Joan Hayes, whose ultra popular blog Chocolate, Chocolate and More, was very dear to me. We chatted almost daily, we got each other through some very difficult personal times, were each other's business sounding boards and we gabbed about the things that girlfriends gab about. She passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at the end of October, at the age of 49, and there's an empty space in my heart and in my days now. I miss you, my friend. You made my life sweeter.
Because I've written about her several times, you all know that I am blessed with another sweet friend, my life long dearest, Denise. She moved out of state this year and my heart nearly broke at the thought. But, actually, she left an intense job that gave us only snippets of time together, for an easier schedule and far more time for me. She may not be in New York but she can now be a far more regular part of my day and that's brightened my life more than I can describe.
I'm ready to welcome a new year and while I don't make resolutions per se, I do make plans. Personal growth, professional growth, health and mental well being are all on my to-do list in 2016. I can't control the discord that fills our world these days but I can control how much of it I take in and let affect me. And so I will concentrate on what is good and, of course, on what is delicious.
It's always fun to look back at my stats and see what your favorite recipes were each year. This time it was an even toss up between sweet and savory and so I will continue to give you both in the coming year. Here then, are the top 10 most popular recipes on my blog in 2015. As always, thank you for coming here, reading what I write, trying my recipes and telling me what you thought of them. I appreciate it every single day. Happy New Year!
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I'm still so sad about Joan too :( I'm so glad that your friend Denise is able to be such a big part of your life still, though! and you've made so many tasty things this year!
ReplyDeleteHi,Am dissapointed that I came into the bloggy world too late to fully appreciate Joan.I had been very ill for close to ten years, with over 2 of them completely bedridden.Am only 54,and have cheated death since conception.(this is with all seriousness.My own mother had attempted to abort me herself, due to being with young, and obviously quite messed up.We do not have a relationship as her extremely abusive treatment was forgivable if only she were sorry.My point is,years of counselling, and I count my 4 daughters as close girl friends.But,I have made glorious friends in this bloggy world.Last March, after another surgery, was in bed recovering, and in a lot of pain.(hate those pills!), Was on Yummly, clicked over, by accident, and opened up a blog.BOOM!WHAT!CAN GET FREE RECIPES! Funny, silly talking?!I found a place in which I fit in! You were, clearly so incredibly blessed to know Joan. The very fact that you had a friend like that, though for too short a time, was a gift. And you have your other dear friend as well to help fill the void at least a little.So,I now follow well over 500 blogs, printed over 50 binders of recipes, and in only a few months on Pinterest,was.excited when I hit 100 followers!Probably seems lame, but it feels awesome to just connect with others.Am a SAHM, with my last baby turning 18.Moved to Arizona,3years ago April, no friends, neighbors?no clue.Would be so lonely if not for this corner of the internet.YOU make a difference,all do.If only 1human is touched, it is purposeful.Joan lives on in all of you that were so close to her.The words I read from so many, say to me that 1 person DOES. matter. All have a purpose.So thanks for the recipes, the words, the kindness, comfort, humor. All give so much every post. Bless you in all areas in this NEW YEAR. Happiness abound, continued and growing success. Maybe this will be the year I will join you all in this corner, we shall see.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing, Teri. I'm so glad you've found a community in the blogging world and, as always, thank you so much for reading my blog. Have a very happy new year!
DeleteYou are so so talented, I love every one of these --- here's to a fabulous and tasty 2016!
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