i remember the first time someone added me to their blogroll. it was “everybody loves sandwiches” and i was giddy as a schoolgirl.

and let us not forget that george clooney started in soaps, too (right?)

Thanks so much for taking the time to read and post a comment! You’ve summed up so much of what I’m experiencing as I continue to blog (loving it all, finding others out there and reading their blogs, etc.). It’s nice to know that you all began much the same way. And I’m certainly looking forward to the rest of the journey.

When I started blogging I looked up with awe to those who had started before me and seemed oh-so-accomplished and connected. I was just trying to find my way (though enjoying every bit of the process). Then I discovered the best thing about food bloggers is that they tend to be friendly folks. Though I felt intimidated, I was welcomed and many of these people are now friends of mine (it probably helped that the food blogger world was a bit smaller back then). It was all about sitting down at a table together (there’s no secret handshake–I assure you–though perhaps I am only B-list and haven’t become privy to such knowledge!)

In the end, I think we’re all just trying to share our passion and enjoyment of food and community. Perhaps it begins to feel like Hollywood–or high school (gag)–but it was never meant that way. I’ll agree with Sam and say that I feel very ordinary; I imagine that we all do.

The blog world is an interesting place, especially as it grows and changes. I love watching new blogs taking off and gaining in popularity (though it I think it’s a requirement that you have the word “kitchen” in your title–Steamy, Smitten, etc). I love hearing all the different voices and experiences. I love seeing new bloggers fall in love with the practice and the connections it leads to. And I love watching skills sharpen as the regular writing and photography pays off.

(If you ever want a blogging ego boost–or just a good laugh–go back and read the early posts of some of these food bloggers. With the exception of David Lebovitz, who leapt from the womb articulate and funny, and Deb of Smitten Kitchen, who was blogging for ages before she got started on food, most everyone else started out pretty dorky; I have photos in my archives that are so awful they would give a Martha Stewart Living art director nightmares for a week!)

Thanks for the laugh–and the dose of perspective. I can’t wait to see where YOU might end up in a few years of blogging:-)

The Girls would love to meet (and play with) you, snow or not. Okay, we can start here, then go back there to the gorgeous sun and heat (though I can’t say I’m too fond of spiders–when I arranged a teaching exchange to Australia several years back, that funnel web was almost a deal breaker! Sadly, the Aussie couple cancelled, so I’m still dreaming of living there one day.)

Annie,
I think we should start a Soap Pride Parade during Sweeps Weeks. (Oh, and thank goodness you eschewed the plastic surgery, or I wouldn’t have been able to visit your blog anymore!). As for me, just an appearance on ATWT would be enough to satisfy me for life (well, maybe we could get Dennis Quaid to guest star as well, or something).