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!
Hi Biz,
I have been reading your post for about 6 years I’m not even sure how I found it. You are now on my favorites list on my computer, and I look forward to reading your blog every morning. I feel like you are so positive and it helps me to have a positive attitude everyday. I am so glad you followed your passion such a brave thing to do! My family loves your buffalo chicken chili we have made it several times. Good luck with your new adventure I will tune in everyday to see how its going!
Well the trick to get responses is to give something away LOL. Took me forever to scroll here.
Happy bloganniversary. You have given me so much reading pleasure and I am happy we “met” even though there’s an ocean between us.
I have never seen that video before, it’s so sweet!
I am really not too sure how long I have followed your blog. I found your blog while looking for a homemade pancake recipe. I know I didn’t start writing any comments until Tony was sick. I am so excited that you had the fortitude to quit your job and follow your passion! You go-girl!
I’ve been reading for several years – probably 4 or 5. I think I relate to you because we share many of the same struggles. Congrats on successfully making it 8 years, and to at least 8 more!
I have been reading for close to 3 years, but I barely came out of the shadows and started commenting a few months ago. You have inspired me to be more creative in the kitchen and you are the primary reason I got a Fitbit. I had never heard of it before I started reading your blog. I know I’m only one of the many you’ve inspired to get “bizzy” in the kitchen. This is a great piece of the web and I’m thankful to you for keeping with it. Happy 8th blogiversary!
Hi, think I have been reading your blog for about a year. Always interesting, keep up the great work!
Happy Blogaversary!! I have been reading your blog for 5-6 years. I look forward to reading your blog every morning!!
I think I’ve been reading the entire time. I’ve been back in CA for 6yrs and I was in Canada for 2. I started reading when I was in Canada. I remember when Tony had the wound vac and when Hannah got a car!! When we met in real life, it totally felt like I knew you.
Hello there! Congratulations on your anniversary! I found your blog a few years ago. I was on Weight Watchers just like you and started reading blogs like yours for some motivation and inspiration. Since then I’ve been reading your blog daily.
i found your blog more than five years ago, and have been a fan every since. I pretty much eat lunch at my desk every day and read blogs, yours being the first I go to. Every one of your receipes I have made has been a winner. Congratulations on your anniversary.
Hey, Biz,
I think it was 5-6 years ago that Jeff/Tony told Tom about your blog and I’ve been following since then. He was so proud of you and this blog; he was telling Tom how many followers you had, etc. <3 mp
Great post! Congrats on the milestone.
Congrats on your blogiversary! I can’t even remember how long I’ve been reading, but it’s been quite a while. At least 6 years? I love your writing and I wish I could cook like you, your food looks amazing!
Wow, 8 years!!! Here’s to many more, just love reading your blog every morning! ??
Happy 8th Anniversary of your blog Biz. I’ve been reading for over 4 years. I seriously drool over your pizza party Fridays!
Happy Blogiversary!! I’ve been reading for a while now. I really have enjoyed trying out some of your recipes in the past year.
I have been reading a for a few years! I love your blog, and I would love to win this prize package 🙂 Congrats on 8 years!
I made the photo round-up! Golly, how long have I been reading….6 years or so? Congrats on 8!
oh geeze. I think I’ve probably been reading since I started my blog back in 2012! but I feel like it’s been forever 🙂 I’m very thankful for the connection we’ve developed through the blogging world 🙂
I’ve be reading for about 5ish years. I start my morning with you and coffee…was so bummed when you tried blogging only 3 days a week. I look forward to hearing your adventures and am always rooting for you! I secretly hope one day you’ll come around to onions and am thrilled when you occasionally give them a try. Would love to win the tomato products and I already know I love the lasagna soup as I have made it many times. Happy Blog Birthday!