Hey All,

I have been very, very absent in the blogging scene lately and I wanted to share why that has come to be. I have had many moments where I thought I had the inspiration or the energy to write an amazing post, but it has been for not. Not for lack of interest, but timing more than anything. So, I am going to break down what has been happening as of late. Feel free to share your own stories, thoughts and feedback. Fair warning, this is an honest and raw look into me.

For the last four years I have been living in Portland, Oregon. I grew up in Southern Oregon closer to the California border. It is rural, in the mountains, and has its own charm. It lacks a lot of things like Trader Joes, Whole Foods, Costco, Red Robin, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, and the list goes on. Not having those things is a pain, but doesn’t preclude the chance to still enjoy life. What I discovered in that time, although I love being in the big city, is it doesn’t fit the lifestyle I want at this point in my life. So, for that reason, I relocated  back to Southern Oregon where I have grown up.

In addition, I have had numerous family members with rather significant health scares so it makes sense to be near those who are important to you. It has been something I have been thinking about a lot lately. Before I go on, appreciate the little things, hug the people you care about, and don’t ever pass up the opportunity to say, “I love you.” I also discovered that I needed community, family, and those people who mattered most to me while in Portland. I had been hemming and hawing about the decision to move, but I decided it was time for action. Up until about 2 weeks ago I was driving 600 miles a week to secure my new home and try to hit the ground running in my new but old hometown

Speaking of running, as if all the stress of a move in all parts wasn’t enough, I decided to jump start my path to happiness by getting a part in a musical. Theater, singing, and performance have been a passion of mine for most of my life. In fact, I went on to earn my degree in Theatre Arts because that was what spoke to me. Trying to manage a move, driving 600 miles a week, and rehearsal for musical is a daunting task to put it mildly. I had a few people describe my life with some color phrases that I won’t share here. I will let your imagination do the work.

I think a big part of this has been trying to figure out who I am, what I want out of life, how to get it, and what I think that journey looks like. I admit that I am heavy thinker and do my fair share of chewing things over. It is most certainly a gift and a curse, but one that has served me well for the most part. That spurred on some anxiety and depression that I am working through now and continue to do to have the life I want.

Finally, what is the future of Patrick’s Table? Well, the short is answer is that the blog isn’t going away. However, I do need time to refocus and be able to put forth the energy I want to produce quality posts. I am trying to post on IG and will continue to do so, but Patrick’s Table will be quiet for a little while longer.

I wish to think each of you that has read my blog, looked at or tried a recipe, taken the time to share your own stories with me. It can’t be overstated enough how much that means to me. Thanks for sticking with me. Here’s to many more food adventures!