We’ve really grown up together… which, is a weird thing to think considering I was supposed to be fully grown when I started this blog 9 years ago at the age of… 26 or 27. Math is vague (a VERY false statement, but true for my brain at the moment).
This year’s book tour travels have been a very happy, nearly overwhelming brain-bender for me. In large part because you, those of you who have come out to signing and demonstrations, are incredibly generous humans. Generous with your time and energy and enthusiasm.
So very many of you have told me about how you started reading my blog when you were in high school… and now you’re finishing nursing school. You’ve told me that years ago you made a boy you were dating the Chicken Pot Pie recipe you found on my site and now the two of you are getting married. You’ve told me how you’ve taken my recipes away to college, into your first kitchen, into aany kitchen at all to help you through law school and med school and makeups and breakups. Let me just say… you are impressive and resourceful- baking your way through the ups and downs.
What I realized somewhere between the Seattle and Portland book tour stops is that dang… we’ve really come a long way together. High-fives all around.
Very often before I start talking at a book signing I try to disarm people, to break all the stares and seriousness with some laughter. I encourage people to ask me questions about cats… mine or theirs, relationships… mostly theirs, and baking… every sort. I do warn that, at best I give mediocre advice, and… with at least a few chuckles, both you and I are at ease.
At one of my last signing in Philadelphia, a sweet young man (he was 25… I was nosey and asked how old he was) asked me for relationship advice. “For me or you?” I asked, which I now understand to be a ridiculous question. “In general.” In GENERAL!? Good Lord. What do I know? The words “Do it all the way” came out of my mouth. Love like you don’t know that it might hurt sometimes, or eventually, or at all. Love big and fearlessly. And he looked at me and I marveled at how steady he was with eye contact. I signed the book to his long distance girlfriend in Colorado and I mentioned them cooking together so basically… they’re married now.
This advice translates to just about everything… do it big-ly and fearlessly. That’s what I’ve tried to do here for the last good-many years and I’m so thankful that you’ve joined me in it. From what you tell me, that’s how you’re living your life too. I’m proud of you. I hope you’re proud of you.
As a friendly and pretty embarrassing reminder, here’s some of my growing over the years on Joy the Baker. This is basically the equivalent of posting my middle school school picture sooooo- you’re welcome / I’m sorry:
On Turning 21. Lessons on rum and jerks. V. important.
Things I’ve Learned in 30 Years. In every situation, consider the likelihood of skinny-dipping. Act accordingly.
I Accidentally Saw A Picture of You The trolls really had a love-fest over this one thankyouverymuch.
What It’s Really Like. Answer: harder than it looks.
This is 32. Hm… so even 4 years ago I knew that I couldn’t pass for 28? But… how about now? Maybe, now? (That’s delusion talking and I’m currently ok with it.)
I truly am thankful for you.
More soon,
Joy
Lisa
Dearest! You where one of my first food blogs! and still on the top of my list. Your wit is what got me hooked. And strawberries. Thanks for sticking with it! *blowing kisses from Sweden
Zahra
Ahhh I have all the feels now, Joy. I’ve followed you for so long (that sounds so stalkerish, which, I suppose, is kinda true). My now-husband and I talk fondly about getting to meet you at your first book tour – joypleasehelpme.com still exists, I believe lolololll. I make your french toast for my 2 kids (they’re the only ones who can have dairy these days, lol) who didn’t exist when I shared my mother-in-law woes and fear about little humans. You’ve helped me navigate the kitchen in a relatable way and I finally don’t dread dinnertime. I’m so glad we’ve been growing up together and can’t wait to see what the next 9 years bring!
Becky
I’ve not read all the posts you’ve linked to here before. I’m enjoying the wisdom, the wit and tearing up a bit as some of your wonderful words hit home.
Caroline Leigh
I’ve been a lonnnnng time reader (6 or 7 years?) and love you the most! Thank you for teaching us how to bake and giving us yummy recipes and good reads! You’re a boss. Much love!
Synne Cinnamon
I’m so happy I found your blog all those years ago, Joy! Thanks for everything!
Aimee Wimbush-Bourque
So beautiful, Joy! I’m glad the book tour was everything you described. Happy for you. xox
Briel K.
I just got the new cookbook and can’t wait to choose my first recipe to make from it! Wish I could have made it to one of your signings! Hopefully for the next one. ;) Much love to you Joy!
Amy
Hi Joy! Such a great post! I was thinking about your blog and cookbooks this week. My husband bought me Over Easy for my birthday present. Now I have all three of your books! And then Friday night I made your mushroom omelets for the two of us. When we were dating he would get so jealous (in a joking way), because I would talk about your blog all the time (and your podcast too): “Guess what Joy said?! Guess what Joy made?!” But his favorite cake recipe ever is your Texas Sheet Cake, and I make that single girl melty cake all the time, even though I am not a single girl. And he loves your food too (French onion pasta!), and the omelets were so delicious. So I guess we’ve grown up with your blog and your cookbooks too! Thank you!
Hope
I saw you in Philly and it made my entire week! I’m nearly done with school, and I’m filled with stress and worries, but that was such a lovely day. Thank you so much for coming to my city!
Kristen R.
Love this. Thanks for sharing your life with us, and for the words of encouragement. The internet can be a harsh place, but it’s nice to know there are places and communities here and there that are just the opposite. We can do this, we can keep going. Congratulations. :)
Suzonne
You’re a good egg, Miss Joy. xo
melissa
#cantstopwontstop #pleasedontstop (my family would be hungry and I would be sad!)
Thea M.
CAPS LOCK LIVING!
You are so great. It’s been fun being one-sided e-friends all these lovely years.
Kristen
High-fives back atcha. You rock, and brighten our days.
Alicen
I started a new job a few weeks ago and quite frankly I’m rather overwhelmed at the moment. Your advice today to “Do it all the way” and “Big-ly and fearless-ly” is exactly what I needed. I’m working hard, and even though I’m not exactly keeping up at the moment, I’m trying darn hard!
I can’t remember exactly when I stumbled upon your blog but I know it has been 5-6 years at least. I love your perspective on life and your wonderful recipes, and your conversational, friendly approach makes me feel at home every time I open your blog.
You’re doing it all the way, and you’re amazing!
Thank you
Tracy
Joy I totally adore you! I think you are so talented and inspiring and your blog is my very favorite!!
Holly Johnson
On April 25th, 2011, I had a first date with a guy that lived down the street from me. I was so nervous to meet him, I spent the time baking your avocado pound cake recipe. I packed up half the loaf, a flask full of whiskey, and walked the two blocks to meet one heck of a guy. Six years later, we’re hella married, and he likes to bring that pound cake up every time someone asks us how we met.
Jenn I
You’re the best. I’m proud of you, and I’m proud of me too.
Leslie/Stress Baking (@lesliehaasch)
Guuuuuuurl (because I’ve decided that I’m throwin’ it back to the days of Delia’s and platform sandals) –
You write the way I think. I’ve been following you for years and not only do you come up with wonderful recipes, you’re *real*. Real in a way that is so hard to find today, in the age of Instagram filters and reality TV. You’re one of my go-to’s when I’m feeling particularly disconnected from life and need a reminder that true and honest people exist. Like your post a couple months ago where you chose to believe that someone calling you “GOAT” was about those fainting goats? I’m with you – I didn’t want to google it myself (and ended up finding out on accident in conversation with someone much younger than myself) and would rather accept that I’m in my 30’s and I’m probably out of touch now. And that’s okay, because I know there are people out there who won’t judge me for it… like you. Keep on keepin’ on, lady – you’re rocking it <3
Maddy
Amazing, love all of this. I have been reading your blog since I was in middle school and just getting into baking (your cinnamon sugar pull apart bread was, and still is, my fave) and I’m now a junior in college and I continue to get excited when your emails hit my inbox. Your blogging even inspired me to start my own (though much much smaller and less far-reaching) baking blog that now captures little bits of my life as well. I had a tiny moment of panic with your opening paragraph, thinking this was the end of the blog and I’m so so happy that was not the case. Thank you for everything xx
Linda J-H
Like Heather, I am much older than your average reader, but I love your blog and the advice you give. Many of your recipes have made it to the rotation for our dinners and some have become required for holidays (Hot Cross Biscuits!). Congratulations on writing in the blogosphere for 9 years. I feel privileged to have joined you on the way.
Laura M
And the answer is Yes, you could pass for someone 29/30 years old, I was a bit shocked that you were not. You look Fabulous !!!!!!
Sarah Connor
Sometimes, I have friends over who are having a tough time or a great time in life, and I make them Single Gal pancakes. They cure alllll the ills and make for the best evenings/mornings full of conversation and love. Thank you for making a pancake recipe more than food in my life :)
Sharon
I started reading almost two years ago when a fellow quilter mentioned your blog in one of her posts. Your upbeat view on life is refreshing. Your honesty is heartfelt and welcome. I, too, love angel food cake [my choice for my birthday] and I agree that it never tastes as good if I make it myself. Your move to New Orleans agrees with you. I wish you all the best.
Liz
I haven’t been here from the very beginning, but became a furiously devoted reader in 2011. It really blows my mind when I think about that! 6 years later and I’m a pretty different person, although I’m still doughnut-obsessed and love spending time working with food. Thank you so much for your blog Joy! You gave me the inspiration and courage to start writing myself, which I would have never thought was possible.
Heidi K
I never leave comments on blogs, but I had to for this one. I’ve been following you since I was in college and stumbled upon on of your recipes. I can’t even remember what it was for, but then your book came out and I had to buy it. I never thought I could care so much about someone I have never met (when are you coming to DC btw??), but I’m so proud and happy for everything you’ve been able to accomplish. Also, you and Jonathan are friendship goals af (my friend and I always talk about the trips you two take and all the stuff you eat and we cry because we want you guys to be our friends, it’s totally normal). Sending you all the love from DC!
stargazer2190
I’ve been following you since my 3rd year of college and since then I’ve graduated college and finished pharmacy school and am now working in the real world. How time flies! I’ve enjoyed watching your success over the years and am really impressed with how you built a a brand and a name for yourself. I own all 3 of your cookbooks though I can’t say I’ve made anything from there. I buy them to support you!
Chrissy
Congrats on everything, Joy! Because I, too, was 26 or 27 9 years ago, I feel like rather than taking advice from you in your “oh, she’s so much older than I am” wisdom, it feels more like we’re realizing all these important life things around the same time. The “aha!” moments that come at you when you hit certain numbers…it’s always been reassuring to know that I’m not alone, and someone else is also having an “ugh, these things seem so obvious now by didn’t I know them two years ago?” feeling. Keep up all the awesomeness, and I look forward to more shared “aha!”s to come!
Danielle
You’ve been a part of my life for close to a decade! We have grown up together indeed! Congratulations on your book my dear! :)
gringalicioustori
You’ve accomplished so many amazing things, Joy! Thank you so much for the endless inspiration.
Kira
Joy, you rock. Thank you for bringing us along on this awesome, ridiculous, run, sometimes sad and difficult, journey. All of the feels and big high fives back to you.
Mallory Fay
Girl, I love it! I have been reading and watching you kill it for a long while now and with each new accomplishment I’m like ‘hell, yeah! – Go, Joy!’. So dang happy for you – congrats!
Erica
I don’t remember when I first came on board the Joy train, but in thinking about it, it’s been at least 7 years and a fair number of kitchens and boys down the line. So many of your thoughts have resonated with me over the years, but none so well as this line in your 30 years post: “If a girls says she “just doesn’t really get along with other girls” that means that she’s probably not that nice to other girls… I’m just sayin’.” I read that in 2012. I was (am) the girl that says that. Each time I think of saying that, I appreciate you and the opinion you wrote that day. Five years later, and I still am not sure I entirely agree, but I have let it marinate over my soul and I think it has made me a better person. Thanks for giving us great recipes and teaching us to be better humans.
Jamie
Long time reader, first time commenter. I’ve been reading your blog for years. I’ve shared your recipes with family, friends, co-workers, and strangers and whenever anyone asks about the recipe I am so excited to say “have you heard of Joy the Baker?!” just so I can share your goodness with everyone around me. I’m now sharing your recipes with my husband and daughter (well, she’s too young to eat solids yet, but we look at the cookbook pictures together), and I look forward to your “Let It Be Sunday” column every week – best enjoyed over coffee and whatever functions as breakfast while baby is napping. I am so grateful for your honesty, creativity, and humor and I hope you keep doing what you’re doing for a long, long time.
Connie
I started reading your blog when I was 22, I’m 27 now and I’ve slowly discovered my passion for baking and cooking. You helped me realize that it was an ok path to take. It’s been hard, very hard, but I’m getting there and damn! you give me hope and I’m damn proud of you (and me ok ok) Congratulations Joy, you deserve all the amazing things happening now, just keep growing and inspiring, a big big hug from my side of the world :)
Katie @ Katiebird Bakes
Oh Joy, this couldn’t be more true. I am one of the ones who used your recipes to get through law school (although I don’t think I mentioned it when we met in Chicago last month because I was tongue tied and could only talk about cinnamon rolls). I still use them all the time in my attorney life. People never fail to be surprised by attorneys who have creative tendencies. Anyway, now that I have my own blog, I realize how hard it is to put yourself out there and be vulnerable for everyone to see, and I cannot thank you enough for sharing your heart with us these many years. I hope this isn’t the beginning of a goodbye, because my heart will break! Cheers to you and to many more years of baking and cooking together. Come back to Chicago sometime when it isn’t rainy!
Lindsay | With Salt and Pepper
Do it all the way is the best advice ever. In all things you believe in. I loved reading this today Joy!
Kelsey
This made me tear up! Joy, I am so grateful for your creativity and generous spirit in this world. You were the first food blog I ever followed, all the way from my senior year of high school to now, married with two babes. You’re still one of the first places I check when I need a special recipe. And, I’d be remiss to not mention how much I anticipate your Sunday posts. Keep on Joy-ing, Joy! The world’s better for it.
Chuck Boose
That is some GREAT relationship advice,Joy!! Your posts are always so much fun to read…..and helpful too!!
Tricia
When I saw your Today show clip I was totally struck with how big and important you are now! I am so happy to be on the journey with you. You have always had a delightful take on life, a lot of people make good cookies but few do it with such wonderful happiness. Thanks for your words and foods, don’t leave us please.
Carrie
Dude, why did the “On Turning 21” and “Thirty Two” posts make me tear up?! It’s just so damn real and true. So many good reminders.
This list of links was amazing! I just binge-read them all. You are a helluva writer – can wait to see what the next 9 years brings :)
Sarah
I remember reading your turning 21 post the day you posted it and reading it now had me all sorts of nostalgic and sentimental and a bit weepy too. This post! It gave me all the feels. Thank you for inspiring me to take cooking and baking and LIFE by the balls and to do it all the way!
<3 Sarah aka @dottidee on instagram ;)
Katie
<3
Catherine S
Joy, it is joyous to share a part of my life with you. Your recipes have become comforting staples that follow me through life. I don’t always know which direction my life will head in next, but I know that if I make your tomato soup or your marrakesh carrots or your chocolate doughnuts, there will be peace and joy (at least in my kitchen, at least for awhile). Thank you for sharing this joy with all of us, Joy.
Mary B
“On Turning 21” was printed out and posted in my work cubicle for many years (even though I was much older than 21 when it came out… good advice is timeless). And just today I’ve stuck up a post it note reminding me to “do it all the way”. Fearlessness and vulnerability are so hard. Thanks for showing us the way and reminding us how important they are. And also for all the delicious food, of course.
Karen
Honestly, when I saw that first line my heart sank. I just knew you were telling us you were done with the blog. Whew! Thanks for sticking around and sharing your insights on life and baking and everything in between. By the by, you were FAB on the Today show. Already baked the doughnuts-yum!
Alejandra Del Pozzo
I had exactly the same feeling…. I’m so relieved it wasn’t that!
Lauren
Love your words, recipes and your heart, Joy. Thanks for being you ??
Maria
:)
Paula
I just turned 33 last week and have been reading your blog since the days of my own ill-advised relationships and terrible jobs, and I often think this very thing to myself — that we have grown up together. It seems less creepy when you say it; I feel slightly stalker-ish. Thanks for supplying me with recipes for all my kitchens of widely varying size and quality, and for all the recipients of my baked goods (the recipients also varying widely in quality and worthiness of said baked goods). You’re a gift!
Beth Watkins
Been reading your blog for years and years and years. Your recipes are my favorites and the ones I rely on the most. I read lots of food blogs, but get especially excited when a new one of yours shows up in the feed. Thanks for realness, hilarity, and wonderful, wonderful food.
Tara
I’ve been reading your blog for a couple of years now, but just clicked over to your advice on turning 21 for the first time. As it happened, I turned 21 about a month before you posted that, and am now approaching my 27th birthday this weekend. All still very relevant and applicable and good advice all around…thank you for sharing!
Heather
I am a faithful reader who is much older than your average audience. I come for the recipes (of course), cat pics, and to fill up my soul with your fresh perspective.
Today I wanted to share that last night we made your corn bread waffles featured on smitten kitchen and they were Amazing!! Even the 2 year old declared them ‘derishis’ I have saving up for you brunch book and that recipe made me even more excited!
Happy to grow with you!
susanrhubarbandcod
“This advice translates to just about everything… do it big-ly and fearlessly.” You have no idea how much I needed to hear that today. Thank you! To 9 more years!
Ashlyn @ The Pedantic Foodie
We love you, Joy! Your honesty, wit, humor, and bravery – it’s the one thing that has not changed in all the seven years I have been reading this blog and I love it!
John Popovich
Joy. You are such a lovely person. I appreciate what you do. Thanks.
pinchofdelight
Congratulations!
Kat
Joy,
Just so you know you are totally not awkward at book signings, most especially the one in Philly and immediately confirmed that we could totally be amazing friends and cooking conspirators! :) My MAJ and I have cooked our way through the Lord only knows how many of your recipes and she loves your new book! We look forward to lots of brunchiness (is that a word?) happening over our summer vacation. Thanks for the reminder to live “big-ly and fearlessly.” I’m prepping for a move to London in the fall (Yikes!) and I know that my knives, my kitchen scale and your recipes will be packed in my luggage and ready to help me make new friends :-D – Kat
Kate
This gave me ALL THE FEELS
francetaste
Congratulations, on the blog, on the books, on life.