Okay, now, prepare yourselves. I am about to be completely serious (I know! It’s just so not like me). No cute little puns, no jokes, no sarcastic remarks about Ms. You-Know-Who and her trademark belly laugh and equally ample lack of talent (Oops. I guess that sort of did count as a kind of sarcastic remark, didn’t it? Sorry, just can’t help myself).
But now back to my sober message.
My words are totally sincere, and entirely from the heart:
You Guys Are Great. You’re The Best. YOU ROCK!!
(Sorry, didn’t mean to embarrass you or anything, but I just had to say it).
I simply can’t thank you all enough for the incredible support, advice and encouragement you’ve given me over the past few weeks as I’ve struggled yet again with my diet. And I can’t express enough what an amazing bunch you are!
Over the years, I’ve dieted countless times, with my weight bouncing up, tumbling down, or hanging on in-between. And yes, I’ve certainly dealt with setbacks and difficulties in this area before. Still, while my friends and family are truly supportive and have always accepted me without lecturing or negativity, there’s only so much they can say or do (and they can only say or do it so many times).
But hearing from readers and other bloggers who have themselves gone through the same food-related challenges and learning about what you do/don’t do, and reading your kind comments–well, that’s just had a completely different effect, one that’s been incredibly motivating and reinvigorating for me. And even though we haven’t met in person, I feel as if I’ve gotten to know so many of you.
So thanks again, everyone, and thanks for continuing to read. I love knowing that you’re out there and love being part of this community.
(Temporary) GOODBYE:
Having said that, I must now bid you all adieu for a short while. I’ve been so overwhelmed with work 
(both my job and my part-time business) in the past couple of weeks that I’ve fallen sorely behind, and I’m sure the stress of never being caught up is also contributing to my illicit chocolate encounters (or should that last simply be “encounters with my friend who also gets me into mischief”?).
[Agave-based vanilla layer cake with agave-based lemon frosting]
After this past weekend of baking three huge orders for customers in between work, The Girls, my HH and my best friend’s big bash for her hubby (which is supposed to be fun, right?), I realized I need a bit of time to put things in order. (I’ve said this before, and it bears repeating: I am in awe of mothers with little kids. How on EARTH do you get everything done??)
[Sucanat-based Cinnamon Buns]
So I’m going to be taking a break from the blog for a few days until I get caught up and can give it the attention it deserves.
[Single-layer chocolate fudge cake with agave-based chocolate frosting]
I am feeling forlorn already. . . I can’t tell you how much I will miss the daily camaraderie, hearing from you all, and reading your blogs every day.
But I promise to have some great recipes when I return–last Friday, I received my copy of Vegan Express in the mail (courtesy of the marvelous Susan V of Fat-Free Vegan Kitchen, as a result of her wonderful Vegetable Love event). I’ve already chosen the recipes I want to make and can’t wait to blog about them. . . so stay tuned!
“See” you all again soon!
[Oh, Mum, it's just sooooo tedious when you're working all the time. . . ]
