy Blog Birthday. I have been reading since March of 2012. I remember going back and reading your blog from the start. I just loved all the little stories and Tony’s sense of humor. I remember how he named a hernia Eerrrign or something like that. You guys have made me laugh a lot over the years. So happy you have come full circle and you are working at the place where you did the photo shoot. I still love that photo and I really think you should wear red more. It suits your sassy personality. Thanks for all you do. Have a great weekend!
Happy 8 years Biz!!! And congrats on the new job, I’m glad you are loving it!! I think I’ve been a reader since I was living in Houston, so that would be 4-6 years. I remember I was starting low carb and looking for recipes, and you were in a middle of a low carb challenge. I was hooked! Keep blogging away and I’ll keep reading 🙂
I have been reading you, um… forever? At least five years (I started reading you when I was actively blogging, and still pop in to check on you even though I stopped writing in 2012), maybe longer. I don’t even know how I ended up here the first time! Blogger is a windy place, lol.
Hi Biz….
Not sure how long I’ve been reading, I just know I love starting the day with your stories ?
Happy Blogiversary, Biz!!! I’m glad you’re still blogging – I look forward to reading your posts every day. I hope we get to meet in person some day, but am glad we “met” through blogging. I found your blog when I was still coping with my diabetes diagnosis (I guess that part never ends, really) and it was encouraging to find a fellow foodie who was doing the same. Thank you for 8 years of wonderful recipes, humorous and heartfelt writing, and friendship! Here’s to many more!
P.S. – So happy you are loving your new career, and that it’s going well! 🙂
I have been reading for about a year but feel like I know you well. Your common sense approach to life and food make me smile. I also appreciate the struggle with weight…I have lost 60 pounds and have maintained that loss for a year. I love your variety of recipes!
I have been reading for at least 5 years, Biz. It’s been amazing to see how much your life has transformed – up, down and sideways. 😉 Throughout it all, your positive attitude has remain constant. Congrats on the anniversary and thank you for sharing your journey with us.
I feel like I have been reading you forever- introduced by our dear friend Janine to your site. I love your recipe. Your bread recipe is our go to on the regular now that the weather is getting cooler!! Congrats on the anniversary!!
Hi Biz!! Congratulations on 8 years of blogging. I have been reading your blog for at least 6 years. My mom is diabetic and I found you by looking for recipes to help her. Good luck with all your future endeavors!
Happy Blogoversary!
I have been reading your blog for 3 years – just before you went for the photo shoot at the place you are now working! Your blog has given me lots of ideas for meals, one of which is using left over potatoes with eggs for breakfast, and I love your pictures.
Happy Blogoversary, Biz! It is hard to believe your blog is already starting third grade. Before you know it, we’ll be playing Pomp and Circumstance and watching it walk across the stage and receiving its diploma.
I do have one question, though. Looking through the comments from Abbe, Ally, Amanda, Amie, Andrea, Angel, Angela, Anna, Ashley, Barbara, Bonnie, Brandi, Carol, Carolyn, Catherine, Cindy, Debbie, Diana, Fran, Joan, Kathy, Mary, Nikki, Sandi, Teresa, and Your Prettier Sister . . . did I miss the “No Boys Allowed” sign somewhere at the entrance?
Morning Charlie! Other than my buddy Larry from New York, you are the only other “boy” I know who reads the blog!
Congrats! I’ve been reading your blog (religiously!!) for about a year and love it. I follow several blogs, but this is the first time I’ve ever commented.
Hi Biz, Congrats on your 8th anniversary of the blog! I don’t remember how I happened onto your blog, but I think it was about four years now. I don’t read many blogs, but I do love reading yours for some reason. I guess because you keep it real!
Happy Blogiversary. I totally get it…at first I was like I AM GOING TO BE THE BEST BLOGGER EVAH. And now I just write. It’s therapeutic, it’s ME. I started reading up a couple years ago, can’t believe it’s been that long!!
Hello! I’ve probably been reading about 4 years or so, happy blogaversary! Here’s to many more!
At least 5 years. Have no memory of not reading your comments and recipes everyday. I always enjoy what you post.
Congrats on 8 years of yummy food!! I’ve probably been reading for about 4-5 years and I still look forward to seeing your many bowls of lasagna soup!
Happy Blogaversary!! I think I’ve been reading for over 4 years now. Always been one of my favorite blogs, and love that you’re a neighbor, too! 🙂
Happy anniversary 🙂 I think I’ve been reading here for about as long as I’ve been reading any blog – 3 or 4 years!