Sometimes life throws a curveball and it’s hard to hit back. Before I began blogging I read online how to write a blog; what to say, what not to say. Keep it lite, keep it fun, keep it about your niche, don’t be negative, don’t talk about depressing issues, and never ever talk about death. And so for the past five years, I’ve kept it lite, I’ve kept it fun, and I’ve talked about how to cook and bake gluten-free and I haven’t talked about the “D” word. Okay, maybe once, briefly, when paying tribute to my beautiful 95-year-old grandmother when she passed. But in the last 2 years I have lost 5 family members, and I must say, it’s hard not to talk about it. Especially due to the fact that this past Sunday was Mother’s Day.
Two years ago I lost my grandmother, one and a half years ago I lost my mom, who battled five auto-immune diseases, and just this past week I lost my mother-in-law; all significant women to me. This is life, this is my life, and it’s hard not to share what’s going on in my life just because I write a food blog. So it may be against the etiquette rules of blogging but life threw me yet another curveball this past week and I find it hard to whip up another recipe at the moment. Does this mean I’m quitting my blog? No. When life throws a curveball, you learn to make adjustments. Thankfully my peace comes from God, who give generously, especially during times like these.
I found great joy this past week in spending time with my sweet grandson. Nothing gives you a perfect perspective on life than seeing a little one so full of life. I am blessed.
So while I’m not sharing a new recipe with you this week, here are a few of my favorite recipes found on other blogs:
- Gluten-free Banana Muffins
- Salmon Wasabi Burgers
- Bacon-Apple Chicken Burgers
- KFC Style GF Fried Chicken
- Crunchy Chicken Peanut Salad
- Coconut Cream Layer Cake
Give me a moment to pick up my game again and I’ll be sending a new recipe your way sometime soon.
~Laurie
Just discovering your blog from the article in Gluten Free and More (Feb/March 2015) and am sorry to hear this sad news. In nearly 7 years of blogging, one thing I’ve learned is that there are no rules – this is your blog and your life – and sometimes it’s good to be reminded that there’s a person behind the blog. KWIM? Wishing you peace and comfort in the good memories, and looking forward to reading more.
Thank you, Melissa, and thank you for the encouragement to have it remain my blog and my life. There is definitely a person behind this blog; one that laughs, cries, and freaks out at times! Life happens, so it’s good to be reminded that the human side of this blog needs to show through, because at the end of the day it’s not just about food. 🙂
I’m sorrowed to hear about your many losses, Laurie. My heart goes out to you, unknown friend. I don’t agree with the advice in that article. My experience is that blogs can bring us together, remind us of all we have have in common, remind us that we need each other and that we’re supposed to need each other: that’s how we’re built. In order to make real connections, we need to share the real us. So here’s my vote for more Laurie 🙂 All the best to you.
Life is certainly not always easy but the gift of love from others helps us get through the difficult times. Thank you for your compassion and encouragement!