Doing what I should've done a long time ago...

Hi, my name is Danielle. I‘ve decided to start my own blog. I know, I’m a little behind the times – there are so many blogs now but the way I see it, it’s kind of like an online diary (kind of…or exactly like?). Anyway, this is my first entry. And boy am I nervous.

I’ve been pondering and dreaming of starting my own blog for years…yes, years. That’s how much of a procrastinator I am. I just put it in the too hard basket but to be honest, I was just scared. Putting yourself out there, on the line, is scary. But I need to do this. Why? Because I have been missing writing, I have been missing creativity, I have been missing some kind of connection (with myself and with others). And I’m hoping to get some of that back here.

I want to write and I am pretty sure I want that writing to be about food, or at least about things I make with my hands to bring people joy – and one of my favourite ways to do that is through food. Sometimes I worry that my cooking brings me more joy than it does the people that taste it, but I try to make sure there’s an even balance! I am a lover of baking…ah, the love of baking is strong! The process, the smell, the texture, the look, the taste – everything. Each slice, mouthful, biscuit or sliver is like a little gift all of it’s own.

I was recently walking down Lygon Street in Carlton and was lured by the sight of colourful macarons into Browne’s…I am so glad I saw them calling to me. I was standing there debating with myself over whether to try the pistachio or strawberry when the assistant behind the counter recommended the blood orange. I was hesitant, not being a fan of orange as a flavour (oranges yes, orange flavour not so much) but when I walked outside, opened the little brown bag and took my first bite I could not, literally could NOT, stop my mouth from smiling. It was like a tiny explosion of pure goodness, sunshine in my mouth. Since then I have sampled pistachio, strawberry and pineapple but none have quite had me as much as that little blood orange macaron did.

This is me, writing about what makes me happy. Sometimes I might flip between things I make or things I find (like the little macaron). Either way, I hope sometimes my happiness can make you happy too.