We can’t have a series about motherly life lessons without acknowledging some solid Dad-isms. This Dad of mine has a lot of gems to teach. To be fair, I was a little girl with curly bangs and a mild mullet… I needed a lot of guidance. Mom is the guide to ‘act right, eat your apple, and don’t steal my scissors’. Dad is the guide to ‘act right, watch this movie, and save me the last biscuit’. All very important lessons.
I love the people who raised me. Beyond!
Papa Says (or heavily implies):
I’m going to work literally aaallll night long because I love you and you require food and electricity. When I get home at 5am, I’m going to wake you up so we can make a pie together. You’ll moan and groan about it, but you’ll thank me later.
I know you’re six years old, and you can’t possibly understand the nuance and beauty of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, but we’re going to watch it over and over and over again. One day it will blow your mind.
Whole Wheat Fig Newton Cookies are dessert. (I still disagree with this notion, Father.)
Conversely, Carrot Cake is pretty much a vegetable.
Did someone say waffles? Let’s definitely make waffles.
If there is an ant in the kitchen, it’s a family emergency. Everyone UP! Out of bed! We’re getting to the bottom of this.
How many times do I have to tell you to rinse your dishes, to wrap up the bread, the clean up the cereal, to take out the trash, to clean up your room. How many times do I have to tell you? (Answer, Dad: you’ll have to tell me a lot of times… like A LOT.)
Don’t mess around with boys that disrespect you. I didn’t teach you to put up with that nonsense.
If you’re going to bring a boy home… well, he best address me as Mr. Wilson (and you really shouldn’t bring very many boys home).
You do not give the expensive canned tuna to stray cats. That is something you do.not.do.
Eat your vegetables. Your mother and I bought them for you and you will, you really will eat them.
I’m not going to raise my voice very often, but when I do, it will shake you to your core.
Your mother and I are on the same team and you won’t be able to get one over on us with your child-brain trickery. Did you Mom say no? I say no too. One exception: I will buy you that Gap sweater even though it’s not on sale.
It’s midnight. Let’s get doughnuts.
Whatever you don’t eat off your dinner plate, I will eat. Most specifically, if you want to save me a few bites of your chicken and biscuits… I think that would be great.
Pie is not pie unless it’s warm.
Life’s a beach, as illustrated by my fashion.
150 Responses
Dear Joy, Words can not describe the joy “Papa Says” gave me as I read it. Bless you and bless your Papa…you are definitely Papa’s Girl, lucky girl! Thanks for sharing.
LOVE…
Very cute!
Oh wow. I love how cute this is. Sounds like your dad was no-nonsense but fun.
Aww, I loved this post! Your dad sounds like a cool guy.
I am a NYC native who is finially recovering from Hurricane Sandy _ if she was a person I would punch her in her throat – sorry, I digress. I am catching up on my favorite blogs including you and my neighbor (in my head) Smitten Kitchen. I was reading this about your dad who BTW, looks like my uncle Charles (lol). My dad defintely said the part “I didn’t teach you to put up with that nonsense”. I laughed so hard and almost spilled my tea re: your dad eating off your plate. My dad did the same thing! Thanks for reminding me of some great father- daughter memories and bringing some normalcy back into my life.
your dad sounds like a solid good guy…and a true hero.
I am new to the blog but I enjoy it, thanks. And this touched my heart. You are lucky to have a great dad.
I love how you’re both totally 80’s. And I also love how your face shows how much you totally adore your father. That’s nice.
I loved reading these, they made me smile. What a great guy, to work all night and then want to make a pie with you when he got home….melts my heart a little.
These are awesome dad-isms. I love how much food is involved in life. (wouldn’t expect anything less) I wonder what I would come up with if I tried to do this… with either of my parents. Thanks for sharing!!
I think I might be your dad…
that’s odd. ha!
I just love your blog, but this post is especially meaningful. Thanks for sharing such great advice. I’ve resolved to stop putting up with the aforementioned nonsense as well!
Life is a beach. So lovely, Joy. Just like you to make a girl smile.
Loves.
oh shoot
that left me teary-eyed
*So* sweet! <3
I love this photo. My Dad, too, was not a fan of shirts with sleaves. And he made some mean kielbasa and eggs.
Oh I LOVE your dad! Every child should have a dad like yours. <3
A silent fan that has come out to say “LOVE this post”!!!!
:-) This put the biggest smile on my face. Such sweet dad-isms. Dads are so special, aren’t they?
Oh Joy, I just love these series. this post makes me want to have kids? and one day theyll remember these and write a post about them. My fav is “pie is not pie unless it’s warm”. word.
I love this and makes me wish I had/have a Dad like this. I do however have a great Mom.- so that helps.
I loved this. I was reminded of being taken to Dairy Queen on a summer night, in my shorty pyjamas .. what a treat that was ! ( in North Carolina where girls went to Dairy Queen in their pjs )
That picture of you and your dad is just the best.
Thanks, as always, for the lovely post.
Your dad is the bomb.
Your mother and I are on the same team and you won’t be able to get one over on us with your child-brain trickery. Did you Mom say no? I say no too.
This is exactly how it was at my house. Incredibly frustrating for a kid who wants something, but now, as an adult, it is amazing to think there was never a time they weren’t a team.
except for curfew. my dad was a little more understanding when i’d come home late.
Beautiful….makes me miss my daddy. He died when I was 16 and I cannot believe that I have now lived over half my life without him.
This is beautiful. Beautiful.
Heidi xo
really sweet ! they are one rocking parents I say
Loved this post. When I was little my dad worked nights and I could never understand why he got to eat pie for breakfast.
He’s 95 years old now, not doing to well but still enjoying his pie! He loves the grocery store aple pie the best – go figure!
The life lessons I learned from him was never to fear going down a dirt road, usually looking for mushrooms or wild blueberries, because the road will usually end up at a Carvel Ice Cream Store!
Thanks for this post!
Joy, the picture is the best! You can see the love you both have in your eyes. My Dad & my daughter’s Dad are both heros to both of us. She now has a daughter of her own but still sends her Dad love texts, calls him when something she sees or hears reminds her of him & it makes his day! I’m so happy that you have such a special relationship with both of your parents. It’s because of their “life’s lessons” that you do. Very happy for you. Cherish every moment.
Love it, being a dad myself makes me a little biased but I hope my kids grow up and have awesome memories of me. Tomorrow I’m going to have them help me make pancakes as per your inspiration :)
LOVE this post! You are awesome Joy. (And so is your dad!)
Mr. Wilson! I totally understand your thoughts about ants. I am the ant person in my family.
ALSO. My dad used to harass us kids about turning the lights off when we left a room and I am now that person.
You done good, Mr. Wilson. Your daughter is my favorite.
What a wonderful post ! I hope someday, my children will feel this way for us ;)
Yikes! Your dad is a VERY HANDSOME man….
xxoo,
RMW
Joy, this is such an adorable post. I love your take on Dad-isms. I hope that I can instill some of these Mom-isms in my own 6 year old daughter. How proud he must be of you!
Aw, what a sweet post. Thank goodness for wonderful dads like yours.
how can someone be so awesome?
love your blog!
Joy, this is so sweet! I lost my dad recently, and I can tell you that those little things like giving your dad the last biscuit is super important. I wish I could give my dad all the biscuits.
Now THIS is wisdom. I absolutely love 2001: ASpace Odyssey. And waffles. And everything you share, Joy. Thanks.
So cute! Dad’s like your’s are very very rare.
I don’t know what I love more – your dad’s rule or that amazing photo of him!
I hope my kids feel this way about their dad/my husband when they’re adults. Because he’s pretty awesome.
I also love all of the comments that have come from this post. You really are an inspiration to so many people, Joy.
This made my ENTIRE.FRIDAY. I’m not sure why, but maybe it’s because I’m at the front desk of the UK university library that I work for, and slighly missing home(VA). But it make me snicker, made me giggle, made me slightly weepy…..and determined to bake myself silly this weekend.
Been enjoying your blog since you started – don’t ever change! ;o)
When i read this I smiled so wide I thought my face might crack! I am almost 43 years old and I still call my dad EVERY morning at 9 am just to “check in”. My mother always says “you are your father’s daughter” and I am proud of that. Yeah sometimes he can be hard headed and mulish but he’s MY dad and I love him! Cheers to you for a thoughtful blog entry!
Lovely! Makes me really wish my dad was this kind of dad. I’m happy you had this experience!
I am so in love with your Dad! What an incredible man.
That is a great picture of you and your dad. Love the article and it brings back wonderfu memories of my father who passed in 2001. My dad was always teaching his four girls (yes four girl) the lessons of life in everythin he would do with us. We drove him crazy and he smiled from ear to ear when walking each one of us down the isle. But he knew that even marriage would never keep us from always being with him and mom. I always thought he missed having a son but one day he told me while we were taking care of him in his illness and I asked him if he did. Dad replied ” It would have been nice but I never woud have changed a thing knowing what I know how on just how special a relationship is between a father and his daughter” Thanks Joy
Paulette
Could your parents be any cooler? Best lesson from my Dad; use excel. Really, learn it. Love it. I mocked him for years.But you know what? It’s really pretty helpful. Oh- and you don’t need a celebration for champagne. A bottle makes a celebration out of everyday.
Beautifully written as always.
A girl’s Daddy always holds a special place in her heart, and I am so grateful that I have (in my opinion) one of the best in the world. My Dad always told me: ‘You are a Chatwin, be proud of it. Don’t take crap from anyone’, and ‘The answer to any, repeat ANY of life’s questions, whether they be about how to serve dessert, or how to get over a broken heart, is always cream AND ice cream, always.’
suuuuper super sweet. what a great picture. i grew up without a dad, but i’m sharing this with my husband and his dad because they will appreciate it.
Adorable!! The picture, the post.. I’m hooked, and I just found you via the fun luncheon with Cupcakes and Cashmere. It’s time for me to get into my fall comfort food mode, and I’m happy to find a new excellent cook to visit! Cheer’s!
That picture is adorable!! Very cute post.
That was one of the sweetest stories ive ever red.Tomorrow I’m celebrating my Dad’s 86th birthday, I’m so fortunate to still have him around, u sound pretty lucky too.He sounds like a wonderful Dad.
Love this SO much. You really have awesome parents.
I love this post! I feel like my dad taught me a lot of the same life lessons/advice. Maybe it’s dad-of-daughters-thing? Although, my dad taught me that pie is not pie unless it’s cold. And I have to say, that’s the only way I like my pie to this day. :)
Very touching, you are lucky to have a great dad. Love the picture and you were the cutest, no wonder dad couldn’t say no….
Do you have ANY idea how lucky you are?
*sigh*
Love your Dad’s rules, the love shines through them! You sure look like your Dad!
Sounds like you Dad is pretty wonderful. Your lucky
Oh, Joy- this post warmed my heart ;-)
everything about pie at 5am brings me to tears and a great appreciation for my dad and yours and dads around the world who do crap like this. mostly i’m super grateful for a husband who is that kind of dad.
So sweet and funny. What a wonderful man you have for a father.
Sweet sweet post Joy! Dad’s and Mom’s are truely great to have!! Thanks for sharing!
Oh Joy, you were the cutest little girl ever! No wonder your dad couldn’t say no to the GAP sweater. :) I also now see were you get your wit. Dads are so important. I love my pop and I still look to him for approval and guidance, and I’m 47!!! Ha ha, couldn’t be the person I am today without him.
But, but…don’t the stray cats deserve the expensive tuna?! So cute!
Daddies are the best! They really do factor into the amount of nonsense you will not tolerate; and your diet (You’ll bones will break if you don’t eat peas with that pizza. Pizza and burgers are not reall food. But, yes, cake before breakfast is okay.). and everything else.
Love this, thank you. My daddy died two years ago; your words are a springboard to restate some of his life lessons. Such gifts.
this really warms my heart. thank you for commenting!
Such a cute post! Gotta love dads :)
i love these posts. so often i can still hear my mother’s words of wisdom in my own head., whether i’m looking for them or not! :) i’m sure that makes parents proud.
omg i love this. reminds me of my daughter and her dad. so sweet.
Love this, Joy. Thanks for sharing. Dads are awesome and wonderful :)
You made me love MY dad a little bit more, didn’t think that was even possible. Now pass me the biscuits and gravy.
so nice what you’ve written…!
Joy: can your Dad adopt me? Lovely blog today. Thanks
Heart, soul, butter and sugar… I love your blog and appreciate all you put into it. This post is especially heartfelt and helps explain how you got to be the down to earth, fun, inspiring baker, blogger you are today! As always, you’ve left me already looking forward to your next post.
I’m sure your Dad is very proud of the person you’ve become. Both your parents sound like they have “their heads screwed on straight”. That’s something my parents used to say!
awww, such a GORGEOUS and ‘he he’ read!
My first post from you and looking forward to receiving more deliciousness.
Trade dads?
That’s what I was thinking.
Thank you so much for the post, I enjoyed so much reading it, and at some point it brought me to tears(but happiness tears), because I know parents are always going to be our source of inspiration and infinite love…..Have a great day Joy!!! :)
Boy what a biiig smile you have on there! Pure love! I too remember the “what did your Mom say? No, well then my answers no too!” My Dad is my stepdad, it took him a few glares (I mean kind words) from my Mom to learn that lesson himself, he sooo wanted to say yes, because that’s the kind of person he is, (LOVE YOU DAD).. When they had my baby brother I remember him trying the same thing, but after raising the other 3 of us he was more confident to fall back on, “Ah, yeah, I guess its ok, did you ask your Mom?”
Sounds like my dad re: your mom and I are on the same team. Also: Star Wars was our Space Odyssey.
Love it, the first part especially. Did he really wake you up to make pie together? Heart-heart-heart…
haha i *LOVE* his shirt! also, his love for biscuits. your dad seems like one cool dude.
You’re lucky Joy! What a great family. Thanks for a glimpse in, and warming up my day.
Thank you Joy, this made my day. What a GREAT daddy you have.
Papa always knows best! What an awesome papa it looks like you have : )
what an awesome papa you’ve got! love.
What a great pop!
Can I just say, your writing is AMAZE-BALLS! I’m a writer first, a home cook second, and a blogger third — and not all three of those “talents” seem to converge at the moments I want them to. But when I read your blog, I am blown away by the wit, the warmth, and the earnestness. In addition to being chalk full of happy, plumb ferry photography, the stories and the jokes and the kitchen adventures recounted just make it SUCH a pleasure to visit your site. I admire your work, and strive to capture a similar, playful tone. But in the end, there can only be one Joy. :) Thanks for doin’ you. -Arv
Your father is a wise man on so many levels! From eating your vegetables to not putting up with disrespectful boys…he’s right on the money! Love the vintage picture :)
you are totally inspiring me to write what my ‘family’ says. so that i can print it and wrap it up to give my kids.
for later.
when they care about such things.
i’ll leave a dedication to you in the foreword.
you are so cute and funny! DADS are the best :)
Lessons from my dear old dad:
Daddy “bites” actually consist of half my ice cream cone
When he calls my name I say “I’m coming” and I best be coming.
When he cries, I cry. Instantly.
In first grade he christened me “fluffy”. Can’t fight it, can’t change it, and at the age of 24 I’ve learned to love it.
If it’s broken, fix it. Or call him and he’ll tell me how to fix it. Or he’ll call Grandpa and he’ll tell me how to fix it
He will never stop trying to set me up with a nice boy he met
Despite the fact that I’m now only 4 inched shorter than him (he’s 6’4″ and shrinking) I’m still his baby girl.
He will always be proud of me, no matter what I do.
You have your daddy’s lips. I loved this as much as I loved your mom’s post. What incredibly awesome parents you have.
Your dad sounds awesome.
This is such a great post! Your dad sounds very cool :)
Love your dad’s style! Stylin and profilin! I also laughed out loud at the tuna comment.
LOVE! The waking you up to bake a pie in the wee hours made me a little teary. That is the sweetest. Also, your dad has phenomenal fashion sense. The 80’s really were a beach.
Aawhhh he sounds just like my dad :) such a cute read!
A girl always needs her dad! Love this post and the picture is too sweet
Love this! Carrot cake as a vegetable sounds right to me :) Dads are so wonderful. So are Mums. I love how you are celebrating yours.
My dad always ate my leftovers. Every last bite.
I can’t tell you how many times I got in trouble for giving stray cats tuna! That’s too funny. I love these little peeks into your life!
Love, LOVE these :)
So awesome. Dads of daughters are a special breed of man :) My Dad, bless his heart, is still trying to wrap his brain around me, my two adult sisters, and our sometimes dysfunctional families! But he is always there when we need him the most.
loves these family posts! Great families are true reasons for celebration and thanks.
Morning smile :) Thanks
Can I be your sister? Thanks.
My dad also makes pie. I think it is called Sunday breakfast.
I also believe pie is not pie unless it is warm. (My husband thinks I’m crazy to ALWAYS warm up my pie) It is a must people.
i don’t say this very often, probably never, but i agree with everyone! love you and the way you captured your parents’ personalities and wisdom.
What a sweet picture and YEA for wise papas everywhere. Even after 9 years, I still mine.
Very well written! Wish my daughters had dads like yours. Unfortunately, they didn’t but it didn’t deter them from growing up to be strong, indepependent and successful women.
That cake – an epic masterpiece :) Your dad sounds like a truly great guy! (Also – your mullet is cracking me up)
OMG! I’m laughing out loud. I swear you are my idol of all blogger idols. I’m thinking of my Dad and going to call him right now!
What a sweet photo of you and your dad!
That is hysterically funny and wise at the same time. Love it!
I’m endlessly fascinated by family-isms and how they shape our life. These are awesome and make me really want to meet your dad (or watch a sitcom based on your family, either one). yah for loving on your family in this space. Sounds like they deserve it!
I’m endlessly fascinated by family-isms and how they shape our life. These are awesome and make me really want to meet your dad (or watch a sitcom based on your family, either one). yah for loving on your family in this space. Sounds like they deserve it!
Love it! So sweet! These posts are the greatest.
Love, love, love this…it really touched me and brought back great memories of my own dad.
I love how much you love and respect your parents. Thank you for sharing!
Carrot cake definitely is a vegetable. My dad agrees too ;-)
As a father of a 2 year old girl, this post really touched me. Thank you for the great post. Hopefully my little girl will hold on to memories of the things we do together like this some day.
HAHAHA! My favorite part of this is the “child-brain trickery” :) Very sweet, Joy!
I loved this one the most: “Don’t mess around with boys that disrespect you. I didn’t teach you to put up with that nonsense”.
My dad died nearly six years ago and those last six months we went to car shows, grocery shopping and yes, I watched old Star Trek shows with him. It’s so good to see how you appreciate what you have and that you realize how lucky you are. I sure did appreciate my dad and still do my mom.
Thank you for this post.
I love this series! So lovely. Now I want to read what sister says, or what Tracey Shutterbean says, or what your conscience says, or what cat says, or ….
hahahhaaa! sister is up next!
Perfect!!
agreed! Totally can’t wait for what sister says. That’s going to be gooooood.
Love. This.
I’m such a Daddy’s girl. And as others have noted: all daddies are the same in that they are protective, mischievous with when mom’s not looking, authoritative and responsible.
They differ from genetic information donators in this regard. I’m so glad I have a Daddy.
I love these posts.. your parents are fantastic.
You got me with the dad raising his voice part! My dad did that ONCE and I still shake in my boots when I think about out!
P.S. I like how in all your pictures of you when you were young you look like your being a brat, too cute!
Pie is not pie unless it’s warm: that is my way of saying!!!! And if there’s a dollop of ice-cream on top of it, even better so!
Dads really are the best. <3
aren’t dads great! i really enjoyed this post., thanks for sharing.
I STILL remember my dad waking me early early one Saturday morning to take me to the local 7~11 in my PJs for doughnuts!
I sure do miss him!
Our households sound quite the same.
Ultimate awesome dad! Love the picture. Great gems of wisdom. I’m going to have to make some notes before I forget my parents’ words :)
I love these posts, Joy! It’s funny how all dads are different and yet they’re all kind of alike too.
Your dad is awesome, like mine. I totally recognize my dad with Kubrick, Gap sweater and save me chicken and biscuits.
Thanks for sharing!
Oh man, dad’s are awesome. As is his shirt. Also, yay for mullets! Mine was NOT mild. AT ALL. It also lasted until I was 13. Not okay.