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Dear Future Joy,
Once upon a time, probably a good handful of years ago, you took yourself on vacation. ย
This was at a time before you had kids or a husband. ย When you would treat yourself to the expensive shampoo and conditioner. ย When you were convinced that only super rich people get to own houses. ย When you couldn’t exactly afford to take yourself away on a fancy vacation… but you did anyway. ย
Future Joy… you should know that the Joy of 2009 is totally cheering you on. ย She wants you to have the happy husband, and the crazy kids and the mortgage and the life that makes you want to do backflips and rejoice. ย But with all that… I’m sure some things will just drive you batty. ย You might need to remember this time… this time that happening to me right now. ย
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See… it’s quiet here. ย There are little napkins with embroidered animals on them. ย
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The drapes are gorgeous.. and you never even notice drapes. ย
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Drawers have little keys.
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Matchbooks have little painted typewriters on them.
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You’re working on your book proposal. ย Your freakin’ book proposal!!! ย Yea… you’re pretty excited.
ย
Working in between making fires…
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and taking baths.ย
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There’s art in the garden. ย Art. ย In the garden!
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Hot Dang! ย You’re living the good life and it feels dreamy. ย This is the sort of thing you’re going to need to draw upon when you’re getting a root canal, or standing in line at the DMV, or trying to wrangle toddlers into car seats. ย Remember that once upon a time you took yourself on a big, fancy vacation, and you felt so blessed and enjoyed every single moment of it. ย Remember. ย
Love you. ย Mean it.
Present Joy
118 Responses
am whimpering at the mere sight of that bathtub. would you mind sharing the name of where you are? it sounds like such a lovely treat.
GORGEOUS PLACE! And yes, that bathtub is divine!
I love the idea of this post….I like the idea of talking to my past and future Anna..because she IS my best cheerleader.
Hi Joy, I can’t wait til your book comes out–I will definitely buy it! You go girl!
Love, someone who has written many letters to her future self :)
Wow, good luck with your book proposal!
Looks like 2010 is kickin’ off in a spectacular way.
Happy New Year.
Thank you so much for this post! I have been very down the past couple of weeks, having that “29 and still single” during the holidays pity party, along with the news that my last single girl friend got engaged at Christmas. so thank you for helping me see that i really should be enjoying this time, not whining and crying about it. maybe i’ll plan me a little solo trip too. :)
Beautiful home! Just so sunny and bright, like you! And I would kill for that bathtub! Well, maybe not kill, but you know what I mean! :)
lovely post! inspiring and soooo true! happy new year. :D
So magical!!
I’m jealous! And soooo hoping for a book! Best of luck!
A book proposal??? Sign me up! I want one for sure!
I’m so jealous, I didn’t get to do much of that before the kids and the husband, and the mortgage. I smiled reading your post :)
Hurray up with that proposal, can’t wait to read what will sure to be a wonderful book.
Just found your blog and absolutely love it! And can I tell you that I completely agree with the whole buying a couch thing. That’s how I felt about purchasing a new matress. But can I tell you that I haven’t regretted the purchase once..! Oh the luxuries of being a “real” grown up! Can’t wait to see your book!
That photo of you in the mirror is really lovely. Your hair looks great!
Glad you had a good time!
I JUST GOTTA KNOW WHAT KIND
OF CAMERA YOU HAVE!!!!!!!!!!!
all of the pics. are so lovely.
hi crystal.
i have a canon rebel with a 50mm lens.
I’m dying to know where this is. This looks like the most adorable place ever.
Your 38th birthday letter brought me here. It’s so sweet! You’ve always been so brave and vulnerable with us, and though I’m walking a different road your down-to-earthness reminds me that every one of us is dealing with things and doing their best and once I’m doing mine that’s ok. Cheers to you Joy, to more full living and more dreams coming true.