If you’re anything like me, you can’t handle another Peppermint Bark Recipe or Holiday Wreath DIY. I can’t deal. It’s not that I’m bah-humbuggy. Not at all. I’m totally into these happy winter holidays. It’s just that everything feels like so much lately.
… How’s that for eloquent? Everything is so much. Really though… that’s the only way to describe it.
Today, I don’t have a cookie recipe for you. Maybe tomorrow… ok, probably tomorrow, because I really do love cookies.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the coming year. I know that Christmas isn’t even here yet, but thoughts of 2013 are my little way of denying all the Christmas tasks I still need to accomplish. Plus… I love to think about newness. It distracts from the shortcomings of nowness.
One of the best way for my brain to think about new things, is to occupy my hands with new adventures. This past weekend (instead of buying gift-cards at The Gap), I spent the afternoon exploring water-color paints. I want to practice my handwriting. Just… you know… because it seems like a really satisfying thing to be good at.
I practiced my handwriting using the words that I am currently most obsessed with. Rihanna’s Diamonds. If you’re not yet into this song: you’re welcome/I’m sorry.
Also, this is the new workspace I’ve created for myself. Before you think me fancy, let me just tell you that this is a simple Ikea wooden countertop jankily arranged in my living room. Janky or not, I feel inspired in this space.
I’m trying to live in the energy that is 2012 and gather new inspiration for 2013. Pretty pictures always work to inspire me.
I spent some quality time with the most recent Kinfolk magazine, as well as Edible Boston.
People are taking some really beautiful food pictures. Apparently, it’s all about white marble these days.
A Magazine curated by Rodarte is an issue inspired by California. It’s obtuse and inspiring. Something about weird fashion photos actually inspires my food brain. It’s the colors and feeling that I always want to translate into every cookie and biscuit I make.
I treated myself to this pretty pair of glasses. I don’t know what sort of drink is worthy of these glasses. Bourbon something? Sparkling something? It might take me a few months to figure this out. I’ll have the patience as long as I can just stare at these pretty items occasionally.
My desk is lined with canning jars.
This week I’m making Maple Pecan Granola to fill these jars and give as gifts. Right now, just the sight of the jars is medium-satisfying.
I’m writing a few last minute holiday cards.
“To Whom It May Concern,
Happy Holidays. I love you and I think you’re rad.
Love, Joy”
Ok… that’s totally not what they say.
Mostly I’m just trying to take this in, and give this out. That’s all there is, really.
If you’re feeling like everything about this time is so so much, just know that I’m with you in that sentiment. Despite these feelings, let little inspirations creep in. I, for one, am trying to smile more often than I’m not smiling. It’s a small thing, and it’s actually working.
I love you! More cookies soon!
Kristen
I’m insanely jealous of your handwriting. Maybe I should practice too! Sounds fun.
I love your janky workspace, a lot.
Rachel
Loved this post, Joy! Good on you for making space to just paint, think, and get inspired. Hoping to carve out the same space for myself in 2013, too! Merry Christmas!!
Chloe Moon
There did seem to be a lot of Christmas EVERYWHERE this year. I’m ready to think about 2013…Your handwriting is beautiful! Best wishes with your new inspirations in the upcoming year and I hope you had a very Merry Christmas! =)
Ergo – Blog
Melissa B. { hungryfoodlove }
You can not be more rad yourself. Just bright like a diamond! Your posts make me smile .. which really in my world is so much better than laugh
Noelle at Noelle's Notebook
Joy,
Loved the mason jar granola idea so much that I borrowed it from you. It was a huge hit… you’re a genius!
Granola is totally better than peppermint bark, peanut butter balls and Christmas cookies!
I also did some quinoa granola-dream come true!!!
Thank you!
Conna
Happy Holidays.
Enjoy your time with the beloved ones.
Kisses from Greece
Mary
Exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you! Merry Christmas!
kate holt
hi joy! it’s been too long old friend…miss seeing your face around, and wondered how you are. let’s do something sometime! 2013 beckons fun projects and other shenanigans.
k
joythebaker
it has been too long! i’m emailing you soon!
Joelle (on a pink typewriter)
Love this post – I can 10000% relate. And I am going to make a conscious effort to do just that- smile more than I’m not.:)
Leah
Joy, thank you.
“I, for one, am trying to smile more often than i’m not smiling”
I lost someone special 4.5 years ago and it hurts, this time of year especially. Thank you for reminding me that life is beautiful and I need to keep smiling.
Merry Christmas
Danijela
Such a beautiful post Joy.I really enjoyed it.
Anna
My 3 year old daughter loves that song, rocks out to it in her Britax while we’re cruising in the minivan.
I’d drink a lovely Rombauer zin out of those beautiful glasses and feel very pleased with myself and the world. Hope you enjoy them!
Allyson Mercer
I just got your cookbook for my birthday and I already love it! I hope you have a scrumptiously lovely Christmas holiday!
Amie
Those glasses are totally worthy of a Moscow Mule… They were originally served in copper cups, and something about the bottoms of them just screams “Moscow Mule” to me… Maybe give it a try?
By the way…. totally loved the post
Kimiko
Very inspiring. Happy Holidays Joy!
Katie @ Blonde Ambition
Kudos to you for having some sense of calm and control during this busy season (or at least seeming to). I felt calmer just reading this post!
Isabella
Did you know that this song was originally written by Sia?
Here’s the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajoSRF-1TMo
And a Merry Christmas =)
think happy thoughts
I would love to see what your creative mind does with those watercolors Joy. I’m “feelin’ it” too and just wanted to thank you for always being inspiring, that’s why I continue to visit your site over many others. Have a Joy-ful holiday lady!
Morgan
I go to NYU & this makes me so proud!! I LOVE Diamonds & this is just simply a fabulous cover.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MZMT61uhAp0
Elise
Wow that cover is amazing!! Such talent and beauty. Thanks for sharing!
Mandie
This just made my night. Thank you for inspiring me :)
DeAnne
enjoy the day and the moment and when it comes the holiday. all that is important is that you enjoy it, and for what it is worth I like your fancy / jankie workspace :)
Jen@whenpigsfly
It’s funny because I’m feeling exactly the same way. I’ve been muddling around with all sorts of creative things, tying up packages, making new cookies, fiddling with photos on the computer. I wrote a happy post about making your oatmeal cookies sans the peanut butter sandwich part. I told everyone to stop by your site just to get a smile.
Thank you for your constant inspiration!
Oh, and those cookies don’t even need the peanut butter sandwich part. They are amazing!
Nicole @ the Dirty oven
Pretty pictures, pretty words for a pretty lady. Love you darling. Happy Happy! Relax, smile and have fun!
Sophie
“I love to think about newness. It distracts from the shortcomings of nowness.” You summed it up perfectly!
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure and Health
your posts always inspired me Joy. I am done with things this year- good, bad, sad, happy and already looking forward for new year, new beginnings and new creativity hopefully. I am looking forward for your cookie recipe :)
June g.
I love you….but this song is a major ear worm for me;) hahaha! Keep on baking!
melanie
hi joy,
i got a drink for ya. it’s to go in those beeyooteeful glasses. it’s going to sound gross, at least, it did to me before i tasted it, but trust me, it’s gorgeous. 7up with vanilla vodka over ice. it is smooth and sweet but not too sweet and makes your mouth really happy. it is a beverage worthy of them, me thinks.
addie | culicurious
Thanks for sharing your inspirations! :) Always good to see what makes people tick. Happy Holidays!!
Amy
I love your real posts. They’re very humanizing and inspiring. and I love that you have other creative outlets besides cooking/baking. happy holidays!
fatpiginthemarket
I woke up feeling kinda grouchy and over all this holiday hustle. Your post just lightened me up. There wasn’t even a cookie involved so that’s totally impressive. Must be the magic of pretty ink on paper. Thanks for the good vibes!
Chrissy
Those glasses are gorgeous. Loving your new work space.
adahliavolk.com
Sara Dankert
Okay. I try really hard to not be a crazy stalker of the blogging ladies whom I love. But this is just weird – I am also on a watercolor & lettering kick, and on a new and inspiring Ikea work surface to boot! It’s so relaxing, right? These are my watercolors of choice: http://www.peerlesscolor.com/world_famous/home.html
I LOVE them … and they are portable! AND I just found out that they were originally developed in my neighborhood in Rochester, NY! I promise they are not paying me! :) I highly recommend trying them – and using them by lifting the pigment directly from the sheets with a wet brush rather than cutting and soaking pieces.
Paulette
Ah to just sit, at that cool table, think write and create is calming for me. Nice post Joy. Paulette
Sera
Thanks Joy, I think that’s all that we all do, really :)
Merry Christmas!
Michelle
Thank you. I feel the same way. I can’t move forward, and I just want to help.. I want the holidays to pass, and the new year to start. Fortunately, I have a little one that is expecting Santa, so I have to come down to Earth a little bit, and have found a little solace in late night baking, crafting, and mindless computer searches. Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year to you, and thank you for being so real, creative, and inspiring.
Chineka (savorthebaking)
There is a lot going on during this season Joy. It all going by so fast and I think everyone needs a calm space to be in if only for a few minutes.
kelly
I love you Joy! xo
Beth
This was my solution for that same too-much-of-everything mood: the 17-minute Charlie Brown Christmas Tales on Netflix. Just easy, simple, and sweet. Like I wish everything could be right now.
Hannah
Thank you for this ” I love to think about newness. It distracts from the shortcomings of nowness. ” it describes me perfectly! Xo
meg
This was such a bright, bright spot in my day today. Merry Christmas, Joy!
Alison
Joy, you crack me up! Thank you for being so hilarious and generous with your genius recipes. Also, I totally get you on the handwriting thing.
Kristina
I’m not really a commenter, but I have made a metric ton of food off your site and have never been disappointed. Thank you so much for that. I have been trying to force the Christmas spirit this year by making way too many cookies, hanging about 40 too many ornaments on my tree and buying the kids each 2 or 3 more presents than they should get. But, this year its been hard. And since … the news, its been downright painful. You’re post has made me feel better, so thank you for your delicious food and for making me feel just a bit happier today.
P.S. I live in Venice too and keep thinking I’ll bump into you one day on Abbott Kinney and go all fangirl on you. I promise if that happens to try and restrain myself (a little).
Clara
Oh oh oh my goodness. I love you too.
Lisa
I feel ya. While most people are settling in and down for the holidays…my brain keeps whirring on about what’s to come for 2013. I’m trying to remember to step back, take a breath and only then…will the best inspiration flow. Plus……I’m totally guilty of buying pretty things to surround myself under the guise of “it’s a work necessity; tax write-off”….right?
EBK Riley
Thanks for this post. I really enjoy knowing how other creative people get themselves some inspiration… Your mix of humor and intelligence is greatly appreciated! Happy Holidays.
Ann
Joy…. Thank you for being the nice, quiet pause in my morning. You inspire me and this post made my heart smile. As I sit here reflecting on my own life in the midst of the endless to-do list of life… especially during this sometimes overly stuffed holiday season… I am filled with love and gratitude for you and all those around me.
LindsayS
I don’t post comments often, but today I felt compelled to. Thanks for the beautiful post, Joy.
joythebaker
thank you for taking the time to leave a comment! i do appreciate it!
mary @ B&Gjournals
yes, please, no more wreath DIYs. no. more.
but cookies and treats are always welcome. looking forward to your next recipe :)
Jen R.
For whatever reason, when I saw your pretty new glasses, I immediately thought they needed a St. Germain cocktail of one kind or another! :) http://www.stgermain.fr/cocktails.php
Packing Rainbows
Aww shoot – I hated Rhi-Rhi’s new song until I watched your link. What a powerful performance!!! My co-workers are gonna get an earful of me singing this today! I heart your blog :)
lee
I always appreciate seeing how other people nourish their spirit when life has just too much going on. THanks for the glimpse into your “right now,” and thanks for the reminder to keep breathing love in and spreading it back out. =)
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
I’m so in love with your christmas cards – brilliant!
Briel K.
xoxo!
Love the new wooden counter!
Lady Jennie
I think the glasses are for hot Irish cream coffee with whipped cream on top that you hold with both hands, warming yourself by a fire.
Not that I had anything specific in mind or anything.
Sarah
I love this. So refreshing. “let little inspirations creep in.” Yes. I didn’t do edible gifts this year. Such a slacker. Your granola reminds me, though, I’ve had a tropical granola rattling around in my brain. I should make that happen. Warm wishes to you, Joy!
Amy
Oooooh, I love this. One thing you will learn about me quickly is that I am really conceited about my handwriting. I spent a lot of time practicing as a kid. Weird? Weird. But I don’t care.
I painted my own New Years cards last year (with Shine Bright on them, obvs I inspire Rihanna) and I found that Kal Barteski’s Script School (http://lovelife.typepad.com/buy_lovelife/the-scriptschool-workshop.html) was a fun way to learn some new things and practice.
I love your creativity! Inspiring! I’m dreaming big scripty dreams for some blog stuff next year. Fun! xoxo
Tracey
As always you seem to nail what I, and clearly a lot of your subscribers, are feeling. Thank you for a marvelous break from all the things I could/should do. Oh, and love the new workspace, very inspiring. (And you could make an awesome bourbon old fashioned in those glasses!)
Bakerkat
I’m not quite feeling the cheer this Christmas season but you help. I think this year I could have really used some snow but no luck. It will be better on the holiday itself with family and good food the season will be brighter.
Vicki D
LOVE that you use ‘rad’ – very few people do anymore. I named my daughter so she’d have those initials: RAD. I’m hoping she meets & marries a man whose last name starts with D or it all gets mucked up!
Janie
This post epitomizes everything I’m feeling. Thank you…for being a shining light amid all the “so much.”
I made your Honey Almond Butter Chocolate Tart for an office pie contest and won. I’m also eating the leftovers straight out of the tart pan. Delicious.
Pam
I feel ya’ a little time to sit, recharge build and up your creative bank. Those glasses remind me of Russian tea glasses…maybe something hot?
Lisa Klow
Jules!!
Chris
this has nothing to do with anything…..which is sometimes exactly what I need so i’m thinking it may work for you, too…..but i tried this new-to-me cookie and feel i should share. i found myself on bakingbites.com and saw the orange and spice ginger cookies. unlike anything i’ve ever had. (use the anise!) i had to improvise with some dried orange peel powder and a little orange oil but…..i think they’re amazing! you can’t quite put your finger on exactly what they are! they’re kinda everything! i needed something totally un-routine. maybe you, too?
Byn
i have presents to wrap, gift cards to buy, cards to write, cookies to bake….but tonight i will treat myself to dinner with a friend, and then go to a basketball game. sometimes you just a break from the holiday madness.
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough
Thank you so much for this post, Joy. I totally empathize with the “everything-in-my-face”ness. Your words keep me encouraged, though! And I’m totally crushing on those glasses. :)
Alisha B
Now is a great time to be contemplating the coming year. The smudge stick and little Buddha thrown in with those glasses will be extra helpful in the next couple of weeks.
I also agree with Erin on the mint juleps in those glasses, mmmm.
Erin
Thanks for this, Joy. I’m definitely feeling the so so much of right now. I’m living overseas doing mission work and, for the first time ever, won’t be with family for Christmas. That on top of the work I’m doing is just….so much. So thanks. I love your words.
Lauren
Great post and totally what I needed to start the day! Happy Holidays Joy!
Becca - Cookie Jar Treats
Why are you practicing your handwriting? I like your handwriting; it’s all loopy and pretty. Mine is very, very small. All of my teachers made fun of me for my small handwriting :P
Abby@TheFrostedVegan
Oh Joy, you’ve done it again with your awesome sauce words!
Elizabeth
Joy, you are almost 20 years younger than me and yet I really think you are so wise. And mature. But not too mature (in a good way I mean). I’m just so impressed by you. I hope one day to see you on the bike path down by the beach. Happy healthy New Year (after enjoying your holiday season!!)
Alex
I LOVE that bear. I want him in a print or something.
I feel like the fancy glasses need something classy with layered colors.
There’s a cocktail where you muddle raspberries and sugar and then pour prosecco on top. Maybe bitters is involved? I don’t know what it’s called but it’s tasty and it would sure look pretty in your glasses.
erin
i love this post inexplicably. thank you.
also, you should totally make mint juleps in your new pretty glasses. just a suggestion.
Candic @ The Savory and The Beautiful
You’ve hit it right on the mistletoe! It really is just too much. And because it’s too much i’m rebelling by being one of those who has yet to buy any xmas gifts :-/ I feel so scrooge-like, i just want to skip right into january. Thank you for making me feel less out of place!
Seanna Lea
I completely understand. I want to do all sorts of things, but the stress of the holidays, the things that aren’t done, and, well, the news all conspired to make this a very not Christmas-y feeling. I’m hoping that it changes just a little bit, so I can enjoy the rest of the holidays for what they are rather than thinking about what needs to get done.
Oh, and I made the bread again. 3 times in 3 days. You’d think that I cook nothing else!
Fernanda
haha that song has been stucked in my mind since I first heard it, simply love it.
As much as I love your blog as well, I share what you feel and I’m glad I’m not the only one :)
Cheers
Natalie Cartwright
The title of your post was deja vu for me until I realized that it’s because DJ Earworm compiled the top songs of 2012 into a compilation entitled “Shine Brighter” – be sure to listen to it for a quick music review of 2012 (:
Leah
I love your new janky workspace – it’s beautiful!
Happy holidays, Joy!
Vera@growntocook
Beautiful workspace! I actually have the same Ikea countertop as my desk, and on the shelves above that (where I store my many dictionaries within easy reach – I write in 3 languages and it can get a little complicated) I pin inspiring pictures and quotations. Many years ago, when I studied in Prague, I took a course in Chinese calligraphy – it is so beautiful, but would, of course, take many many years to become good at.
Averie @ Averie Cooks
Those glasses are gorgeous as well as your new macked out workspace! Having a great space is KEY to having a good flow and being productive and harnessing our most creative selves I think!
And the fact that you made homemade watercolor xmas cards is totally inspiring and like…wow! :)
Rima @ Bolu by Rima
Ooooo… Now you make me want to get some watercolor.
Jordan Riley
I was literally in the middle of singing along to this song when I saw this post in my Google Reader. Brilliant timing (and awesome song)!
Julie
I haven’t written my cards yet! I also love the look of the Kraken bottle.