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!
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: 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.
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