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Shine Bright

December 19, 2012 by Joy the Baker 92 Comments

shine bright

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.

getting inspired

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.

getting inspired

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.

getting inspired

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.

getting inspired

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.

getting inspired

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.

getting inspired

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.

getting inspired

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.

getting inspired

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!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dixya @ Food, Pleasure and Health

    December 20, 2012 at 4:10 pm

    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 :)

    Reply
  2. June g.

    December 20, 2012 at 4:04 pm

    I love you….but this song is a major ear worm for me;) hahaha! Keep on baking!

    Reply
  3. melanie

    December 20, 2012 at 3:00 pm

    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.

    Reply
  4. addie | culicurious

    December 20, 2012 at 2:55 pm

    Thanks for sharing your inspirations! :) Always good to see what makes people tick. Happy Holidays!!

    Reply
  5. Amy

    December 20, 2012 at 7:37 am

    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!

    Reply
  6. fatpiginthemarket

    December 20, 2012 at 7:32 am

    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!

    Reply
  7. Chrissy

    December 20, 2012 at 6:55 am

    Those glasses are gorgeous. Loving your new work space.
    adahliavolk.com

    Reply
  8. Sara Dankert

    December 20, 2012 at 6:23 am

    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: https://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.

    Reply
  9. Paulette

    December 20, 2012 at 4:05 am

    Ah to just sit, at that cool table, think write and create is calming for me. Nice post Joy. Paulette

    Reply
  10. Sera

    December 20, 2012 at 3:40 am

    Thanks Joy, I think that’s all that we all do, really :)
    Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  11. Michelle

    December 20, 2012 at 1:17 am

    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.

    Reply
  12. Chineka (savorthebaking)

    December 20, 2012 at 12:20 am

    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.

    Reply
  13. kelly

    December 19, 2012 at 11:34 pm

    I love you Joy! xo

    Reply
  14. Beth

    December 19, 2012 at 8:09 pm

    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.

    Reply
  15. Hannah

    December 19, 2012 at 8:04 pm

    Thank you for this ” I love to think about newness. It distracts from the shortcomings of nowness. ” it describes me perfectly! Xo

    Reply
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