Six months ago today I launched this blog. The opening post was Let’s Play! and I invited the world to visit my virtual playground and have some fun. It was the start of an exciting adventure I never imagined. Blogging has expanded and enhanced my life in so many ways. It is on my mind almost every waking moment and pops into my dreams too.
I am learning photography because of blogging. No matter how delicious my recipes are, something is lost if I am not able to present visually appealing images. The truth is I went most of my life without taking pictures. I had no experience or knowledge about photography, especially when it comes to food. It is an exciting challenge and a fun one to have. I even started a Project 365 this year to take and post one photo each day in order to improve my skills.
I now put labels on food. Labels like: “Do Not Eat” or “Still Need to Photo”. My husband will ask me if it is okay for him to eat something I made if it is not labeled. Long gone are the days when I cooked, we ate, and did the dishes. Now there is the photo shoot to go along with it including camera setup, lighting, scene building, and food styling. I am having so much fun in discovering and unlocking my creativity.
Connecting with people has been the best part of blogging. Each day I am in awe of the kindness shown by so many people in this world. The beauty, knowledge, and delights you share are incredible. The blogging community is truly a giving and supportive group. I witnessed this first hand at the WordPress WordCamp Atlanta conference this past weekend. It was a gathering of over 400 people who were helping others and learning at the same time. I felt I was in the midst of friends from the moment I arrived. I snapped this photo with my iPhone at the start of the conference:
Everyone did not scatter when the sessions were over the first day. There was an after-party at a restaurant down the road and we packed the place. We could not get enough of the day or miss the opportunity to meet and talk with more people. The highlight of after-party for me was meeting and talking with Matt Mullenweg, the co-founder of WordPress. Big thanks go to John Saddington (@tentblogger) for introducing me to Matt. I was completely impressed when Matt asked me about my story of blogging, why I chose WordPress, and what I thought about it. I am glad to know the people behind the software that makes this blog run is concerned about the end-users, big or small. Here is a photo of John, Matt, and myself at the after-party:
I am so glad I started this adventure. I sincerely appreciate every single bit of support you have given. Thank you very much for the comments, tweets, shares, likes, subscribing, spreading the word, and coming back to visit. Is there anything you would like for me to feature? More desserts? Savory foods? Wines? I am ready and excited for what the next six months and beyond will bring. Continue the journey with me and see what the future holds. Let’s keep playing!
Alaiyo Kiasi
Thursday 9th of February 2012
I love this post, and I connect with it! I too am beginning to put signs on food warning my hungry husband and son to steer clear until I've had a chance to photograph it. I launched my blog six months ago as well. I've yet to attend a blogging conference (kudos to you!), but now I am more excited to attend one thanks to your post. Beautiful dogs, by the way!
Renee
Thursday 9th of February 2012
Thank you Alaiyo! The last six months has been so great. I strongly suggest for you to go to a blogging conference or find if there are any blogging meetup groups in your area. Connecting and meeting fellow bloggers is the best!
Sue Collins
Wednesday 8th of February 2012
Congrats on six months! I was also at WCATL and have SO much to learn, SO many blogs to create and SO much momentum to build. Yours is inspiring. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing. Sue
Renee
Wednesday 8th of February 2012
Thank you Sue. I appreciate you visiting my blog and hopefully we will have the opportunity to meet at a WordCamp in the future.
Silver Magpies
Wednesday 8th of February 2012
It's amazing how blogging means you have to become proficient in so many other things! Reading your post made me chuckle because it mirrors my experience too.
Keep going though, we're all enjoying it. :)
Nan
Renee
Wednesday 8th of February 2012
Thank you Nan! You know you have inspired me too. You blog made me open my eyes to the treasures that were hiding in plain sight (behind glass doors).
Terry B Gardner (@tbgdesign)
Wednesday 8th of February 2012
Congratulations!
Renee
Wednesday 8th of February 2012
Thanks Terry! My sincerest gratitude to you for all your help and support.
amy @ fearless homemaker
Wednesday 8th of February 2012
congrats on 6 months! can't wait to see what the next 6 months (+ the 6 after that, + the 6 after that...) bring - i'm sure your already-fantastic blog is only going to get more wonderful with each passing month!
Renee
Wednesday 8th of February 2012
Thank you for such kind words Amy. It is blogs like yours that inspired me to start blogging in the first place.