Reflecting on a Transformative Year: Blogging Triumphs, Personal Growth, and Unforeseen Challenges
As I look back on the past year, it’s truly difficult to fully grasp the sheer volume of experiences, emotions, and achievements that have unfolded. This period has undeniably been a journey through both the pinnacle of my personal best and, at times, the depths of my worst. When I embarked on this blogging adventure, I set a few ambitious goals, and I’m incredibly proud to say that I not only met them but surpassed them in ways I hadn’t imagined.
To each and every one of you who has followed along, I extend my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and friendship. Whether you’ve actively commented or simply quietly read my words, made my recipes, or returned for more content, your presence has been felt and appreciated. Today, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on this extraordinary year. This isn’t just about sharing my journey; it’s also a vital record for me, documenting exactly what I’ve accomplished.
I sincerely hope this reflection doesn’t bore you. Instead, I hope it serves as a source of inspiration. For anyone out there who feels stuck, perhaps believing their photography will never improve, or their readership will never grow, or that a single year isn’t enough time to make significant progress – I urge you to reconsider. Always, always think again. Progress is often a slow, incremental process, but with dedication, a year can bring about astonishing transformation.
Embracing Community and Finding My Footing
The year began with a crucial pivot in January. After a challenging close to 2011, I knew I needed to get everything back on track, both personally and professionally. A significant turning point arrived when I received an invitation to join #SundaySupper. Little did I know then, this seemingly simple invitation would change everything. Through this vibrant community, I discovered an online family – a group of supportive individuals with whom I could share almost anything, fostering a sense of belonging and encouragement that propelled my blogging forward.
Portabella Mushroom Pot Pie – my first #SundaySupper post
Milestones in Blogging and Culinary Recognition
April brought my first significant recognition: I won a contest with my Chocolate Coconut Cupcakes. This victory was an incredible boost to my confidence and a tangible sign that my efforts were paying off. Shortly after, I took another monumental step: migrating my blog from Blogger to a self-hosted WordPress platform and acquiring my own domain. This move was a clear indicator of how serious I had become about blogging. When you start investing your own resources – time, energy, and money – into a passion, it solidifies your commitment and forces you to think strategically about your long-term vision.
Award-Winning Chocolate Coconut Cupcakes
The momentum continued, and in June, I celebrated my second contest win with my Award-Winning Strawberry Pecan Upside-Down Spice Cake. These early successes fueled my drive and reinforced my belief in the quality of my culinary creations.
Award-Winning Strawberry Pecan Upside-Down Spice Cake
Elevating Food Photography and Expanding Reach
Beyond recipes, this year also marked a significant improvement in my food photography skills. I began submitting my photos to platforms like Food Gawker and Tastespotting, which are notoriously challenging for new bloggers seeking acceptance. The initial rejections were tough, but they motivated me to learn, experiment, and refine my craft. Over time, my persistence paid off, and I can now proudly say that I am a regular contributor to both. While I still face occasional rejections, the majority of my submissions are accepted, a testament to the growth I’ve achieved in visual storytelling.
One of my most popular posts, “5 Photography Lessons Your Manual Won’t Teach You,” garnered over 27,000 hits and 18,000 pins, becoming my most shared content to date. This indicated a strong demand for practical, real-world advice on food photography, and I was thrilled to share insights beyond technical manuals, helping others navigate the nuances of capturing delicious images.
5 Photography Lessons Your Manual Won’t Teach You – with over 27,000 hits and 18,000 pins, this is my most popular post ever.
A Life-Changing Conference Experience
July brought an experience that profoundly altered my perspective: attending my first-ever food blogger conference, or rather, retreat. Despite what my online persona might suggest, I’m naturally introverted and often dread meeting new people. However, this event was different. Perhaps it was because, for the first time in my life, I was surrounded by individuals who truly “got” me. These were my people – the ones who unhesitatingly stand on chairs to capture that perfect overhead shot, who meticulously plan their entire weekends around the availability of natural light, and who instinctively photograph their food before eating, often resulting in cold, but beautifully documented, meals.
The Big Summer Potluck
It was a revelation to be among people who, despite not always getting paid for their immense effort, pour their heart and soul into every blog post and photo shoot. The insights I gained that day continue to resonate deeply with me. I learned that it’s perfectly acceptable to step back and be mindful of your journey, to acknowledge that taking a break can be a form of progress. I learned that it’s okay to feel a twinge of jealousy, as long as you use it as a reminder of how far you’ve personally come and how much you’ve achieved. Perhaps most importantly, the experience validated my identity as a writer. I might not be a creative writer in the traditional sense, or perhaps I struggle to vividly describe a dinner party even if my life depended on it, but my words still matter. They connect, they inform, and they inspire. I realized that whatever thoughts are going through my head, someone, somewhere out there, can relate.
The conference also affirmed that there are others like me who are forging their own paths, sometimes going against conventional social norms of what a “successful woman” should be. I may not be preoccupied with the latest fashion trends like skinny jeans and chunky necklaces, but I possess a unique expertise: I know how to marry chocolate and coconut into award-winning recipes, and I understand that yeast, far from being intimidating, is truly your friend in the kitchen. I may not have a husband, a boyfriend, or even a roommate, but I am still standing, still fighting to be heard in this world, and I can powerfully do that through the universal language of food.
Increased Visibility and Community Engagement
My work also gained wider recognition throughout the year. I was featured in multiple online publications, including the Huffington Post twice, Foodista’s Drink Blog of the Day, and various other internet features. It’s incredibly rewarding to see my recipes and stories shared on such prominent platforms. To keep track of these exciting mentions, I even launched a brand new press page on my blog.
Smores Hot Cocoa – it has been featured multiple times on the internet
The year concluded on a high note with yet another culinary triumph. This past December, I won my third contest with my Award-Winning German Chocolate “Cake” Sandwich Cookies, solidifying my reputation for innovative and delicious baking.
Award-Winning German Chocolate “Cake” Sandwich Cookies
My Homemade Caramel Sauce became my most popular recipe this year, attracting over 12,000 hits – a true testament to its universal appeal and delicious simplicity.
Homemade Caramel Sauce – most popular recipe this year with over 12,000 hits
Exponential Social Media Growth and Blogging Dedication
The quantitative growth of my blog’s reach has been astounding. Back in January, I had approximately 100 likes on Facebook and around 200 followers on Twitter. Instagram was not even on my radar, and I’m unsure if I even maintained a Pinterest account, certainly no Google Plus. Today, those numbers have transformed dramatically: I now boast 1317 Facebook likes, 1016 Twitter followers, 1009 Pinterest followers, have been added to 939 circles on Google Plus, and have 174 Instagram followers. This exponential growth across platforms reflects not just an increase in numbers, but a deepening engagement with my wonderful online community.
My blogging frequency also saw a significant evolution. I transitioned from posting sporadically to consistently publishing three times a week. While I might adjust this to twice a week to manage other priorities, the shift in commitment is profound. Before this year, I wouldn’t have given my blog, CM, a second thought if it went neglected for days or even months. Now, it’s a constant presence in my thoughts. I meticulously keep a calendar of recipe ideas for the entire month and feel a genuine thrill as I plan, bake, and create content. Trust me – if this passion and excitement weren’t there, I wouldn’t be doing any of this. My blog has become a true labor of love.
Jalapeno Popper Dip – my most popular savory recipe this year
Navigating Personal Challenges: Murray’s Journey
However, amidst all these professional triumphs, 2012 also presented deeply personal and challenging times. It was, by far, the worst year in terms of personal adversity. Back in July, my beloved cat, Murray, started drooling excessively. We immediately took him to the dentist, where a loose tooth was removed. The dentist, however, issued a chilling warning about the potential for bone cancer, though symptoms at that time overlapped with an irritated tooth, preventing a definitive diagnosis.
A week later, adding to the stress, Murray, ever the adventurer, snuck outside and disappeared for nine agonizing days. I was convinced I would never see him again, and the worry was immense. His eventual return brought immense relief, but it was short-lived. Just a week after his return, the drooling resumed. My initial thought was a simple infection from drinking dirty creek water during his escapade. Tragically, it turned out to be what we all feared: a large, aggressive tumor in his jaw. There was nothing anyone could do except manage his pain and ensure he was as comfortable as possible during his remaining time.
As the weeks progressed, Murray’s condition steadily worsened. He could no longer eat his dry food, relying instead on two to three cans of wet food daily. He constantly stuck his tongue out, seeking any form of relief, leaving trails of drool everywhere – on his tail and paws when he curled up, on the couch, chairs, and even the walls. His playful kisses became fewer, and he developed a peculiar clicking sound after eating, likely struggling to clear any stuck food. The tumor also began to press on his eye, causing it to noticeably drift, similar to a lazy eye. Murray valiantly made it through the holidays, but with his progressive decline each week, I don’t anticipate he will be with us for next Christmas.
We’ve had Murray since he was just a year old, and he will turn 13 this January. He is my first long-term pet, as I had only owned goldfish before him. Despite his illness, Murray retains his energetic spirit and a healthy appetite. We are committed to caring for him and will continue our journey together for as long as he keeps fighting.
Looking Forward to 2013: Hope and New Horizons
So, here’s to 2013. With Murray’s illness, I know the hardest times are still ahead, filled with difficult goodbyes. However, I also believe that the best is yet to come. I am holding onto hope that this little blog of mine will serve as a gateway to much bigger dreams I harbor, potentially leading to exciting new ventures. Surprisingly, this blogging journey has already honed my skills as a videographer, opening up an unexpected avenue for creative expression. The lessons learned, the challenges faced, and the growth experienced in the past year have prepared me for whatever the future may hold.
Found this on Pinterest, but the link is broken. Not sure of original source.
—
The giveaway mentioned in the original post is now closed. Congratulations to Liz for winning!
Disclaimer: This giveaway was entirely sponsored by me from my own funds. Bon Appetit had no knowledge of this promotion and is not affiliated with it.