I will always hold a special place in my heart for The Big Potluck – it was the very first ‘conference’ I attended after launching Smith Bites; it was also the first time I’d traveled sans The Professor since we had married. I was nervous about actually meeting people who I’d only conversed with online – and I’m terribly directionally-impaired when it comes to finding my way – anywhere. Turns out I didn’t need to worry at all.
I call The Big Potluck the ‘UN-conference’ because it isn’t about the ‘business’ of blogging. But The Big Potluck is very much about relationships – about community, about vulnerability and about building a support system of friends who will laugh, cry and cheer you on towards the finish line – real friends who are genuinely happy when good things happen and genuinely devastated when bad things happen.
The last couple of years, The Professor and I started going out early to help with the preparations and we’re deeply honored to be able to participate in this way; I will not lie and say it’s easy because it isn’t. I will not lie and say, ‘Oh, it’s nothing, because it is something – usually 8-10 hour days for 5 days prior to the ‘Welcome Party’ on Friday night in order to make it all happen. And Pam, Maggy, Erika and Sharon make it seem effortless when it’s anything but.
Yet when Maggy Batistta stops me at the end of our Saturday night’s party and announces she feels like she’s ‘finally, finally met her people, has found her tribe,’ well . . . I can’t wait to do it all over again – every year, twice a year until there are no more Potlucks. ‘It’s Food, inspiration, and big time community. An open door, a seat at the table, a voice in the discussion. Come hungry, leave full—in every way.’
I’m full up, people, I’m full up indeed.
Big HARVEST Potluck is happening Sept 26-28, 2014 in Bucks County, PA! Tickets are sold out but if you have an interest in attending, please get on the waitlist – things happen, family schedules change and sometimes tickets become available at the last minute. And in case you’ve never been and wondering what the Potlucks are all about, take a couple of minutes and watch the video we put together from our Traveling Potluck this past spring.
DISCLOSURE: This is a sponsored post and we have been compensated by Sabra to share this post with you; however, all opinions are strictly our own.
CHILAQUILES CASSEROLE
Three Many Cooks
Serves 12
Serve this casserole with guacamole, Greek yogurt, sliced olives, and additional salsa.
INGREDIENTS:
- Sabra Salsa
- Tortilla chips
- Black beans
- Frozen corn
- Sliced scallions
- Diced green chiles
- Sharp cheddar cheese
For the directions and the complete recipe, please click on over to threemanycooks.com
So delicious! I actually made my first chilaquiles casserole tonight and it was such a hit! Can’t wait to make it again!
I’d never had chilaquiles before either Monet and it won’t be our last – sooooooo good!! (((hugs)))
The Big Potluck looks like a great get together. I would recognize Nancy’s smile anywhere and Maggie is incredible! Have a wonderful time next month!!
Thanks Betsy – we’re really looking forward to the Harvest Potluck this year!
Thank you Debra for this inspiring piece on the upcoming Potluck. This will be my first year attending and I initially learned about it through your sister, Vicki. Your spring video captured a great feeling, thank you for that. Looking forward to meeting you in person then.
Looking forward to meeting you as well Peggy – Potluck events are such a great way to meet new people and as I said, I’ll always have a special place in my heart for this event!