So, this is going to be short and sweet, and I’m probably only going to do it once. I really hate asking for help– ask anyone who knows me. I will take the long and twisty and difficult way around so many things in order to not have to ask for help. I tell you that so you know that this is serious, and I’m serious.

For those of you who are new to this blog, I’ll give you just a little back story. All of this blogging and going to culinary school and recipe writing and just general obsessing over food and cooking is all going somewhere. I want to go out in the world and learn a little bit more after school, and then come home to Denver and open a little cooking school of my own. I want to help normal folks– not people who are looking to be famous on the food network or go work in a restaurant– but home cooks, and aspiring home cooks, or even just the culinarily curious, to feel that same sense of empowerment in the kitchen that I do. I want to share my knowledge, and connect my students with others in my community (virtual and literal) who have knowledge to share.

Eventually, I’ll take material from this blog and use it to put together a cookbook. Even if I have to self publish it, it’s something I have always wanted to do. It will serve as a sort of guidebook for my students, and hopefully, a helpful resource for anyone who buys it.

The International Food Blogger Conference is being held this September 19th-21st in Seattle. I believe that attending this conference is the best way to not only gain the knowledge I need to become a truly successful blogger, but also connect with other food bloggers and become an active member of the food blogging community. But, I can’t afford to go without some help. If you click the link below, you’ll see that this isn’t a vacation I’m trying to plan on other people’s dime. This is a work trip, and will be treated as such. I’ve broken down the costs to keep expenses to the absolute minimum. I won’t be staying in a fancy hotel, or taking cabs around town. It’s public transpo and a homeshare for me.

http://www.gofundme.com/6zrkx0

If you are so inclined, and are in a position to help financially, I really hope that you’ll do so. If you think you need to see a little more from me before you make any kind of investment, or you simply aren’t in a position to help with money, I would really appreciate all the good vibes and encouraging words you can muster. Those are just as important.

To my dear, sweet friends Nikki and Casey, I offer a heartfelt thank you for the support you’ve already provided. I hope I can do you proud, because your faith in me means the world.

Ok… that’s all I’m gonna say about that. Thanks everyone! Tomorrow we return you to your regularly scheduled food and fun!