Seven years of blogging, some thoughts and a few photos from Sicily
Today seven years ago I suddenly decided to start this blog, I had already been food blogging in Swedish for three months so in itself it wasn’t a big step but still a new path in my life. How I disliked writing recipes in English, it took me some time to get into the right language but after a while it all the pieces fell into place. Starting a blog is a bit like going to a party where you don’t know anyone, you start talking to the person standing next to you and then, slowly, slowly you start talking with more people and suddenly you realize that you are up on the table dancing and enjoying yourself immensely. That was how it has been for me. But it hasn’ been only fun, those of you who have followed Lucullian for some years know that both sad and happy things have hit my life, just like it is for most people; both my parents died some years ago and in a way I think that has changed me more than having had my three children, it is easier to add on to your life than subtract two beings who have been essential to who you are and who, like my children, have brought so much happiness and love into my life. But this is the way the cookie crumble and I have learnt a lot from it.
Blogging reminds me of a drug, when I blog regularly I need to do it more often than I do now for example. I used to post six times a week for quite a while, inventing recipes for five of those blog posts. If I didn’t post, I didn’t exist and that wasn’t really sane. Then I slowed down. And in my opinion the quality has benefited by that move. My food here has changed too, while I was more into trying out interesting combinations of food, I now tend to post food that suits everyday eating. Maybe it is more boring but I rather like it this way.
Seven years. So many things have happened because of this blog: I have made new friends both among my readers and with other food blogger and maybe that is the best thing of it all! Though I can’t deny that another joy Lucullian has brought me is that it made me change career and become a professional food photographer, I never imagined that when I started seven years ago.
There are times when I think of just closing down Lucullian and stop blogging. Especially now when I am having technical problems and so many people cannot get through and read my posts but I am preparing for a change, as soon as I have more time I will move to another platform and leave Blogger, something I regret because I like Blogger a lot. I dread this change but it will have to be done.
I will end my ramblings now, not because I want to, I could go on much longer, but because I’m sitting here in the photo studio in Milan, watching the food stylists work on next dish to be photographed soon and I need to get going on the propping. But it felt very important to post today (I have even marked the date in my calendar so I wouldn’t forget) for some strange reason, other years I have completely forgotten Lucullian’s anniversary but this year not. As usual I want to end by thanking you all for reading my rambles, for cooking my recipes and for putting up with me like you do – without you Lucullian would be a rather sad place for me so please come back and be patient with me and all the technical problems.
Love & Peace to all of you and Thank You for being here!
L
Happy blog-anniversary
Lucullian is one of the very first blog I started reading back in the day when blogging wasn’t fashionable yet, and I’ve loved every single post ever since.
Apart from being the best photography teacher I ever had, you’re always a source of inspiration and a great example.
If you ask me, I think this blog offers plenty of reasons to “celebrate”
xoxo
Jasmine
“Starting a blog is a bit like going to a party where you don’t know anyone” – what a fantastic line, and so true. Congratulations my dear, sweary friend on 7 years of blogging. It can be a lonely thing to do but it also leads to such incredible opportunities – and led us to meet and be friends. Who needs more reward than that?
)
Ha I so agree with Jeanne. And how lucky I am to have the two of you and Meeta to work with. But you three are so talented, energetic, brilliant and wickedly funny I can’t imagine what I would be without you!
Seven years – it goes by in a flash. I think I found your blog quite early on in my six year blog career and have enjoyed it over all that time. I haven’t always commented… but I’ve read most of your posts and always loved your photography!
I like Blogger too – I’ve wondered about moving to WordPress, as it seems to be the one a lot of long time bloggers choose, but it seems such a huge effort and perhaps I have a little nostalgic fondness for Blogger with all its little quirks. I haven’t had the technical problems you’ve had tho.
Happy Anniversary my dear! I am sooo happy the the blogging fairy brought us together
It is true that when you start following your life-call suddenly the sky is full of puffy clouds, ray of suns and raining daisies 
(who cares if our feet are picked with thornes on the way… 
).
Congratulations and Happy 7th Anniversary! It’s strange how quickly time flies by and I appreciate that you’ve chosen to share these years with us, your readers. Have a blessed day and here’s to many more years of blogging!
Thank you for being here and being you. I am certainly glad I found myself standing next to you at the party;-)
Happy seven years! It’s a wonderful milestone. Your beautiful photos enrich all of our lives.
Grattis! Det är helt fantastiskt att du haft bloggen så länge och dessutom hela tiden bjudit på så mycket bra recept och vackra foton. Bästa kramen från mig/Eva
Happy bloggiversary! Seven years is a long time, and it is only natural to have ups and downs…
glad you are still enjoying it all, and all the best for the next 7, 14, 21 years…
Ilva – I saved this blog post to read and just now got around to it. This post exemplifies why we love reading you – you are transparent, honest, forthright; you truly share of yourself. Yes, we love your amazing recipes and stunning photography, but if there wasn’t you behind it all, it wouldn’t mean anything. So, happy blogging anniversary. It has been a privilege for us to become closer to you through all these years of posts. I know whatever decision you make about the future of your blog, career and life will be well-thought out and sincere. Big hugs to you, Jeni
Seven years of blogging!!! That’s what I call a long time! Icreadibly beautiful pictures by the way!!
These photos are stunningly beautiful! I feel as though I could step right onto that road to stroll along the the edge, maybe to brush beside a patch or two of wild fennel.
Seven years! I’m so glad you decided to continue rather than stop. (Very odd about the blogger problems with your page. Several times today, I got a “service unavailable” message. In the past, I have resorted to looking at Google’s cache of your page but even that didn’t work earlier today.)
Happy Anniversary, darling. I have been blessed that you came into my life, that I can call you both friend and colleague. I learn so much from you – as so many do – and you inspire so many of us more than you realize. You have incredible talent just spilling out and I know you will go far. You are an amazing cook, a super talented recipe developer and one of the best food photographers out there. Talent in spades! Your blog is your personal diary, your emotional outlet but for us it is inspiration, a book to be read, a place to dream. Keep going, girl! We love you! xoxo
Happy Bloganniversary and to many many more! I really love your work and always delight in your photography as well as culinary concoctions. Lucullian Delights is unique and I’m happy to have come across your blog!
Yes, blogging can be a drug and one has to learn to priviledge quality over quantity. I slowed down a little too. It is better in that way….
Cheers,
Rosa
Seven can be a lucky number,a milestone to celebrate. There is always an honesty and truth to what you show us in your images and what you write. A singular, special voice that is all you. Thank you Ilva and happy anniversary Lucullian Delights!
It’s always been a pleasure to pop in and see what is happening, like popping into an old friends home for coffee.
I’ve tried many of the recipes over the years, and never ever had a problem with them, (well apart from a little too much concentration on the puddings)they have always been so precise and turn out fantastic.
And you inspire me to keep going with my photography, because any time you comment on one, I know that it is not faint praise. So here’s good luck for the next seven years, Tack för allt.
On a whim just now I decided to give it another go and the unbelievabe has happened; I can access your blog!! I know it’s therefore a bit late but still a very happy blog-o-versary sweet Ilva! 7 years is an amazing time and for sure I would not have been where I am today if not for my blog… It can be a pain sometimes and I struggle with it at times too but I love it dearly and it has brought me so much that it would be silly to stop (not that I am considering it) although ofcourse I’ve only been blogging for 4 years and a bit! Hope the blog troubles get fixes soon as it sure is driving me slightly bananas. I can image how it must be for you!
Beautiful photography! Your lines about your parents almost made me cry. I enjoyed reading this post as it is always interesting to read about people’s blogging experiences, and you’ve been doing it for 7 years! I’ll be reading more of your blog.
Happy anniversary. I’m glad to say I can come here again without technical problems and enjoy your writing and great photo’s. Many happy returns
Wishing you many more years of success in everything you do.