Thoughts on Hiatus and Returning to Writing
Just in case you hadn’t noticed, I decided to take a hiatus from writing my blog. The reasons, while not terrible, were many. Travelling, house remodeling, working, cat care, recipe writing & testing, teaching, and the holidays all played a part. The most looming one for me was, of course, the most distressing; I felt stuck and uninspired. I’m not a natural writer. And as I began to lose confidence in my writing, the process became slower and more fraught every time I sat at the keyboard. It’s all right to write about recipes and travel, but when one feels frustrated with the process, it’s time to step back for a while.
And that’s what I did.
I’m feeling better about things now and am hoping to look at this blog with a fresh perspective. I’ll still bring you recipes and travel, but I also want to talk about ingredients, maybe discuss a cookbook I like (or don’t), a photographic study, or do the occasional stream-of-conscienceness rant. I like to think if I can keep this fresh and exciting for me, it will be for all of you, too.
I’m still teaching at North Lamar Central Market Cooking School (the original CM!) as I have been for the last 18 years. Funny how I still learn something about teaching every time I go in. (Shameless plug time – go to my “Classes” page and my upcoming classes are listed. If you’re in Austin, in the surrounding area, or even visiting, come by and see me.)
Another big change for me is my (almost) new part-time gig at Boggy Creek Farm. I started there as a farmhand volunteer a year ago and came on as a part-time cashier last October. I don’t know why I didn’t do it sooner. That farm is simply a wonderful place to be to clear one’s head and to learn about where, how, and, yes, why locally grown foods are so important; not only for one’s health, but for the health of the ecosystem as well. The farmstand is open Wednesday through Saturday, 8am – 1pm.
Added bonus – not only are Carol Ann & Larry two of the best people I know, asking them a question about the farm, farming, fermentation, seasonality, woodworking, chickens, and even history, is like getting a Master Class every time. Carol Ann has also made me the official farmstand photographer. So, I get to do one of the things I love the most – take copious amounts of photographs. Honestly, around the farm, it’s easy to get lovely pictures.
So, I hope to bring you some new recipes along with other thoughts and wanderings starting again next week. Until then, enjoy a few more randomly selected photographs.
I’ll see y’all soon.
