I always have such a hard time saying goodbye to summer. ย I know. ย According to the calendar, summer is long past. ย I just always want to hang on a little longer than I should.
I’ve learned a lot this summer.
I’ve learned that John Lithgow has a fig tree in his front yard… and if I jump high enough, I can nab one. ย Thank you Mr. Lithgow.
I’ve learned that having a summer ‘maj’ (aka a best lady friend) is pretty wonderful.
Thanks Tracy!
Also… some iPhone filters make you look pink-tan. ย Let’s just go with it.
I’ve come to learn that Tracy and I text each other A LOT… about everything from Magic Mike and sisterly relationships, to cheeseburger strong-arm patriotism.
I’ve learned that Tracy and I also have a weird weird weird guilty pleasure. ย We watch this Joy the Baker book tour video to analyze the various facial expressions of Joy and Tucker Taylor.
It’s a hobby. ย So what?
This summer I’ve learned that only your good (and hilarious) friends will make fun of you (in doodle form) while you’re giving a stiff speech about blogging.
You’ll see down the left side of the doodle that I referred to my blog as a ‘mess of typos’. ย At least I’m truthful and self-aware. ย Thank you Helen Jane.
I’ve learned that the only thing that matters in Palm Springs is cold beer and sunscreen.
This summer I’ve learned that Momofuku ramen noodles followed by gin after gin after gin after… gin (really!?), means that you have made… very liberal choices in beverage.
NYC is straight steamy in the summer. ย I’m not talking sexy steam. Hair wilting, mascara running, why-is-you-face-melting steam.
This summer I stumbled across this picture of my family. ย I learned that I was a little terror as a youth. ย I always imagined myself being an angel child. ย No? ย I’m throwing a fit and trying to shove my mother off a San Francisco trolley? ย That can’t be right….
Ugh. ย Sorry Mom. ย Sincerely.
I think I’ve posted this picture before… but really, it needs revisiting.
I’ve also learned that dads live forever. ย Isn’t that cool?
Gah! ย Love this man.
I’ve learned that I will neverย ever tire of this book. ย I’ve had it since I was sixteen and it has gone nearly everywhere with me.
Bukowski’s words are so flawed and human (and drunk and real and raw and heartbreaking and hilarious and poetic and utterly beautiful).
I wrote my very first boyfriend’s name in that book. ย His name was Larry and really… it was doomed from the start. ย I was into reading, volleyball, and making money at my first job. ย He was into making out.
Should I call the number? ย I should… right? ย I really should.
I learned that if a man wants to grill, you let him grill.
No ifs/ands/but(t)s.
(That butt joke was really just for my own amusement. ย Apologies.)
Ok fine… enough is enough! ย I’m ready to say goodbye to summer. ย Almost.
Maybe just one more hot dog. ย One more glass of rose? ย This farewell is rather half-hearted seeing as Los Angeles has been exactly one bazillion degrees lately.
No pumpkins yet. ย Too soon. ย I can barely handle soup. ย Don’t make me carve anything.
I love you. ย I’m going to go make doughnuts and stick my face in them.
94 Responses
i love bukowski! but i’ve never read ‘reader’, putting it on my to-read list (:
xo, cheyenne
JOYYYY! Ive been following your blog for a while and love reading and trying your recipes! I remember reading a while ago about some food related books you were reading but cant find the post. You know what would be lovely? If you shared with us (or made a tab) of your favorite books/reads. Whadyathink?
Joy, I never tire of hearing your personal “asides.” Your grit and honesty is as comforting as tea on a rainy day. We will patiently wait for the rain.
~Renee
What a pretty last picture.
I thought I was an angelic child too, until I remembered the vaseline incident. And the spaghettios incident. And the doorbell circuit when the babysitter incident. And the emergency room twice in one night incident. And ….
then I had kids. And realized none of them are angelic.
Oh Joy, you crack me up!!!
Wow! I loved seeing you in video form…that was so great! Believe it or not, summer is my LEAST favorite season. I’m always so happy when Fall arrives…it’s my favorite! Also, I loved that pic of your man grilling (was that your man?)…very mysterious…and sexy :)
I literally laughed out loud at your butt joke. Thank you for that.
And, I love you too.
I gladly say goodbye to our LA summer. Bring on an LA fall. Hopefully it will dip below 80’F soon.
Loved this post!
Agreed on all counts. what is your favorite rose to have one more glass of?
aggh!!! a fig tree! I just had such a wave of jealousy hit me.
I’m right there with you! I just won’t accept the fact that summer is over!
love you, maj!!
our trip to NYC and teaching a class with you was the highlight of my summer. NO PRESH. And thanks for putting my Magic Mike fascination on blast. It’s cool. There’s not shame.
rolling pin rolling pin strong arm strong arm american flag.
Such beautiful things to learn! I love that dads live forever, you made my day!
i totally love this post… and the video of your tour and experience at the french laundry… where is this little gem located?
Hahaha, fig thief! I like you, Joy. Also, rosรฉ just reminds me of this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80ZrUI7RNfI
I want a Mr. John Lithgow fig! I’d probably need a ladder (vertically challenged over here), but it’d be worth it. Fun post, lots of things to be learned all the time!
Loved today’s post! :D But especially love LOVED the video! My eyes even got a little moisty! Thanks for sharing. I feel like I know you now (not in a weird stalkerish way) and we would surely be friends if we knew each other! That’s pretty cool.
I love your family pictures ! It’s full of … joy !
And I love the one with the noodles, it is a very sexy pictures ;)