Today.
It has been exactly one year.
One year of surprising transitions, of challenges I never could have imagined that Frank and I would tackle together, of laughter, of confusion, and of moments of extreme gratitude.
One year in Bangkok also means that it has been one year of this space – this blog space that I am so glad to call mine. Slowly but surely over the past year, this little corner of the web has reminded me what it feels like to write without restraint (and, if I’m being completely honest, often without sufficient proofreading).
It has reminded me that every day holds a story deserving of a second look, and every meal is a moment to be thankful.
Today, in particular, I am reminded of just how much I have to be thankful for.
I am thankful to you, little blog, because you have helped me to be brave. You, with all your technology that I never thought I would learn to navigate, have made me more patient. You have taught me to explore, to try new things, to seek out the special in the commonplace.
You have taught me to stop and appreciate the perspective from where I stand, take a second look at the everyday moments, and to more deeply breath in the world that surrounds me.
Fortunately, you also allowed me to rant from time to time. (For that I am truly thankful.) And even though I feel that sometimes I’ve been distracted and neglectful, I am thankful that this is not about adding another box to check in my otherwise busy days. It is so much more than stories and pictures. More, even, than the food.
It’s about learning to see the world in a different way. To see it in the way that I want it to be re-imagined on these pages - with honestly, an open heart, and a willingness to venture into the unknown.
As I joyfully begin another year, and feel time nudging me through the busy streets of Bangkok and the world beyond, I hope to embrace it with open arms and an inquiring mind. I hope that I continue to see it all, with its grit and occasional tears, but with all the wonder, and beauty, and love, and respect that every moment of it deserves.
More than anything, I am thankful for those of you who visit me here. I am grateful beyond words for the encouragement you give me simply by swinging by, reading my words, and occasionally saying hello. I am humbled by this experience, and so very, very grateful.
Thank you for reminding me to appreciate every second of this - these moments that, all too quickly, could have passed me by.
Corey @ Learning Patience
Congrats on your 1year - expat/blogaversary! I love reading your blog....keep up all the great work!
jessica
Thank you, Corey! Glad this past year has meant that we connected through blog-land!
Neuf
Not a week goes by that I don't check in with the inquiring chef. You should be proud simply because you are awesome! The photography, stories and FOOD never cease to amaze me. Good work friend 🙂 You are missed...
jessica
Miss you too, Neuf! Happy Honeymooning this week!!!
Just A Smidgen
Beautiful words and a luscious cake... congratulations on your one year anniversary. I think those who have never written a blog have difficulty comprehending what a powerful, life-altering process it can be. I am also glad to have found your blog... and you!
themuffinmyth
Congrats! You've got a beautiful space here, I'm so glad to have stumbled across it!
Claire @ Claire K Creations
Thank you for sharing your stories every day and here's to the next year!
Kristine
Happy birthday inquiring chef!
jessica
Thank you, Kris!
chasingtimemedia
These photos are so pretty. Love the lemon picture 🙂 Great post!
Lyndsey Fjellstedt
Really beautifully written my friend! I am just in awe of your amazing adventure and the lovely way you are documenting it! We miss you!
jessica
Thank you, Lyndsey! We miss you guys too!! A year here in Thailand means it was almost exactly a year ago that we were hanging out at your awesome house around the BBQ pit. 🙂 Such fun times.