I’ve been thinking all day about what I’d write tonight.
Should I write about the peacock I saw this weekend? Should I tell you about how I was afraid of the peacock until I remembered that it is ostriches that are sometimes mean and not peacocks? Yea… I’m smart. Ostriches spit right? No wait… that’s llamas.
Get me to a petting zoo. Someone. Please.
I’m afraid I don’t have any cookies to tell you about, or brownies to share. I haven’t made soup, or scones, and I still have that Chicken Pot Pie in the fridge.
I’ve been busy busypants. There are shoes all over my apartment. Everywhere. I think my cat might start eating them.
Instead of compiling a list of muffins I’ve already made, I just thought I’d be honest with you.
I’m working on a new project for you. New project!!!!
My brain is everywhere. My body is everywhere too… with my brain… but totally not with my brain. I’m bonkers… that’s what I’m trying to tell you.
I’m working on this project with other people you might know from the Internet. Tracy welcomed me into her home and let me shove a camera in her face. She didn’t pretend to like it. I didn’t really expect her to.
Whitney posed for pictures. She’s a total natural. Profesh.
Greg, Andy, and Nathan are super great to work with. They feed me dinner and make me laugh.
I went all the way to Austin to work with Tsh. Austin is full of cool people waiting to do cool things. Makes sense.
Tsh is the most lovely of women. She’s got the sparkle, and an amazing family.
All of this traveling…
and working…
has really worked a number on my sweet tooth. I made this Easter candy centerpiece a few weeks back.
What on earth was I thinking!? The kitten attacked the Peeps and I ate the rest of the candy. I did. I stress ate it all. There may still be Peeps under my bed from kitten play. I’m afraid to check.
In other news… got this foxyfox pin from a boy. Maybe I’m obsessed. No biggie.
Thanks for letting me be honest. Well… halfway honest. I still haven’t told you what I’m working on, have I? Soon soon soon! I’m comin’ at ya!
jennie
Yeah…peacocks are creepy. The people across the street kept some and they make horrible sounds-like a woman screaming in terror. Your first instinct was right. Pretty, but creepy.
Angela
JOY. For reals, that fox pin is superneato! I had one like it I found at a thrift, and accidently washed it. Ahhh! I’m devasted. Where did you get it it??? Where do I get another one??? Why don’t I separate lights and darks, and why is there AWAYS bobby pins in the dryer! HELP.
Lin
My Dad grew up near the Cincinnati Zoo and told stories about being chased by the peacocks that are allowed to roam the zoo’s grounds. Apparently, they are really scary. I can’t bring myself to be any where near them when we go to the zoo because of his stories. Maybe it’s just that the peacocks in Cinci have to be mean? Growing up in a not so nice neighborhood?
Amanda M
Hi Joy
I found your blog a few weeks ago and have been enjoying it thoroughly ever since!! I haven’t made anything yet, but everything looks so delicious I’m going to have to soon! Also, I’m really excited about your new project, even though I don’t even know what it is! :)
Sarah-Anne
oh, can’t wait to see it!!
jennie
can’t wait to find out what you’re working on! tsh is so inspiring, she makes me want to clean my house from top to bottom…and that’s a great thing.
Amanda
I think I recognize those peacocks… did you see them at Mayfield Park in Austin? I live in ATX and go to UT. It’s a wonderful city!
joythebaker
yes! i think i was there!
Amanda
I love that place! Sometimes this senior-citizen art club goes there to paint the flowers. They’re pretty presh. Cute old people and pretty birds? I’m sold.
Roxana @ Makeup Fanatic
Excited for the new project!
And that’s an adorable pin :)
LEV Shack
Hi Joy! I am so excited to find out what your new project is! I just started my own project… a food blog! I love visiting to yours (and SO many others) for inspiration. I just love reading your posts and seeing what creative things you come up with.
THANKS!
Ryan
Your photos are incredible!
Betsy
Just HAD to comment tonight and tell you that after reading this post last evening, on my way to work this morning, I SAW A PEACOCK!!! How rare is that?
Betsy
Is he a Christian boy? Just trying to keep you even more honest Joy :)
roni
that pin is the cutest! keep that boy…very excited for your new project!
Karissa
I can’t wait to hear what you’re working on! And my dog (a chihuahua) would have went for the peeps too. I once left a bag of chocolate & peanut butter chips (the mixed bag) on my couch while it was about 1/3 full. When I came back into the living room, the entire thing was gone. Apparently, she knows no limits. I’ve never cleaned up so much in one night.
a follower :)
You should really check out Laura Ann’s Jam’s – ohemgee every single one is heaven!!! I first tried them at Square One Dining in Hollywood. I begged them to let me buy the strawberry lavender – and they directed me to her website. Anywho – I’ve tried several of her goodies, and wowie! Who knew that 3 simple ingredients could be fantastic?? If you only try one though, go for the blackberry bay leaf. Have mercy.
Natalia - a side of simple
New projects = I’m so excited! Can’t wait for you to share.
Might I add that you’re pretty foxy with that new pin? Corny jokes mean I’ve officially reached my Easter candy max consumption point. I’m proud of that fact :)
Meagan @ Scarletta Bakes
1. Fox pin is very foxy – said boy has excellent taste.
2. I can’t wait to hear about your new project. I mean I seriously can’t wait.
3. Peacocks can be mean – I’ve heard stories – I think that you were right to be nervous.
4. Agree with above comment – please come to Phoenix – we have lots of butter and very few peacocks.
5. Did I mention that I can’t wait to hear about your newest project?
CobyLyn
Yippee! Glad you’re having fun! And a boy! Cool beans ;)
*love*
Tsh @ Simple Mom
It was so fun to finally meet and work with you! Thanks again for flying all the way to Austin for little ol’ me. And yes, I agree with the others… there are tons of other must-sees in Austin. Next time you’re in town, I’ll fill you in on the scoop.
Aimee @ Simple Bites
Isn’t Tsh just the loveliest? I’m pretty freaking excited for this project. How long are we going to have to wait?
That’s a lot of Easter candy. Don’t stress, my dear!
Neev
projects are good, they keep yr mind busy…wish i has more time to complete all my projects. Need help? Im here….:)
Shushmi
Have you seen the film Fantastic Mr Fox? Its brilliant. Your pin reminded me of it. Your boy has good taste :)
bob
Unfortunately I have to disagree with you there Shushmi. The Fantastic Mr Fox film does not do credit to the book. The person I went with even fell asleep during it. I’d just stick with the original Roald Dahl if I were you.
Emily
Excited to hear about the new project! Hoping it’s still something in SLO that you had mentioned a few months ago on here-because I’d sooo love to go to something like that and better yet, it’s only 15 miles from me!!
Kasey
I’m so excited to see what you’re up to!!
Katie
actually, i got attacked by a peacock when i was two…i’m still traumatized.
Baking Serendipity
Excited to hear about this project of yours :) If you’re in Phoenix…let me know! I would love to drink coffee and wine and talk about butter. And you know, the things it goes into. Not at all awkward.
Kat @ Cupcake Kat
Can’t wait for the new project!
I just bought some Peeps today
Anna
Joy, you were in Austin when I was not, and this is unacceptable. Furthermore, I did not know oyu were in Austin, and that makes me sad.
My point is, I’ve loved following your blog (pretty religiously) for the past 3 years — it started when I was still a hs student living in my parents’ house in Austin — and have been dying to meet you. ATX really is amazing, and has the best people, please come visit us again over the summer so I can stalk you (except… n ot quite that creepy).
Vanessa
I agree with Lindsay…Barton Springs is a must. Next time you travel to Austin, please give us a heads up!! : )
Lindsay Grace
Did you happen to see that peacock in austin at the mayfield park? You totally should have spent some time at barton springs or hamilton pool. I would have stopped by and said hello! :)
Rebecca A E
EXCITING! If you hit a creative block, a glass of wine should open you right back up again. Just a thought.
Rosetta
I know exactly how you feel. When I get excited about a new project, I can’t focus on the here and now. It’s all about creative you. Keep us posted.
Megan - Newly Wife
So my friend was on your flight to Austin. I know this because she said both you AND Mark Salling from Glee were on her flight. I’m jealous! Hope you had a fantastic trip, and I can’t wait to see what all the secrets are about!
marisa
i like your blog. i like how you write. i love the rambling style. i like your style. i like your recipes.
you are just so likable:) yep, you bring a smile to my face, so thanks:)
Justeen @ Blissful Baking
Excited to hear more about the new project!!
Ellie@fitforthesoul
awww stop teasing us! :P lookin’ forward to see what you’re up to Joy! <3
Lucy@The Sweet Touch
You crack me up!
Now you have me curious – I can’t wait to find out what you’re up to!:)
ps. my cat went after my peeps too, what’s up with that?!
Kristin Feuer
Oh my gosh, where did he get that awesome foxy from?? I swooned and I think I can’t live without it now!
sara
i love the way you write. it makes me remember my high school English teacher who always wanted our writing to have a VOICE. you definitely have one.
Catherine
Can’t wait to hear what you have in store! love your Easter decor at the top of the page…
Nic@daydreamaboutfood
I think your new project is to make a documentary about baking or you’re going to make a superblog, like when band members make up a supergroup, creating highly experimental food with fellow bloggers. Or not. I dont know…still buzzed from a mega long day at the office. Looking forward to whatever the new project is
Sasha (Global Table Adventure)
Love the kitten attacking the peeps. Love the suspense. Love the fox pin. Hope you had a lovely Easter. I am still taking your advice regarding eye contact, smiling, and generally being more outgoing. It’s all great :)
Gen
Gret! I’m really exited to hear about this new project! Can’t wait!!!
Anne @ Baking Me
I can’t wait to see what you have been working on!
Cute pin :)
Tracy
Oh phew. A shot of me without a whale tail. Btw- I taught Casey that term this weekend and he almost spit his food out at a restaurant because he was laughing so much.
Lauren
Austin! That’s my home! I hope you took advantage of Austin’s amazing food! Eastside Cafe is wonderful!
cindy
that pin is foxy for sure! and funny little gifts from boys, swoon.girl.
i love the easter center piece…though it does look like danger. i can’t wait till you unveil your new project! yay, congrats!
naomi
what is it with pets and peeps!? it’s like all non-human critters are sucked in by those things.
Jo @ Jo In the Kitchen
Definitely busy busypants! I’m excited to hear about your big new projects :)
sippitysup
I’m just dying to know what you are working on ;-) GREG
Allison
Ooooh you got me all excited now! What could this new project be?? And that foxy pin is to die for by the way.
Stephanie
Joy, whatever you’ve got cookin’… it’s bound to be great!
sheila @ Elements
A secret project…for us! How cool! Are you really making a rap video? Hmmmmm…I’m getting a visualization…rapping with rolling pins. How fun! :) I wish I could be in the band, but I’ll settle for being a groupie! :)
sistakt
go you!!!
Wendy
I just discovered your blog. I made the brown butter toasted coconut chocolate chip cookies. I must have done something wrong. They are ok, but I had a lot of fun making them with my daughter
Years ago I had a black and white cat pin almost exactly like your fox pin. People constantly asked me if it was a real cat’s head that I shrunk. I guess people either think I have amazing talent, or I am really bizarre!
Thanks for your really fun blog!
Ernestine
To tell you the truth I love your non-cooking blogs as much as your cooking ones. Lets us into your little world. AND you are a very pretty girl.
Marilyn Yocum
What a fun post this was to read! I was having trouble getting things into gear this Monday morning. Thanks for the jumpstart. Looking forward to the mystery project!
Trevor
Oooooh! The suspense!!!
Melissa
Oooh! Is it OK to make a guess? Someone already mentioned the TV show thing, and we already know you are writing a cookbook, so that’s not a surprise, but I do recall a tiny hint of a TV show maybe in the works…so TV show it is….I HOPE!
P.S. love the fox pin! You look like all this having your head and your body everywhere is making you thin, despite stress eating all that candy.
amy
I love that you are honest/silly/love Peeps/and stress eat.. when my company left after our Easter gathering.. I finished the potato chips.. I knew there was a reason I DO NOT buy them! We are so alike.. you ought to visit my daughters food blog.. you would love it and her! takeamegabite.com
Amy
Jessica @ bake me away!
Actually, one of my friends was attacked by a peacock when she was little, so your fear was valid! I almost made an Easter candy centerpiece with agar agar and a half size bundt pan. Blogging makes people a little bit crazy methinks. Looking forward to your project!
p.s. Where did you end up eating in Austin? I have my favorites, but always like to try new places.
Laura @ SweetSavoryPlanet
A trip to Austin is always fun!
laura @ glutton for nourishment
can’t wait to hear about the project! and i love that fox pin, way too awesome.
Emily
Love the pictures as usual, but the peacock picture is stunning! Did you know a peacock’s call sounds like a cat’s meow? Random info…
Can’t wait to learn more about all you have been working on!
jaclyn@lifeoftodayslady
Ooh la la, a secret project! Can’t wait to hear about it!!
I love your foxy pin, so gorgeous!
Laura
Joy, you put me in a such a good mood after I read your posts!
Lauren at Keep It Sweet
Ah can’t wait to see this new project! Your randomish blog posts always make me smile!
jenny
I keep imagining that that fox pin is going to start speaking with george clooney’s voice. you know, because it reminds me of fantastic mr. fox from roald dahl’s book (“fantastic mr. fox”) and the screen adaptation voiced by dear old george. even if it’s mute, though, it’s still pretty amazing.
Emily D.
You were right to be scared of the peacock. Once I was at the zoo around this time of year and there was a mom peacock with her little chicks following me around and I was 100% sure they wanted to eat my toes. (They were painted yellow and in my delusions peacocks eat giant corn kernels.)
Sonia
Ahh!! I love projects and I love secrets. What could it possibly be? Making a rap video? A TV show? Hmmm, maybe a cook book? Share share share!
joythebaker
you guessed it! i am making a rap video.
Michelle
Oh snap! I am sure you have something rather awesome up your sleeve. Can’t leave us hanging for much longer!
PS your card rocked!
shmaynor
New endeavors. Creating, making, thinking, storytelling, collaborating. Fresh perspective. Lovely. Its effects can be transformative….I’m excited for you. And I hope it’s okay that you are perfectly bookmarked on my blog. I tell all my mom friends about you. It keeps us from feeling too 40ish—like we still might have a little something left after years of marriage and babies and working and more babies. Thanks! Susan
P.S. Like the Final Cut shot.
joythebaker
hahahaa! i’m glad i can keep you from feeling to 40-ish.
Holly @ Recipes from a normal mum
I have a secret too. I can’t tell either. We’re living parallel lives I tell you!
homegrown countrygirl
I love all your posts… new recipes, old recipes, or non-recipes!!!
Tburg
I’m diggin your shoes.
Paulette
Ah yes, working on new projects creating from within, sounds exciting. Can’t wait to see what you are working on. Love the pictures of places and friends. Paulette
Kube?ek Smakowy
You are working on a cookbook, aren’t you? I enjoy your blog very much, you put here a lot of great ideas. And you remind me myself with your history of baking passion ;-)
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)
Whatever you’re working on, can’t wait to hear all about it. I bet you’ll tell us soon. But you’re such a tease in the process.
Shoes all over your apt? That just means you have lots of shoes. Which is a wonderful problem to have :)
joythebaker
i have a lot of shoes.
Katrina
I want to know what your project is! Waiting is hard. Good thing I have Easter candy.
Tara
Secret projects are fun – I, of course, am terrible at them since I’m pretty sure I’m allergic to keeping secrets. I always end up in absolute agony DYING to tell people about whatever it is.
As for your foxy fox pin, it’s gorgeous. I loved the Fantastic Mr Fox movie so much more than I expected, so much that I would probably beg any passing boy to buy me one too if I saw one around : ). I’m sure they’d agree – I’m very persuasive.
Kate
My story? This is like group therapy.
I don’t like prawns. I think its the texture. At least that’s what I tell people. Really, I’m just a right fussy one. Ate only ham and cheese for the first three years of my life. But in Fez a while back we were presented with shrimps. I ate them. Enjoyed them. Didn’t realise prawns and shrimp are EXACTLY THE SAME. Haven’t been able to live it down since.
Still won’t eat prawns mind.
Hope the cat enjoyed your beautiful Easter centerpiece Joy.
happy Easter!
Katescakesandbakes
Emily
True story: I didn’t see a real zebra until I went to the zoo…last year. And I’m 25. Also, I once I confused heron with herring. Thank God that was at a more respectable age of animal confusion. Like, 23. I think I just really need to hunker down with some back issues of Highlights Magazine and Ranger Rick or something.
PS – love the photos!