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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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Comments

  1. Leah

    December 23, 2012 at 9:35 am

    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

    Reply
  2. Danijela

    December 23, 2012 at 3:22 am

    Such a beautiful post Joy.I really enjoyed it.

    Reply
  3. Anna

    December 22, 2012 at 7:17 pm

    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!

    Reply
  4. Allyson Mercer

    December 21, 2012 at 5:22 pm

    I just got your cookbook for my birthday and I already love it! I hope you have a scrumptiously lovely Christmas holiday!

    Reply
  5. Amie

    December 21, 2012 at 4:13 pm

    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

    Reply
  6. Kimiko

    December 21, 2012 at 2:41 pm

    Very inspiring. Happy Holidays Joy!

    Reply
  7. Katie @ Blonde Ambition

    December 21, 2012 at 2:12 pm

    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!

    Reply
  8. Isabella

    December 21, 2012 at 12:06 pm

    Did you know that this song was originally written by Sia?
    Here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajoSRF-1TMo
    And a Merry Christmas =)

    Reply
  9. think happy thoughts

    December 21, 2012 at 12:03 pm

    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!

    Reply
  10. Morgan

    December 21, 2012 at 10:48 am

    I go to NYU & this makes me so proud!! I LOVE Diamonds & this is just simply a fabulous cover.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MZMT61uhAp0

    Reply
    • Elise

      December 27, 2012 at 8:39 pm

      Wow that cover is amazing!! Such talent and beauty. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Mandie

        December 29, 2012 at 11:31 pm

        This just made my night. Thank you for inspiring me :)

        Reply
  11. DeAnne

    December 21, 2012 at 8:15 am

    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 :)

    Reply
  12. Jen@whenpigsfly

    December 21, 2012 at 6:02 am

    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!

    Reply
  13. Nicole @ the Dirty oven

    December 20, 2012 at 10:11 pm

    Pretty pictures, pretty words for a pretty lady. Love you darling. Happy Happy! Relax, smile and have fun!

    Reply
  14. Sophie

    December 20, 2012 at 4:36 pm

    “I love to think about newness. It distracts from the shortcomings of nowness.” You summed it up perfectly!

    Reply
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  1. Good Things… | Coffee & Sunshine says:
    December 21, 2012 at 5:27 am

    […] Shine bright. Loved this little inspiration break from Joy. […]

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