I always have such a hard time saying goodbye to summer. I know. According to the calendar, summer is long past. 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. 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. 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. We watch this Joy the Baker book tour video to analyze the various facial expressions of Joy and Tucker Taylor.
It’s a hobby. 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’. At least I’m truthful and self-aware. 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. 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. I learned that I was a little terror as a youth. I always imagined myself being an angel child. No? I’m throwing a fit and trying to shove my mother off a San Francisco trolley? That can’t be right….
Ugh. Sorry Mom. Sincerely.
I think I’ve posted this picture before… but really, it needs revisiting.
I’ve also learned that dads live forever. Isn’t that cool?
Gah! Love this man.
I’ve learned that I will never ever tire of this book. 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. His name was Larry and really… it was doomed from the start. I was into reading, volleyball, and making money at my first job. He was into making out.
Should I call the number? I should… right? 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. Apologies.)
Ok fine… enough is enough! I’m ready to say goodbye to summer. Almost.
Maybe just one more hot dog. One more glass of rose? This farewell is rather half-hearted seeing as Los Angeles has been exactly one bazillion degrees lately.
No pumpkins yet. Too soon. I can barely handle soup. Don’t make me carve anything.
I love you. I’m going to go make doughnuts and stick my face in them.
cheyenne
i love bukowski! but i’ve never read ‘reader’, putting it on my to-read list (:
xo, cheyenne
Mariana
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?
A. Renee Hamilton
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
Lady Jennie
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.
Ping
Oh Joy, you crack me up!!!
Barbara
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 :)
Laura
I literally laughed out loud at your butt joke. Thank you for that.
And, I love you too.
diane stanley
I gladly say goodbye to our LA summer. Bring on an LA fall. Hopefully it will dip below 80’F soon.
Loved this post!
Chelsea
Agreed on all counts. what is your favorite rose to have one more glass of?
Mona
aggh!!! a fig tree! I just had such a wave of jealousy hit me.
Diana
I’m right there with you! I just won’t accept the fact that summer is over!
tracy shutterbean
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.
The Life of Clare
Such beautiful things to learn! I love that dads live forever, you made my day!
Katie @ Oh Shine On
i totally love this post… and the video of your tour and experience at the french laundry… where is this little gem located?
Rebecca@A Dusting of Sugar
Hahaha, fig thief! I like you, Joy. Also, rosé just reminds me of this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80ZrUI7RNfI
Julia {The Roasted Root}
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!
Christy @ My Invisible Crown
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.
Axelle the french cook
I love your family pictures ! It’s full of … joy !
And I love the one with the noodles, it is a very sexy pictures ;)
Kristina
you really nailed that Momufoku picture: lovely legs! I went there myself this year but the photo did not make it to my food blog because it looked so dull. (noodles and egg an’ all that) Chapeau!
andrea
I love that picture of you screaming as a child. I just laughed out loud seeing it again
also. request. can you come work at our hospital so you can replace the cafeteria with amazing food and hugs for lunch (instead of egg burritos and poo coffee).
thank you.
Darlene
Le sigh! Beautiful photos as always. Hang on to summer in your heart. Much love to you!
Sophie
Love the summer montage Joy! I’m just saying hello to my summer. Happy to send some sunshine your way when you may be in need.
Angela
I’m so glad you posted that video. I’m currently watching it. I love how your Maj is being so supportive at one of your first book signings. No big. (Totally big.) You two are an inspiration. Thanks for sharing your adventures and Story.
shalan @ the long road
I have to say, as much as I love summer – I can’t help but smile when Autumns needles its cool self this way.
xo,
shalan
Julia | JuliasAlbum.com
What a sweet post! Beautiful picture of you. You should post pictures of you more often.
Sarah Beth
I love you Joy! Your posts always make me laugh and smile. It’s definitely fall here in Michigan. All the leaves are changing and the temps are cooler. I love sweater weather.
Candice @ NotesFromABroad
And here in Buenos Aires, Spring is slowly , verrry slowly, creeping in. I am not wearing a winter coat anymore.. this is a good sign.
Imagine this – you dial that number and of course it is not that boys number anymore, but the guy that answers is curious and you end up having a phone friendship and then … you meet … and then ….
Helen Jane
I love your face.
I love your kitty.
And the internet, for introducing you into my life.
Leigh
That is an awesome family picture. I wonder what the person taking it thought?
Ali S.
run with the hunted <3
phanie
i love you. i don’t comment enough, though i know know you appreciate the love. thank you for all your fantastic recipes, for your down to earth personality and great sense of humour.
cheers to a great summer!
xo phanie
Rocky Mountain Woman
love you too! It’s full on fall here, sad but true.
Trees changing, fireplace roaring at night…I guess I might be able to handle it. maybe…
Greedy Guts
I absolutely love that picture of you as a kid, screaming your head off! Seriously makes me giggles. I’m like you, I can’t let summer go either.
The Cuisinerd
Don’t give up on the Rose Joy!! It’s a much better Thanksgiving libation than Beaujolais….Then again, I’m as passionate about year-round pink wine as I am for protesting the lack of the #tacoemoji
Mr. Lithgow
You’re welcome JTB! What else can I say, I’m a funny guy!
Sylvie
The season of freedom is always hard to let go and you are so right a best lady friend is a preciously wonderful thing indeed!
Life's a Bowl
You’ve got such a cute list :) And the picture of you as a terror child is adorable!
P.S. I’m obsessed with the emoticons, I blame it on my mom, so is she so obviously the apple doesn’t fall from the tree?!
Courtney @ Bake. Eat. Repeat.
I love that your dad looks totally unperturbed by your screaming, arm flinging self. Just as happy as can be. Happy parents are good parents.
Anastazija
John Litgow is your neighbor?????? Please, steal a fig for me. =)
Thank you for your passion and idea, we love them here in good old Europe.
Chelsy
Beautiful. And so well written.
jennifer carr
this summer I have learned that you have got to pick your joys in life…you my dear are one of them! xojenn
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
I know what you mean – NYC is almost unbearable in the summer. Almost.
Xochi
I love that Larry’s area code was 818! That was my childhood area code, I totally grew up a valley girl. :)
Katie @ Blonde Ambition
seriously, it’s still way too hot in california for pumpkin! loved most everything about this post! <3
Sloan
Stealing Figs from Lithgow. Sounds like a great name for an indie flick. But you really should have a napkin in your lap for ramen. One bad gin-enhanced slurp might burn those totally distracting legs. :-) Heading up to Maine in a week, where summer has been over for months. You can have your LA heat.
Jillian@TheHumbleGourmet
Well, if you really want to linger on summer, come join us up in San Fran. It’s the hottest it’s been right now, and I’m over it. :-)
steph
You always make my day….u inspire me!
Bakerkat
Hold onto that last bit of Summer for as long as you can.. I’ve started thinking of stuff to do next Summer. I need doughnuts too but I’m drinking a pumpkin spice latte. It’s a step by step process for me.
Abby@ Totes Delish Blog
Love this! Summer is over in WI, but I will still drink summer cocktails and eat berries (even if they are a bajillion dollars at the store), long live glorious summer!
Flora
You’re right about NYC in the summer. Come mid-July, the majority of us locals are just trying to keep our faces from melting off. But come spring or fall, the city is glorious. Honest.
robyn
great! beautiful last photo…or is that the pink tan again!?
Seriously Sassy Mama
I live in Texas, I am always ready for a break from summer. Unfortunately, I am never able to get int o my jeans when it is time for Fall.
Carly
I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Our seasons tend to change right around when the calendar tells them to (except for winter, which starts in early November). After two weeks of fall weather, we just had a lovely couple of skirt and sandals days which I have relished. It’s back to fall weather today and I’m okay with that. We have mother-in-law grown mini-pumpkins on our kitchen table and pressed leaves for the kids to make into a centrepiece for (Canadian) Thanksgiving on Monday.
I’m ready for fall.
(Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Lattes have helped the transition too.)
Gen Santanelli
Thank you for inspiring me to reflect on some of the greater things I’ve learned this past summer. It does help in the “letting go” process. I love the things you’ve learned and how they help make your life all the more richer. I also got such an awesome chuckle off your photo of you nearly pushing Mama off the trolley!! To stinkin’ cute! May you have a stellar day!!
Chris
Loved the video!!! Loved the pic of Tracy!
Guess what ? YOU are a BIG DEAL!!!!! congrats!
RichmondTreatsKCEats
Gahhhh, Joy, you crack me up! That picture of you throwing a tantrum is priceless. Pure awesomeness. Thank you for brightening my morning, as usual :)
Dan
Summer is a great season, you can do a lot of activities during Summer… Though Fall is the most romantic and nostalgic season of all… And it’s special, Fall makes me think of my life of my future and my past, because I feel that I have a fresh head that can think wisely, since it’s nor too hot nor too cold. It’s like opening a new page…
Kelley
Sadly, dad’s don’t live forever, so make sure you tell yours how much you love them – OFTEN. I miss mine every day. And I agree, you should totally call Larry! If nothing else, it would be fun to know _______ (fill in the blank). Personally very glad to see the backside of summer. It was a HOT one this year so am anxious to get on to the cooler stuff. Ciao!
Stefanie @ Sarcastic Cooking
A few things…. Bukowski = Maj… Your legs in the noodle pic = Amaze (sorry if that was creepy, it just needed to be said)… 1st Boyfriend Larry = Hilar, def call him! Thanks for brightening my morning as usual!
Ashley
I’m not ready for summer to be over either! Though all things pumpkin have been awfully tempting. No, it’s just not fall yet. At least I’ll keep on pretending.
Briel K.
That photo of you having a tantrum is pretty amazing. Love it! :)
Ashley - Baker by Nature
I’ll be cheers-ing to you with one more glass of rose tonight!
tracie
Ooh, I’ve had that same Bukowski book since I was about 19. Freaking love that man. Genius.
Emalee
Did you notice the San Francisco trolley has the stereotypical Rice a roni sign on it?
Rachael B
Could you make enough donuts so I can stick my face in them too? I suppose if they were pumpkin donuts that would only be proper for ringing in the new season, right? Although, let’s be serious… I’ll eat donuts anyway they come.
Julie
I love the picture of you and your family. It made me laugh. What a great picture! Sending fall your way from out here in western Mass.
Jane M
All August I was wah wah wah ” bring on Fall”. Now I’m like a little sad summer ended. (Mine ended crappy). But I think I’m over it. I think I get weird with ALL the change of seasons. Guess I have a disorder or 2 :)!
Paulette
Change is wonderful and I love fall, but I have to agree with you, I am not ready to let summer go this year. Long days with the sun shinning as I sit with my cat punkin on the porch. Sandals, shorts and tank tops Grilling so I don’t have to be in a hot kitchen so much.
Now heavy jackets and bulky sweater. Oh how I will miss summer this year. Paulette
Jessicaisbaking
I am also unwilling to accept pumpkin into my life. I’m a late bloomer. I’ll be the one with the pumpkin whoopie pies in may 2013.
Jennifer
Call Larry. I bet he remembers, too.
SheriB
Love love love the pic of you and your family!!! Love the look on your mom & dad’s faces!
Amielle
I love this post so much. Thank you for writing it! <3
the 3volution of j3nn
I’m still not willing to accept it’s 2012 much less Fall 2012! I love that last picture, so beautiful!
Minda McVetty
Come back and visit Maine in the Fall!! If you fell in love with Maine in ths summer, it will steal your heart in fall…. that’s what happened to me 8 years ago. I came on a chance visit, went back to CA, sold the farm (not literally…..), closed my business, bought a beautiful and way too huge Victorian and moved to Rockland, ME Life changing, lovely, no regrets. I can do this. Urban dweller to rural /coastal/ cool life.
Think about another visit, ME would welcome you agan with open arms, there is more to see, do, learn, be.
Happy Autumn.
Lauren
I love the candleholders you used for your dad’s cake! Where did you pick those up?
Also, just want to share that I so enjoy reading your posts. I have a total girl crush on ya.
joythebaker
We’ve had those forever! I have no idea where they came from.
Carina
so much love for this <3
Freya
I love it :) Sadly here in the UK summer barely showed it’s face… We only get 2 months of autumn and October is the second one….
cerrine
I love these types of posts of yours, Joy!
If I was a guy, I’d cross the border, sweep you off your feet, then marry you..
Call the number and let us know what happens! (:
tracy {pale yellow}
I love your assessment of New York as being unsexy steamy in the summer. The levels of grosseness I reach from walking around and taking the subway on a hot day are unmatched!
Sophie @ The Cake Hunter
This post is brilliant. Sadly in the UK it has rained all Summer so I said goodbye to the Summer a while back. I’m all ready for pumpkin based goodies and cheesy soups!
Jessica
call the number! :)
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes
Your posts never fail to make my day/ night. Call the # and report back to us! Haha Don’t forget to block your digits first hehe
Margherita
Hahaha the Momofuku ramen noodles + gin cracked me up! I should try it too…
CJ
Wish dads did live forever.
Celina
Can I just say thank you for this? I was thinking of making something that has NOTHING to do with summer and I was feeling soo guilty because everyone else is into pumpkin and cinnamon already. Pineapple was on sale, darn it! And I want to use it!
Michelle
I absolutely LOVE that photo of you crying out. It’s so classic kid.
Seanna Lea
I’m looking forward to doughnuts. I haven’t made any since last year when I made beet donuts. They were fantastic!
Sarah | The Cyclist's Wife
I am ready to say goodbye to summer too, but the 100 degree heat won’t let me!
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
you always make me laugh, I love this!
Nicole @ the Dirty oven
Faceplant a doughnut and maybe a bowl of popcorn.
Averie @ Averie Cooks
Looks like a great summer – love the pic of you and Tracy and the bit about Larry made me LOL
The sky in the last pic is just stunning! And yes, SoCal is so hot right now! It’s hard to think about pumpkins…but I have been and have been loving them!
Janae @ Bring-Joy
Call Larry.
And I love seeing you on video. That was a first for me!
Courtelizab
You are totally right. Dads live forever. It is cool and I will accept nothing less! And, for realz, you should totally call Larry – He could be making money now AND still into making out, just sayin’! Boys will be boys.