First of all, thank you for your outpouring of support after my last newsletter. 207 comments and 14 emails! I was totally overwhelmed and awed and grateful that so many of you took the time to share your thoughts with me.
Many of you encouraged me to write on whatever subjects I choose and at whatever length I want (68% chose “Life, the Recipe, and Everything” on the poll.) Only 23% of 886 people polled want “Less Chat, Just the Recipe,” and a lot of the commenters explained to me that they prefer a link to the recipe at the top of the newsletter, for when they don’t have time to read the whole post. I thought that was a great idea, so I’ll now include a link to any new recipe at the top. Note that it will take you to the top of the blog post where you will still have to click “Jump to Recipe” if you don’t want to read anything.
On the subject of dogs and cats in photos, most of you were pro-canine, a couple want more cats, several were indifferent to non-human companions, and one person emailed to tell me that my shot of the soup on the messy bed where the dog later slept “did not inspire me to sign up for your recipes.” Oh well. I wish I could say that this email inspired me to clean up my house, but alas, the messiness runs deep. There are too many books I want to read and plants I want to plant.
On the subject of how often I should send out a newsletter, the votes were all over the place. Some people said they would love it if I wrote once or twice a week, but a couple of people rightly pointed out that such a schedule would probably be too much pressure. I think twice a month gets most people’s vote, and mine as well.
So what I hope to do is to send out at least two emails a month, one with a link to a new blog recipe and one with other timely recipe suggestions. I’m committed to posting at least one new recipe per month on the blog, even if it takes me all month to do it. (Today I’m thankful that this February had 29 days!)
I’m really sorry that I wasn’t able to comment on all of your lovely comments. I’m grateful for every one, even the one about my messiness, because it gives me insight into how people think. I especially appreciate those of you who encouraged me to do my own thing, just be myself, or do what makes me happy. All of your support makes me happy.
And now, here are just a few words about the new recipe, Easy Vegan Lasagna Soup:
It’s really good! It started as a way to use up broken lasagna noodles, but I found I really liked it, so much so that I feel the base recipe, without the noodles, could make a great spaghetti sauce. As you know, it can be hard to find jarred pasta sauce without added oil or sugar, so I can see making this recipe with a little less broth and no noodles to use as an easy homemade pasta sauce.
And the newsletter would not be complete without some behind the scenes photos with a dog. Well, how about three dogs?
Here’s my set-up for taking the overhead photo above:
I had to set it up on the floor because if I’d put it on a table, I would need to stand on a chair and bend over the bowl to get the shot. I’ve tried that, and I’m wobbly and in danger of winding up IN the soup.
When I finished taking the photos, I turned around to see this:
All three dogs were lined up behind me hoping I’d step away from the food for a minute. I can assure you that had I left the room, the soup and the salad would have been gone when I returned. I know they were disappointed that I didn’t give them even a taste.
Thank you all for subscribing. Next time, I’ll try to feature a cat or two!
Susan
I for one REFUSE to read your posts if there are no dogs in them! lol!
Love you, your posts, and the Pups! :-)
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Dust if you must, but wouldn't it be better
To paint a picture, or write a letter,
Bake a cake, or plant a seed;
Ponder the difference between want and need?
Dust if you must, but there's not much time,
With rivers to swim, and mountains to climb;
Music to hear, and books to read;
Friends to cherish, and life to lead.
Dust if you must, but the world's out there
With the sun in your eyes, and the wind in your hair;
A flutter of snow, a shower of rain,
This day will not come around again.
Dust if you must, but bear in mind,
Old age will come and it's not kind.
And when you go (and go you must)
You, yourself, will make more dust.
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This poem by Rose Milligan first appeared in The Lady (September 1998).
It is now believed to be in the public domain.