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
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.