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.
See… it’s quiet here. There are little napkins with embroidered animals on them.
The drapes are gorgeous.. and you never even notice drapes.
Drawers have little keys.
Matchbooks have little painted typewriters on them.
You’re working on your book proposal. Your freakin’ book proposal!!! Yea… you’re pretty excited.
Working in between making fires…
and taking baths.
There’s art in the garden. Art. In the garden!
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
linda
relax & renew…
& gratitude for making me stop & reflect.
a book proposal… very exciting…enjoy your time & luxuriate!
Minnesotamom
Looks fabulous! Next time, take me with you! :)
Louise Shoemaker
Joy, how happy I am that you are having a bit of time to pamper yourself and surround yourself with beauty. And thanks for sharing some of the awesome details with us, so that those of us stuck in a snowdrift can live vicariously! Hope the book proposal soars! I’d definitely buy anything YOU produced!
Veronica
Loved your post. LOVED THAT TUB!!!!
Thank you for the reminder to stop and take note of the wonderful little things around us. As a person that had the husband, had the mortgage, etc., etc., and now I do not, I do know that whatever life serves up, we should enjoy it and get through it. I’m thankful for my children, I’m thankful for my family & friends. I’m thankful for my blessings and challenges for they teach me to appreciate each new day. :) Kudos on your book proposal. You are such a smart and sweet person. Looking forward to your book. :)
Emily
joy-your house is absolutely gorgeous. love your vintagey style.
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
This is so darn sweet. It is these small things that make life more memorable.
Mandie
green with envy….
I’m so glad you had such a wonderful time!
Laura
Thank you for reminding us of the little things….the SPECIAL little things that are around us….even when we aren’t on vacation. And….that we need to put little things in our everyday life, like art in our garden, to bring us daily joy.
Enjoy your time away! I love SLO too! Cambria (which is just 30 minutes north) is a pretty cool place too.
Teresa
You totally made me cry. I have been in your shoes – oh, maybe 15 years ago – and I do remember them wistfully.
Are you in SLO??? Are you serious? I love that town! My husband and I were married in Harmony. My parents still spend time there – as much as possible, actually.
The art in the garden has me hooked.
Enjoy!
dawn
just so you know…mortgages aren’t all that. ha ha.
good luck with the book proposal…you’ll do it.
Liska
How splendid! Your posts always touch my heart. I wish you all the best in the next year & waiting for your book impatiently. It will be a masterpiece.
itsworthalook
Enjoy your time – wishing you all the best in 2010!!!
Kayleigh
I covet your bathtub… *want*
Casey
That bathtub kicks ass. I wouldn’t get out either.