I know, I know, I’m behind…but I’ve been working on lots of research and have been taking some courses on this stuff. But, yes, I told myself that I wasn’t going to get caught up in, or rather get left behind because of the technical stuff, as the main thing is…yep: I’ve gotta write!
So, here’s some writing… XO
“The great thing about new friends is that they bring new energy to your soul.” ~Shanna Rodriguez
So, I’ve decided to be a blogger. A food blogger. Maybe a travel blogger. A traveling food blogger. A food blogger who travels. A person who wants to write about something. Something I know, something easy, something I can think about—or do—every day. Food, it is!
This year, I’ve told myself and others, is a bit of a rough draft year. I decided to start imperfectly. Just do it. And so I’m doing “it.” Writing blog posts, trying to create a website worthy of followers and visitors, and well, working on the blog’s social media partners. Perhaps, creating an identity and an online personality through photos, quips, and short stories about food and my life & food (and traveling for food!) It will continue to evolve I’m sure, but for now, it’s been fun figuring out what works, and what doesn’t work. And what is just plain fun for me.
This all started just a few months ago, without much of a plan, but again…just do it, right? I am making a plan as I go. Trying a little of this, some themes around that, figuring out an Instagram filter maybe (I like Ludwig…) a lot of tacos and Whataburger, and voilá: followers & readers! Well, some anyway. (And I appreciate you all!)
Although not an official plan, I did set some goals (besides you know, writing stuff!) and one of those was attending TravelCon last month in Austin. TravelCon was a conference for travel bloggers, writers, business owners and I suppose anyone whose life has something to do with travel. Hosted by Matt Kepnes aka Nomadic Matt and his team, it was a great experience. I learned many valuable lessons and tips, was inspired by adventurers from all walks of life and trade, and made many new friends and contacts. But even though I attended the conference in person, many of those friends I’ve actually met after the conference ended, either online or here in my hometown of San Antonio.
Emma, Erin and Kathy and I all live here in beautiful San Antonio, Texas and we all attended TravelCon just up north in Austin, although we didn’t meet up there! (There were like 600 people or so at this conference so we missed each other!) But, a few emails and the fact that everyone needs to eat (or is that just me?!), we decided to meet here in town for lunch. And what a great lunch it was! We met, we introduced ourselves, talked about where we are in the process, why we are doing this process, and overall just gave each other a lot of support and good vibes to continue on. I left lunch feeling energized to definitely continue on! No matter how not-so-smart I may feel as I get this blog and website really up and running! Thank you, ladies! I hope that as time passes, I’ll be able to energize y’all as much as you’ve already energized me! XO
And then last week, I made another friend! Or at least we also met in person for lunch at Barbaro on McCullough here in SA. Steve and I follow each other on Instagram and as fellow foodies in the same town, we found ourselves eating at the same places or at least admiring each other’s tacos. (Which, by the way, is not that unusual in San Antonio.) We also do have a mutual friend so I guess we connected even more so since it felt like we kinda already knew we’d be perfect as real life friends. That—and a shared love of Yuengling—seemed like a good enough reason to meet in person for lunch. And it was! I gave Steve some beer, he bought me some pizza (I buy next lunch!) and we talked about food, drink and just got to know each other a little bit. Thank you for a great time, Steve. The conversation flowed for me as easily as I know that first cold Yuengling did for you. 🙂
I think the last two weeks would have made Dale Carnegie proud. Winning people and influencing friends… through mutual interests, connections and food. It seems like the perfect recipe for friendship to me.
And so the best things I ate the last two weeks? These two lunches hands down; it wasn’t even close. Because to me, some of the best meals will always be those shared with friends. Especially new friends.
~Elda Eats XO
Interested in learning more about Nomadic Matt, check him out here: https://www.nomadicmatt.com & TravelCon: https://travelcon.org (see you next year in Boston!)
Want to support my friends?
Emma can be found at http://frompenguinstopolarbears.com and on Insta at https://www.instagram.com/frompenguinstopolarbears/
Erin on Insta at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinegirlintexas/
Kathy on Insta at https://www.instagram.com/kathypeese/
Steve on Insta at https://www.instagram.com/atemyshorts/
And of course, I would love a follow on Insta at https://www.instagram.com/eldaeats/
I’d also appreciate any comments or thoughts as I go through this “rough draft” process. Above all, thanks for reading! XO
Photo way at the top? My pizza from Barbaro: pepperoni and roasted garlic. Oh, my goodness! XO
