That’s how I felt.
Scared. Reserved. Thrown to the dogs (or baby deer- whatever).
This is me, circa 1985 in a petting zoo with a bunch of animals. Completely innocent and unaware.
Blogging is very similar.
Two years ago I came onto the scene without a clue. It was like hanging out with a bunch of strangers: proceed with caution, wear makeup, watch what you say. Social media was even more scary. I wasn’t on Facebook until 2012, ok? And don’t even get me started on selfies (cross eyed). I posted links here and there but felt awkward announcing things to the world. My preferred comfort zone was behind pictures and recipes.
So.
Last month, I had my very first interview with Food & Wine Magazine for their online column ‘Blogger’s Spotlight.’ It was my first ever anything of this sort. I was stoked but didn’t tell you. This blog, the one you are reading right now, is where we talk about food and the occasional calamity with my kids right? I did make a quick mention on social media (I’m getting better) but that was about it. For 30 days I debated whether or not to post it here.
When I found this picture at the zoo something clicked.
Blogging is no longer a place of of uncertainy. It would be foolish to think this space is reserved for recipes only, because it’s not. It’s for friends. I tell my friends stuff. Personal stuff. If we can talk about butt selfies, what the heck am I so afraid of? Consider this my informal announcement. Because for 30 days, I’ve been thinking about growth. Shedding layers. Learning to go make-up free! I just needed to let go.
If you feel so inclined here’s the link (and dodgy screenshot) to a very grown-up me. It’s a short and sweet piece on healthy snacks and a few blogs I’m perusing at the moment.
Thankfully, my fashion sense has improved!
Do you find it hard to let go? (cue Frozen soundtrack…)
Comments
Denise | TLT says
Oh yeah! You don’t know how much I recognize every single word in this post. I’m so, so glad you’re sharing this because the article is WONDERFUL and you totally deserve to be heard and seen. And I’m trying to learn a bit from you today as well. Thanks for inspiring me.
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Congrats on the feature, Emilie! You really do make the best snacks :).
Emilie says
Thank you sweet Laura. And you, my dear, make the best desserts. I’ve got my eye on your pecan cranberry bars! xoxo
Nicola says
I’ve been addicted to the food blog world for 18 months now – they have literally taught me how to cook and helped make me a healthier person. Among my friends I’m now the ‘good’ & ‘healthy’ cook and plenty have suggested I start my own. So I’ve finally dived in, for my own reasons not anyone elses. But its nice to hear others stories of timidity & hesitancy. It gives the rest of us courage! Thank You. Oh and congrats!
Emilie says
Congratulations Nicola! How wonderful to hear that you’ve learned how to cook and have become a healthier person- very inspiring! I could only hope that this post and self admission might provide a bit of courage to others. It’s nice to show our human side once in a while :)
Ruby88 says
Congrats on the Food and Wind feature. Well deserved! And I agree, social media can come off as self-indulgent, but I appreciate following your blog and your updates including good news. Please continue to keep your audience in the loop.
Emilie says
Thanks Ruby! I really appreciate your honesty. Announcing stuff like this doesn’t come naturally but I’m glad I did! It’s comments like yours that confirm my decision. Thanks again! xo
celia says
You always make me smile. Love that photo of you and the baby deer! I kind of have the reverse problem with blogging – I always assume no-one’s really reading my posts except for you and Jane and Anne and Jo and Tania and so on – ie. only people whom I know on a personal basis! Pete occasionally has to remind me to pull my head in.. ;-) xxx
Emilie says
Yeah, you like that outfit? That was the beginning of it all… (thanks mom). I love that you have the reverse problem. But guess what? We’re all reading! You have such a way with words and your ‘enthusiasms’ are completely contagious. One of these days we’ll be having tea and chocolate somewhere. Maybe port ;) xoxo
The Blonde Chef says
This is so incredible! Congrats, girl! (So glad you shared!)
Emilie says
Thanks Aubrie! Me too! :)
Adri says
Well, how cool is this! Talk about exciting. M’dear, you have hit the big time. May I say that you deserve the recognition. Your work is absolutely beautiful, truly professional, and always, always, always in the very best of taste. Compliment!
Emilie says
Well let’s not get too excited! BUt I was excited… lol. Thank you Adri, I value your opinion so much! xoxo
rakhee@boxofspice says
I so relate. I am inept at promoting myself and feel almost shy posting. I’m awkward and so not blog savvy. And, my friends are surprised at some of the personal stuff I may post because of how private I am. But, blogging that stuff is like sitting with your therapist isn’t it? It’s so cathartic…
I do believe your work should speak for itself, and yours does. Congratulations dear Emilie! <3
Emilie says
Totally. Plus, you’re competing with a million other people trying to do the same thing. It’s very noisy. However, I agree that it’s quite therapeutic getting it off your chest. It makes you more real. Because at the end of the day we’re all human, right?
Thank you for your sweet words Rakhee! xoxo
Christine // my natural kitchen says
Emilie your post really resonates with me, since this whole blogging this is very new for me. But honestly, yours is a space that I love to visit and I’m glad you shared the link to your interview :)
Emilie says
Hi Christine! I was on your blog last night and it is a wonderful space. It’s comforting to know that others feel the same way :) Diving into the unknown will always be a scary thing (at least for me anyway!) no matter how ‘seasoned’ you are. Keep up the great work girlfriend!
Patti says
So impressed by both your talent AND courage. I must say , this success looks good on you! Congrat!
Emilie says
Hello darling, thank you dearly. You are very sweet! xoxo
sassygirl says
the F&W read was fantastic!
so classy and a terrific introduction
for newbies to your blog.
Julia Child had a great quote
about fear of failing: don’t be
afraid and always tackle the
unknown…or something like
that. :)
keep blogging. love it!
Emilie says
Yay! Thanks so much! Julia had the best quotes didn’t she? My favorite is “People who love to eat are always the best people.” Such a smart woman with fabulous cooking skills…
I really appreciate you kind words and taking the time to leave feedback. Thanks again! :)
Lisa S. says
I am also a very private person…no fb, and only on insta because my kids started it for me! Congratulations on the article! I’m starving after reading it and already planning a trip to the store so I cam make the whole wheat tortilla pizza–sounds delicious! Have enjoyed reading your blog for the past couple of months.
Emilie says
Welcome Lisa! It’s difficult putting yourself out there, isn’t it? I never had a FB account until I started blogging and it was like operating in the dark. I honestly didn’t get it. With the help of some tech savvy friends I finally got the hang of it. I’m pretty new to Instagram as well.
Thank you for checking out the F&W article! The tortilla pizzas are one of my favorites. They’re very easy to assemble too. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your week :)
Vijay @ NoshOnIt says
Congrats Emilie – you should be letting all of it go and shouting from the rooftops about this. What a cool and well-deserved honor! Go you!
Emilie says
Thank you Vijay! I really appreciate it. It was hard to do my own shout out- more like a whisper at first but it feels good to finally get it out there! Slow and steady… ;)