Conference at a Crossroads
by Rachel Tayse • August 29, 2010 • What's Growing • 4 Comments
Please vote for this post to win a conference ticket. Simply click on @racheltayse is this poll. Thanks!
Hounds in the Kitchen is growing not unlike the edible garden in our backyard. I planted seeds in education, writing, and speaking from this blog. Some have borne fruit already. Some activities seem to reseed themselves, providing reward after reward while others are rife with weedy challenges.
The garden is getting a little unruly. It requires enough maintenance that my head spins regularly trying to determine which task to undertake next. Do I write another blog post? Query a magazine? Make arrangements for a new class? Write a newsletter?
There are also expansions to consider. It’s possible that this blog audience and local food lovers could support launching an ebook, organizing a conference, or even opening a cooking school.
I wonder what will yield the biggest harvest, emotionally and financially. I consider which tasks I enjoy most and which require sacrifices of time and attention from my family. The plantings are getting crowded; I question whether some should be culled.
I am actively seeking advice and education to cultivate my mission. I expanded my blog reader and stack of books beside my bed to include essays on being a food writer, edible gardening, sustainable cooking, business, and more. Soon I will organize an Artie Isaac-inspired brainstorming session for trusted supporters to plan my life.
In September, Asheville North Carolina plays host to the Type-A Mom Conference. The speaker lineup includes bloggers I trust engaged in sessions that could help me clarify what I’m doing well and where to go next. The town of Asheville is a place I have long wanted to visit and document for their amazing farmer’s markets and real food restaurants. This post is an entry for a ticket to the conference from Blog Conference Newbie and MomImpact.
If you want to see Hounds in the Kitchen blossom to its full potential, I would appreciate your input. What paths would you like to see in the garden? Feel free to leave a comment or email.
You will love Asheville – its like Yellow Springs but bigger. And the area is so beautiful – try to build in some time for camping for hiking.
I was at a similar crossroad recently, trying to figure out what I wanted and could do next. I think the best advice I have to offer is to trust yourself and listen to your instincts. I think that often, we know deep down what we want to do, it just takes time to figure out some of the how’s and to gain courage to take the plunge.
Rachel,
I know you will succeed, no matter which plant you choose to cull. Your skills and inspiration shine through in all that you do. I was greatly inspired by you in the year that we got to know each other in Columbus and I hope that we’ll continue to collaborate from a distance. I certainly think of you each time I reach for a can to make another preserve and every time I wish the eggs in my fridge had been gathered in my backyard!
Saw your picture in the New York Times this weekend. You two looked beautiful, sitting there reading a book.
I’ve heard great things about Type A – I think you would enjoy it. I hope you’re still planning on heading to Blogher food though; I’m counting on celebrating your bday with you in San Fran!
Vanessa
Thanks for entering the “Type” Your Way To Type-A Mom contest! Good luck….