Five years ago today I sat in this same spot, my hand hovering over my mouse, my finger shaking as I prepared to hit the “Live” button for Norine’s Nest.
I had a lot of hopes and dreams that day. I honestly didn’t know if this crazy idea would work. I had recently lost a job I’d held for 12 years and invested our savings into this dream. There was a lot riding on that shaky finger.
Here we are — five years later! Can you believe it? Celebrating five years of Norine’s Nest and I couldn’t be happier. Who knew this is where we’d be in just five short years? Hooray!
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Why Start A Blog?
I get asked that question a lot. Honestly, it felt like an answer to prayer.
After losing my job of 12 years — where I worked as an in-home phone operator for a call center — I found myself asking, “What next?” It wasn’t the career I’d dreamed of, but it paid the bills. When that door closed, I prayed and waited for direction.
In the middle of that conversation with God, an impression came: “Start a blog.” I questioned it at first. I didn’t know what running a blog really meant — it felt like a private journal, not a business. I had no tech skills, I wasn’t a professional photographer, and I had many reasons to doubt. But at fifty-something, I realized it was now or never.
I took the leap. Facing that fear did something unexpected: a light I hadn’t felt in a long time began to glow. After my last child left home, I’d felt lonely and lost — the empty nest feeling is real. For more than twenty years my identity had been “mom,” and suddenly I was figuring out who I was beyond that role.
I’d always dreamed of being a writer, not for the Great American Novel, but to share joy and laughter with others. I wanted to celebrate life as a wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker — to share recipes and moments from my kitchen. Starting Norine’s Nest felt like dusting off an old dream and following a direction I’d been given.
Suddenly I was excited to wake up each day. Creativity returned and I found real happiness. My family noticed the change. Blogging became a way to share my love for good food, fun, and family. Our tagline was born: “Norine’s Nest — where food, fun, and family come to nest.” And that’s how it began.
We’ve come a long way baby…
Norine’s Nest wouldn’t exist without my family. From day one they’ve been my team, working mostly behind the scenes and preferring to stay out of the spotlight. Their support has been everything.
My husband is my biggest cheerleader. He’s picked up a lot of the household tasks while I worked long hours on the blog. My children have all helped in different ways — logo and technical design, recipe testing, sharing posts, and even helping with photos and balloon arches for our five-year celebration. This is a family effort; when I say “we,” I truly mean it.
Since starting the blog, we’ve welcomed five little chicks into our nest — four spunky granddaughters and one grandson. They bring immense joy into our lives. Becoming grandparents has been one of the sweetest things in the world — right up there with tacos, chocolate, and Dr Pepper for me!
Thank YOU!
This celebration wouldn’t exist without you. We’re so grateful for every reader, follower, and friend who has supported Norine’s Nest over the last five years. Whether you’ve been here from the beginning or you’re new to our nest, thank you for being here.
I’m humbled when someone tells me they’ve made and enjoyed one of my recipes. Being invited to join a family’s dinner table through a casserole or a pie is an honor. It brings me so much joy — right after hearing that I made someone laugh.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping make my dream come true and for being part of my answered prayers. I hope I bring as much joy, love, and laughter to your life as you bring to mine. I hope you feel like part of our family here at Norine’s Nest.
To celebrate this week and as a small way to say thanks, we’ll be doing giveaways on our Instagram account, Norine’s Nest. I hope you’ll join the celebration as we mark five years together.
Here’s to another five years filled with food, fun, and family. Now let’s get this party started! Happy nesting — and thank you!
