2009…out with the Old, 2010….in with the New!

A very blessed and happy 2010 to you. A new year, a new decade. New hopes, dreams and desires……

I so wanted to write a long post today, complete with Oliebollen recipes, my New Year’s resolutions and more….. …that”s hasn’t quite worked out. The resolutions are here but the Oliebollen was never made. Last minute shopping didn’t quite allow. However, I promise in the New Year, this will be corrected as I just got offered an outstanding recipe for these dutch delights from a neighbour. Forgive me Kate, who knows, I might even bring you some :-).

The Dutch traditionally usher in the New Year with these calorie-bombs, decorated with sweet snow…., which sneak out on special occasions only, like Queen’s day and at Summer fairs. You’ll find them everywhere in December, in little caravans, called Gebak kraams….

…. to box mixes and fresh at the bakers.

Instead, I’ve been outside with my neighbours, sipping some Gluwhein, which I didn’t get a chance to in Cologne.

I’m thanking God for the amazing year that 2009 has been – my worst and best year in one!

When the year started, I didn’t know what the end would be like. Now sitting here on the last day of December, all I am is thankful.

Thankful for the bad times I had. See, in October last year, I decided that I would start a food blog but I sort of took my time getting there. When in the spring of 2009, I went though a rocky patch at work, I finally got started.

To be honest, it was thanks to God, my husband, Yaro Starak, his become a blogger website and a very good friend of mine that I got off my large behind and put Kitchen Butterfly on the blogmap!

At that time, I was in pain, turmoil, feeling worthless and depressed on one hand but elated and invigorated on the other hand. From March to June, I toiled behind the scenes, writing, crafting, organising what was to become my outlet. My place called home. My palace, my hideaway. My corner of fulfillment. My joy. Where writing met photography to talk all about food and culture.

Finally, I emerged from the cocoon and forced myself to go ‘live’, even when I didn’t feel quite ready. I knew I could stay ‘behind’ forever….so I set myself a deadline and things went from there.

You know what, work got better…in fact work became great. Most of the ruffles were smoothened out and life became bearable as a professional and as a foodie, separate and distinct paths, each with its own rewards.

I learnt so much. I laughed so hard, and I cried. Oh yes, the tears came. I always joke that I also have a bladder near my eye (I read that somewhere). I became more confident that I was and am on the right track in this love for food. When Rebecca asked me to do a guest post on her blog, I was honoured, touched, astounded…..and humbled….another testament to this path I am on.

The crest of it all for me has been meeting and connecting with other foodies, virtually and at FBC. Wow. Amazing. Unbelievable. There’s a whole world out there which I’m part of.

I’ve found my place, a unique spot in this world, along with millions of others who understand, empathise and encourage.

I am blessed.

What does 2010 hold?

A lot I’m sure! I know that there’ll be a lot of new things coming my way, with my fair share of struggles but I am hopeful. I am confident that it will be well. It can’t be worse than I’ve had this year, can it? My husband always says, ‘When you’re pressed down, you have to expand’! And that’s what I hope for us all this coming year.

I am hopeful that this year, I will get closer to God.

That I will slow down a bit and not try to ‘hurry up’ myself and everyone else around me.

I will cook  A LOT. HEALTHIER. I will grill and bake more…and deep fry less. Did I mention eat more beans and lentils?

I will bake more bread.Thanks to Jennifer and Zoe + Jeff of Artisan bread in 5 minutes, the only way is up!

I will find my feet, my macaron feet…..

(I’ve started already aging my flour and egg whites for a grand finale soon!)

Buying puff pastry will be a thing of the past!

I will take more mom-alone trips, yes without the kids. That way, we’ll all preserve our sanity. The husband and I will also attempt to make a trip away, together….sans kids….for the second time in 7/8 years. We will learn to trust others to care for our kids….I hope!

I will LOSE WEIGHT. I will cook more vegetarian dishes.

I hope to progress from semi- to well-organised.

Hopefully, I’ll be rich, go to NYC….maybe even buy a Mini. Oh Lord, help me please.

Most of all, I will be grateful and take each day as it comes and one-by-one.

I will give praise and be joyful in as much as I can.

And I will continue to blog…with joy.

Thank you for embarking on this journey to ‘greatness’. We will get there and we will excel.

With all my love, blessings and best wishes for 2010.

Stay strong, stay hopeful and stay passionate, we will prevail….if only for ourselves. God bless.

PS: Don’t you just love this clock?

It says soms loopt – sometimes walking

alles vekeert – everything travels….(If my Dutch serves me right!)

And do you notice anything strange?

(We saw this in a nice seaside restaurant in the North of the Netherlands a few months ago!)

[wpurp-searchable-recipe]2009…out with the Old, 2010….in with the New! – – – [/wpurp-searchable-recipe]