Pay as little attention to discouragement as possible. Plough ahead as a steamer does, rough or smooth – rain or shine. To carry your cargo and make your port is the point. ~ Maltbie Davenport Babcock
Learning To Trust
This past week has been a rough one and has left me more than a little discouraged. Blogging is hard work; certainly not for the faint of heart. Just when I think I am on my way and beginning to make headway in the bloggy world, the rug gets pulled out from underneath me. I hit the highest visitor numbers to date on my site only to see them plummet the next day. I could almost hear the crickets chirping when my hosting server went silent. Downtime is always tough because momentum is lost and you have to start the long hard climb all over again. During these times it is hard not to second guess myself and question if all the time, effort and sacrifice is worth it. Is this the path I am meant to take?
Deep in my spirit I know what the truth is. God has brought me to this moment in time for a purpose. There are too many things that have fallen into place, coalesced at the right moment, to not believe He has a hand in it. So how do I deal with the tough times and discouragement, those moments when I feel I will never be able to stop spinning my wheels? I am holding on to one word that continues to dominate my thoughts, even in the disappointing moments. That word is trust. Trust that God has a plan. Trust that he sees the future and is building something beautiful. Trust that He will take care of my needs and knows what they are better than I do.
My little blog may never be successful by the world’s standards. I may never make a substantial amount of money. I may never make a huge impact on the world around me. But God is doing something beautiful in me. He is teaching me to depend on him; to let Him take care of the future. To trust. I can live with that!
Cauliflower Salad with Ham and White Beans
Cauliflower Salad with Ham and White Beans is not your mama’s salad. Tangy cauliflower and carrots combined with sweet pepper, sugar snap peas, salty bits of ham, and creamy white beans create a delicious fusion of flavors. A wonderfully addictive salad you will make again and again. Cauliflower Salad with Ham and White Beans is destined to become a true family favorite.
- ¼ cup seasoned rice vinegar
- ½ cup white wine vinegar
- ⅓ cup raw sugar
- 2 tbsp sea salt salt
- 2 cups cold water
- 6 scallions, white and tender green parts only, cut into 1-inch lengths
- 4 cups white cauliflower, cut into 1-inch florets (12 ounces)
- 2 large carrots, sliced into ¼ inch rounds
- 1 cup sugar snap peas
- 2 baby bell red peppers seeds removed, sliced into ¼ inch rings
- One 15-ounce can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup thickly sliced ham, shredded
- ½ cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
- 2 tablespoons salted roasted pine nuts
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Freshly ground pepper
- Place vinegar, sugar and 2 tablespoons of salt into a heavy duty plastic bag.
- Bring large saucepan of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Add scallions, cauliflower, and carrots to water and blanch until crisp-tender, about 1 minute.
- Remove vegetables using a slotted spoon and transfer to the plastic bag. Add 2 cups of cold water. Seal the bag, pressing out the air; place bag in freezer for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, add snap peas and red pepper to the boiling water and blanch until peas are bright green, about 1 minute.
- Drain and cool under running water. Pat dry and cut peas diagonally into 1-inch pieces.
- Remove vegetables from freezer and drain, reserving 3 tablespoons of the pickling liquid.
- Transfer the vegetables to a large bowl. Add snap peas, red peppers, white beans, ham, parsley and pine nuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk the reserved pickling liquid with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Vegetables and dressing can be chilled separately at this time if not serving immediately. When ready to serve, pour the dressing over the salad and toss well. Serve.
Recipe adapted from Grace Parisi: Giardiniera with Ham and White Beans, Food and Wine
Cauliflower Salad with Ham and White Beans shared with:
*Living Well Spending Less: Thrifty Thursdays * Organized 31: Inspsire Us Thursday *The Deliberate Mom: Shine *A Dish of Daily Life: Foodie Friday’s *The Kitchen Chopper: The Weekend Social *Happy and Blessed Home: Family Fun Friday *Juggling Real food and Real Life: Let’s Get Real * In the Kitchen with Jennie: Foodie Friends Friday * Coffee With Us 3: Pretty Pintatstic * The Cookie Puzzle: Party in Your PJ’s * Love bakes Good Cakes: Freedom Friday’s * Creat with Joy: Friendship Friday Natasha in Oz: Say G’Day *Homemaking with Style: Creative Style Linkup *2 Crochet Hooks: Snickerdoodle Sunday *Mrs Tee Love, Life Laughter:The Mommy Monday Blog Hop *Create with Joy: Inspire Me Monday *My Pinterventures: Merry Monday’s *Creative K Kids: Bloggers Brag *It’s a Ginger Snap: Motivate me Monday’s *Memories by the Mile: Treasure Box Tuesday *Lou Lou Girls: Lou Lou Girls *The 21st Century Housewife: The Hearth and Soul Blog Hop *Mandy’s recipe Box: Totally Talented Tuesday’s *Craving Some Creativity: Turn it up Tuesday *Table for Seven: Share Your Stuff Tuesday’s *Creative K Kids: Tasty Tuesday’s *My Paper Craze: Creative spark * The Crafty Wife: Wednesday Roundup *The Shady Porch: Party on the Porch *Crafty Allie: Worthwhile Wednesdays *Sweet Haute: Sweet Haute Share Link Party *Lambert’s Lately: Create It Thursday *Momma Lew: The Pin It Party
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
First of all, your recipe looks delicious! And secondly, as hard as it is, try not to be so hard on yourself. I always find myself comparing my blog to others. But I keep reminding myself – that’s not why I blog. I blog for me. It’s my creative outlet. Do I want the approval of others? Of course! I would by lying if I said I didn’t. But honestly – I’m not blogging for the page views.
So, when you’re feeling down about your blog – ask yourself why you’re doing it. That way you can get back to your roots and help figure out the best way for you to move forward. If traffic is one of your motivations for blogging – use those quiet days to motivate you in extending your reach.
Thanks for linking up with the Creative Spark a few weeks ago! Sorry it took me so long to start checking things out. *shamed face*
Thank you for the thoughtful comment Kristy. You are right on all counts. I appreciate the encouragement. Some days I get it. Other days not so much. The key for me is I love what I do and enjoy the connections I am making with others. I’m not going off gently into the night, that’s for darn sure ? Glad you stopped in to say hello.
Blessings,
Shari
This looks great. Thanks for sharing. Hello from Inspire Me Monday.
Melissa French of HousePunkery recently posted…Free Scrapbooking Background – Framed Vintage Butterflies
You’re welcome Melissa. Thanks for the kind comments and for stopping in to share.
Blessings,
Shari
This looks so delish and summery! Thanks for linking up at the Creative Spark Link Party! I hope you will stop by again today to link up! http://bit.ly/1kbGQ7W
Michelle from Weekend Craft recently posted…Creative Spark Link Party #12
Thanks Michelle. I will!
Blessings,
Shari
Dear Shari,
You have a beautiful, inspiring blog and trust me, everyone who blogs feels the way you do from time to time.
To sustain things over time, however, you can’t let yourself get caught up in the numbers and the daily and seasonal ups and downs – you just have to find what it is that you love and focus on THAT or else – when things get tough – it will fall by the wayside.
I LOVE the recipe you share and hope that you will find encouragement in the fact that you are one of our Featured Guests at this week’s Inspire Me Monday party at Create With Joy!
Have a wonderful week – you are a blessing to me and so many others out here in bloggy land! ?
Thank you for the kind encouragement. I was almost wondering if you sneaked a peak into my computer for tomorrows post ? I truly love what I do and when it comes right down to it, that is what’s important to be successful. Thank you for the feature. I just finished linking up and am on my way to meet new friends.
Blessings,
Shari
Summertime brings crickets to my blog too. I tend to worry about pageviews less. It’s just the cycle of blogging. Pinning this to the Creative K Kids Tasty Tuesday board. Thanks for linking up!
Dina recently posted…How to create a backyard wonderland
That is a good thing to remember. I have been blogging only a little less than a year and I haven’t quite figured out the cyclical thing. Thanks for the encouragement. Have a wonderful week.
Shari
Shari lovely cauliflower salad I am loving it, thanks for sharing with Hearth and Soul blog hop. pinning it.
You’re welcome Swathi, It was a pleasure coming to your party and sharing. Thank you for stopping by.
Blessings,
Shari
Dear Shari,
Your cauliflower salad photos caught my eye , as it’s my kind of salad . . . any time of day! I love dishes like this one!!
I was drawn in by your honestly about blogging. It’s hard work!
We all blog for different reasons. I can see how this blogging world could become very stressful when we watch stats and try to cater to readers wants and interests.
I really think it’s important that we share with readers what inspires us. For I believe that when we have Faith in Him, that He inspires us. And that those inspirations lead to ‘authentic’ posts. I honestly think that when bloggers share ‘authentic’ posts, their readers can sense that . . . and that’s what brings them back :0)
Stats! I hope that you make the choice NOT to let them discourage you when they’re low. Focus more on what you do have control over :0) . . . having fun, content, photos, social media outreach . . . and being ‘you’ . . . because that’s who we love!
I LOVE LOVE that you’re taking Sundays off to rejuvenate. How appropriate! I do the same, and have for years. I think we’re rewarded for honoring Sundays.
Sending you hugs and wishing you continued success!
I’m so happy to have found your website (and you)!
You’re an inspiration.
Suzanne
Simply Suzannes at Home recently posted…Summer garden pasta . . . spaghetti with basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella
You are so right. The main reason why I blog is to bless others. My heart’s desire is to encourage others to see their worth and value and by so doing show a glimpse of how God sees them too. The numbers and all the rest of it is secondary. On good day’s I remember this ? Thanks for the encouragement. I appreciate it and you!
Blessings,
Shari
Shari I totally agree with stats, I have chosen to not watch them on a daily basis, I get to depressed with all the work that goes into getting them up to see them fall. I just have to keep chipping away. Its hard to keep up sometimes with visiting and commenting on all those that have visited,its the only way to keep up the momentum and keep your readers/visitors and the stats up. You are right it is not for the faint of heart, I took a break a while back and when I came back I was starting all over. Its very difficult with so many bloggers out there, its not hard to lose a reader to someone else that just keeps churning out new posts. You mentioned using crosspost, right now I am trying Co-Schedule, its free to try for 14 days. You might want to check them out. Hope you enjoy your day, thanks for being a regular visitor.
Hugs
Karren
Karren Haller recently posted…Back To School Tech #Sweepstakes
Thanks Karren. I take everyday as a new one, trust that all things are working together for good and keep moving forward. I try to focus on why I blog and have fun. That helps when the disappointment starts to creep in. Thanks for coming by and taking a moment to share and the great comments. I appreciate you.
Blessings,
Shari
Shari you have such a beautiful blog and have so much talent to share. Don’t let numbers discourage you and keep the faith ? I can really see the passion you have for blogging and sharing in all of your posts and I can only see your visitors increasing in numbers.
Erlene recently posted…Back To School Tech Sweepstakes!
Your encouragement has touched me Erlene and I am truly thankful. One of the great perks of having a blog is the wonderful community that can be formed around it. I am deeply grateful for the friendships I am making and consider you one as one of those friends in my community. Thank you for all you do to support me. I hope that I can do the same for you.
Blessings,
Shari
Looks delish! Can’t wait to try. Thanks for linking up to Snickerdoodle Sunday!
Kristina and Millie recently posted…Altoid Tin Monster #2 Abominable Snowman
Thanks girls! Your party was a great one and I look forward to the next one.
Blessings,
Shari
It’s as if you were writing the thoughts in my head. Discouraging and fantastic all in one. I refuse to let the down days get to me and I will keep on, keeping on with my blog. You do a wonderful job so be proud! Love the recipe too! Thank you for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I have pinned your post to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest board.
Carie Spence recently posted…Asian Pear & Berry Tart
The consensus is that everyone goes through it. Small consolation when you are in the midst of discouragement. Fortunately, those times don’t last forever. You pick yourself up, wipe of the dust and keep on moving. Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings,
Shari
Yes, sometimes this blogging world is discouraging. I fixed my Bloglovin’ feed, and my stats dropped tremendously on my site, and I’m not sure I like it. I’m trying not to get discouraged, but I’m struggling to get those numbers back up. I’m glad you’re not going to let it hold you back either. I believe this is my first time here, and I look forward to future posts. And yes, that cauliflower salad looks DELICIOUS! Thanks for sharing with Creative Style!
Thanks April, you are so sweet. I go back and forth between discouragement and hope, but I am slowly learning that my life is not wrapped up in this blog. I do the best I can and move on. What will be, will be! Thank you for stopping by, I look forward to getting to know you better.
Blessings,
Shari
I hear you on the blogging…there are days where I feel like “this is it…I’m finally going to make it” and others I can hear crickets chirping and I wonder what I did wrong. I feel like I shouldn’t even look at the numbers, because what will be will be. But on the other hand, if you don’t look at the numbers, how do you know what your audience wants? Anyway, I love your blog and am so glad to have found it!
I never was really a big fan of cauliflower. I eat it, but it’s not my first choice of veggies. But looking at the two recipes you linked up makes me want to give it another chance. I used to really dislike brussels sprouts and now they’re one of my favorites. Sometimes just finding the right way to cook something or a delicious recipe changes everything for you. Thanks for linking this up…we’ll be giving it a try later this summer when we start getting cauliflower at our CSA.
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life recently posted…A Visit to the Farmer’s Market at #FoodieFridays no. 4
I think the most important thing for me is to take a day off every week. It restores me and helps me see things a little more clearly. Sunday is the perfect day for this. I may still hop on social media to see what’s up or answer a letter, but have decided to take this day as a day of rest. I hope you do try the cauliflower recipes. When I grew up cauliflower was only served one way, dripping with cheese sauce. I purposefully went away from this way of cooking because I wanted to show that cauliflower can stand alone without it and it tastes so much better.
Blessings,
Shari
Blogging is a tough one!! I’m not an old hand at this, I’m pretty new at it!! But I get it… You have talents and ambitions and they’re yours to invest… Have fun investing them!
Your salad is also EXACTLY my kind of food!
Loved reading your post. Thanks for linking to the #SHINEbloghop
Thank you Steph. That is a great way of putting it. I like it!
Blessings,
Shari
Oh Shari! Your posts ALWAYS give me what I need…that little boost to my soul, that little boost of encouragement. My favorite part is
Trust that God has a plan. Trust that he sees the future and is building something beautiful. Trust that He will take care of my needs and knows what they are better than I do.
WOW….that is just beautiful. I will admit that struggle with that. What makes me think I know better then him? Why is it so hard to “Let Go and Let GOD”? It is when my ego gets to big, when I think I a total rock star, that I have all my ducks in a pretty little line, that I too get the rug pulled out from under me, and I would fall flat on my face, if not for GOD catching me.
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement…..have a blessed day…and happy blogging!
Kim @ The Cookie Puzzle recently posted…Party in Your PJs #11
Thank you Kim. Sometimes it is tough to trust when we are in the midst of our difficulty. One rushes to fix the hole in the dam, cauterize the bleeding, take matters into their own hands. Unfortunately in our hurry to fix the “problem” we may not realize that what we are experiencing is actually a blessing in disguise. I know I haven’t yet figured out how to tell the difference, so I am working on my first response to anything that comes my way. It’s a choice. I want my response to be one of simple childlike faith and trust that the one who created me and who sees the big picture has got my back, knows what’s He’s doing, and will work all things together for my good. I have completely fallen for this wonderful God who loves me so much. Grateful, thankful, want the whole world to know!
Blessings,
Shari
As a child, I used to hate cauliflower, how stupid of me! Now I love it and this salad is right up my alley! Thanks for coming and linking up at The Weekend Social. All posts get pinned on our pinterest board! Please be sure to come back next week starting Thursdays at 9PM EST on culinaryflavors.gr! I hope to see you there!
Katerina recently posted…Squash and Raspberries and The Weekend Social party #28
Thank you Katerina. I appreciate the kind words. I will be sure to come by and link up at your wonderful party.
Blessings,
Shari
Stopping by from Family Fun Friday. I have Pinned your salad to my Summer Salads board, sounds really good!
You are so right, blogging is not for the faint of heart!
Are you using Hootsuite to promote your posts on your ‘off’ days? I just recently started using them and it really helps to keep the traffic up on my ‘off’ days.
Shirley Wood recently posted…Our Hot Dog Tour Stops in Cordele Georgia
Thanks Shirley. I just signed up for Hootsutie but have not had a chance yet to play with it much. I’ve been using crosspost and it is great for FB and Twitter. I would like to find something that works for all my social media and doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure it all out. Hopefully Hootsuite will do the trick! Thanks for stopping by and the tip.
Blessings,
Shari
Shari,
I think you wrote this post just for me. Nothing has been more difficult than the past few years and now leading up to court next week. I know God has a plan for me and all my children. I have to Trust Him.
I trusted him with my son Caleb and after 17 brain surgeries he is doing well. We spent all morning at Children’s hospital for CT, xrays, and seeing his neurosurgeon. It was a great visit. Caleb and his shunt are doing well. Praise God.
Anyway, I do love this salad. The older I get the more I love fresh vegetables. Thanks for sharing.
Diane Roark
I am glad Caleb is doing well Diane. I can’t even begin to know what it is like to walk in your shoes, but I do know for a certainty that God has a plan for each one of us. We don’t even have to try and figure out what it is, He is patient and will lead us right where we need to be. I will be praying for you and for His peace in your situation.
Blessings friend,
Shari
A wonderful fresh looking summer salad #Shine
Coombemill recently posted…Outdoors at The Gallery
Thanks! I appreciate you stopping by and taking a moment to share. I enjoyed the fusion of flavors in this salad and was a little bit sad when that last forkful was finished. A great excuse to make it again ?
This recipe looks AMAZING and the fresh ingredients sing of summer.
Love your site Shari, and all the good you are doing on it. Your pictures, content and spirit make it shine and be a place of peace. Thanks for sharing a bit of your life with us, we are better for it. Carrie, A Mother’s Shadow
Thank you Carrie. Your encouragement means so much to me. I am glad we have had the opportunity to get to know one another and look forward to a long friendship.
Blessings,
Shari
Aww, Shari, we have all had those moments. Believe me when I say, I have also had times of doubt, but you are right god definitely has a path for us all with blogging and so much more. That said, your recipe here looks amazing and have pinned and Tweeted and Facebooked, too!! Hugs and love you and your blog, too!! ?
Janine Huldie recently posted…The Pin It Party – Week 60
Thank you Janine. I appreciate the encouragement, love and hugs today and am grateful for your wisdom and expertise in blogging. Thanks for the social media love too!
Blessings,
Shari