August 28, 2011

Coming back to the blogosphere: the 7 links challenge hit me too!



I’ve been away for a long time. Two months more or less. I know some of you noticed. Thanks for all your sweet words. For those of you who didn’t, don’t worry, no offence…I know I’m a tiny dot in the food bloggers world. 

These two months have been real crazy. I (we) have been through family crisis, job crisis, risk of unemployment, risk of losing the house, my mom’s presence for 6 weeks and much more. Just when you are thinking “oh finally a relaxing period ahead” (this is what I was thinking back in June when the school year finished), life hits you! And this time it hit us harder than ever.

I have to admit, though, that now that everything is over Wally and I are a much more solid couple and our lives are really improving dramatically. (This of course is a consolation now. In the moment the crisis hit and you don’t know how it will resolve, sometimes one is just not able to see positive sides.) Now the only thing I need to do is get some real, mental rest. As I am writing this post, I’m thinking this is the first half hour in 2 months that I take for myself and that I spend without tears, anxiety, or worries. It feels good. 

In all this, updating my blog was the last of my thoughts! It still is not my priority because I haven’t yet gained full control of my free time. But a splendid person sent the whole 7 links thingy in my direction and I decided to take the opportunity to come back with a post and to revisit my blog. But I'm doing this also with a veil of sadness because, as of now, I don't know if and when I will be back blogging for real. For the time being, I consider this my last post. Maybe there will be more in the future but for now I need to focus on something else in my life. This does not mean I will completely disappear. I will continue follow you all and I will try to keep in touch as much as I can.

So as part of the 7 links challenge I have to publish 7 links to my blog, one for each category
-  Your most beautiful post
– Your most popular post
– Your most controversial post
– Your most helpful post
– A post whose success surprised you
– A post you feel didn’t get the attention it deserved
– The post that you are most proud of.

Here are my links. It was a bit hard for me to choose some. Most beautiful because of the pictures or because of what I wrote? Controversial in which sense? I don’t think I have any controversial posts…But I went with my guts. You might not agree and I would love to hear how and why so! I hope you enjoy. 

Most beautiful post

The post I wrote on Risini, an Italian pastry that belongs to my childhood, is really dear to me. I put so much effort into making them and setting the right stage for the pictures.




Most popular post

To my surprise the post which got more comments was my second entry to the Foodbuzz competion of last year. I was really not happy with my pics but I was very happy with the dessert.




Most controversial post

The first entry to the Foodbuzz competition…I really was conflicted between participating or not




Most helpful post

I don't know if it was helpful for others but it sure was helpful for me. I'm talking about the DB Challenge of May 2010: the piece montée. I learnt how to make pate a choux and I learnt that you can get seriously burnt with caramel!




Post whose success surprised me

It sure was the first post about my cheddar panini, which got more than a couple of comments! It was also the post with the first pictures I took with my new manual camera! They were still not amazing but for sure a great improvement. 




Post I feel didn’t get the attention it deserved

I have no doubt about this one. It was my post on the Torta della Nonna, the most amazing Italian dessert in my humble opinion, and the one I make the best. I won the Marin County fair competition (first place and best in show) with this single desssert. It's also my family's favorite. Of course that post did not get the deserved attention because it was one of my first ones but you should really try this cake!
PS: terrible picture, I know!




Post I am most proud of

For sure my first post! Because I really am not good at decorating and I felt it like a terrific accomplishment to take that class and be able to make flowers and roses with royal icing! And because it was my first post.



I guess this is it! Revisiting my blog gave me a nice perspective of what I've accomplished. I would love to thank you all of you for being part of my life and amazing readers of my blog. Maybe I will be back to improve what I've done so far, earlier than you think!

Have a sweet day!

22 comments:

  1. No post made me as sad as it did happy. I loved seeing all these past posts, especially the first one since our lives hadn't touched at that point. Your cake is gorgeous.

    I will miss your writing, my friend. I'm always amazed at how much of your personality comes out when you put words on paper (or blogs). I'll miss seeing your amazing baked goods and reading about life. Please keep in touch and if you ever need to have a cup of joe with anyone, I do have skype. :)

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  2. oh my.... call me a dork. this makes me sad I just want to cry!. I will miss you so much. You may not realize it, but you have been such a wonderful inspiration to all of us food bloggers out here. You beauty and charm are in every post and your style is all your own. Missing you already - you were the envy of delicious baked goods and sweet treats! Be well.. glad that you and Wally are stronger than ever - that is what is truly important. xoxo Megan

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  3. Sara, I for one have certainly missed you and your sweet presence. I hate to hear that life has not been kind over the past two months. I thought you were off enjoying yourself and it makes me sad to hear that this was not the case. You are a lovely blogger and a talented cook and when you are ready to come back to us, I will be here to read every word.

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  4. Welcome back Sara!! I noticed you were blogging! Sounds like you have been through a lot in these last few months, somehow I though you were "on vacation". Glad to see you, and I'm loving all these 7 things posts!!
    Fingers crossed that all is well in your life now and that things are working out. Hugs to both you and Wally!

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  5. You were definitely missed! Best wishes in persevering in the challenges your family has been dealing with. I will keep sending good thoughts your way.
    All of your posts are beautiful! But wow, the difference in your photography skills between your first post and now. You should be very proud!

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  6. Dear Sara, I am so glad you wrote this post to update your readers. I am also guilty of thinking you were on an extended break after the end of the school year. It is clear from what you say that it has been a difficult period and I am certainly glad to hear a familiar note of cheerfulness in your writing voice. I wish you all the best, wherever you are and wherever life leads you. The good thing of a blog is that you an always pick it up where you left it off.

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  7. Sara,
    Sometimes life gets in the way of blogging. But it's good to see now, and savor the moment. I have had a crazy summer, too, and have been in and out of the blogoshere, so I somewhat understand how you feel.

    I love your first post and your cake is beautiful.

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  8. Ah, Sara, I've wondered where you were. Life does get complicated at times and that's what makes us stronger. Sending good thoughts your way and hoping our paths will cross again. Best wishes, Kate @ kateiscooking

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  9. I'm sorry your summer was so stressful. I'm going to be on break for a while too, I will be thinking about you and if you need an ear don't hesitate to call. I printed out Torta della Nonna to make tonight, I've been a little homesick myself.
    Hugs,
    -Gina-

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  10. I'm very sorry to hear that. Your blog is one of my favorites and I'll miss it a lot. Even in the hard times it could be good to take a little time for yourself. Hope that all goes well with you and you get back to your hobbies as well and share your wonderful experiences with us.

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  11. "a tiny dot in the food blogging world" - cute. Well, I for one have missed your blog!! This was a very nice trip down memory lane.

    :)
    ButterYum

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  12. I hope everything calms down for you (I am SURE it will) and loved the trip down memory lane. Sending positive energy your way...

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  13. oh Sara, it was bad enough being without you this summer, If I don't get to read your posts I'm going to be very sad indeed. I understand that your personal life comes first though, and I wish you the best of luck in the future and that you get all the good things in life that you deserve.
    If I can ever be of any help what so ever, please don't hesitate to contact me.
    Please send my regards and best wishes to Wally
    Dennis

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  14. I've wondered where you've been. I'm glad to see one more post. I hope things get better for you and Wally and you can eventually get back to blogging. Best wishes to you.

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  15. Hi Sara,
    you have been missed all summer long and was so happy to see you updated your blog but after reading it I feel sad.
    I hope now that things seem to get back to normal you find the balance and hopefully this is not going to be your last post.
    Sending you lots of love, if you need anything, let me know.

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  16. awesome post .. i like all your photos

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  17. Sara, I did notice your absence over the summer, and while it's good to see this post, I'm hoping things will take a positive turn for you so that we may see more of you. Best wishes to you and yours!

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  18. ciao cara Sara. All of these links are beautiful. Your recipes are always fantastic. I hope you find some time/desire to come back to blog this fall. how was italia? say "ciao" sometime on twitter. un bacione!! xxoo

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  19. Sara, I've been absent for most of the summer, too. I'm sorry to hear that you've been through so much these last few months but I'm happy that you have come out of your challenges feeling stronger. Everyone needs rest so you take the time you need to recharge. Your friends will be here waiting for you when you return. :)

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  20. Welcome back!! Look at all these scrumptious recipes and posts you're welcoming us back with.

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