Generation Fabulous bloggers Ruth Nemzoff (seated), Barbara Feldman, and Ellen Dolgen
One of the things that can happen to you as you approach mid-life is that your life can narrow down. It might be imperceptible at first, but as time goes by you gradually stop doing things. You feel a little tired, so you skip a party. Your chores pile up, so you postpone date night. You don’t feel like getting changed, so you decline an invitation to an art opening.
Then before you know it, you have a very small circle of friends. That circle includes your cat or dog. You are—shall I say it?—dull. You have little to talk about except TV, sports, and the adorable thing your cat or dog just did.
And that’s why I love food blogging. In the last two years I’ve met the most amazing people. People I would never have met otherwise. I had lunch in Portland on a blind date with Spabettie after connecting on Twitter. She’s 20+ years younger than me, gluten-free and vegan, and we had an absolute blast talking about food and food photography.
The sparkly Kristina Sloggett, aka Spabettie, at New Cascadia gluten-free bakery in Portland
I went to Mexico and relived my early 20s while talking about the art of lacquering chickens with food stylist extraordinaire Adam Pearson.
I went to Camp in the woods and met a whole new group of food bloggers, many of whom write about healthy eating, and now we have a Facebook group.
I went to France. I had wanted to go to France since studying French in 5th grade. On my 50th birthday, we took the train to a small town in Provence to meet up with Angela, who I had met in Mexico.
In Angela’s back yard on a very hot Provence afternoon
I found myself at one of those meals, those special meals that other foodies seem to write about all the time, where every dish was perfect, the company was sparkling, and the meal went on for hours.
I went to a vegan potluck and met some incredible people who are working in cancer prevention and raw foods.
I connected with a local chef on Facebook and gave him a pizzelle maker that had been languishing in the cupboard for a decade.
I went to the TEDActive conference and met a ton of new people. And gave a ride to a total stranger from Germany to the conference. And another one, named Daniel, I drove back to San Diego. Daniel is a global citizen: Croatian parents, raised in Germany, lives in Mexico, works in Chile. We had lots to talk about during the 3-hour drive home.
Daniel having a “truly American” experience: fast food egg rolls.
An unexpected side benefit is that I feel better than I’ve felt in a long, long time. More energized. More excited about my regular work. I don’t know where this blogging is going to take me, but I’m so glad I jumped in and tried.
What have you been longing to try in your life, but were afraid, or too tired, or too busy? What are you waiting for?
A great post, Stephanie. Thanks for the reminder to live large.
Peg, you certainly are an inspiration to me. Thanks for commenting!
Stephanie,
You have become a mentor to many of us in the food blogging world and we appreciate every effort of thoughtfulness and giving of yourself of all your talents. This piece and uplifting and a pleasure to read!
Oh Mary, likewise! You mentor and support me in so many ways.
Isn’t it wonderful to find a place online where we can thrive and grow? Thanks for the round up of your life in blogging.
Brooke, how nice to hear from you. You are welcome.
Oh Stephanie, this is big bright sunshine on a grey afternoon. Thanks for reminding us of the many joys of being a food blogger. Your photos, insights, friends are inspirational!
Thanks sweetie. So glad you found inspiration here. You always inspire me.
What a wonderful post because it reminds me of the true purpose of blogging: not ad revenue or page views, but connecting with passionate people across the world who get you. Great post!
Thanks Vanessa. I agree… it’s so easy to lose sight of why we started this in the first place.
And you helped form a small writing group of food bloggers that has bloomed into a wonderful circle of supportive, creative friends…
Yes!
Love this insight!
Thanks Dorothy.
What a great post. During high school and college, friendships were effortless. At work our colleagues became our office family. But as time goes by you have to step out of your comfort zone to add new people to your circle of friends.
Yes, I agree it’s more effort later in life. But just as worth it!
Stephanie,
What a wonderful journey you are on, and I am glad to be along for the ride. I, too, felt (and still feel) I have slowed down. But this blogging…well, this blogging thing has introduced me to so many new and wonderful people, and I am enjoying the beginning of the ride.
I loved reading about your ride, and of course about Provence. A place I love and would love to re-visit one day.
I love those perfect days when the weather, the company, the food and the conversation all collide into one powerful explosion of perfection. Ahh. You are blessed to be having many of those….
Thanks for the lovely post.
Thanks Cathy. So great meeting you and the other gals in real life.
Stephanie – what a great post!!! Think I need to print it out and re read weekly! It’s always better to break out of your comfort zone but it isn’t always easy – thanks for such a wonderful reminder of the benefits!
Thank you Nancy, I appreciate you taking the time to comment! Always nice to hear from you.