Friday, September 2, 2011

MY 7 LINKS - LOOKING BACK AT THE PAST

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When Dzoli at "Dzoli Sugar, Spice And All Things Without Price", Sally at "Bewitching Kitchen"and Tina at "Flourtrader" invited me to take part in the "My 7 Links" project, I was very flattered that They thought of me and found that this would be a good opportunity to reflect on my 6 years of blogging as well as to meditate over my former posts and my blog...

I must say that this little excursion into the past depressed me a tiddly bit as I am far from being proud of everything that you can find on "Rosa's Yummy Yums", especially when it comes to the approximative English with which I wrote at the time I started composing articles (in August 2005) and the terrifyingly ugly pictures I took then (and sometimes even now, in my opinion).

It has to be said that, years ago, I was relatively a young, naive, and unexperienced foodblogger who was still looking for her own identity, who had a lot to learn and who had no clue about the art of photography (digital cameras were not as well-spead as now - at least, among non-professionals) or journalism. For my defense, I must say that I was also in a different frame of mind and far less confident that I am now - the result of years of tyranny and psychological terror exercised by my parents (times of turmoil that have bruised my ego and soul and which I'd prefer to forget).

Although I should not reject my yesteryears and rather stand behind my previous work, I somehow despise and resent my earlier achievements which I find shameful, basic and uninteresting. If I could change things, I'd probably take another path and would probably built better foundations.

Ok, maybe I am being so critical because I have reached a bit of a crisis, at the moment. Lately, I find that my limited talent, capacities and materialistic means (I need a better camera, some real lens & not those kit lenses you get when buying a camera, a tripod and a light) hinder my efforts and that unnerve me and discourage me to the highest point. It is as if I'm turning in circles. It seems I'm suffering from burnout syndrome...

Anyway, I'm better off accepting the "good old days", see what I've accomplished here, feel comfortable with what I've done and not be too hard on myself as I have nonetheless achieved a lot. For example, I have perfected my baking/cooking, writing and photography skills, developped my individualism, cultivated my uniqueness, found my way (even if I'm only standing at the entrance) and fed my site without interruption for the last 72 months.

Pumpkin Pie Picnik collage 3 bis
Most Beautiful Post:
As I am a very visual person who enjoys glorious photography, I was tempted to opt for one of my post containing pictures I am quite happy with, instead I decided that my most beautiful post has to be "Tartine Bakery Pumpkin Pie - RIP Nana", because it is a poignant ode to my very much missed English grandmother who passed away in March 2011 at the age of 84. In it, I lovingly bid her goodbye and make peace with my regrets, resentments and unfulfilled dreams.

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Most Popular Post:
Depending on how you look at it, my two most popular posts by far are "Basic Pizza Dough - The Daring Bakers" and "Chinese Lemon Chicken". The first one has had the most comments (187 all in all) and the second one has had the most visits (more than 16,426). The "Basic Pizza Dough - The Daring Bakers" post was very successful as many Daring Bakers visited my blog since I hosted the October 2008 challenge under very sad circumstances. My lovely co-host Sher at the wonderful "What Did You Eat?" died of a massive heart-attack just a few weeks earlier and so, as a result, her friend Glenna at "A Fridge Full Of Food" decided to drop out as she was intensely heartbroken by the tragic event. When it comes to the "Chinese Lemon Chicken" post, don't ask me why it is so trendy. It seems that there's a Chinese food craze going on in the world!!! Of course, the Chinese cuisine is amazing and this recipe is divine, but I still wonder why it attracts such a traffic. In any case, this dish seems to be particularly good as I've received a few extremely positive feedbacks. The following comments are a testimony of its notoriety: "Rosa ,what can I say , your lemon chicken was fantastic, will be making it again and again and again." - Liz from Glasgow, "Cooked lemon chicken yesterday, it is the best lemon chicken I have ever had." - Anonymous.
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Most Controversial Post:
I love speaking my mind, about subject that others are afraid of approaching or which are controversial. My aim is definitely not to hurt people's feelings and to dictate a behavior pattern, but rather to make them think as well as reconsider their lifestyle and to raise questions. In my post "Chocolate & Vanilla Whoopie Pies - Trend Aversion", I tried to depict my visceral hate for (food) trends and how we blindingly follow them, thus not being capable of showing individuality and discernement.

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Most Helpful Post:
I don't really offer tutorials on my blog, although all my recipes are informative and well-detailed. On the contrary, the daily international food chronicle and online newspaper "The Rambling Epicure" contains a few of my essays that can be labelled as "useful" since they give practical tips. The post "Eating On A Budget - The Rambling Epicure" links you directly to my piece of writing about feeding well and healthily when your income is limited.

Baked Apricots 2 bis
Post Whose Success Suprised Me:
I always try to publish articles that are going to trigger the attention of people and educate them, so each of them are well-thought and the dishes are chosen according to their innovativeness or exoticicity. I try to post recipes that have not been seen on every blog and which are not in vogue. By differentiating myself from the mass, my goal is to create a one-of-a-kind plateform where one can find material that is authentic and quirky. And it seems to work for me! Yet even if this blog is designed to reach a big amount of readers (my dream), I am regularly stunned by the fame of certain posts. "Baked Apricots Stuffed With Almond Paste - Monthly Mingle" is one of them. I would have never though that such a humble dessert would have been so acclaimed. As the adage goes "Simplicity is beauty", not?

Falafels Picnik collage 2 bisChapatis 3 ALONE bis
Post that Didn’t get the Attention it Deserved:
It is very difficult to know if one post didn't really get the attention it deserved... Nonetheless, when judging on the number of comments left, I come to the conclusion that certain of my recipes could have gotten more consideration as they are scrumptious and significantly original. For example, my "Felafels", "Curry And Onion Chapatis" and "Vietnamese Chicken & Grapefruit Salad" recipes which were, in my opinion, not rightfully acknowledged.

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Post I Am Most Proud Of:
I must say that my latest posts are the ones that make me the most proud as lately my creational flair has expanded and I'm starting to put together features that are considerably deep, artistic and which demarcate themselves from those of other bloggers. Those are the seven write-ups I find quite impressive and memorable both photographically and composition-wise: "Borlotti Bean & Lamb Stew With Cheesy Eggplant Puree", "Cold Soba Noodle Salad - The Art Of Zen", "Kalbura Basti - Riddled Cookies", "Eggnog Mousse", "Turkish Cheese, Suçuk and Olive Pide Pies", "Cassata Cupcakes - Reflecting on Holidays" & "Swiss Sausage Salad".

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I have nominated five following foodbloggers to share their seven links:
Ben at "What's Cooking?"
Redmenace at "A Chow In Life"
Soma at "E-Curry"
Christina "New Kitchen On The Blog"
Aparna at "My Diverse Kitchen"

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100 comments:

  1. A lovely representation of your blog content. I loved this, Rosa!

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  2. Your honesty and thoughtfulness is refreshing & inviting. Thank you for sharing your posts in this way!

    I understand the frustration of wanting better camera equipment (always) - but I do think it's a testament to a photographer who can work with less and create magnificent photographs like yours!

    xo Emily

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  3. Awesome post! I love your selection of recipes!

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  4. This is such a fun post, Rosa. Your reflections are as always, sensitive and serene.

    Thank you so much for sharing...

    I must check out that Felafels post. I may have missed it!

    Thanks for sharing...

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  5. I completely understand the desire for upgraded camera equipment, but your photography is truly stunning. This was a great recap - I'm off the check out some of your other posts.

    :)
    ButterYum

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  6. Hi there Rosa
    Enjoyed, your honset post - exposing your vulnerabilities, concerns, hope and reflecting on your successes. I love those chapatis.
    Well done!

    Ishay

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  7. C'est agréable parfois de regarder le (beau) chemin parcouru... ;)

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  8. Comme j'aurais aimé prendre des photos comme toi! Regarder toutes ces magnifiques photos, quel voyage agréable pour l'oeil!

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  9. Nice, I wasn't familiar with some of your earlier posts. Great pictures

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  10. Isn't it strange how sometimes the posts that we find the most enjoyable are not that popular, and vice versa?

    I think all your posts are beautiful, and well-written! Keep up the great work. :-)

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  11. Very interesting line up Rosa! I really enjoyed this!

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  12. Always so nice see review posts of other great posts I may have missed. You are definitely too hard on yourself.

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  13. I am a great fan of your photos Rosa! Great work :)

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  14. Il y a de quoi être fière ! de belles photos ! de belles recettes, de bons moments...toujours passés ici
    bon weekend, bises Rosa

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  15. I know how busy you are .Thank you for finding time and put also all comments with your choice.All your dishes are great:)

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  16. Beautiful links and i too loved that baked apricot post!

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  17. Rosa, tes photos sont absolument superbes. Ne sois pas si dure avec toi. Tu es une inspiration pour moi, vraiment!

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  18. perhaps i see what you see but that doesn't matter. what matters is knowing that out there, there are people who see it differently and i want to know what is the difference. :)

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  19. Rosa I think we all look back at our early days and cringe a little. Nice reflections on your posts.

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  20. I also learn that even if some recipe is good, but it doesn't always grab much attention.

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  21. What a great collection of beautiful posts.

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  22. Thank you for tagging me, Rosa! :-)
    Love your 7!
    Liebe Grüße
    Christina

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  23. Rosa,

    What delightful images, you've mastered to perfection.
    In addition, you make a self-criticism, I find it a bit hard on yourself, but it's all in your honor.
    I wish you a pleasant Saturday.
    Valerie

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  24. What a lovely trip down memory lane! I agree with the others, you are improving daily and we love your work!

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  25. Rosa: I really enjoy your mix of food and lifestyle. It was great to revisit some posts I had not seen. Oh, and I totally agree with you on fod fads! Have a great long weekend, with your spatula and camera always in hand! :)

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  26. Merci pour cette belle ballade dans des "posts" que je n'avais pas tous vus. C'est fort agréable.

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  27. Dear Rosa, I love your links Awesome and beautiful! and I find all your posts geoorgeous!!! I love your pictures, xxgloria

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  28. Your Photographs are perfection and posts inspiring. Thank you for doing this post through which I was able to see your journey as a food blogger. I have book marked quite a few recipes to try from these posts.

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  29. I see your food photograph is better each time you post. You capture the food with very nice lighting and good exposure.
    Happy weekend Rosa!

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  30. I like all of your posts, especially the pictures. You write very well also :)

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  31. Thank you for sharing every bit of this. As a newcomer to your site I appreciate the recap. Your photos are beautiful.

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  32. I love this idea of these links because we see all bloggers sharing the same happiness at unexpected success, we feel puzzled when what we consider good has no feedback....and we also measure our progress..
    Amazing job on your side! Congrats!

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  33. What an interesting concept Rosa...looking through all you have done in the past. It's a great way to examine oneself and move to different things in the future. Loved it!

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  34. Congrats on six years of blogging Rosa what a wonderful recap. Love all your posts and photography.

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  35. yes indeed you are truly a talented photographer. enjoyed your journey and list of blogs.

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  36. Quite the challenge to recap your 6 years but you did a great job of it. Don't be hard on your early posts ... we all start and evolve as time, circumstances and subject matter present themselves. I've removed some of my first posts now as I was running out of picture space in Picassa. I didn't even know what blogging was really all about when I started and was amazed when someone, a stranger, left a comment!

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  37. A great selection of your 7 links. The photos are fabulous for all. You have come a long way and achieved a LOT! You have done very well, don't be too critical of yourself. There is so much to learn from you.

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  38. THey are all very pretty! If I were you, I would have problem to choose what's the most beautiful one as each of them is different and pretty.

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  39. moi j'aime tous tes posts !!pierre

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  40. I cant imagine a bad photo from you and many of these posts bring back memories for me. Especially that lovely pizza challenge. Time has flown.

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  41. Those cold soba noodles are making me so hungry - gorgeous everything, as always Rosa!

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  42. Quelle belle et intéressante rétro. Je découvre des articles. Même s'ils datent de quelques années, ils n'en sont pas moins intéressants.
    Pour ce qui est de la dernière photo de l'article, je vois une sorte de tête d'animal qui a la gueule grande ouverte ... qui me fait penser au gros animal volant du film "The never ending story".
    lol

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  43. Wonderful post. I enjoyed all the recipes you picked out for your post.

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  44. Hehe I just did this post today too! :P Great reading your list Rosa!

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  45. What a wonderful collection of links Rosa. I'm only new to your blog, but it was a wonderful introduction to you and your blog. Thanks for sharing :D

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  46. How great to see your beautiful posts, excellent features!

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  47. Gorgeous and absolutely inspiring, Rosa! Beautiful selection of links :)

    Hugs <3

    Aldy.

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  48. I'm always amazed at what my popular posts are. They are rarely what I think they will be. Lovely as always.

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  49. Tu peux regarder ton travail avec fièrté. Bises.

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  50. It's so funny to see those 7 link posts pop up everywhere. It can indeed be depressing to go back into the past and I've seen quite some posts of myself that I wish I didn't make...lol..
    But love your little trip down memory lane Rosa!

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  51. An interesting and introspective exercise you have done, as I guess looking back into 6 years of blogging must take time.
    Isn't it marvelous the way blogging help us not only to share with people but grow and know better ourself too.

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  52. Bon boulot Rosa.
    Bon Lundi à toi également.

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  53. ces photos sont vraiment merveilleuses !!!

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  54. belle ballade qui me replonge dans des anciens post et d'autres que je redécouvre.

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  55. You have accomplished some pretty amazing stuff with your blog Rosa. Your food and photography is inspiring. Don't be so hard on yourself.
    Great list of posts.
    I LOVE the last photograph.

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  56. Que de beaux plats que tu as réalisé !
    Bisous, Doria

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  57. You have so many beautiful posts in your repertoire Rosa! Thanks for sharing these!

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  58. Such fun to see your list, Rosa! Most proud of is the most important, I think.

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  59. Nice post, it's good to reflect from time to time. Like your phrase, do u see what i see : )

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  60. Ouah ton article est super bien fait!
    Mais il manque quelque chose : Post for a break (avec les jolies brioches à la cannelle ...)
    Bise

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  61. Rosa, I just have to tell you how incredibly talented I think you are. I wish I had only a bit of your photography talent!! I really enjoy coming to your blog to see all of the beautiful pictures and food!!

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  62. Rosa, your blog has evolved with you. There are no "hideous" photos on your blog-NONE.

    This is a beautiful blog that reflects you, and where you are at any given moment in your life.

    You are creative and reflective. I always feel inspired when I visit.

    Cheers to you.

    Velva

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  63. Wow, Rosa, 6 years is so impressive! Looking back is fun, but I have to admit that I felt the same way when I looked back...I read some of my old posts and wondered not only what I was thinking when I wrote it, but how could I publish the picture that went along with it?! Lol.

    I have to say, I find all your posts lovely and your photography truly inspiring.

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  64. Such a beautiful collection...all wonderful!

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  65. Love all of them ~ they are all beautiful n inspirational!
    USMasala

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  66. As a fellow blogger, I'm also constantly amazed by what catches people's fancies. You can never predict. And the surprising results are always memorable.

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  67. What a wonderful recap Rosa..Everything looks so beautiful! Love the cookies.

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  68. nice collection of posts .. thanks for sharing ..

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  69. What a honest and open look back at the start of your blog along with many of the highlights.

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  70. I agree with you in getting depressed going back to the early posts:) but really yours are even so beautiful, you should be very proud of them. And as I was once told by a friend, see our progress from there to now. That I haven't forgotten and I try to think of it that way.. not just the quality of the posts, but our personal development, how we slowly opened up and got comfortable to the world unknown and still do not know first hand. How we have made friends and learned to trust ourselves and more around us. Rosa your photographs are a true inspiration! never feel bad about them and did i say I love you Onion Chapatis ? :)

    (Thanks for tagging me)

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  71. Wow Rosa!! Merci pour ce délicieux voyage:)

    Bonne semaine à toi xx

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  72. Wonderfully retrospective *and* introspective post. I have often heard that those who are shy become actors or find another place in public life to let themselves out. I believe that applies to many bloggers, too. Although I am fairly guarded, I will say that I get you, Rosa - and I certainly do see what you do in that last spectacular shot of the sky.

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  73. Wow, Rosa - six years? You've been blogging way longer than most of us. I haven't caught many of your older posts, but I love what I've been seeing in the last few years. You have a real talent for photography and for creating many beautiful and delicious dishes from various cuisines. Loved reading your insight into these posts.

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  74. Hello from SPAIN VIGO ... I love learning kitchen n dierentes these is fantastic ... I will follow you and invite you to share my kitchen blog ... greetings Marimi

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  75. Beautiful photos and good recipes, I am impressed the photo of the egg, a spectacular graphics, hugs.

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  76. Hello, I just found your blog today. I love your photos! I am now following. Take Care. :)

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  77. Lovely Rosa!!!!
    Its so wonderful to see all these amazing links in one post....
    Beautiful pictures and awesome food...
    Really nice collection
    Love it.

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  78. Nice post Rosa...I always enjoy reading your posts...some I've seen before, some were new to me...so thank you for the link.
    Hope you are having a great week :-)

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  79. Oh My God...great pictures Rosa. Superb Idea....loved it:)

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  80. Rosa, this post is amazing!! Awesome to learn so much more about you and your beautiful blog. What I would do to dive into that bowl of cold soba noodles right about now.

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  81. This is a fantastic round-up Rosa! I've been nominated to do the same post, but haven't got around doing it yet :-)

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  82. Love this "summary" of your recipes. Have a nice day, Giorgia & Cyril

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  83. Very well done, Rosa. Beautiful words and photos!

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  84. What a great stroll down memory lane -- so many great posts!

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  85. love yout 7 links challenge, so much fun!!

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  86. There's absolutely nothing wrong with speaking your mind...a little controversy gets the juices going. I'm not whoopie pie either ;o)

    Great post Rosa...keep up the great creativity and thinking to be shared.

    Ciao for now,
    Claudia

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  87. what a neat idea. Your noodles still make my mouth water. I wish I made them!

    The pumpkin pie is beautiful and I love your photo because not only is it stunning but, I make the worlds ugliest pies!

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  88. I think all your posts are terrific.

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  89. C'est tres difficile de choisir parmi ses enfants non?
    Il faut vraiment que j'essaie ce Chinese lemon chicken.

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  90. I'm new to your blog, so this 7 links post really helped me in going back to your archives and discovering many interesting posts! Love this!

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  91. I always enjoy reading your blog for its honesty, beautiful photos and innovative recipes. This post has happily alerted me to some of your posts that I've not read, and I look forward to reading them now and finding more delicious dishes!

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  92. such a magnificent representation of your blog,love it!:)

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  93. Thats one good representation of your blog.. i actually love those felafels nd the stuffed apricots! i have to go though the archives now to find more gems!
    have an amazing day and thnks for dropping by!

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  94. Love all of it. I remember most of these posts and now will go back and discovers those I don't. You are, anyway, a truly incredibly talented person... xo

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  95. Great recap, and it was brilliant to get your perspective. Loved it,

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  96. I find it hard to believe you feel limited by your camera and lens, your photos are always so amazing! I so enjoyed your post, those statistics are really fantastic and must be very gratifying.

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  97. the vietnamese chicken and grapefruit salad is one of my favorite recipes of yours. i can see how people might be a bit hesitant about trying it but i can attest to its excellence!!! :D

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