Nothing to do with work
Since I launched Hardin Heights Communications, I've made a handful of promises to my readers. People who sign up for my emails already know what they are. My friend and email expert Katie Skelton encouraged me (& others) to define those promises as we set up emails and it's a really helpful way to ensure I'm delivering value to my readers.
I know this is an article, not an email. But if you decide you want to sign up, here's what you can expect in your first email from me.
This is a list I share, promising value with each message I send:
As a subscriber, you’ll get actionable ideas, tools and tips to elevate your communications along with early access to my articles and subscriber-only freebies.
These emails will be short (never more than 5 minutes) and will always share valuable information.
If I share something fluffy (because sometimes you just must share something awesome but not particularly valuable) I’ll tell you in the first line.
I will always share real examples & experiences I’ve had (or know someone who has). I’ll change names, locations and details to protect the guilty – but all my stories really happened.
I will personally respond to every email. Not AI, not an assistant (HA, I don’t even have an assistant); lil' ole' me – replying to anything you send.
So this post is about to take a turn into full on fluff - warning you now (just like I promised).
I am the absolute queen of Thanksgiving - it's my favorite holiday and I love hosting. Doesn't matter if it's 4 of us, or 40, I absolutely crush my Thanksgiving dinner every year. The rest of the year I hate cooking - and historically, I am not very good at it. Until recently. Honestly, I've been getting better at it - and I've been trying some new stuff. I invested in a stand mixer and I've made perogies from scratch - started making pizza dough - about to kick off homemade pasta soon.
I'm really appalled at the over-processed foods we've been eating, and I'm trying to be a bit healthier. I think my main issue is rushing to get things done. Temp is too high, prep isn't ready, letting dough rest and rise takes too long. I just want to be done. But lately, I've slowed down and try to enjoy that I'm doing something good for my body and my family. I make my own mocha creamer with no refined sugar - all clean ingredients, and it's delicious. I add some peppermint extract when I'm feeling spicy! I have started making my own elderberry elixir and take a few spoonfuls each day. It's not hard to do, but until recently I had no interest in taking the time.
My new found interest in cooking means I've been adding new recipes to my cookbook binder - and while digging through recently, I started pulling out the old stuff I've never looked at nor have any intention of ever making. I opened a recipe that was in my "side dish" pocket and instantly recognized my Grandmother's handwriting. I haven't seen it in more than 15 years. I remember her sour creamy potatoes - they were a must have at every family dinner she hosted (and many she attended).
I must have asked her for the recipe at some point. Like many others in her generation - she took time to write it out and send it my way. Seeing her handwriting made me tear up - she was a wonderful grandma and an excellent cook. She took really good care of us.
I am remembering these potatoes and missing her since I stumbled on this page - now I have to find a protein to make that she'd appreciate. Next up, make a full on GMa meal and end it with a pistachio cake that would make her proud. Are you drooling yet?
Maybe, if I get some new subscribers out of this post I'll share a few of the full recipes from GMa and from my favorites!
