I will never forget writing my first blog ever on this date nine years ago. It was so exciting to jump into the blogger world, although I never started with thoughts of making money from it and I still don’t. My blog is written simply because I love cookbooks, cooking, recipes, and everything that happens in the culinary world.
The blog began with almost 4,000 cookbooks and tens of thousands of recipes on cards and clippings, all collected over decades. I eventually trademarked the Culinary Cellar name, made so many friends from all over the world, and even when a devastating flood took away my beloved Culinary Cellar and I almost gave up of rebuilding, you, my beloved readers, sent me cookbooks by the thousands to help The Culinary Cellar back on its feet.
Before and after the flood.
But worse than the flood was when I lost my mom last fall. Mom loved my collection and helped so much to build it. She bought the nameplate one Christmas that is still on the door to the basement. Mom added to my collection over the years and was just as devastated as I was when it was gone. She encouraged me to keep going because it was what I loved. She was so incredibly impressed, as was I, of the love and support from friends, family, and perfect strangers, all who wanted to help rebuild. Even though the process is slow and I have a way to go, with blogs still to write for those who sent books, a need of updated photos and other links on the blog, and maybe even an entire new look. I have some beautiful cabinets to show you too, that I bought at a kitchen store in town that went out of business. They need some touch-up paint and then stacked with more books and other items.
Thank you all for a wonderful nine years. I wouldn’t be here without all of you still reading me. Thanks for helping me to show the world that cookbooks are vital and a way to carry on traditions and pass on family recipes. And as always, I want to say thank you to all the cookbook-only stores, all independent book stores, and of course, libraries. The world would not be same without all of them.
Love and miss you so much, mom. I know you are always with me.
<3….much love
Right back at you, my dear Lisa!
Happy Anniversary! I hope to keep enjoying your blog for many more!
Looking forward to the next nine years and beyond !
Thanks, Barb! Thank you for sticking with me.
Beautiful posting, Debbie – you are more resilient than you think!! I look forward to many future postings and anniversaries of your excellent blog.
Thank you, Janice. I hope to keep them coming for a long time!
Happy Anniversary! I’m so glad I found the Culinary Cellar, which has led to a wonderful friendship and a much larger cookbook collection. Keep writing. I look forward to having my morning coffee with a new blog entry.
Madonna, I’m so thankful we found each other too. You are the best.
Thank you for your faithful blog messages and Happy Anniversary to you!
Thanks, Dawn! I’m so glad to have you as one of my faithful readers.
Happy anniversary! Can’t believe it has been 9 years, but we loved all of them and are so grateful you have kept going.
Thanks, Priscilla. I can’t believe it’s been nine years either! Where does the time go?
Wow!!! 9 YEARS!!!??? Where did THAT time go??? I believe I became a fan of the Culinary Cellar near it’s beginning ….. as I remember sharing emails with you right before my brain surgery (December 2010) and how your caring words at that scary time helped me through. I also remember swapping “stories” about our elderly mothers and how much influence they had on us ……. and I am so sorry about the losses you have suffered ….. but, please know you have so many friends that are able and willing to help you through. So, Kudos to you, my friend …… here’s hoping the Culinary Cellar rises like a Phoenix …… and perhaps will be better, in some ways ……
Thank you, Sue. The nine years have certainly flown by. You are correct that in some ways the Culinary Cellar will be better. It already looks and feels different and I’m not even done yet. But it’s the very special books given with love that will make it better.
I totally feel your loss! I lost my mom a year ago
And she has left me a legacy of cookbooks that she collected even before I was born! She may have never used them all but it made her happy to own them and they will make me even happier! Would love to share duplicates with you!
Hi Roberta- I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom, and feel your pain. My mom is constantly on my mind. I am not yet used to life without her. Isn’t it special that both our mom’s left a legacy of the joy of cooking and collecting cookbooks? My mom’s recipe box filled with her favorites is priceless to me. I know I have some duplicate cookbooks but I haven’t sorted them out yet. We certainly could swap, so let’s keep in touch and make lists of our duplicates to compare. Thanks for writing!
I would love to share any duplicates! My dad keeps asking when I’m going to go get them all! Ha! They will take up a small UHaul! Please stay in touch!
I will, Roberta!