There is always a beginning.
On January 13, 2008 I had a really good idea. I started a blog. I wrote a post. I posted a picture. I opened up comments to anyone who might (most accidentally) stumble upon my ramblings… and I misspelled the title of my first post (thereby setting the tone for every other word I would type in this space).
My beginning was short, yellow-lit, and misspelled.
In the five years that I’ve lived in this little Internet space I’ve also…
lived in three different apartments, driven two different cars, and held the hands of various dudes, dates and boyfriends. I’ve made a best friend. I’ve created podcasts with another best friend. I’ve traveled to London, over-eaten in New Orleans, and nursed (at least) two and two-thirds hangovers. I’ve borrowed three cameras. I’ve dropped one computer on the concrete. I’ve cried at least eight times. I’ve adopted one cat. I’ve lost two jobs. I’ve gotten in one bike accident. I’ve had 89 freak-outs of varying degrees. I’ve written one book, made hundreds of biscuits, and eaten dozens of pounds of chocolate chips.
For the past five years, this little space has always been where I want to spend my time. When I started this blog I didn’t really think about who might come here and read it… mostly because I figured no one would. I just wanted to play with my butter, sugar, and camera. Somewhere along the way, you joined me in this weirdo journey and I’m really so glad you did. I didn’t know I missed you until you got here… and now I’m sure I can’t do without you. I am so thankful for your enthusiasm and kindness. You’re weird too! Seriously, let’s high-five!
This Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread is the most bonkers popular recipe I’ve ever shared. Something about doughy cinnamon bread reaches inside your heart. We are all the same… this bread proves it.
This is the most useful bit of unsolicited advice I’ve shared with you in five years: On Turning TwentyOne. There’s a few gems about the importance of water over rum, and eye contact over Facebook. I’m ThirtyOne now and I really need to write the ThirtySomething follow-up to this list. Lord knows I’m still out in the world acting a fool.
I wrote a bit about accidentally seeing an ex-boyfriend on the Internet. This had some of you thinking that I had taken up drunk blogging as a hobby. Yea… I’ve read the hate boards… I know what’s going on. Was I drunk when I wrote that post? No.
That should clear things up.
It hasn’t all been sweet in these few years. I have been very fond of sandwiching. Pepper Jack Grilled Cheese Sandwiches? Out of control!
And I have so many more cookie stacks in me. These Vanilla Almond Cloud Cookies are just the beginning.
All of this is really just to say THANK YOU! Thank you for indulging my boy talk, life lessons, poor spelling, and sometimes awkward food photography. Thank you for making as many cupcakes as you have, and leaving all of the awesome comments that you do. You make my life better everyday. It’s so weird and awesome and true.
Five years! Working on six! I have you to thank, and thank you I do.
Aeshna
Thank YOU for making this blog so consistently awesome over 5 years.
You rock.
Amy
Congrats on your success, Joy! I’ve been reading your blog for a year and a half and enjoy your stories, pictures, and trying out your delicious recipes!
Michelle
Congrats lady. I appreciate everything that you do. That cinnamon pull-apart bread blew my grandma’s mind. She still talks about it! Thank you for inspiring the wonderful memory!
Lauren Burkitt
Congratulations on your success, reading that post made me really excited. I came across your blog just last week when Susannah Conway left a link to your ‘On Juicing’ post. I watched your video and love how sincerely passionate you are about what you do. I look forward to watching your podcasts and trying out your recipes at home! Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent.
Life is sweet! Nice to meet you.
Averie @ Averie Cooks
Congrats on 5 years, Joy! What a milestone! I’ve read every post since year 4. I’ve loved watching/seeing/hearing about your life, the recipes, your book, and everything else you share. Keep up the amazing work and I love this post – the highlights and that bread, oh that pull apart bread, it’s on my bucket list!
Nicole
Happy Anniversary! I’d say more about how great I think your site is and all that, but all I can think about is why I have never seen that Pepperjack Grilled Cheese Sandwich before. So, I have to go there NOW.
Rima @ Bolu by Rima
your blog inspires me to be a better blogger & baker :)
happy 5 years!!
Sarah
I want to say I’ve been following you for three years now and I’m so happy every time I read one of your posts! You have such a great voice to your blog and you’re really just a hoot and a half! To five more years!
x missdottidee.blogspot.com
Jo
High-five fellow weirdo! Thanks for all the awesome recipes and entertaining podcasts. Cheers to many more years of fun blogging!
=)
Danny Nicolas
No, thank you! This blog is one of the few left on my subscribed list. You offer the right amount of personal flavor, recipes, and great photos. I hope you continue to share your loves with the rest of us.
Kay
Happy 5 Years! It’s always fun for me to look back at the beginning of amazing blogs like yours. It’s so inspirational to see how far you’ve come (and allows me to be a bit easier on myself, since I’m just at the beginning of my journey). Thanks for all that you do!
Birdie
Congrats on the big 5 Joy! Just today I was flipping through your book and whipped up a batch of s’more borwnies, then proceded to eat them for dinner. Be proud! :) Keep doing what you’re doing, we are all looking forward to hearing from you and about your shenanigans
Keri
Congrats! looking forward to the next 5 as well!
Anna
Happy anniversary! Your blog looks really inspiring. I have only just started two weeks ago. Hooked already, so much fun. But nowhere near as cool as yours of course. Love your photography :)
Anna
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
Huge congrats on 5 years, Joy! :)