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!
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!