It’s one of those things…you hate to see it end, but there is also a huge feeling of relief.  Sigh.

The VVP November 2012 is now a part of vegan history.  Yet it will live forever (or perhaps not something quite so permanent) thanks to the (ahem) links you’ve all updated to point directly to the relevant blog posts.  (You did that, right?)  All one now has to do is visit Vegan Bloggers Unite! or the VVP webpage to revisit the Potluck over and over and over… We can all daydream about the wonderful appetizers, drinks, soups, salads, breads, main courses and desserts that we will be making.  Just in time for the holidays

We had a few glitches and I’ll not whine about it, though part of me really, really wants to whine.  Somer and Lidia did a tremendous job helping me herd a few cats for most of November 1.  And that’s all I’m going to say about that.

So…Thank you first and foremost to all of the wonderful bloggers – old friends and new – who make the Potluck what it is.  Once again, I am awed by your enthusiasm and creativity.  Big hugs to my cohorts, Jason, Somer and Lidia who spread the word and gave me much-needed love and support at the exact needed moments.  Like when I published my post 12 hours early.  Finally, gratitude to our sponsors who for some unknown reason, agreed to help by Tweeting, blogging and posting about an event that takes place in the ether by people they’ve never met and where no actual food is shared. I hope they will stick with us through many Potlucks to come.  Everyone: give yourselves a big pat on the back.

What’s next?  For starters, we are holding a contest to pick the favorite recipe from each category – and you all are the judges.  All you have to do is email me your pick from each course – remember just one recipe per course.  It’s going to be a really difficult decision because everyone did a great job at sharing truly good recipes.  I’ll tally the results and the winner from each category will get a Virtual Vegan Potluck t-shirt (now in the design and production phase…).  The winning recipes will be posted on the VVP website – with permission from the authors, of course.  Rules of the contest are:

1) please vote only once – choosing one selection from each course;
2) if you participated in the Potluck, please do not vote for your own recipe;
3) VVP participants, blog readers and total strangers welcome to vote;
4) please do not vote for An Unrefined Vegan’s amazing recipe no matter how much you want to – I happen to know the person giving out the t-shirts.  I will, however, cast my votes for your recipes;
5) voting closes at midnight (U.S. Mountain Time) on November 12; winner announced November 13.

Did I say VVP t-shirt??  You read that right.  I’ve got my immense and talented staff of artists, designers and printers working overtime on a fabulous, cruelty-free and plant-based tee.  I’ll be making those available on the website soonish.

But wait!  There’s more!  We’ve rolled out a blog on the VVP website  - the first post is already up – which will include our sparkling and witty commentary about the mundane and trivial along with guest bloggers, giveaways and recipes.  You’ll want to follow the blog, because soon we are going to be giving away a gift certificate from our sponsor, forAnima.  They’ve generously donated $50 so one lucky person can shop their heart out for cruelty-free goodies.  More on that and other giveaways in the weeks to come.  P.S. Please welcome forAnima as well as Global Looking Glass – our newest sponsor – to the VVP team.

And finally…I’m already scheming about VVP III (a.k.a. Grandson of VVP) which will most likely take place in the Spring of 2013.  Who’s coming?

One year ago today: Happy Birthday Luda Chocolate Banana Cherry Muffins