I recently visited an amazing blog filled with gorgeous photographs and wonderful recipes.
I marveled over the sheer beauty of this blog.
I scrolled through page after page of perfection. One gorgeous photo after another. One delicious looking recipe after another. Every other day a new recipe. I was so impressed. Then I read the about page:
Author-Baker-Cook-Photographer... and oh yeah one more little tid bit....she is a resident physician! Wait it gets better...with 2 toddlers!
How? How can this be? It just boggled my mind. Where does this woman find the time? Seriously? I work full time outside the home. 45 hours a week. I put a hot meal on the table every night, I cook and bake on the weekends and try to take a photo in the small amount of natural sunlight that the New England skies offer during the winter months and I'm lucky, if on a good week I post 2 things.
How does she juggle being a doctor, raising toddlers and food blog all at the same time? I can't fathom it. I really can't. I griped about it on Facebook and got some funny responses. How does she do it all I asked?
- She has an assistant
- Her nurse does it
- One word: Nanny(ies).
- She has no friends. And a husband who cheats on her. See, it all evens out in the end!
- Meds. Very good meds. Maybe she can get us some
and my favorite response:
- Magic.
I stopped comparing myself to the Pioneer Wimmin's of the blogging world. I will never be "that" blogger. I will never have a cookbook deal or a TV show or appear on daytime television. I know that. I'm ok with that, but I just have to say that her blog made me feel like an under-achiever. I'm sure some of you will know who I'm talking about. There can't be a whole lotta food blogs written by doctors can they? At least I don't think so. I may be totally in the dark here.
I don't have a personalized logo, or a recipe index. I don't have a "press" tab or have any of my recipes in categories. I just don't have the time to do any of that.
This really through me for a loop. Made me question this little blog of mine, this tiny piece of the Internet that some folks visit. Made me hate my not so perfectly lit photos taken in the garage before 4pm because after that it gets too dark to photograph anything. Made me feel bad about forcing my family to eat early every weekend or I won't get to photograph the food and then there goes another post down the drain.
It dredged up every bit of self doubt I had. I try so hard not to let it get to me, but it did. It had me questioning whether or not I should even continue this blog. It really had. Who would have thought a search for a birthday cake recipe for my Mom would have done this?
I just have to keep telling myself that I can't do it all. I thought I resigned myself to that fact. I don't know why that blog got to me the way it did. I'm thankful for every person that reads these words and makes my recipes and shares part of their world with me. I really am. I just have to let it go and not compare and just be me, but sometimes that is easier said than done.
And oh by the way.........I made a cake from a recipe on her blog and the cake sucked. The frosting was awesome but the cake was very disappointing. Maybe that was the universe saying "hang in there"?
Okay, enough with that......let's talk about dip shall we.
Here is a not so perfect picture that I'm sure foodgawker would reject immediately!
I have served this dip three times since Christmas. It was a huge hit every time.
It's very light, almost ricotta like. I tweaked it just a wee little bit.
If you are hosting a Super Bowl party, I can guarantee that this will be the first thing they eat.
Hot Sweet Onion Dip
adapted from a recipe at White on Rice Couple
8 oz package of cream cheese (very softened)
1 cup mayo
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup finely diced sweet onion.
1 tablespoon parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon fresh cracked black pepper
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Place the softened cream cheese in a large bowl and beat with a hand mixer (about 1 minute). Add the remaining ingredients and mix by hand until combined.
Place in an oven safe dish. Bake 30-45 minutes for all ingredients to cook together. You want the top to be nicely browned. Serve with your favorite bread, crackers or chips.
I know exactly who you're talking about and I guess the question has crossed my mind, too. But somehow, I don't put her in the same category as Ree Drummond. Ree just rubs me the wrong way, and I don't find her recipes that appealing (just my opinion). The blogger you're speaking of, though, has some pretty decent recipes. I've tried quite a few of them.
ReplyDeleteMy blog isn't at all like hers, so comparing mine to hers is meaningless. I like mine just the way it is...and I enjoy hers sometimes, too. Like many, I think maybe her personal life is lacking a few things, or that she has some helpers most of us don't have. But whatever...I'm just there for the food!
And for what it's worth...I have lots of your recipes pinned to try in the future (pasta pie is on next week's menu!) and I think you're photos are lovely. I get a few good ones by accident, but yours are consistently good.
ReplyDeleteI've gone through the up and down blogger roller coaster of emotions, so I can relate to a lot of what you said. But keep in mind, there are plenty of people who look at The Cutting Edge the same way "I wish my pictures were as great as Lisa's" and "How does she blog when she has a FT job, too?" and "I wish that many people followed me on Pinterest" et, etc, ETC. It's all relative!
ReplyDeleteOh! And p.s....YUM on the onion dip :D
ReplyDeleteThanks Annie and Amy. I had a moment, lol. And let me just say, I have no idea why I have so many followers on Pinterst. It blows my mind. Thank you both for those kind words.
ReplyDeleteI will never forget that onion dip - I ate it made by Todd and Diane when I met them and Jen Yu for dinner at their place in downtown LA. That and Todd's scalloped potatoes were phenomenal. I never make it for myself, though, because OMG I'd eat bowls and bowls of it by myself...
ReplyDeleteAs for your blog. I couldn't help but smile reading this and just want to hug you and shake you at the same time. I'm trying to come up with a way to explain my take on this and I keep erasing and starting over...
Here's the thing. Your pictures and recipes and style and writing that comprise this blog convey a personality that is uniquely you. To me, that means a sweet but sometimes edgy, funny, family-oriented, nature-loving, simple and delicious place to visit.
Her page is bright and shiny and fast and go and do and link and reference and advertise, which conveys a style and personality that is her and what she wants to have in her space.
I don't want the latter, I want the former. And I am far from alone in wanting that.
I want YOUR blog, Lisa, with your photos with all the warm colors, where it always feels like autumn.
Don't envy or resent her. Just keep doing what you do. You're perfect just as you are. :)
I see you've found Annie (not the commenter above Annie, but the other one) :) I've met her (at a photographing workshop, and her photos rock and mine still SUCK...argh!) She's a very lovely person, but I do envy her energy and skill.
ReplyDeleteI don't practice medicine for a living (I wipe my kids' little butts) and I don't even have a quarter of her ambition/energy.
But you know what? I think your photos are good! Especially compared to my craptacular ones, but I don't mean it that way. Yours are good in any sense of the manner.
ps: I've also met Ree. Not a very lovely person. Our secret, okay?
Melissa, you made me cry. Right here at my desk where I should be working but instead I'm ready these beautiful comments and weeping. I love you girl.
ReplyDeleteTKW,
ReplyDeleteFirst let me say I love your blog and I'm honored that you even read mine. Thanks so much for the kind words. I knew you guys would make me feel better. Thanks!
Melissa ^^^. Sigh. She has such a gift for the written word. And I agree with everything she said! <3
ReplyDeleteLove you Lisa!
ReplyDelete(Love you too Amy! ;D)
It is so funny you posted this because I just had similar thoughts last night. It was 8pm I had JUST sat down to write a blog post and I thought.. between my FT job, husband, dog and life in general is this all worth it? Will my 250 readers even care if I never write another word? And yes my photos still usually suck. I always have food blogger envy from other sites with better pics ( like your onion dip) or I like their layout better. Glad to know we can all be honest!
ReplyDeleteLisa,
ReplyDeleteDon't compare yourself. You won't win. And, it's not because you are less than or she's better than.
It's because you are you.
And there's no one like you.
Don't let Food Gawker or "random dude" who doesn't like pasta pies make you look to other blogs for your worth.
Don't go back to the bad part of Jr. High. (At least for me.)
I love your photos. And, can I just say that the dish you are serving that dip in is lovely? Some of us notice the little things. We might forget to mention them enough, though.
Light. Winter light sucks. Full stop. I've driven my family crazy trying to time the meal, the side dishes, the light through the window...when do we need to drop off __ at __ again?
I now only photograph on the weekends during the day. And, I save the pics for the rainy days. But, that works for me because I'm not posting everyday. For those of us with FT jobs it just doesn't allow for daytime pic in natural light.
YOU have an amazing blog. Great recipes. Laughs. Family moments. In a pretty package.
Do not change anything...unless YOU want to. As they say in Jr. High, "U Rawk!"
~ Dana
Reading your blog is like reading my mind! It took me a long time to adjust to the fact that I wasn't as "developed" as other blogs, and that I don't get 193 comments with each one.
ReplyDeleteBut I came to realize that I was happy with my own little corner of the internet. As soon as blogging becomes a chore, it isn't fun anymore. I'm sure that some bloggers, in order to be so successful at it, have given up a lot of the fun parts.
Do you still have fun doing yours?
Dana, thank you. I can always count on you for words of wisdom, and you know you hit on something that was going through my head. High School. That's just what it felt like to me. I was always the "cute" one hanging out with the "beautiful" ones, and that was ok, but every once in a while it stung. I guess this one stung me good. Thanks friend.
ReplyDeleteLeanne - you are a fellow Rhode Islander! What a surprise! Great blog. I'll be checking it out! Thanks for commenting and your kind words!
ReplyDeleteJeff, we little bloggers need to stick together. I checked out your blog too. Great recipes and to answer your questions...yes I still have fun with this!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a food blogger, but often get too swept up in the "ooooh, I need to make that new dish when I get home from work late and have worked seven days in a row at this pace." Nope. I don't. My husband and kids don't care. There is no report card. I make what I would like to make, when I have the time to make it.
ReplyDeleteOf course, I type all of this with several recipes open in my browser... :)
Usually if a blog seems too good to be true, then its usually not all that... Is there proof that she is a doctor? Let's face it any one can say what their occupation is... If it smells fishy, it most likely is... Stay off her posts, don't stress yourself over it... There is a blog that I take w/a grain of salt... Chi-chi model who seems to live the good life... has beautiful friends, great social life, etc.. oh and she travels a lot... sound too good?? it is, so, its great to escape thru someone's 'fantasy life' and that's all it is..
ReplyDeleteHi...I love your blog and read it faithfully (and have stolen...well really just "cooked") a recipe or 2 of yours.
ReplyDeleteI'm an old lady, 69. I just have one thing to say: that whole thing out there about "having it all for women" is a total crock!!
I worked 44 yrs as a nurse, buried 2 husbands and raised a beautiful daughter.....and I did it "my way"!!
Don't ever compare your own specialness to someone "out there"...it's silly. Life is a one-time-thing so please, do it your way and know in your heart that way is enough and also unique just to you, which makes it truely special! Comparing yourself to others is a waste of your very precious time!
OK..rant over and have a wonderful day!!
Nancy
Hi...I love your blog and read it faithfully (and have stolen...well really just "cooked") a recipe or 2 of yours.
ReplyDeleteI'm an old lady, 69. I just have one thing to say: that whole thing out there about "having it all for women" is a total crock!!
I worked 44 yrs as a nurse, buried 2 husbands and raised a beautiful daughter.....and I did it "my way"!!
Don't ever compare your own specialness to someone "out there"...it's silly. Life is a one-time-thing so please, do it your way and know in your heart that way is enough and also unique just to you, which makes it truely special! Comparing yourself to others is a waste of your very precious time!
OK..rant over and have a wonderful day!!
Nancy
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI rarely ever comment to posts, but I'm always here. This rant, and I know everyone is entitled to their own opinions, made me feel a little bad. I know what it feels like to see so many blogs out there that are incredible and have amazing looking photographs. I've tried many, many times to create a blog, and I always give up due to some excuse, even though I really enjoy making a blog and posting whatever is on my mind.
I almost sense some jealousy, but you shouldn't be! I believe if people want to do something, they make time for it. Your blog is wonderful and I have so many recipes I've made or are going to make from your blog, and you should feel proud because of that! Just because someone's blog has a pretty layout or their photograph has better lighting, just remember they most likely paid the big bucks for such things.
The food blogging community is a special place to me. I'd be a really bad cook without everyone, I know that for sure! We shouldn't dislike someone else because we think they are better than us. I think that tends to lead people down the wrong path. I know I myself stopped entering giveaways hosted on blogs because it seemed I only wanted to be a part of that blog for a chance to win something. It shouldn't be that way, and I know a few blogs seem to focus only on the free stuff they can obtain from companies, and I no longer even visit those sites. Those are the people who should feel bad because they can't stop talking about themselves on their own blog and how much free stuff they get. They are just full of themselves and make me so sick.
Your recipes and photographs are amazing! Remember that. We shouldn't talk bad about anyone, no matter their success because sometimes it takes a lot of hard work to get to where they are. I've laughed with you, and cried with you, and will hopefully continue to do so for a very long time.
I'm not sure if my comment makes much sense, but we should remember we're a community, and we can all be friends, right?
I am a long-time lurker who originally found you via (I think) Pancakes and French Fries. It sounds like if ever there was a time to de-lurk and express appreciation and admiration for your blog, this is it. I can't even cook (really, no, not even a little bit) but I have still bookmarked a handful of your recipes. Why? Because you aren't just sharing a recipe and some food pictures - you are sharing a way to love and nurture a family, a way to make a home, a way to raise young people in a tough world. You write with authenticity, courage, and heart. Thank you for sharing your words and your life with us here, the good and the bad (oh, Moose!).
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how good the others' blogs are but your blog works for me a lot. I am just starting out and not a day passes by when I don't stop to wonder how people can come up with such amazing recipes and photographs. And this includes you. Please don't change, remain your true-self and keep inspiring newbies like me.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Sangeeta
Lynney thanks so much for encouraging me to do it my way! I will!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, thanks for commenting. I know I have a lot of lurkers and I'm happy to see you speak out for me! I appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteLisa in Seattle, thanks for that. I hope to hear from you now!
ReplyDeleteSangeeta, I'm so glad my blog works for you. I'll keep the posts coming! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteP.S. The deleted posts were all spam. Didn't want you to think I was deleting anyones posts.
ReplyDeleteHere is another perspective for you. ..It's me who is in awe of people like you who are able to have the wear-with-all, or the fortitude to keep up with a blog. I feel like I want to do one but have come up with a bundle of reasons why not to...no one will look, no one will care, I take crappy pictures,and on and on.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate what you give here and have been thrilled when you even replied to me once when I inquired about a dishtowel/napkin you had in one of your pics. I LOVE the ginger dressing and have had a dip like this, loved it. Now I have the recipe. I understand your love for Moose and shed a tear for you and your family when you lost him.So for what it's worth I certainly appreciate what you give here and have for probably 2 years now.So please keep your chin up and keep up with keeping upwith all that you give.
Laura, thanks so much. You know, I though no one would care if I started a blog. I origianlly did it so my mother in law and other relatives could see my recipes, and now I have all this. If you need help starting a blog, I'd be happy to send you in the right directions. Honestly!
ReplyDeleteI do remember you asking about the napkin in one of my photos. I really do answer every question I get, because if it were me asking, I'd want an answer!
Thank you again for your encouragement!
I write my blog for ME! If others come to read it then that is good. Rarely does anyone leave a comment but I know that they have been there because I have a traffic feed. I don't write food stories but I love to try recipes. That is how I found your blog and I have tried some of your recipes and they are awesome. And coming from an 'old woman' who just doesn't get all caught up in that middle school drama anymore....I am here to say Pioneer Woman is a fake! No one lives like that. Keep up the good work and do your blog for YOU>
ReplyDeleteThank you Lisa! I will keep you in thought as I am condsidering taking the big jump.
ReplyDeleteLisa ~ I only read two blogs ~ and obviously yours is one of them! I started because your in RI and I grew up in CT. I was also drawn by your title. I immediately understood the meaning of it. I understand the comparison thing, but that is never a good thing. I'm always in awe of mother's who work outside the home. I'm a teacher and single/no kids and can barely get to school on time! I don't know how the teachers with kids do it. Anyway, all this rambling to say, "Don't quit!" I may not comment often, but I so enjoy your blog. Just keep at it your way.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
Lisa, I have been following your blog for about 3 years now. I think way too many bloggers (including the one you refer to here) have, unsuccessfully, tried to pattern their blogs after P.W. Personally, I don't care to look at 500 photographs (no matter how good they are) of each and every step of the recipe preparation. I certainly don't want to look at their bag of flour, greasy-looking bottle of oil, etc. If I come upon one of those, which happens to have a recipe I'm interested in, I'll just zoom past all those pictures and get to the recipe. If the recipe is intermingled with the photos, forget it, I'm out of there. Yours is just the style of blog I like--good recipes, great photos of the finished dish, and a little about you and your life.
ReplyDeleteKeep being Lisa!
Lisa, I have been following your blog for about 3 years now. I think way too many bloggers (including the one you refer to here) have, unsuccessfully, tried to pattern their blogs after P.W. Personally, I don't care to look at 500 photographs (no matter how good they are) of each and every step of the recipe preparation. I certainly don't want to look at their bag of flour, greasy-looking bottle of oil, etc. If I come upon one of those, which happens to have a recipe I'm interested in, I'll just zoom past all those pictures and get to the recipe. If the recipe is intermingled with the photos, forget it, I'm out of there. Yours is just the style of blog I like--good recipes, great photos of the finished dish, and a little about you and your life.
ReplyDeleteKeep being Lisa!
I know the blog you're talking about and you are both in my RSS feed. I'm impressed with anyone who can keep up with a blog. I've tried, and I'm usually halfway through my dinner before I realize that I should have taken a picture of what I made. You are talented. Don't compare yourself, you're better than 99% of us who don't blog.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteDon't let it get to you. Don't let it drag you down. I'd cry if you'd quit blogging.
ReplyDeleteI stumbled across your blog last spring and I love it. I visit it at least once a week, I love your recipes, your photographs (they leave me asking how!), your style and everything about it.
I don't know you, or in fact anything about you, I need to tell you that your blog is great and I love it.
As for you photographs, they are great. I started my own blog a while ago, but all my pics are taken in the dark icelandic afternoons and evenings with my iPad!
You inspire me, and I adore your work. Keep it up!
XXX
Paula - thanks for your input. I hopped on over to your blog and it's lovley! Rock on sister!
ReplyDeleteSage Trifle, thank you for being such a devoted follower. That taking pics of the whole process annoys me too!
ReplyDeleteTerri A - Thanks for you words of advice! I'm listening!
ReplyDeleteLinda Rut - my husband lived in Iceland for a while! Thanks for being such a devoted follower.
ReplyDeleteyou are you my friend, and that is what we love about coming here my friend...
ReplyDeletereal, and we wouldn't have it any other way
xoxoxo
I'm not sure who are talking about because I read pretty every food blog in my Google Reader! You obviously have a lot of readers who love what you do so don't worry!
ReplyDeleteReally? Thats awesome! :)
ReplyDeleteTake care!
I wish you had a "Like" button beside all of these comments because I could share some love with these folks! They have said it all and they've said it so beautifully.
ReplyDeleteYou are such a special gift in this little corner of the blogging universe. I come here to get all warm and toasty. I usually leave hungry and I always leave feeling better than when I arrived.
I went to the other blog and thought it was well done and thought she probably is one of those A+ types. But, I haven't been back-- not because I wouldn't-- I liked her take on healthy foods, but I haven't been back because I like food bloggers who serve up a little emotion and share parts of their lives that are precious and touching and REAL. Your insanely delicious food, style, true stories are why we all come here. Your pace amazes me. I LOVE being here with you. And I feel better already.
Now get on that "Like" button, will you? :-)
How did I miss this post. Foodgawker Schmoodgawker. The photos are drool worthy. Yes, I have moments of envy/jealousy of food bloggers who can do this full-time. I was excited to squeak in an extra post, because I'm home with a cold! The dip looks incredible, and I'm adding it for the next party. Too bad I missed it before the Super Bowl!
ReplyDeleteHI Lisa,
ReplyDeleteFirst let me say this is my first time here and besides finding the perfect onion dish to include on Pinterest, I can't tell you how delighted I am to discover I am not alone.
I don't know which blog(s) you are referring to but your words could have been spoken from my lips. I have put my blog on the back burner since October for many of the reasons you so eloquently explain but my oh my I do miss it! I've been contemplating starting it up again because like you, I have wonderful repeat visitors who are not only encouraging but genuine too. How I could leave them, I don't know. However, I do know they will welcome me back with open arms and quite frankly some blogs I visit don't have that "loving" feeling.
Thank you so much for sharing your emotional post (at least I will be able to "blame" the onions on the tears:)
You have a very welcoming blog and to my mind's eye, that and the food presentation in words is sometimes ever so important, more so than just a pretty picture. (My pictures are horrendous:)
Thank you so much for sharing. I do believe I will reconsider my hiatus. Thank you for that too!!! Louise
I don't know if this will make you feel better, but a lot of the reasons you listed are the reasons I come to your blog and try your recipes. I feel like you are a real person. I have an embarrassing number of your recipes bookmarked and I am not scared to try them. I like that your website does not have tabs, I like that you aren't a surgeon or doctor. I also like that you don't have a book deal or tv show with TLC or some crazy website. You are a real person, who has a real life, without an assistant and you make me believe that I can make delicious food, even with little time. And your recipes work. REALLLYYYY well. :)
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I just stumbled across your blog this morning, and instantly fell in love with your photos and posts! I'm so glad that you've pushed through the self doubt and kept up with your fabulous little piece of the internet... Thank you!
ReplyDelete