Surprised by Joy
By on December 15, 2009 9:12 PM
Today marks a year since I published my first ever post on Gourmet Worrier and thus made my debut onto the blogging scene. In doing so, I unexpectedly joined the ranks of those suffering from what has been referred to by some as 'gourmand syndrome', which as far as I'm concerned is a most pleasurable and joyous condition to be struck down with.
In looking back at the year that was, I can honestly say that I didn't really think that anyone would be remotely interested in what I had to say, think or cook. Hence, I am completely gobsmacked that people actually take the time to read my blog and continue to do so every day!
I primarily started this blog for me, as I desperately needed a place where I could find my 'own' voice and 'vent my gastronomic spleen'. If truth were told, I never set out to write for any given audience, because no one was really out there, right? I was happy with my little piece of the blogosphere, content being Ms Gourmet the anonymous, naive, newbie blogger.
Yet within what seemed like a matter of moments I began to connect with other like-minded food centric souls who not only understood me, but also wanted to 'follow me' and get to know me. Your genuine interest, honesty and sincerity demanded that I shed my alias and reveal myself - pronto! So down went the 'bumblebee' avatar and up went the photo of moi! Yes I was cautious and tentative like the rest of you, but I allowed myself to be led by instinct and began to let you in one at a time.
I now enjoy the many conversations that fill my day with people I would never have had the chance to connect with due to the obvious constraints of time and geography. For someone who is painfully introverted, deeply suspicious and at times can border on paranoid - blogging has proven to be a most therapeutic outlet.
Despite my major faux pars and the huge learning curve before me, many fellow blogger's have proven to be incredibly generous and helpful with their suggestions and advice, and so for this I thank you! Very early on there was Christie with her constructive, yet ever so gentle criticism, followed shortly there after by Ilva who although frank and direct is also incredibly seasoned, honest and wise. Then along came Bron, Deb, Jessica and Mona and to my utter joy came Heidi, Jamie, Anissa, Pip and Denise. Never in a million years would I have ever believed that Marcella herself would show up on Gourmet Worrier.
Dear readers I'm constantly blown-away by your friendship and incredible kindness, despite us having never met face to face or having shared a meal together. Well all except for Mona who not only shared a meal or two with Huxley and I when we were recently in Malta, but who then graciously allowed us to crash in her guest room after that unforgettable meal at Tal-familja.
It was only late last week that I found this gorgeous comment that Elaine had recently left on my very first post. Hence, Elaine managed to articulate everything that I am currently feeling at this time:
'Blogging serves a purpose if only to allow some to bloviate endlessly. However, when one magically connects with a food geek that is serious about their obsession then palates are expanded, relationships developed and food knowledge grows. Sharing meals, cooking marathons, or visiting markets together all virtually, makes those experiences all the more sweeter.
Thank you internet, for bringing together a food community we otherwise may never have known, with those such as Ms. Gourmet.'
So thank you for coming along with me on this journey of sorts and for helping me to understand that genuine, authentic connection is far more rewarding than hits and page views!
In looking back at the year that was, I can honestly say that I didn't really think that anyone would be remotely interested in what I had to say, think or cook. Hence, I am completely gobsmacked that people actually take the time to read my blog and continue to do so every day!
I primarily started this blog for me, as I desperately needed a place where I could find my 'own' voice and 'vent my gastronomic spleen'. If truth were told, I never set out to write for any given audience, because no one was really out there, right? I was happy with my little piece of the blogosphere, content being Ms Gourmet the anonymous, naive, newbie blogger.
Yet within what seemed like a matter of moments I began to connect with other like-minded food centric souls who not only understood me, but also wanted to 'follow me' and get to know me. Your genuine interest, honesty and sincerity demanded that I shed my alias and reveal myself - pronto! So down went the 'bumblebee' avatar and up went the photo of moi! Yes I was cautious and tentative like the rest of you, but I allowed myself to be led by instinct and began to let you in one at a time.
I now enjoy the many conversations that fill my day with people I would never have had the chance to connect with due to the obvious constraints of time and geography. For someone who is painfully introverted, deeply suspicious and at times can border on paranoid - blogging has proven to be a most therapeutic outlet.
Despite my major faux pars and the huge learning curve before me, many fellow blogger's have proven to be incredibly generous and helpful with their suggestions and advice, and so for this I thank you! Very early on there was Christie with her constructive, yet ever so gentle criticism, followed shortly there after by Ilva who although frank and direct is also incredibly seasoned, honest and wise. Then along came Bron, Deb, Jessica and Mona and to my utter joy came Heidi, Jamie, Anissa, Pip and Denise. Never in a million years would I have ever believed that Marcella herself would show up on Gourmet Worrier.
Dear readers I'm constantly blown-away by your friendship and incredible kindness, despite us having never met face to face or having shared a meal together. Well all except for Mona who not only shared a meal or two with Huxley and I when we were recently in Malta, but who then graciously allowed us to crash in her guest room after that unforgettable meal at Tal-familja.
It was only late last week that I found this gorgeous comment that Elaine had recently left on my very first post. Hence, Elaine managed to articulate everything that I am currently feeling at this time:
'Blogging serves a purpose if only to allow some to bloviate endlessly. However, when one magically connects with a food geek that is serious about their obsession then palates are expanded, relationships developed and food knowledge grows. Sharing meals, cooking marathons, or visiting markets together all virtually, makes those experiences all the more sweeter.
Thank you internet, for bringing together a food community we otherwise may never have known, with those such as Ms. Gourmet.'
So thank you for coming along with me on this journey of sorts and for helping me to understand that genuine, authentic connection is far more rewarding than hits and page views!
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The Daily Feed
Congrats on your first 'blogversary'.When I started my blog more than three years ago,I did so with exactly the same ends as yours, just for myself; couldn't even imagine that someone would actually want to read it. But now, I feel so happy that I took that first step on a cold December night to start my blog. Otherwise how would I have known so many wonderful people like you.
All the best and wishing you many, many more years of happy blogging. Looking forward to knowing you better.
and you enrich our lives with your sense of humor and wonderful words. glad you created this space and thanks to twitter i'm enjoying getting to know you more! look forward to maybe exchanging wild 80s stories next year in london! hugs!
Congratulations Nanette! I cannot but say that I am very happy that you decided to start blogging and that you did write to me because how would I ever have got to know you otherwise? Keep on blogging -you do it so well! xoxo
Congratulations, Nanette, darling, and we are thrilled that you stuck with it. Food blogging has allowed me, as it does you, a place to create, to live out my life and food experiences, to connect with other passionate like minded gourmands. And through food blogging, I, too, have found a family, you and Ilva and Bron and Denise as well as Deeba and Meeta and Hilda, Kerrin and Claire. We not only share a love of food but of life as well. And though many of us are much more comfortable sitting hidden behind our computer screen, we are slowly but surely coming face to face with each other and discovering sisters!
Hugs and tanti baci!
Jamie
Congrats Nanette!
Congratulations Nanette! It's a wonderful feeling reaching these milestones. It's also great that you have made all these wonderful friends because it does make the world of difference. I look forward to meeting you in June!
Wow, already a year? time flies isn't?. I still remember the *first time we've meet* after you left a super nice comment on my foodbuzz profile about my Maggie Beer's post.
Immediately after you left that comment I went to check your blog and felt instant and genuine admiration for your writing and communicating skills.
We may not chat much but you know I adore your blog and most important I cherish our friendship. I think you are one (if not the) most genuine person(s) in this food blogging world filled with so many so called *experts/masters*.
I adore GW because it's just 100% Nanette. Never change that my darling.
Felicidades for this first anniversary and cheers on the (many) years to come!
Oh Nanette, you are a wonderful, warm & caring woman, whom I have grown very fond of. When I say you are my soul sister, I mean it! I congratulate you for hanging in there for your first year, it only gets easier now on out! Your site is wonderful, full of your lovely personality and delicious food, which lucky for me does not go to my hips! I, too, look forward to the day when we are sitting together and enjoying a glass of wine. Until then we will continue to do so virtually!
xx oo
D.
Congratulations Nanette! I could totally relate to the way you initially approached blogging and then finally opened up. Can't wait to finally meet you in person hopefully next year!
Beautiful :-) I'm so glad you're here. :-)
Congratulations Nanette! May you have many, many more successful and enjoyable years blogging.
The internet makes the world seem so much smaller and allows us to make friends with wonderful people (like you) who we would never have the opportunity to meet otherwise.
A whole year, huh? Such a beautiful post. And I can totally relate. I never would have thought people would not only come to read my rantings, but care enough to leave a comment.
I for one, am so happy to have found you and your blog. I love how honest and straightforward you are. I never feel like you are pushing for traffic or trying to sell me something.
Congrats Nanette, can't wait for year #2!
How wonderful! Here is to many more years of beautiful blogging! Congrats!
I would never have guessed you were introverted! If I'd known I may have been less bossy when offering you advice a year ago (it's very kind of you to describe me as gentle!)
I'm so glad you've found such a wonderful outlet for your creativity, warmth and bright spirit. I wait with nail-biting anticipation to meet you in 'real-life' (whatever that is!).
Love Christie x
Congratulations! Here's to another great year!!!
Congrats!! It's is so wonderful to read your thoughts , not only on food and travel, but family and love.
Well done and a big "Cheers" ( with martinis') to you
xoxo
P.S. Who would have thought you'd have straight hair now!! LOL!!
Congratulations on your one year of blogging! I am new-ish to your blog (well also new-ish to the food blogging thing) and have enjoyed your blog a LOT. REAAAALLY looking forward to meeting you at FBC10 in London next year! x
Happy blog anniversary, Gourmet Worrier!
Come over for Gin and Tonic or Cava soon!
Words and pictures stringing together thoughts and times with family and friends, perfect decoration for the holidays.
So happy to have met you, someone from the other side of the world whom I can relate to.
Here is to many more years of blogging..
Congrats on the one year blogging landmark Nanette! Brilliant stuff this, and am thrilled you are having such a wonderful time. Loved reading your post!
xoxo
Thank you Sunita for your kind words, I too look forward to getting to know you!
Ah Meeta I'm so glad I found you and I look forward to meeting you in London next year!
Ilva I'm so glad that our paths have crossed and I cherish our friendship! Let's try and meet up for *real* next year!
Jamie my dear friend you are an absolute gem! I can't wait to meet you for real so that I can give you a huge hug! Until then, Skype is just going to have to do :D
Thank you darling!
Darling Heidi, I'm speechless! You have truly made this journey so worthwhile!
It's bizarre really to feel such a connection and bond with someone that you have never met face to face, yet I feel the same Denise! You along with Ilva, Jamie, Heidi and Deb have become my 'soul sisters'.
Funny about that as there is a great cafe in Melbourne called 'Soul Sister's' will have to take you there when you come to Australia! Oh the fun we will have xx
Dear Mowie, with every new post you write I see a little bit more of you! I too hope to meet you in person next year! Until then, fingers crossed xx
You sweet thing, thanks so much for your gorgeous words! I too am so grateful to have found you and your blog!
When are you coming to Melbourne, already?!
Thank you bella!
Grazie bella!
Thank you Krista that means a lot!
I'm so glad we got the chance to *meet* Deb, looking forward to sharing a meal or two with you in Italy!
It's still that curly love, it's just that I have since discovered ghd's!
Will do!
Thank you Deeba darling!