Turning Two

I never thought this day would come. I have been blogging for two years. Two to three times a week I’ve been sharing true stories, humor pieces, opinions, memories, hopes and recipes through this blog. For two years! This is my 227th post.

I’ve never been accused of being at a loss for words. I suck at Twitter because I tend to be words, 140 characters is merely an appetizer for me. But did I think that I could write 227 pieces? With personally designed graphics, a recipe and food picture in almost all of them? Even I didn’t think I’d be able to sustain that kind of a pace for 2 years.

What shocks me most of all is how many people read this blog on a regular basis. I don’t have the most popular or successful blog. I chose to grow slowly, organically and honestly. I don’t regret it for a minute. There isn’t a thing I’ve written about that I consider to be at the expense of someone I love. Or anyone at all for that matter. Yes, one post was a complete failure, no one got it, but it didn’t hurt anyone (well, maybe MY feelings). But silly or serious or sarcastic, there’s not a piece that I’ve published that I’ve regretted. In so many ways this blog IS me.

And in so many ways this blog has saved me.

Iced Coffee Cocktail

I don’t make a secret of the fact that I’ve been going through some incredibly difficult times for the past few years. I’ve said many times that I find baking soothing, and that it does take my mind off of my problems. Blogging has enhanced that for me, allowed me to escape for a while, concentrate on writing a piece, designing a graphic, having discussions on social media in support of my posts.

I don’t know how long I’ll continue. The boys, who are undoubtedly my muses, will soon be gone. Along with them go the reason I bake. But I’m so proud to share this; I will forever know that I built a blog from scratch, I built communities through the blog challenges and groups I developed and administer, I’ve not only done it but have maintained it for 2 years. If I were to never write a word again I’ll be grateful for having gone down this road.

I’ve seen blogs come and go. I’ve watched bloggers give up and walk away. I’ve seen many take roads that I just can’t understand. But I’ve made connections, both fellow bloggers and blog readers who have made a difference to me; some even kept me going on many (many, many) occasions when I really thought I was done.

I’m not going to get all syrupy and sappy and ooey and gooey. All that stuff is for desserts (well, you knew I was gonna get baked goods in here somewhere, right)? But two years is a really long time so I want to mark this milestone with just the right words:

Thank you.

Iced Coffee Cocktail

                                                                    ©www.BakingInATornado.com
 
Printable Recipe
 
Ingredients (makes approximately 2):
1 ½ cups cold coffee
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup Dulce de Leche liquid creamer 
½ cup vanilla ice cream
2 ounces Whipped Cream Vodka
3 ounces Amaretto
2 ounces of white chocolate liqueur
1 ounce Kahlua
Opt: whipped cream for topping
 
Directions:
*Put all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
*Serving options: Put in a glass with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
                        Serve over ice with a dollop of whipped cream.
                        Put into freezer until it starts to thicken and serve slushy.