Celebrating Four Years: A Journey of Food, Friendship, and Resilience with Cake ‘n Knife
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone celebrating today! As I write this, my home is abuzz with the joyous chaos of hosting my very first Thanksgiving dinner, a monumental task that involves orchestrating a delicious feast, managing the boundless energy of my two incredible (and slightly insane) dogs, and making sure every detail is perfect. Amidst the flurry of preparations, my mind is already drifting to my absolute favorite part of this holiday weekend: the glorious three days that follow. These are days dedicated to minimal work, indulging in a serious Gilmore Girls binge-watching session, and, of course, devouring ALL the Thanksgiving leftovers in imaginative and delightful ways. If you’re looking for inspiration, I highly recommend checking out my ultimate leftovers sandwich here, my festive Thanksgiving leftovers tostadas here, and my incredibly popular Thanksgiving leftover stuffed egg rolls here.
This year, Thanksgiving holds an extra special significance for me, as it serendipitously coincides with my blog’s birthday. Can you believe it? Cake ‘n Knife, this little corner of the internet where I share my culinary passions and life’s adventures, has officially been around for four incredible years. That’s right, FOUR. WHOLE. YEARS. It feels like just yesterday I was nervously hitting ‘publish’ on my very first post, filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation, wondering if anyone would ever stumble upon it or find joy in my recipes. To think how far this journey has come since that initial leap of faith is truly mind-boggling. From those humble beginnings, I’ve had the profound privilege of creating and sharing the food and drinks I adore with a wonderfully supportive community. It’s been an absolute whirlwind, and sometimes, it feels like I’m living in a delightful, delicious dream.
A Year of Significant Changes and Profound Growth
The past year, and indeed even just the past month, has been a period of immense change, both personally and professionally. Life has a way of throwing curveballs and presenting opportunities for growth, and I’ve certainly experienced my fair share. I’ve embraced the challenge of moving to a new home, setting down roots in a fresh environment that has inspired new culinary experiments and adventures. My career has taken exciting new strides, evolving in ways I hadn’t initially anticipated but am now incredibly grateful for. I’ve also had the immense fortune of entering into the most influential and honest relationship of my life, a partnership that has brought profound joy, unwavering support, and a deeper understanding of myself. Furthermore, I celebrated a significant milestone: turning 30 years old. This new decade has brought with it a fresh perspective, a greater sense of self-awareness, and a renewed zest for life’s endless possibilities.
However, alongside these wonderful advancements, this past year has also brought an unimaginable loss. Just over a month ago, my world was shaken by the devastating news that I had lost a very dear friend to suicide. It has taken me this long to even begin to articulate the pain and confusion on this platform, simply because I couldn’t find the words. Even now, as I type, I am struggling to convey the depth of the heartbreak. Losing a friend is a sorrow that cuts you deeply, in ways you can’t possibly fathom. But to lose someone with such a magnificent heart and a vibrant soul to suicide is, frankly, soul-shattering. The grief is layered with so many unanswered questions, far too many regrets, and a constant echo of “what if’s” that linger in the quiet moments. It feels as though I am living in a perpetual state of scattered thunderstorms; there are times when a heavy, grief-filled raincloud looms oppressively overhead, casting a shadow on everything, and then, without warning, the sun breaks through, shining brightly on my face, offering glimpses of peace and hope. It is in those moments of sunshine that I desperately try to anchor myself, allowing the warmth to offer a temporary reprieve from the storm.
Embracing the Unpredictable: My Evolving Relationship with Change
For a significant portion of my life, I was utterly terrified of change. The very thought of it would fill me with dread, petrifying me to my core. I truly believed I couldn’t handle it, and my instinct was always to run away from any impending shift or new challenge. Whenever I was confronted with a serious change, I’d feel that familiar little knot tighten in my stomach, a physical manifestation of my anxiety. Yet, something has profoundly shifted. After enduring such a devastating loss and simultaneously making such monumental strides in various aspects of my life, I am slowly, but surely, learning to lean into it. I am actively choosing to embrace the challenges, to immerse myself in the happiness and joy, to sit with the sorrow, and even to confront the fear that I once so desperately tried to escape. This newfound acceptance is a testament to the resilience I didn’t know I possessed, a quiet strength cultivated through both triumph and adversity. It’s an ongoing process, a continuous lesson in vulnerability and courage.
As someone incredibly wise once shared with me, and a sentiment I’ve come to hold deeply true, it is precisely in those moments when we are faced with the biggest changes and most formidable challenges that we truly begin to learn who we are. These crucible moments, though often painful and unsettling, strip away the superficial layers and reveal our authentic selves, our core values, and our true capabilities. Through this tumultuous year, I’ve discovered depths of strength, empathy, and adaptability I never knew existed within me. The blog, too, has been a constant companion through these transformations, a grounding force, and a creative outlet that has allowed me to process and share parts of my journey. It has been a reminder that even amidst personal storms, there is always room for passion, connection, and the creation of something beautiful.
A Heartfelt Thank You to My Incredible Community
In all the beautiful chaos of this past month, as I’ve taken the time to reflect on the myriad highs and lows of the entire past year, there is one resounding sentiment that rises above everything else, one crucial message I want to convey to each and every one of you who reads this: THANK YOU. From the deepest corners of my heart, thank you. Your presence, your engagement, and your unwavering support mean more to me than words can express. Thank you for taking the time to read my words, for listening to my stories, and for allowing me to share a piece of my life with you. Thank you for joining me in the kitchen, for cooking and whipping up crazy cocktails inspired by the recipes found here on Cake ‘n Knife. Your photos, your comments, and your shared culinary successes truly bring these recipes to life in your own homes, and that is an unparalleled joy for me.
Thank you for sharing my profound love for all things food and booze, for reveling in the simple perfection of avocados, and for indulging in the glorious decadence of chocolate alongside me. Thank you for laughing at my occasional craziness, for understanding my quirks, and for following along on my adventures, whether they take me to far-flung corners of the world or simply to a new restaurant right here in Denver. Your virtual companionship on these journeys makes every experience richer and more memorable. Most importantly, thank you for being the vibrant, engaged community that makes this blog a living, breathing entity. This big ol’ dream of mine, this passion project that has grown into so much more, would genuinely be nothing without the unique contributions, encouragement, and shared enthusiasm from each and every one of you. You are the heart and soul of Cake ‘n Knife.
As you gather with your loved ones today, I sincerely hope you have the merriest and most blessed of Thanksgiving celebrations. I’ll be thinking of you all, raising a glass (perhaps a festive cocktail, of course!) to another year of blogging bliss, shared recipes, and the incredible community we’ve built together. Here’s to many more years of delicious food, heartfelt stories, and leaning into whatever changes life brings our way.
All My Love,
Meghan