After twelve years of writing my blog, and over fifty years of collecting cookbooks, this hobby and passion is still within me. That has never changed but certain events out of my control in the past few years seriously challenged my thought process and I wondered if it was time to quit the blog. But I didn’t want the joy I felt when writing and sharing the love of cooking with anyone who reads my blog, to end. I absolutely believe that cooking good food and sharing it with others leads to a fuller life. It brings people together, shares memories that give comfort, gets conversations going, and we learn about each other. Food is a powerful force.
There is a person I would like to tell you about who came into my life over thirty years ago and shared these same beliefs. Her name is Lisa Keys. Lisa was here when The Culinary Cellar was in its infancy and was here a few weeks ago. One of the first things she wanted to do was go downstairs to see how the cellar had changed since the devastating flood that completely destroyed it and all my cookbooks were gone. Yesterday she wrote a blog about it and I want to share it with you. Please go read it here and you will see why I didn’t give up the blog. It was friends like Lisa, my family, and all my readers who kept me going. I hope you all will stay with me in the years to come.
Go to Lisa’s blog, Good Grief Cook, and read more about Lisa and her amazing story and why it has that title.
The flood waters sure have washed over us this past decade but we have survived and some might say even flourished. I can’t imagine not reading your blog so I’m delighted you have taken another step forward. Your strength and perseverance are an inspiration. What started out as a cooking competition turned into forever friends celebrating our daughters, my son and now our grandchildren. So grateful ❤️
Lisa, I couldn’t have said it better.
I’m so glad that you are able to continue, Debbie! I will be happy with whatever you are able to share. We may know only some of the challenges life holds for you, but that doesn’t mean we can’t understand that there are many things that demand your time and energy. You are worth waiting for!
Thank you for sharing the link to Lisa’s blog. I’ve enjoyed her comments on your blog and look forward to reading more of her thoughts!
Indeed, food is indeed a powerful, healing force.
Denise, I always love hearing from you with your heartfelt and insightful comments. Thank you for your support and sticking with me over the years. You are very special.
Bravo!
Thank you, Pat!
Felicidades!
Gracius, Haydee!
I am honored to now belong to a family and circle of friends that leaves me humbled…Thank you, Lisa and Debbie, for opening your hearts to me. I will never forget your handsome son William, Lisa.. Debbie,, this blog will be amazing for me to read.
Thank you, Lou. I love our new family too. We have many wonderful times ahead. I’m looking forward to being a grandma with you! Lisa can come visit and share the love.
Congratulations on 12 years! You and your wonderful family are an inspiration when life gives us the proverbial lemons….keep on making lemonade…LOL. thank you for the wonderful blog I definitely feel that I am part of a great big family.
You definitely have a way with words and makes your way into our hearts.
Hugs and Blessings
Dearest Elaine – Thank you for your kind words. You will always have a special place in my heart. The Culinary Cellar would not be what it is today without your cookbooks.
Congratulations Debbie and thank you for sharing favorite recipes, family pictures & for all the inspiring, interesting, & fun blogs over the years. I have truly enjoyed everyone. So grateful & encouraged by your perseverance; especially after the flood with all the cookbooks, love & help that flooded in to rebuild. Cooking & food truly brings people together. Thanks for sharing the wonderful testimonial about The Culinary Cellar written by Lisa Keys. The Lord continue to bless you as you share your love for cookbooks and cooking.
Thank you, Kim, for all your encouragement and kind words over the years. The cookbooks are still coming. I actually just got a big box today! And two others in the past couple weeks. People are so wonderful!
Thinking of you, Debbie . . .