Hi friends! New York City has lots of views of walls and windows. ย It feels like a mirror with strangers on the other side.
At this weekend’s book signing at The Brooklyn Kitchen (which, incidentally, is an AWESOME place) someone asked me this question:
Do you ever worry about running out of ideas?
Can we talk about this? ย For real tho. ย For real.
Here’s the calm, cool and collected response to that question: ย No way! ย I am confident that my brain has an unlimited amount of really awesome ideas to sustain me from now until forever and ever amen.
Here’s the real-life answer: ย OHMYGOSH YES! ย What if I’m working from a well that I’ll soon reach the bottom of!? ย What if that’s real!?
The deal is, creativity and inspiration must be fostered and fed. ย But good grief, how do we have time to foster and feed things these days? My cat is fostered and fed because he’s really demanding with his loud meows and untrimmed claws. ย My creativity is much less demanding and often gets stomped on by every other more demanding task on my list. ย Do you find this to be true?
I try to find inspiration in all of the little moments, the quiet moments, the unexpected moments. ย It’s not always grand days or epic meals that provide me with the clearest inspiration.
What’s inspiring me lately:
โข ย “I’m not afraid of dying. ย I’m afraid of not trying.” ย THANK YOU JAY Z. ย I mean… TRY is everything.
โข ย I’m traveling right now and the fact that I don’t remember if I know how to navigate Penn Station scares the crap out of me. ย I remember that there’s some sort of waiting area then a mad dash to the right train, a long time, and a seat find. ย Nerves are inspiring. ย They make me see my surroundings more acutely and not breeze by the details. ย There is always inspiration in the details (must like there is always money in the banana stand).
โข ย This new Damien Rice songย because sometimes inspiration comes from things that break your heart.
โข ย I’m working on a book about Brunch so this NYT article about the fall of this most precious meal was very interesting to me. ย Can we take Brunch back from the jerks? Of course we can.
โข ย The Kitchn’s Cooking School is 20 days + 20 simple kitchen lessons. ย The simplicity and solid learning is inspiring!
โข ย Did you know that you can get a freshly fried, sugar dipped donut at Federal Donuts in Philadelphia. ย That’s where you can find me for the next three days. ย I might even forget what a beignet is.ย Sugar-high inspiration. ย I’m going all the way in.
I’m a person with more questions than answers. ย There is creativity and learning in simply trying to figure it out everyday… you know?
Thank you for for joining me on my book tour adventures! ย Thanks for coming out and asking me the questions that make you feel weird and vulnerable, because I’m weird and vulnerable too. ย I also accept cat-related questions with glee. ย I’ll announce my west coast book signing dates later this week!
Love you! ย See you at Parkway Central Libraryย in Philadelphia tonight!
xo
57 Responses
This hits home for me. Ironic that I find this post while on a hunt for inspiration. :) Your blog IS very inspiring – beautiful photos and narratives and oh the recipes <3 thank you so much and keep doing what you do boo.
Great post, I couldn’t agree more with you!!
https://justsem.wordpress.com/
Joy … i feel like the idea train is an up and down roller coaster of WICKED IDEAS and then a crash of burnt-out I HAVE NO IDEAS LEFT. but then the roller coaster always seems to swing back upward. I love coming to your blog because of how you share not only your food/hee-larious writing but the linkage … you can tell from your links you’re a woman who devours culture, has an ear to the tunes and the happenings of life stuffs, is a woman of today. your blog is the everything: things to look at, drool over, make, listen to and all the links to go ahead and link-labyrinth rabbit-hole read. You are inspiring in your honesty! PS i love the new watery pretty colorful blog header and blog design!
You are a source of inspiration for me! I know you won’t ever run out of ideas. Any chance you’ll add Minneapolis to your tour?
i don’t think i’ll make it to Minneapolis. sorry!
Ideas are thin on the ground when I give in to stress! Living in the moment brings them back! Excited at a book about Brunch! I love having folks round for brunch. I can get creative in the kitchen!
Yes Federal Donuts, yes! So glad you found those in lovely Philly!
dang girl dang! You switched up on us with the makeover all up in here. Am i late in this? I’m totally late aren’t I..sigh. Can’t wait to get you book!! Congrats on your tour.One day I’ll meet you. One day :)
As an artist, yes; I worry about running out of inspiration. But one thing that keeps me going is focusing on worrying only about the present projects, not the future ones. Obviously, you sometimes HAVE to think about future projects, schedules, etc., but for every bit of time and energy put into worrying about future projects, it takes from the time and energy of your present projects. Worry does not solve the problems of tomorrow; it only saps the energy of today.
~Elizabeth
sparrowfalldesigns.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/SparrowFall-Designs/1475218839428278
https://plus.google.com/u/0/116165865127839647687/posts
LOVE the Jay Z reference, by the way. And yes, I constantly worry about my creativity dying out and my inspiration coming to a dead end. I like what you said about simply trying as a means to become inspired. I think that keeping an open mind and paying attention to the details as well as the big picture can only help. Cheers to you for your honesty and for chatting about this topic!
I live in Philly and while Federal Donuts is pretty good, I suggest getting a donut from Beiler’s bakery in Reading Terminal instead. FedNuts wins the chicken war, but unless that donut is piping hot, skip it.
Thank you for sharing this! It was such an encouragement today. LOVE the new design by the way. It’s gorgeous!
The “calm and cool” answer does not work for me LOL!!!!!!! I’ve only been blogging for a few months and already I’m like….uhhhh…what will I be writing about 6 months from now? LOL!!! I think that as I (we) grow I’ll (we’ll) have the opportunity to write about more. At least that’s what I’m hoping :) Cheers!
One thing to do when you thing your running out of creativity (which your not don’t worry) MEDITATE. We find ourselves like the wind blowing in different directions, scattering are thoughts letting some fear take over and that deadly word WRITING BLOCK surfaces. I know if I find that quiet place within my mind the dam opens and creativity starts to flow again. My problem is I want to do so many things all at once. Which do I choose? What is your passion? What can I do twenty-four seven the rest of my life? Now I’m getting too deep but you get my drift. I know your doing just what you love to do. I’ve always felt that when one passion stops creativity takes on another direction like a river flowing the current changes and makes the journey more exciting. more doors are opened. Hey have fun this week enjoy your talents. Enjoy your journey. My wish for you is that may all your doors be opened. Paulette
Congrats on the new book!
Loving the new design and can’t wait for you to come out this way!
You’re absolutely right. There’s always money in the banana stand. I really love the rest of your words and your capacity for inspiring others. It creates exponential and unpredictable inspiration. Thank you!
Do yourself a favor and find your way to Paesano’s in Philly. Best sandwichspiration in the history of sandwiches.
Federal Donuts are definitely a win, but also please please please go get a Dutch Crunch donut from the Pennsylvania Dutch bakers in Reading Terminal Market. So much delicious!!!
Joy! I read that article about brunch and thought of you. I was like, why am I so excited about Joy the Baker’s brunch book but the thought of suffering through this kind of hipster brunch makes me want to move to Mexico? Because HOME brunch is the freaking best. Brunch at your house is all the most amazing, awesome best things about brunch – friends, casualness, all the best breakfast/lunch foods, pastries, fruity booze drinks. Home brunch is the best way to reclaim brunch from the jerks! So, in conclusion, I remain very psyched for your book.
When are you coming to the Detroit area?
The Cinnamon Sugar donuts at Federal Donuts are amazing! (though I’m not such a fan of the chicken).
Rachel
policyandpasta.com
Thanks for sharing, love following your blog!
https://thejoycediaries.blogspot.com/
Hope you come to the middle of the USA sometime soon. Kansas City is a great city – and we’re in the World Series! Just received your book in the mail today – can’t wait to dig in.
Yes, I worry. I worry I’ll run out of new combinations, new looks, new things to share and try and talk about. I worry people will stop listening (or never start, depending on how you look at it). It’s terrifying and it’s paralyzed me more than once. But it’s also what keeps me going. That fear spurs me to be better and better- one of my favorite quotes is “Be so good they can’t ignore you.”
I hope that even if I do run out of ideas for a day or a week, the people I know care about my work will have faith in me. I certainly would have faith in you, Joy!
https://www.youtube.com/sparklesandsuch26
Dear Joy,
If you are running out of eating ideas while in Philly (or even if you’re not) please please please do yourself a favor and get a tofu hoagie from Fu Wah. It’s the best banh mi ever. I used to live across the street from this little deli and I would eat one nearly everyday.
Also, while you’re at it, you should probably get some of their whole wheat fig bars. Legit tasty.
Love,
Sleeping in Seattle
Love you and love that you addressed this. YOU are a creative inspiration for so many of us. So keep on doing you girl, I highly appreciate it :)
Oh mercy thank you for saying what I think all the time- Yes I am worried about running out of ideas! Glad to read the ways you stay inspired, though.
I’ve only been blogging for a few months but I really struggle with coming up with ideas for what to write. When that happens, I just don’t! And then usually, later on, without the pressure of a blinking cursor I’ll come up with something. Not necessarily something brilliant, but something.
i already can’t wait for your brunch book!!! :)
A book about BRUNCH!? Hooooly moly. Yes.
this post it getting me totally inspired! so great :) and i love that damien rice songs – though i think i will every song that man creates!
xo, cheyenne
Love that ring!
i’m a little late on this part, but your blog’s new design is so beautiful! i love it.
and this: “Nerves are inspiring. They make me see my surroundings more acutely and not breeze by the details.” — YES. such a good reminder, and it makes me think of a film called The Institute–have you seen it? if not, you totally need to. it’s on netflix. i’m not exactly sure how to explain it other than it’s about reality, awareness, engaging. it’s so wonderful. gush gush, okay, let me know if you watch it!
I sure hope Denver or Bounder is on your west coast list!
I totally understand the feeling! I’m so glad you’re in Philly! Can’t wait to see you tonight! :)
All. The. Time. Seriously, it’s pretty ridiculous how often I find myself freaking out about what on earth I’m going to post when pumpkin spice goes out of style! Homemade Decadence is a major major source of inspiration though – have an amazing time on tour! I wish I could be there to say thanks and bring you lots of donuts!
please please please please please come to denver!
Oy! Yaessss. Which scares me, since I just started blogging this yearโฆ Hah! I think, though, that you are absolutely right in saying that nerves inspire ideas. Iโve learned to just put down the spatula and go out for a stroll around my beautiful city (Nashville) and take a break. Undoubtely, I end up leaving with new ideas and usually some new friends to hear me compalin about the lack of later. Win, win. Great post!
Oh, I completely get the fear that you might just have a limited amount of creative resources . . . it’s a frightening thing to think! Like a comedian that has run out of jokes and stops being funny . . . no one likes that guy. Thanks for sharing your vulnerability & inspiration! I am anxiously anticipating your West Coast tour dates (PNW, to be exact, and I am crossing my fingers in hopes that they aren’t until after Nov 14 so I’ll be back in North America by then . . .). Thanks again for all you do!
Love your Arrested Development nod – and I love your new book! I have made 3 things from it already :) Enjoy every moment on your tour, we only pass this way once ~
OMG YES JOY! I feel ya gurl!
But have a great time on the book tour!
OMG YES JOY. I feel you right now gurl!!
But have a fab time on the book tour!
This is wonderful Joy! Thank you for shining light on wonderful things and being a source of inspiration yourself!
Congrats on the new book! I will anxiously be awaiting for your brunch book…there is nothing better than brunch! :)
I live just outside Philly, but can’t make tonight . Make sure you also eat the fried chicken at Federal!
Thanks for sharing, I’m constantly worried I’ll run out of things to write about. Even though I live in a booming city that changes almost daily. Lol
Sara
506 Miles: from Detroit to Nashville
We’re all weird & vulnerable Joy. Thanks for reminding us to take a moment back from the demanding loud tasks to be quiet & creative. And for generally being awesome.
so wish i could see you tonight. i am so close to philly! Please come back!!!
I love thought-provoking questions… unless pressed for an immediate answer. Thanks for tossing this into the morning mix, I think. I tend to focus more on food than weighty matters in my occasional posts, but do enjoy tip toeing through your mind on days like this.
Your inspiration is contagious! Cool to read about the strange and newness of traveling. Happy tour!!
I suffer from hyperactivity, too much going up there in my head! :-)
This is the reason that I read your blog – besides the amazing food you come up with, you’re real … and you make your readers feel a part of your life. Such a great post :)
I think everyone is scared they may run out of knowing ‘ what’s next’ or new ideas … I think that’s the fun it all of this. And you’re right, life slaps inspiration in all of our faces – sights, sounds, smells, friends, family.
Awesome. Love also that you found inspiration to write this from the (awesome) event at Brooklyn Kitchen! And thanks for the tip about Federal Doughnuts — now I know what I’m getting after the Philly Marathon in November!
I’m sure you will never get out of ideas as you are really creative! Loved this to read, so inspiring!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
I TOTALLY feel this! Thanks for being real girl, have fun on your book tour!!
HI Joy, Congratulations on your book! I was in Brooklyn a couple of weekends ago, bad timing on my part! :-) Even though I don’t bake for a living (but do bake as a hobby) I love this post…nerves are inspiring for me too! I’ve started writing in a little corner of the blog world and have asked myself this very question…with the same answer as you. Thanks for the morning inspiration! And for all the recipes!!