Funny how time flies. Nine years ago today, I began One Perfect Bite. The blog was originally intended to chronicle my kitchen adventures and provide a safe harbor for recipes and treasured memories of times spent in my own, or the kitchens of others. At the time, I actively pursued and entered recipe contests, and as I began to win I was able to meet others who shared my love of food and the creation of dishes that were delicious and as easy on the pocketbook as they were on the eye. These gracious women encouraged me to enter the world of blogging, and were it not for their pushing and pulling, One Perfect Bite would never have seen the light of day. I'd love to tell you that my efforts met with instantaneous success, but growth was painfully slow. At the end of three months I had four followers, two of whom were my daughters. I'm not a quitter, so I kept plugging away and by the end of the year I'd found my place in the blogging world.
That world, however, has changed with the introduction of social media. Much of it remains fun, but the constant need to "publish or perish" in multiple places is a drag on the everyday life that makes blogs and bloggers interesting. So, as I enter my 9th year in the food community I've come to love, there will be changes made to One Perfect Bite. I'm not quitting, but I am going to cut back on when and what I publish. I'll be posting 3 times a week. On Mondays, I'll be featuring favorite recipes from my personal collection. On Wednesdays, I'm going to resuscitate the popular Mid-Week Musings and share observations and thoughts that come to me as I work in the kitchen, and on Fridays I'll be posting weekly menus. This will give me time to work on a cooking memoir that I hope to share with you in the not too distant future. I'll remain on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter, so, save for frequency, we'll be able to stay in touch. I love you all and am so thankful I've been able to share this journey with you. Hugs and blessings...Mary
20 comments :
It is quite an accomplishment Mary. I often think of getting back in to blogging on my own terms and have joined a group of bloggers who will be doing just that. I have always enjoyed reading your posts and recipes and will look forward to many more years to come.
Love all your recipes. Look forward to your posts, it is definitely my favorite
I, too, am adjusting my blogging but haven't decided exactly how to continue. I'm glad to know you'll still be around!!
Best,
Bonnie
Congrats! I came to your blog late in the season but I do enjoy it. 😄
Congratulations on 9 years, Mary! Wow! I'll look forward to your future posts.
Happy anniversary!! 9 years is definitely something to be proud of. And posting 3 times a week is still a very strong amount! Can't wait to read more :)
Sues
Happy freer adventures! I'm on a much gentler schedule these days, as well, though I never posted as much as you, Mary. Enjoy the new life... and congratulations on such a long run for your beautiful blog!
Happy freer adventures! I'm on a much gentler schedule these days, as well, though I never posted as much as you, Mary. Enjoy the new life... and congratulations on such a long run for your beautiful blog!
Wow - 9 years - Happy BD.
Hello Mary, I'm a 36 y.o. mother of 2 who lives in South Jersey. I have been following your blog for several years. Congratulations on your anniversary. I'm very lucky you started this b/c I ALWAYS enjoy your posts and the history behind recipes. It's very entertaining and I thank you for doing it. Just wanted to say hello as I never have. I will continue to enjoy your site and posts. All the best. Warmly, Jessica
Congratulations!! Both on your celebrations of nine years, that's just amazing and also on blogging on your own terms! I often wonder how you do it to publish something every day!
I'm so glad you will remain on Facebook as that's where I most often keep in touch with you. Best of luck in the next nine years and know that you have a loyal follower that really enjoys your writing!
Congrats on your nine years, Mary! Your recipes are the best!
Congratulations Mary!!!!...I follow each one of your recipes, no matter how far we are from each other.
Love from Spain
Marialuisa
Happy Anniversary Mary, I'm still collecting and cooking you're lovely recipes,over here in the UK. I'm currently working my way through the back to school dinners. They are proving to be really tasty, and so easily made. Many Thanks. Linda.
Congratulations and long may you keep blogging. I started my blog purely for family and friends and than it ballooned! I don't know how you have managed to keep it up. My blogs have become quite spaced out, though the photo diary is daily. Much easier though with little writing. Take care and enjoy your memoirs. Diane
Mary, Congratulations on 9 years of blogging! I just passed my 6th anniversary and I'd already cut back to 3 times a week... More than that is like a job and heck, I'm retired! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
Congrats on 9 years Mary! Thanks for everything you've shared and I look forward to your future posts:@)
Well Mary, I knew this day would someday come, and I dreaded it even though I understand. Thank you for all the years and so many wonderful recipes, all but one of which came out (totally my fault). I look forward to getting your book.
All the best,
Sparkly Jules
This summer marked 9 years for me too, and just like you I am cutting back. We are completely on the same wavelength. This blogging stopped being fun and turned into work, and I want it to be fun again.
It's been a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mary, and I have enjoyed your blog. (Jimmy calls it "Bite this," I think because of the late hour your email arrives.) Don't worry, he says it with twinkling eyes and a silly smile. Seems like nine years is the magic number for bloggers to begin rethinking what and how often they'll publish, and I join you on this.
I've saved many of your recipes and do plan to give them a try. I've given a few of them a whirl already and they were as good as you said.
Our year has been turned upside down and it doesn't look like we'll be journeying into Oregon till next year. I hope to meet again!
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