Getting back into the swing of things and Spring!!

Sorry for such a long delay in posting! After our 10 day Disney trip, it's taken a bit of time to get unpacked, settled in and get things back to normal.  Lately I've been enjoying the food blogging realm, but reading and commenting instead of writing.  And searching out new blogs to read....there is just SO much out there to read and get inspired from!!  I've been cooking, taking pictures and eating, but carving out the time to write a post has been eluding me.  Does anyone else feel that certain conditions must be in place for creativity to flow in the writing arena?  I am finding that while not enjoyable to be interrupted, I can definitely read food blogs with kids in and out and underfoot.  I can even cook under those conditions, though I LOVE quiet so I can think straight (since I am frequently making things up as I go along...that requires concentration). 



BUT I cannot write with those distractions.  For me...I have to have a quiet, uninterrupted time.  That, in and of itself, is a HUGE feat.  I find that I also must not be tired, as in sleepy.  Upon awakening, I am groggy for quite awhile...a morning person I am NOT...I need a good cup of hot tea, or two or three!!  And though I am more alert and awake at night, I find that I'd rather relax, browse my favorite blogs, comment here and there....or spend time with hubby, or spend time in the kitchen.  I find that I tend to want to write a post all in one sitting....first draft, editing, adding in pictures and publishing.  As you know, that can take awhile.  Food pictures need to be taken, uploaded and ready to go as well. 



So as you can see....in developing my blogging style, I am finding that I need to write during the day, when it is QUIET (hard in a house with three children...one a toddler), when I won't be interrupted since then I lose track of what I was trying to say.  I need at least an hour.  I need it to be a time when there is no pressure...no one waiting for me to go somewhere (which is frequently the case on the weekend). 



It's funny....food blogging can really fit in with a mom's lifestyle in so many ways (we're cooking, we have people to feed), and not in others.  But I LOVE it!  I wish I'd done it a LONG time ago.  I really like having others to share my passions with.  Before my only outlet was bringing a dish to a potluck, gatherings with friends.  And while I'd get comments and mostly rave reviews, it was also unsatisfying because I love to talk about food with others...and not everyone feels the same way.  After 5 minutes, time for a new topic whereas I could go on and on.  Especially if I put a lot into making that dish.  I know you all understand that!



I think it is fair and realistic to say that I will aim for one quality post a week, and there will be times I fall short of that.  Then again, there will be times I have more than one post in a week.  I guess it will all depend on other happenings in my life at the moment, and how the various pieces of the blogging and writing puzzle fit into place.  I'd love to hear others writing dilemmas...especially if you are a mom with young children, or many children, a busy mom or a mom with a full-time job.  How do you fit it all in?  What does your writing style tend to be?  When and where do you prefer to write?  How does food blogging fit in with your lifestyle?



One more tidbit....I sat down to write this post about the fresh salads I've been enjoying for my lunch the past two weeks.  I have a balsamic vinaigrette recipe to share with you.  As you can see....something completely different came about. ;)  You'll have to stay tuned for that post...it will be next and definitely within the next day or so.  I have most of the components in place! 



And since long-awaited Spring is right around the corner, I'll leave you with a few pictures from the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival to inspire you.