This week has been a symphony with moments of sure-footedness and focus, and a few scattered moments of self-doubt and late night Forensic Files episodes (enough to scare the surety out of any reasonable person). I complained about the chill in the New Orleans air twice, obnoxious considering we aren’t buried under snow, and hopefully the chill has finally killed off the last of the swamp mosquitos. I cried once because my Mom texted me to tell me she was proud of me… make that twice, because I just cried again typing out that last sentence.
The lessons learned this week are these: no late-night Forensic Files / it’s not that cold so hush / make your mom proud.
The Internet told us these things:
• Ta-Nehisi Coates on His Breakthrough Moment ‘The winner is the person that keeps asking questions.” The winner is also the person that is a stronger, more talented writer… so there’s also that.
• Letter of Recommendation: Sick Days. Let’s be sick in bed… but not that sick. This is important. All signs point to putting down our phones and closing our email.
• I’m currently working my way through old episodes of Sex and the City and it feels strange because I am currently the age of the characters in the show. Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha used to be older, adventured, relevant, and exciting people who possibly held a light to parts of my future, even in their imperfections… here I am. And, HUH!? This is related, but mostly about cupcakes: The Comfort Food Diaries: Cupcakes, Reclaimed
• Tom has a girlfriend: Vases.
• ‘Sleep, much like running a marathon or chewing food, is a solitary activity. We physically lie next to each other, but we sleep alone.’ Why We Sleep Together. Much like chewing food…
• Escape From The Internet! Closing the curtains on a cult-following with the blog Young House Love.
• In case you wanted to read Sarah Palin’s endorsement of Donald Trump with highlighted highlights.
• The Presidents of the United States when they were young and hunky. Please see #38 Gerald Ford.
• A Cozy Kitchen made this Blood Orange Curd and I wish it would magically appear in my refrigerator but I keep opening my refrigerator and apparently, that’s not how things work.
• Did you know that you can sign up for Joy the Baker mailings including blog posts and semi-regular newsletters and giveaways? It’s pretty cool if you ask me, but don’t ask me because I’m super biased. There’s a sign up link in the sidebar. Check it (likely scroll down). —>
• Sausage and Mushroom Risotto for your Winter comfort and your tummy satisfaction.
• We’ll spend 3.5 days of our life untangling headphones so… there’s that.
• Every episode of The X Files Ranked From Worst to Best. Who knew we’d be back on an X Files kick, you know?
• Re: Mardi Gras. Everywhere Else It’s Just Tuesday
• Party. Pizza Party. Will you throw one and invite me? Appreciated.
• Filed under Things I Made and Did Not Photograph is a coconut curry hot chocolate with curry marshmallows inspired by the book Quench: Handcrafted beverages to satisfy ever taste and occasion. I did take one picture and I’ll post the recipe next week! If you must have it today: coconut milk, dark chocolate, a little sugar, and a dash of curry powder, aaaand GO!
I wish for you good and warm things,
xo Joy
AC
Late to this party but my husband sings that Party…Pizza party jingle on the reg to the point where our kids do too.
Suzonne
I read “Escape From the Internet” on Sunday and it’s been nagging at me ever since. The Internet and social media have brought so much to our lives, but I can’t help but wonder if it’s making us all (more than) a little crazy? I appreciate the inspiration that I glean from online sources, the new information, the connections that are occasionally made. Those things enrich my life. I understand the benign celebrity crush, too. But what has happened that we ask and need so much from total strangers (that we’ve somehow decided are our friends)?! It’s frightening to me – and a bit bleak. I wonder, what would happen if we were to spend more of our time and energy creating lives of fulfillment and purpose for ourselves? Scary territory, certain risk, but the payoff would be so much better than waiting to be fed by an online entity. Food for thought.
Brittany
Hi Joy! Can you tell me what kind of sausage you used in that mushroom and sausage risotto recipe? I want to make it tomorrow night. Thanks!
Considering The Radish
I cannot wait for the hot chocolate recipe. Seriously.
emilyinutah
I too started rewatching Sex and the City a few months ago (I’m up to season 6A now) and had the same reaction. Carrie’s 34 in the beginning, and so am I! My dating life isn’t nearly so exciting as hers, but it’s nice to see my situation on the little screen. Interesting to consider where life has taken me since the last time I watched in my early 20s. Life, Joy! Crazy stuff.
Janabelle
Love your lists! You always hook me up with things I’d have otherwise missed! :-D Also, so SWEET about your mom. That’s definitely sweet-tear worthy.
dessertfortwo
I’m so proud of you, too. You are fearless, determined, hard working, honest, genuine, and wonderful. I’m so glad the world has you in it. xo
Adrianna from A Cozy Kitchen
Thanks for including me, girlfriend. I always come here on Sundays to get some interesting reading done. The most interesting thing I’ve read all week is this post on Pitchfork about how these two bad ass bitches took down this creepy dude. https://pitchfork.com/news/63017-dirty-projectors-amber-coffman-best-coast-and-more-accuse-publicist-of-sexual-misconduct/
xox
Derek
Great post, the headphone bit so relateable!
Vonnie
Where do you watch the Sex & The City episodes? Dvds? Where’d you get your box set?
joythebaker
i think i use HBO Go.
Eileen
I am not your mama (could be age wise) and I am proud of you! You are creative, insightful & talented. I look forward to reading your posts.