I'm floored.
And by floored, I mean I'm currently laying on the floor, soothing my aching bones from the exhaustion that has joyfully consumed my body. 5,000 copies of Family Table are currently sitting in my God-forsaken basement awaiting their destiny on your kitchen counter! The book is done. The book is here. The book is for sale. The book is being shipped! HERE WE GO!
What began as but a dream a lifetime ago has manifested into something so beautiful, so productive, so me, I could just cry. In fact, I did. Sometimes, a girls just gotta get it out. You see, I belong to a group of people called the dreamers. I know it's not for everyone… and certainly not everyone shares the same sorts of dreams that I do. But I can't help myself, my brain is just wired this way. I've tried to control it and harness the madness. But at the end of the day, when I lay down to bed at night, I dream. This cookbook began that very way. Over six years into this blog and I've yet to tire of sharing my love for food and fellowship with you all. Food is what fuels our lives… keeps us capable of work and love… and nourishes our bodies. But much of our culture has given up on food. They've given up on the promise that food can be nourishing and delicious and possible.
Not this girl. She's fighting the fight. Which is why I'm so overjoyed to be delivering Family Table (finally!) to your kitchen. Notice the bags under my eyes and the perma-wrinkle on my forehead. Fighting comes at a cost (read: my youth!).
This project is not certainly my own to claim. There is an army of people by my side that have worked faithfully and gone out of their way to help my dream come true.
That takes selflessness, dedication, and passion.
Bob Morris of Story Farm has gone out on a limb to support us in our efforts. He hired a wonderful crew of professionals (Jason and Veronica) to help us manifest our thoughts and dreams into a tangible book far beyond what I could have imagined. It got gritty, the edits were tedious, but we did it! Yay for team work and people who actually know what they're doing. Since the final stages of our project, Veronica has since gone to be with the Lord. Family Table was the last project that she worked on in her professional career and I am humbled, and honored, that this book bares her name. It would not have become the work that it is without her input, guiding hands, and expertise. Thank you, Story Farm Team.
Over 300 of our friends and readers have taken it upon themselves to join our Facebook Launch Team and help us spread the word of Family Table‘s release. They've shared on social media, shared with their friends, and even made recipes from the book to support us. They're joy in the project gives me great passion to keep marching on – a huge thank you to those of you who have helps us to get this far.
My husband and kids (and parents)… who have spent the better part of a year encouraging and helping me as I slaved over the book. And who have spent the last three nights opening boxes, stacking books, stuffing envelopes, stamping, and labeling. Never a murmur of complaint. Not even one! Even when the 11 pallets of books arrived at our doorstep and needed to be unloaded before the night's end.
This is it. The books are being sent out. 5,000 copies ordered. Almost 1,000 already belong to readers, friends, and family. There is still so much delicious goodness to be spread!
Family Table, you son of a gun, I love ya. I love that you're already on my kitchen counter and being flipped through on a daily basis. I love that you're a reflection of our life at Beatha Fonn and beyond. I love that you're now being shipped from our new cottage, our first home, where new food and flavors are being created as we speak!
Also. A few random books were colored by a certain six year old who took it upon herself to decorate the envelopes. Free of charge.
THANK YOU all for being here, my friends! I fervently pray that this book would be a blessing to your own Family Table!
JenMc
Oh, boy! I hope I get one of Georgia’s artwork! Looking foward to it! Great job, lady!!!
Kati
I got a delivery from UPS last night and for a moment I thought it was my Family Table and I was so excited, and then I was like, no, wait. I don’t think it can come on the first day it *may* have been sent. I am so excited and happy for you and proud of you and, just, you go girl!
Shaye Elliott
Thank you for writing such kind words! I am overwhelmed by such encouragement and support.
Caitlin Brooks
I’m so excited to have a copy!! I love reading your blog and I’m SO excited for your new cook book 🙂 You are so awesome!
Shaye Elliott
Thank you for commenting so kindly! 🙂
Lorie
Oh my goodness, Shaye…
This morning I received my much anticipated copy of the Family Table! What a lovely dream/book! My children and husband can’t wait for me to make some of the sweet goodies. But my first recipe to try is the Roasted Chicken in Milk with Cinnamon and Lemon. We raised our first batch of meat chickens this past spring. We love whole roasted chicken, but struggle with side dishes for some reason. We’ve been in a food rut. You’re book is very timely at this point of my life as well as encouraging and inspirational. Beautiful work!
Time for me to thaw out some chicken!
-Lorie
Katherine Rhodes
I was super excited to receive mine yesterday! I’m sotting here thumbing through recipes instead of homeschooling lol. It is freaking awesome! And beautiful, glorious, and delicious! Thank you for all your hard work everyone!
Cathy Nielsen
I knew the Family Table would be wonderful so I ordered 2 so I could give one as a gift. I was absolutely blown away when I got my order yesterdat and started reading. Shaye and Stuart have put into words the desires of my heart, my passions and love for nourishing not only our bodies, but our souls, too. So, I gave away my first two already. I have just ordered 2 more and there will probably be more as I think of others who value a timeless collection of stories, humor, hope and clean nutrition. Thank you, Shaye!
Shaye Elliott
Thank YOU for your kind words and support!
Brittany Rottero
I still have not received my cookbook yet and ordered on Aug 30????. What can I do?????
Shaye Elliott
Email me! [email protected]
Bill
I received mine yesterday! Wow, it is a work of art. I love the stories and have already tried one of the recipes. I have a counter full of tomatoes, loaf of french bread and a little herb garden. I bet you can guess which recipe I tried. Yummy!
Thank you Shaye and family for putting this fine book together. I am going to order two more for my young adult daughters to start their cook book collection.
Shaye Elliott
Thank YOU so much for your readership, your kind words, and for buying (and loving) my cookbook!
Shannon Jaros
I love love LOVE this cookbook! It’s so much more than a cookbook! Thank you so much for all the hard work you put into this amazing book. I have quite a few cookbooks … this is by FAR my absolute favorite!!!! Hugs to you, your family and your crew for all your hard work. God bless
Shaye Elliott
Thank you so much for your kind words and support!
Jennifer McRae
Congratulations on a great work in this cookbook! I have been reading and marking recipes since it arrived. Last night I finally got a chance to make the Roasted Chicken in Milk with Cinnamon and Lemon. It was a success with the whole family. What I appreciate most about the book is that the ingredients are all things I can get right here off our farm. No trips to specialty grocers involved! I look forward to many more recipes in the future.