On November 11th, I saw a robin. And for whatever reason, I felt compelled to spend the next twenty minutes searching the web for information on robin symbolism. As one thing led to another, my ‘research‘ on robins transformed into reading about symbolism of the number 11 (it was the 11th day of the 11th month…). All sites were in agreement, 11 was a symbol of new beginnings, renewal, (re)invention, vision, and focus.
Fast forward to about a week ago when I emailed Chef Dennis, torn and in need of advice. I felt compelled to “amp up” the blog. And yet, didn’t want our food to ostracize the everyday cook or to come across as intimidating. Among his countless words of wisdom was a simple statement, “People eat with their eyes.” Two days later, in a conversation with nana about a cake, she said, “…we eat with our eyes first.”
In two days, two people (another hint at the number 11 … 1+1 =2!), gave me the same message. I thought of the robin and of the elevens and it all became clear…The comowater site needed to be reborn, and the pictures of our food needed to more accurately reflect the beauty of the meals we create. What happened next is history…
First, the address for the site needed to be more straightforward. Among friends and family, I was already calling it comowater. And lo and behold, the domain name was available! Thank you Universe!
Second, a blizzard left my tech savvy brother ‘stranded’ with me for three days after Christmas. And yes, you guessed it, he helped me transform the old site to the new comowater.databaseindays.com site. Thank you Keith!
And third, on Christmas Day, my friend offered to take pictures as I focused on preparing the meal. As you can see from the new banner, he has an incredible gift for capturing the beauty of food! This translated into a bartering deal–help with my food photography in exchange for home-cooked vegetarian/vegan goodness! Thank you Andre!
The culmination of a robin, elevens, sage advice, a snowstorm, and bartering? A revitalized comowater.databaseindays.com! I am excited about the upcoming year (another 11!!!) and can’t wait to reveal other new plans for comowater.databaseindays.com. In the meantime, please update your bookmarks 🙂 and happy cooking/eating!!!
HI Tiffany
Wow!!! I absolutely love the new site!!! What a remarkable transformation!
Thank you so much for the shout out, I am so glad I was able to help, you had this all inside you, sometimes we just need a little push!
What a great way to start the new year!
Dennis
I’m so excited! The site looks great and I’m looking forward to trying more recipes! Viva la Cheffany!
Who says a snow storm is not a good thing?! Great example of acting on your instincts! It’s beautiful!
Beautiful!!!
Thanks y’all! (Imagine that said with a sweet, North Carolinaian accent!). 😀
Blog makeovers and re-do’s always take so much time, thought, and positive energy to make that transformation. You did beautifully! Love the barter.
Congratulations on the new site. Thank you for sharing your process on getting to this point. It was truly eye-opening. This is the second time because I’m on my way to the kitchen to make some nutella hot chocolate. You are very good for me.
your site looks great! congrats.
ceecee
Looking good! I love to see new vegan/vegetarian recipes so I am bookmarking this site right away!
Congratulations! Fresh year, fresh look and a fresh new plan. I am so happy for you and I can’t wait to see what you bring to the new year!
Wow, Tiffany! What a great post about gratitude and leaping forward. You make me excited about the upcoming 11 (as in 2011), too! 🙂
Your site looks great!
Your blog looks great! Can I borrow your brother????
Thanks folks!
@TMC… Please let me know how you like the Nutella hot chocolate! 😀
@Liz, your comment literally made me laugh out loud!!! I actually did most of the design work myself. My bro helped me get my content from the old site to the new site and also helped with the banner. But to answer your question … YES, you can totally borrow him! Hahaha….
I love the new site! I just did the same thing! 🙂
Looks great! Congratulations on the changes and new outlook!
The new site looks fantastic, clean and sleek and the images in the header speak volumes. It’s always a challenge, but the fresh start can really be revitalizing.
~Loren
Your new site looks beautiful! I think you’ll find WordPress to have a lot of wonderful features, and I think the layout look great.
Happy New Year!
Great job with the site! I love it 🙂
I read your question over at Chef’s page and then saw this in my foodie inbox so I just had to come over! Isn’t it amazing how things work out like that sometimes? My mom always calls it kismet.. and it is 🙂 Here’s to a great year in 2011!!
Well done!
My birthday is 11/11 and this year I turn 40 on 11/11/11. Whole lotta symbolism in that, eh? 🙂
It sounds like you opened yourself up for inspiration and new things — and just look at the bounty that came back at you! Your transformed site looks great! I wish many for “11’s” for you next year! Theresa