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Dear Future Joy the Baker,

December 29, 2009 by Joy the Baker 118 Comments

Joy the Baker Vacation 

Dear Future Joy,

Once upon a time, probably a good handful of years ago, you took yourself on vacation.  

This was at a time before you had kids or a husband.  When you would treat yourself to the expensive shampoo and conditioner.  When you were convinced that only super rich people get to own houses.  When you couldn’t exactly afford to take yourself away on a fancy vacation… but you did anyway.  

Future Joy… you should know that the Joy of 2009 is totally cheering you on.  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.  But with all that… I’m sure some things will just drive you batty.  You might need to remember this time… this time that happening to me right now.  

Joy the Baker Vacation 

See… it’s quiet here.  There are little napkins with embroidered animals on them.  

Joy the Baker Vacation 

The drapes are gorgeous.. and you never even notice drapes.  

Joy the Baker Vacation 

Drawers have little keys.

Joy the Baker Vacation 

Matchbooks have little painted typewriters on them.

Joy the Baker Vacation 

You’re working on your book proposal.  Your freakin’ book proposal!!!  Yea… you’re pretty excited.

Joy the Baker Vacation 

Working in between making fires…

Joy the Baker Vacation 

and taking baths. 

Joy the Baker Vacation 

There’s art in the garden.  Art.  In the garden!

Joy the Baker Vacation 

Hot Dang!  You’re living the good life and it feels dreamy.  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.  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.  Remember.  

Love you.  Mean it.

Present Joy

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Gabrielle

    May 26, 2019 at 1:33 pm

    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.

    Reply
  2. Clare

    November 9, 2010 at 8:50 am

    I’m dying to know where this is. This looks like the most adorable place ever.

    Reply
  3. CRYSTAL

    January 24, 2010 at 10:09 pm

    I JUST GOTTA KNOW WHAT KIND
    OF CAMERA YOU HAVE!!!!!!!!!!!
    all of the pics. are so lovely.

    Reply
    • joythebaker

      January 24, 2010 at 10:20 pm

      hi crystal.
      i have a canon rebel with a 50mm lens.

      Reply
  4. Nicki

    January 20, 2010 at 11:45 pm

    That photo of you in the mirror is really lovely. Your hair looks great!
    Glad you had a good time!

    Reply
  5. Lexi

    January 10, 2010 at 12:39 pm

    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!

    Reply
  6. Heather Jones

    January 6, 2010 at 12:04 pm

    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.

    Reply
  7. Alissa

    January 5, 2010 at 7:55 pm

    A book proposal??? Sign me up! I want one for sure!

    Reply
  8. Alyssa Goodnight

    January 5, 2010 at 4:00 pm

    I’m jealous! And soooo hoping for a book! Best of luck!

    Reply
  9. Reagan

    January 5, 2010 at 10:53 am

    So magical!!

    Reply
  10. Gigi

    January 4, 2010 at 9:52 pm

    lovely post! inspiring and soooo true! happy new year. :D

    Reply
  11. Meghan

    January 4, 2010 at 7:31 pm

    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! :)

    Reply
  12. Tracey

    January 4, 2010 at 1:34 pm

    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. :)

    Reply
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