I wanted to share a dessert recipe with you today.
But instead, I ate it.
Because amidst all of the holiday recipes jockeying for position right now, there’s something that needs to be said.
From the heart.
From a blogger’s perspective, our world can be very lonely at times.
Despite the number of followers that ‘define’ us, sometimes it feels like we’re little ants in an underground colony of thousands, scurrying around trying to build something great. The time and energy exerted is enormous, and when you finally surface, the outside world has absolutely no clue what you’re doing or even talking about.
Except for you.
You’re the link to the outside world.
Let me give you an example-
The 2 minutes it takes for you to comment on my blog, or to send an email, leaves me with a full day of inspiration and support. Feedback fuels my creativity.
And in fact, if it wasn’t for our connection, I would most likely be on a different creative path right now.
Here’s another example-
Did you know I was discovered by my publisher on Pinterest?
It’s true!
I didn’t go the traditional route of getting a literary agent, writing a monstrous proposal and submitting to various publishers.
Without the power of social media, or content sharing in general, my first cookbook would’ve only been published years from now (or maybe even never).
Instead, I was plucked from obscurity… thanks to you.
The conversation that has been going on right here, since 2013, inspires me to become a better baker… thanks to you.
This blog, which started out as an innocent hobby, has led to a multitude of opportunities. It allows me to work from home, closer to my crazy boys, my husband (and high maintenance cat) whom I love more than anything else in this whole wide world… thanks to you.
So, really, I wanted to share a dessert with you today.
But instead, thoughts of gratitude take center stage.
Consider my words just a slice of the pie, to share at our communal table, a place where we can continue to gather together for years to come.
Happy Thanksgiving.
xo Emilie
Comments
Jamie says
After enjoying many scrumptious shots on your instagram I am reading through your archives, there is just so much goodness here! I really enjoy the way you post the Kitchen Notes before the recipes, and the personal details you share; it makes it very approachable.
It is no neat to realize that you were discovered on Pinterest! Thanks for sharing :)
Emilie says
Hello Jamie! Thank you so much! Your feed back is greatly appreciated. I hope you get to cook and enjoy some of these recipes! :)
Emily says
What beautiful words spoken from the heart. Just love. I laugh now at how little I knew about blogging when I first started. There is so much more than just hitting publish, isn’t there? And it’s true, so little is understood by my “real life” friends. I love when I come across blogs that are sincere, genuine, and inspiring. Yours is one of those.
Katie says
This is so beautifully said, Emilie! Every word is so true. It’s easy to feel lonely, tiny and invisible, as I also do, of course, maybe way too often.. It’s very inspiring to know that there are so many kind and supportive people in this world! I hope you had a wonderful holiday!
Rakhee@Boxofspice says
What a wonderful post Emilie. You know, I started my blog because I was at a creative standstill and literally dying because of it in a new country where nothing seemed to work out for me. It was so hard and I started boxofspice to keep afloat. You were the first friend I made being part of this community and I am truly grateful for it. Honestly you have no idea. I hope you visit Holland some day so I can thank you in person! (or maybe I should take that flight to my favourite country!) I hope you had a brilliant Thanksgiving. Much love. xoxo
Patricia says
What lovely words…Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours as well.
Emilie says
Thank you Patricia! That is so kind of you to say :) xoxo E
Jessie Snyder | Faring Well says
Gosh I adore you. This is everything that is true about what we do, and I appreciate you and your presence here so much Emilie. I hope you had the most wonderful holiday (and continue to this weekend) with your amazing family and just get to soak up the gift that life is – xo
Emilie says
I adore you. And it’s funny you say this- I couldn’t stop this post if I tried. It practically wrote itself! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend as well… :) xoxo E
Laney (Ortensia Blu) says
You deserve every good thing Emilie because in addition to all your hard work on your fabulous recipes, you’re so sweet and kind. Happy Belated Thanksgiving! (I made your Crust and Crumble Apple Pie for Thanksgiving and it’s already been requested to be a permanent menu item). xo
Emilie says
That’s so sweet, Laney. Thank you. You are a wonderful person and friend. And yes- I saw your post on IG! Looked amazing! Want to know a secret? If you mush the dough together a little bit more so that it sticks, you can roll and cut it out into cookies… you might see that here soon ;) xoxo E
Samantha says
It’s funny you write this. I was going to comment on your roasted veggies the other day, I made them for a Friendsgiving, they were delicious! I erased it because I changed the recipe a bit and just felt it wasn’t necessary. But after reading this I totally get it. Like some of the others, I never comment on anything, but now I understand, you need it! Thank you for your beautiful recipes, I have made many of them, and your great blog. I appreciate it!
Emilie says
Welcome Samantha! Your words are very much appreciated. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave feedback- every little bit counts! And I’m glad you liked the roasted veggie recipe too (I love it when people put their own spin on things- that’s how it should be! :) xoxo E
Pamela Green says
Happy Thanksgiving Emilie! Love love love your blog!!
Emilie says
Thank you Pam! You’ve been here since the very beginning and I’m incredibly lucky to have your support. Hope you had a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving :) xoxo E
asha Shiv says
It has been a wonderful few months knowing you my dear. I absolutely loved reading your post. So grateful and thankful to have found your blog and you. Thanks for your inspiration and kindness.
All the best to you. hugs my friend.
xoxo
Emilie says
I couldn’t agree more! I always look forward to your new posts, recipes and stories. You are an inspiration as well, my friend. Lots of love! xoxo E
Nancy | Plus Ate Six says
Your words are sweeter than any pie Emilie – I can’t wait to turn the pages of your cook book. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your boys xx
Emilie says
You’re awesome, Nancy. And a good friend. I’m so glad we’ve ‘met’ along this virtual journey :) xoxo E
Crista says
AWE, i LOVE this!!!! xoxo
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Emilie says
Thank you, Crista! Happy Thanksgiving to you too! Hope you had a very nice holiday. xoxo E
Aysegul says
You are the best Emilie! I am grateful to have found your blog. I enjoy your beautiful photos and writings so much.
You deserve all the best. The cookbook is just a start of more amazing things to come.
Much love!
Happy thanksgiving.
Emilie says
Thank you so much! You know I love your work too. And I’m excited for your new stateside journey… Your words are too kind :) xoxo E
traci | vanilla and bean says
I’m better because of you. Thank you for sharing your heart, your skill, talent and for being a friend. You inspire me. Happy Thanksgiving my dear. I am grateful for you, Emilie! xx
Emilie says
You are quite welcome, and it’s my pleasure. Always. I am grateful for you too, Traci! xoxo E
Kathryn @ The Scratch Artist says
I love what you have shared so much more than a dessert, which is saying something ’cause I’m a food blogger with a need for baking and a serious desire for all things sweet. But really, how you expressed yourself was so beautiful and the photos were the perfect compliment. Thank you for sharing your heart here week after week, year after year. This is why I love blogging. And I can relate to feeling completely alone in my blogging endeavors until I get that comment or someone reaches out from nowhere and then it all feels worth it.
Emilie says
That means so much, Kathryn. Thank you. It’s so incredibly important for us bloggers to celebrate each other, don’t you think? Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. xoxo E
Laura L. says
I’m so sorry, I’m one of those people. I read your blog religiously, try recipes, swoon over your photos and never give you feedback. Thank you for all that you do. : ) I will try to do better.
Emilie says
Oh, my goodness- please do not apologize! There is nothing to be sorry for! Just the fact that you’ve introduced yourself here and now, is very much appreciated. Thank you, Laura. You are very sweet. xoxo E
Sherrie says
Your words are so near and dear to my heart, this you know. But, I am grateful for you woman! And for your space here, and your time and commitment to all of us who love to read your posts and make your food. All my love Emilie, always, xx.
p.s. 297 comments – THAT’S INSANITY
Emilie says
Same to you! But you already know that ;) I am very grateful for our friendship in this uncertain, digital world. It’s the real thing. xoxo E
p.s.- and that’s not counting the emails…
Lynn says
What a sweet post…even sweeter than dessert! So happy you have found much success as a blogger. Keep up the great work, I thoroughly enjoy all your posts. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
Emilie says
Thank you, Lynn! This blog, my life- it’s still a work in progress, for sure! But it feels fantastic continuing on the creative path that I love. Thank you for your support- it means so much to me! Happy Thanksgiving! xoxo E
Kaity says
Happy Thanksgiving Em! I’m so very happy to have connected with you in this obscure realm. Your work and words continue to inspire!
xx Kaity
Emilie says
Absolutely. I’ll never forget- one of your posts (with coconut cream) inspired me to create a dish I posted on the blog… and the rest was history! I am grateful for you, my friend. Keep on creating :) xoxo E
Patti says
Emilie, you are always my inspiration! Whether I feel too lazy to make a creative meal or have no idea what to do with all my zucchini, you inspire me. I wish you and your beautiful family a very happy thanksgiving. Dance for me, I’ll miss you all. XOXO
Emilie says
You are the best. That makes me so happy! Can’t wait to see you guys again. Love to all & Happy Thanksgiving! xoxo E
Sheri Nugent says
Hi Emilie – I am one of your invisible readers… I rarely leave a comment but your post today has inspired me to do so now. I check your blog every day, I make your recipes, and I look forward to your cookbook. Thank you for sharing your food and your world with us. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Emilie says
Welcome Sheri! I know exactly how you feel- I mentioned in another comment (above) that I never commented on blogs until I was a blogger myself! But I love the fact that you’ve come forward today to show your support. It means so much and I can’t thank you enough! Happy Thanksgiving to you! xoxo E
Laura says
You continue to amaze and inspire me daily, even after 30 years of friendship. I can’t wait to buy your cook book and brag about you to everyone! Happy Thanksgiving to my oldest and dearest best friend!!
Emilie says
Why, hello there …3 years later… Madame Editor makes an appearance :) Cheers to another 30 years my friend! (sans lobster t-shirts and incredibly ugly sandals) xoxo E
lara says
I feel the way renata does. I find your food and recipes inspirational. A lot of times i DONT COMMENT CAUSE i feel you don’t need yet anther commentatorā¦ but i know what you mean. I am not as regular as you are on your blog because I work and study and don’t have as much time to blogā¦ but when i do get that one comment it makes my day.
Emilie says
Hello Lara! Thank you! Comments are ALWAYS welcome here, the more the merrier. But, I do know that time is of the essence, and sometimes we just don’t have another minute in our schedule to do so. No worries :) I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts! xoxo E
Jennifer says
Just want you to know that I love reading your posts! I think that the final product seems effortless, but I’m sure there is much thought and work that goes into what you do. Seeing these adorable photos makes me happy to be a part of this connection. I also wonder about the others that are connected to your blog inspirations! Much gratitude from here too and Happy Thanksgiving!
Emilie says
It’s just like working in a restaurant; you have no idea what’s going on behind the scenes ;) But all good things happening here! The need to express gratitude through words, was evident for me. And it feels great! Seeing these photos of my kids throughout this whole process is very special. Sometimes I don’t realize it in the moment, until one of them tells me before bed that they want to be a photographer when they grow up… xoxo E
Megan says
Emilie, this is lovely. I enjoy your blog and recipes and am looking forward to your cookbook. Happy Thanksgiving!
Emilie says
Hello Megan! That’s wonderful- thank you SO much! Happy Thanksgiving to you as well! xoxo E
danielle is rooting the sun says
emilie, your sentiments here are unendingly warm, personal, true, and absolute. journalism is a crazy creature with so many hours, sweat, blood, tears – and in the end, those that support us, in turn ignite us further. it’s been too great to have found you and followed along in your endeavors, you have a madly huge heart and i adore it. happy holiday to you ♥
Emilie says
Oh yes- blood, sweat and tears! That sums it up quite well. It’s an ironic thing when you are your own boss- you have the freedom to do what you want, but never really know if you’re doing it right. Feedback certainly ignites us further, as you’ve mentioned. And I am so grateful for the friends who’ve taken the time to return week after week showing their support. Thank you, Danielle for being a great friend. You are very special. xoxo E
Elaine @ foodbod says
What a lovely post, and beautiful photos :)
I echo and understand your words and completely agree with them, that is my world too. Thank you for putting it into words and for sharing your world with us and for being part of mine xx
Emilie says
Thank you, Elaine. I’m so glad we’ve been able to connect. I admire your story very much and how you continue to create what’s true to your heart. You can’t help but feel it through your words. You are a wonderful friend. xoxo E
Natasa | My daily sourdough bread says
Dear Emilie,
thank you for sharing all the delicious recipes and kitchen tricks!
Have a great Thanksgiving,
Natasa
Emilie says
Thank you, Natasa! Please let me know when you’re in NY again, okay? xoxo E
Diane says
Good Morning Emily, I very rarely comment on anyone’s blog, yet I enjoy reading them and experimenting with the recipes. Your post today, as well as all your others with recipes, was…is…are…encouraging, uplifting and yummy. Thank you for sharing a piece of your heart today. May you and your family have a very blessed and joyful Thanksgiving!
Emilie says
Hello Diane! I never commented on blogs until I came a blogger myself ;) Candidly speaking, I never really saw the point unless I had a specific question to ask. But now that I am a blogger, I fully understand the importance of feedback. Even the negative feedback! That’s not to say one must leave a monstrous comment every time they visit a blog. Just a little hello every now reinforces the fact that people are indeed listening to you out there…
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate it more than you know. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! xoxo E
Renata says
Hi, Emily! As you could notice at this point, I really like your blog. your recipes are easy and tasteful, your pictures are amazing, your wording is soft and calms me. :-)
So that is why I would like to let you know that you are not alone. While you are testing a recipe, baking, taking pics and preparing the whole post, I am here, at the other side – and the other hemisphere – waiting for your update emails… And you inspired me to create my own blog.
Hope you have all success with your book. And can’t wait for Monday!
Love,
Renata.
Stacey says
Dear Emilie,
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. I thoroughly enjoy reading The Clever Carrot and trying your recipes. I look forward to your cookbook. Thank you for writing and inspiring us.
Stacey
Emilie says
Hello Stacey! Thank you so, so much! I’m happy to know that you enjoy the writing and recipes- I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. Happy Thanksgiving to you! xoxo E
Emilie says
Hello Renata! I am so incredibly happy to hear that. Really, you have no idea… When I first started this blog, it was just a hobby. I didn’t have a plan at all. My kids were really little at the time, so I just went with the flow. I had zero expectations. But I was very content with what I was doing so I knew that I was on the right path, even though the definite ‘meaning’ of it all was still very unclear. That’s why it is so important to express my gratitude to you- to everyone. I couldn’t have done all of this alone, and this blog will not continue to grow without support. To know that I’ve inspired you to start your own blog is something I never thought I’d hear! It’s mind blowing. So, thank you Renata. Thank you for being you, and taking the time to support me. xoxo E