Six years.
Six years of Set the Table. TEN years of blogging all together.
Honestly, when we moved away from Tokyo, Japan I wasn’t sure whether or not I would keep blogging. It had been so hard to keep going through a difficult first pregnancy, a move halfway around the world with a 6 month old, and everything in between. But about 8 months into life in Colorado, I knew I had to get back to it. I missed the creativity that would flow out of me when I’d get into the kitchen. I missed writing. I missed photographing the food.
Transitioning from Tokyo Terrace, which would have celebrated its 10th birthday in February if someone hadn’t hijacked it, to Set the Table was not as easy as I thought it would be. Life in Japan was filled with so much newness. It seemed that every day brought me inspiration, both by way of food and stories to write about. Moving back to the United States left me feeling a little aimless. Oh, and the having a baby thing totally threw my creative groove out of whack for a while.
Despite the fact that Set the Table hasn’t come as easily to me as Tokyo Terrace once did, it has been such a gift to share this space and community with all of you. I love hearing about my recipes making appearances in your homes, at parties, and more. I love interacting with you all on Instagram about being a parent, what it means to be strong and healthy, and how food plays a part in all of it.
I didn’t make a fancy recipe to share with you today. A few weeks ago, I imagined a cake or a cocktail or something. But one of the things I’ve loved about blogging over the last 10 years is how flexible and honest it can be. The last two weeks have not allowed for me to make a festive recipe for you, but it has given me time to think about why I love this space.
Because of the people who come sit at my virtual table on a daily basis, I keep coming back here to share the recipes and stories I wish we could enjoy around my table (or yours) in person. You are why I love this place and why I try to Set the Table for you all without filters. Life is messy. It is unpredictable and hard and constantly changing.
Thank you for being here for all of it.