When I first started blogging three and a half years ago, I had no idea that a food blogging community even existed. I was doing this thing on my own. But then I started connecting with other bloggers. I am so grateful to be a part of this amazing community. It is really something special. It is a tight community of men and women with the same interest – food! So clearly we should all get along well. Julia Child said it so well, “people who love to eat are always the best people.” That could not be more true.

The Best Party from Folgers
It is more than a community though. We are friends. And to some, that probably still sounds weird – making friends online? How can that be as good or as close as a friendship formed in real life, away from the computer? Distance doesn’t get in the way of our friendships. We support each other, are there for each other in good times and bad. When one friend needs help, we are there for him or her. That’s what friendship is about. Friendship isn’t limited to real life. The best part about friendship is knowing you can be yourself and count on others all of the time, not just in the good times but all of the time.

This weird thing us food bloggers have going, it’s just like real life friendships with the lady in the next house, only it is through another computer. We do almost all of the same things. We shop together, sometimes a lot. We have baby showers and wedding showers. We mourn together. We even do charity events together.

When times are tough, we pull together to help. When a friend is sick and unable to care for his or her own little place in this online world you find a way to help. In real life, this means making meals to make their life easier, or offering to babysit. Online it can mean so many things, including creating a guest post. For one friend in particular, we are coming together, whipping up delicious recipes to share in her absence until she is ready to get back in the kitchen. Food is love. For us, food says – I care. A batch of cookies, a loaf of bread, casserole or some elaborate dessert – it’s what we do to say I care.

Soft Batch Frosted Vanilla Cookies from bakedbyrachel.com

Tomorrow I’m sharing these truly delicious soft batch frosted vanilla cookies for a friend. Be sure to check back in for the recipe!

I hope everyone has friendships and a community like this. What is the best part about friendship for you?

The Best Part posts inspirational stories, encouraging quotes, good news and other upbeat items on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram—and encourages fans and followers to share that optimism with their friends. Because when optimism is shared, it grows, making an even more positive impact on our world. Check out what others are sharing on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.