Adventures in Gluten (and Sugar) Freedom from a southern blogger chick!

Friday, August 1, 2008

A year of Gluten-free Blogging (An almost-Sunday blessing!)



A year ago today, I wrote my first post for "Gluten-free in Georgia and Florida." I was still in Tampa for the summer, and I had been collecting my thoughts for weeks for that first post.

A lot about my gluten-freedom has changed in the last year. For one, I think I truly understand what it means to be gluten free now, and I'm much more careful and cautious than I was a year ago. A year ago, I was still learning my way with ingredients and recipes. I hadn't made a loaf of bread -- only corn bread and a pan of brownies. I hadn't written or tried all those wonderful recipes I've listed on the right side here. And I still haven't intentionally ingested a speck of gluten.

I hadn't found out I was lactose intolerant, either. Hadn't given up high fructose corn syrup. Hadn't given up corn products in general. And then there has been my discovery of locally grown products...it has been a year of fun and exploration, to be sure.

In the past year, I've joined up with the Delphi Forums Celiac Disease group, and I've become the public relations person for the Middle Georgia Gluten Intolerance Group. That has really enriched my life and my knowledge of the gluten-free world. I am happy to have so many good friends in those groups, even if some of them are cyber friends.

But best of all, I've made lots of gluten-free friends. If I start listing all of you, I'll leave someone out, and that will make me sad. I did get to meet Melanie of The Gluti Girls, and I almost got to meet Cassandra of Delightfully Gluten Free. Maybe I'll meet more of you next year!

I do have to mention my adopted family members, though -- Steve and Kate. They are more than just "blogger buddies" to me. XOXO to both of you for all the love and support you've sent me this year.

So, 172 posts later, I begin year two. Where do we go from here?

Well, the first thing I'm going to do is take some time off. I am going to be away at a conference (and without a computer) for a little more than a week, and I won't have the computer access I need to post a blog. But when I get back, I'll send a report on GF Food in Chicago, and maybe some new recipes.

Until then, thanks for staying with me for this first year.

Much love, and 'The best is yet to be!"
Ging

8 comments:

Cassandra said...

Good luck on your trip!

Kate said...

Ginga! Oh, girl, how I WISH I could go with you to my hometown! You will have lots of tasty treats, babe.... never fear!

Have a great trip! :)
xoxox

Gluten Free Steve said...

Ginger, the love and support goes all the way around. You've been great to get to know this past year and I look forward to the day when we can sit down over a glass of wine (or hard cider!) and just laugh....

xo

Carly said...

Have fun on your trip! Cant wait to hear about all of your adventures!

a kelly said...

Congratulations Ginger Carter Miller!

I am so grateful to share this journey of gluten freedom through your blog. I learn, I laugh, I know I'm not alone.
Many thanks
Alex

Gluten free Kay said...

The best is yet to come, indeed! Congrats on your first year.

I love being part of this nurturing community. We rock! Although I still wish you all lived on my street.

Enjoy your trip!

Karen said...

In good health,
Karen

Rachel said...

Congratulations on your year of bloggery. I enjoy your posts and recipes and your positive outlook. The gluten-free lifestyle is indeed an interesting one to get used to, but my family and I have gotten lots of favorite new recipes and support from the blogging community. Looking forward to your next year of posts!