Comments on: a happy place

By: Kristi

Kristi — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:53:32 +0000

I just have to tell you -- WOW, I'm glad I found your blog! From chain-smoking grandmother that reminds me of my own, to a turbulent relationship with your father who is struggling with health problems while he's still so long, to an intense love for your kids that sometimes turns your life upside down, to the need to express yourself through, of all things, writing about food. Looks like we have a few things in common! Yes, please keep writing with honesty, don't skip the painful stuff, and bring in the food wherever you can. I'll keep reading for sure. Kristi’s last blog post..put the kid to work: quesadilla day

By: Tricia

Tricia — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 22:20:50 +0000

I love to read about real life. Like you, when I read that everything is wonderful all the time, I feel skeptical and sometimes even cheated. I like to get my hands dirty, whether it's mushing my fingers in cookie dough with my son or with my writing. There's always a place for humor and levity, but I really do find myself more drawn to what feels real. I hope that makes sense...and there's always food for every emotion...celebratory food, comfort food... I'd love to learn more about the envelope of letters and the journey rereading them is taking you on. Tricia’s last blog post..Redefining Normal

By: Nurit - 1 family. friendly. food.

Nurit - 1 family. friendly. food. — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 04:12:17 +0000

Diana, Gosh, you are the sweetest person. But I’m OK and I’ll be fine. So many people in the world need prayers much more than I do. Really. I’m strong. Thank you.

By: Diana

Diana — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:18:06 +0000

We’ve chatted a lot about this, so you know I say GO FOR IT! I hope you’re able to work through the things those letters brought up. What an opportunity! As much as it hurts, it’s when we deal with our hurts rather than try to forget them that we can truly experience the fullness of life. Eric and I are still praying hard for you. Let me know if you want to get together to talk sometime.

By: Nurit - 1 family. friendly. food.

Nurit - 1 family. friendly. food. — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 04:05:46 +0000

Thank you, Natasha.

Marie, thank you for linking and your feedback. I would love to meet you next time we both go to a bloggers event.

By: Marie - Mamma's Cooking

Marie - Mamma's Cooking — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:12:43 +0000

Nurit - Sorry to hear about your dad. As someone else stated above cooking is definitely a stress reliever! I'm so bummed that I missed the Ruth Reichl event. I've been to one of the Seattle Food Blogger events but haven't been able to make one lately. Hopefully the next in July. I look forward to getting the chance to chat with you. I really enjoy your blog. I linked to your blog from my most recent post in Mamma's cooking. Marie - Mamma's Cooking’s last blog post..Summertime!

By: Natasha - 5 Star Foodie

Natasha - 5 Star Foodie — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 22:52:03 +0000

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad and that you are going through some hard times right now. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Natasha - 5 Star Foodie’s last blog post..Frozen Coffee Liqueur Soufflé

By: Nurit - 1 family. friendly. food.

Nurit - 1 family. friendly. food. — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:35:57 +0000

Bernie, Donna, Anne, Katrina, thank you all.
Wow, I’m so amazed by the thoughts and stories you share. Not that I didn’t know you are the best…

Thank you all for the good wishes. My uncle is the hero in this story really. He and his wife are helping my dad for many months now since other family members are living in other countries or are not feeling close enough to be part of this episode.

As for blogging – yes, it’s is my blog, but I don’t want to be the only one who is reading it. Finding a way to engage other people is on my mind as well as not leaving you feeling gloomy after each post. It’s the thought that other people might go, or have gone, through similar life situations is what makes me want to include it in my blog.

Maybe it was chance but I’ve seen more fun or picture perfect food blogs then not, so I was just wondering what’s about it. But sure, there are some pretty good real life blogs out there that I have found and many more waiting to be found. Maybe I should do a post about those and link to them.

As for cooking – for me it is kind of a meditative act. I think this is why I prefer to be alone in the kitchen and cook by myself. It’s really a time for me to disconnect from other things and clear my mind. It’s like taking a little break.

By: Katrina

Katrina — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:20:14 +0000

Food can be a cathartic way of dealing with the heavy stuff. It’s nice to know that there are other bloggers out there who have real lives, not just happy and perfect veneers we see through photos. I know that I personally have used food in the past to help myself or friends discuss some of the harder things in life. I’ma ll for you including it here.

By: Anne

Anne — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:31:49 +0000

Nurit, this must be a time of great upheaval for you. And the letters! Oh man, I can imagine the mixed thoughts and feelings that would surface from a gift like that. You and your family are in my thoughts. I think it is good to be real. For me, when I write about hard times in a public way, I try to bring with it a seed of something that the reader can take away–such as a realization/nugget of wisdom, a compelling question, or even hope. I think authenticity was something that one of the panels was talking about at IFBC, and I thought that was cool. I’m interested in authenticity. And the thought you raise (about questioning the blogs that show only a happy, shiny life) is compelling. Thank you.
Anne