You know what’s a good combination? Fried chicken and cupcakes.
You know what else is a good combination? Me and you. You and me.
Thank you for bringing your smiling, shining faces downtown on Sunday. I don’t know exactly how to tell you how much this picnic meant to me. Let’s see…. how can I relate this to you?
About a year and a half ago I cried… sometimes. Not a sad cry. Oooh no. It’s just that I was working two tragically minimum wage jobs as a barista and as a baker, finishing up college, driving a car that was worth less than my camera, running from job to job to class to study group, writing papers in a daze and falling asleep in the library weekly. I would cry just because I was so dang tired. Do you ever get the tired cries? Yea… it happens.
In the midst of all that, I started this here blog. It’s turned into the thing that I can’t wait to sit down and do every night. You all have become the people that I look forward to connecting with everyday. It’s just so much a part of me… and now you are too!
So… this picnic. Well, it was the opposite of the tired cries. You all made me so happy. It was so fantastic of all of you to come out to share the love. Thank you to each and every one of you who came to share the day with me.
Adrianna and Caroline are the darlings behind A Cozy Kitchen. They’re super sweet. Seriously. Ladies. I like you.
Deanna! Ooooh dearest Deanna! Deanna and her friend Sandi drove all the way down from Oregon for the picnic. Drove…. from Oregon! Deanna, your dress was super cute. For reals.
Katie and kids had their own rooftop picnic on Vancouver Island, BC with a dozen cupcakes and… do I see a Cabbage Patch Kid down there!? Awesome. Doin’ it up right. Well played.
Lynne threw an indoor picnic in Ottawa. They baked the Vegan Chocolate Avocado Cake and wore super cute dresses. What more could you want!?
It was just the most lovely afternoon ever, and then…..
You know what’s not exactly an awesome combination? Hay bales and AstroTurf that doesn’t belong to you. That means a lot of cleaning.
I suppose now would be a good time to thank you… Simon, for literally picking up hay in a sea of hay. I couldn’t have pulled this picnic off without the help of Michael (the behind the scenes man with the plan), Rachel (cole slaw maven), my Mom and Dad and sister (for late night cupcake baking and chicken runnin’), Whitney (for the best 5 minute makeup job ever), Simon (for all the hay you got in your face… i’m sorry), and Carsen and company (for graciously letting me boss you around). Seriously you guys. Thank you from deep down inside my heart.
The next Joy the Baker shindig will have a hired clean up crew. No joke. We are doing this again.
Anna
I wish I could have been there! You guys look like you had an amazing time :-) I get the tired cries a lot, but things are looking up now that the new baby is here and my toddler adores her.
By the way, I just had to point out that I think you’re gorgeous. You look absolutely radiant :-) I second the opinion that your parents were right on the money when they named you :-)
Allison
Congrats on your successful picnic! I’ve only been following you for a few months now, but always immediately read one of your posts when I see a new one in my reader. Thank you for the continued inspiriation you provide.
Remi
We had a great time at the picnic. Divine fried chicken, heavenly cupcakes, and meeting amazing new friends. Joy, it was a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for the wonderful party and all of your hard work.
Becs
Looks like so much fun! You did a great job. Your dress is also super cute and fantastic. Im very jealous of your summer too as it is cold and raining in New Zealand!
Louise
I LOVE this blog!
And JOY! Boy did your parents know what they were doing when they named you. Nailed it.
The site makeover is magic!
Carly
Joy, you rock! Awesome cupcakes, awesome dress, awesome new site. It looks like everyone had a blast at the picnic, wish I could have been there.
cyndi
You are such an inspiration!!!!
p.s. I totally get the tired cries…and the stressed cries…and the overwhelmed cries. Seriously, the list goes on and on!
Emma
Next time can your picnic be in Australia? Pretty please! You can totally save on accommodation and stay at my place!
Congrats on beating those teary tired times and creating such an awesome event. I’m in my last year at uni going through those tired times now. I only hope next year will bring me cupcakes and happiness as well! Maybe I should start a blog… :)
{lauryl}
Thank you again– the picnic was lovely and it was lovely to meet you, too!
joythebaker
i love love love the flowers! Thank you Lauryl!
Melanie
This looks like a seriously fun party(minus the cleanup)! I baked muffins, does that count, but ate them myself.*L* congrats on such a successful day! (and blog)
Jen
What a great, happy day you all had! Thanks for sharing the pictures!
Jen @ MaplenCornbread
This was such a moving entry! SImply because it shows how you beat those hard times and look at the result of what the little blog you once started as a venue from the chaos became…and the friendships acquired! Just lovely!!!! :)
katie
Oh my goodness! Joy the Baker, our cupcake party is on your blog!!! My daughter thinks she’s famous now, you super rock!
Mags
I’ve been waiting all day for this post. I’m so impressed with how you shared yourself with all your faithful readers. What a lovely young lady you are!
Margie
Oh, I am so jealous…this looks like it was the loveliest of events. I’m sorry I missed it.
I am so impressed by all of your hard work and dedication. I’m wishing you the best of continued success. You’re so deserving. :)