My daughter is the light of my life. I’ve never known anyone sweeter, more precious or dear to me than she is. She makes the difficulties of living worthwhile. Since I’ve had her, I find all I want is to make her life as delightful and fulfilled as possible. I want her to always feel happy and secure and loved. I want to give her as many siblings as I can stand, so that someone will always be there to support her (and each other), no matter what. I want to teach her about the greatest things in life, how to create wonderful moments and memories, how to always look on the bright side. Most of all, I want to surround her with friends and family, for her ears to know the sweet sounds of laughter and camaraderie. I want our table to be surrounded by those we love most, sharing delicious meals and joyful moments each and every day that we're here on this earth.
Two years ago, I discovered food blogging. It started with Cannelle et Vanille. I was mesmerized by Aran's poetic storytelling and inspired by the beauty of her photographs and tempting recipes. The food, even simple ingredients all on their own, looked amazing and I wanted nothing more than to write and photograph and cook with the skill and easy emotion that she did and does. I soon discovered, and was inspired by, more and more blogs and, finally, decided to create my own. Though I haven’t found a voice that resonates in the manner of those I frequent, and though my recipes have, so far, paled in comparison (I’m not a trained chef, after all!), blogging brought a certain joy and sense of accomplishment to a life that was beginning to feel rather drab. Yet, after giving birth to my daughter, I found little time to write or photograph and, so, have neglected my happy hobby for far too long. Now that she’s older, crawling, babbling loudly and emphatically, behaving mischievously, making a mess of her face and high chair and anything else she can get her hands on at meal time, I find myself re-inspired.
Working ten hours a day, four days a week and spending the remainder of my free time taking care of my ten-month-old, G., I see a great need for preparation and order in my life. The house needs constant cleaning and there are never meals readily available outside of a freezer stocked with homemade baby food purees. I try to cook each night, but find I easily become distracted and often have to rush to eat or miss it completely as both my daughter’s and my bedtime quickly creep. I think to myself, there must be a better way! So, this new blog is my way to chronicle a journey from young, carefree, single woman to working mother and domestic goddess (thank you for the term, Nigella). By writing about these new and exciting experiences, I hope to help and inspire others who find that, for whatever reason, they, too, have little time in their own lives for what I consider one of the most important events of the day: eating with family...gathering around the heart of the home, savoring delectable, yet nutritious meals made from scratch, and sharing your day with those you cherish most. A baby on the hip and wooden spoon in hand, please, wish me luck as I cook "barefoot in the kitchen!"
Kisses and well-wishes,
Barefoot Momma
