Happy New Year!
Wow, another year has come and gone! This year has been almost a blur for me. 2014 definitely had it’s highs and low points. We both had what seemed to be more than our fair share of bad luck – life-threatening illnesses, injuries and surgeries. And we can’t forget all the major issues (and very, VERY expensive) issues with the house – hail damage, new roof, continual pool issues, HVAC, more wiring problems and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. And then there’s the most recent with the tank of a deer that decided I didn’t need my car or use of my shoulder. Stupid bambi! I also had to make a huge decision that was one a pretty hard one for me to make. I left a job that I loved, co-workers that were family and an environment that I was comfortable in (and kicked butt in by the way) for a whole new job, a whole new world. I’m one for change but this change weighed heavily on my heartstrings.
However with all those bad issues, we never lost hope, faith or gave up. We pushed through together as a family. Mr. Fantabulous was my rock even when I had some of my most scariest health moments. He never gave up hope, he never showed fear. He kept me in smiles even through the pain. God I love that man!
However 2014 wasn’t all bad. First and foremost I still have the most amazing man in my life. Our families are still with us and I have my TKW Family that is growing every single day. I was blessed an amazing opportunity with a different company doing the work that I love. While I’ve only been there shy of 3 months I knew after my first day there that leaving my old job and joining this new team was the right decision. I’ve been blessed to meet such great welcoming folks and an environment where I know I’m appreciated and supported. Now on to building my team in 2015! I met one of my personal goals of running 8.5 miles in a single instance. Coming from a time when I could barely walk from a horrific car accident to surgeons telling me that I may never walk ‘normal’ again let alone kneel, bend or stood to running, working out as hard as I do and living a very active lifestyle it’s amazing.
I’ve been blessed with TKW a million times over – new family members every day, being recognized by some of the biggest ‘names’ out there in the cooking world, magazines, publications, tv, radio and countless websites. Recipes that went global overnight reaching as many as 8 million hits in a single day. It’s humbling when I think about it all. I mean we’re strangers though you guys are involved in my personal daily lives as I share my life with you yet you place a trust in me that is something you just can’t buy. It’s an honor and one that I have never take for granted. It’s earned and treated with the utmost respect. I cherish it and you. You allow me in your lives. your homes and your kitchen. You share with me; not just about cooking but things in your life – your kids, your work, what makes YOU happy.
How I wish I could meet each and every one of you and personally say Thank You (and give you a hug – I’m a hugger). Perhaps 2015 is the year TKW will get signed with a cookbook or picked up with The Cooking Channel or The Food Network or perhaps I’ll just stay with this, growing and sharing my life with you all.
From my house to yours, wishing you and yours Best Kitchen Wishes for a Blessed New Year!
The Mature Princess says
Thank you for all your work on this blog. I have been one of the silent readers who smack our lips when viewing your picture and recipes. Usually, good meals don’t need to be difficult (as you are proving). Your dedication, honestly and humor always helps my day. Love hearing about your Mr. Fabulous (I have one at home, too :). Althea (The Mature Princess)
TKWAdmin says
First off I LOVE LOVE LOVE your name(s) Althea and The Mature Princess! And secondly, thank you! That truly means so much to me. I often wonder who’s reading or better yet, do I share “too much” or not enough. I’m not a chef but rather a cook with such an incredible passion for food, for teaching and for sharing. And you’re right, amazing food does not have to be complicated or require 800 ingredients. You can make something out of nothing – that’s how I grew up.
And I’m thrilled you have your very own Mr. Fantabulous! Hold on tight and never let go. These men are a rare breed!
Best Kitchen Wishes for a blessed new year!
The Mature Princess says
So very happy to get your response! If I can ever do anything to help you make the ideas and thoughts become reality, I will do it. Thoughts are powerful. Thoughts are Things! Ideas are powerful. Keep focused and it will happen; whatever you want because it’s just the way the universe works. Focus, Ease and Grace. Your dream(s) will become reality. You express yourself with honesty and integrity. You have something to give and it is in your soul; I know it. It’s funny (strange) because, for me, I see your beautiful website and you being honest and open. Keep it up. Please keep it up. You owe it to yourself. Wonderful recipes being created and/or fine tuned here. Tell Mr. Fabulous, I truly honor a “good man.”
TKWAdmin says
Althea,
Oh darling how I so wish how you could see my face right now (well okay maybe not *right now* as I have witchy-pooh hair, raccoon eyes from my mascara and my inside out pajama bottoms – so dead sexy… NOT! LOL). No as I was saying right now I am sitting here beaming from ear to ear while reading your response. Thank you. To read comments like yours, so pure and honest mean the world to me. It touches my heart and my soul.
Best Kitchen Wishes!
Lori
The Mature Princess says
Okay Babycakes! I will be sending you some favorites of mine. A Orange Dream Pie to die for! I’ve the recipe for many a year. Maybe you will even improve it (oh, I doubt it, even with your genius, but hey, you can give it a go). It’s a lovely pie with a simple crust. Each bite you will not want to gobble down…no..you will want to let rest each piece of heaven in your mouth and let the orange chiffon ooze into your tastebuds. Pure ecstasy! And, I have more secrets for you to reveal. Yes, fame and fortune is coming your way. Let me dig into my recipe treasure chest for you. Truly sending hugs and recipes, from my humble kitchen to yours.
TKWAdmin says
Oh dear lord girlfriend that sounds delish! Shoot me an email at lori@thekitchenwhisperer.net I would LOVE to try that!
Best Kitchen Wishes!