Hello dear friends!
This week I’ve been thinking a lot about time and attention and just how precious those things are. I try to make the most of every day in work and tasks, sure… but the rest of my attention is so valuable and I’m always reevaluating where that resource goes. This week my attention went into painting the back of my front door yellow. Well… 45 minutes of my attention (and don’t worry – this photo is just a single coat and it looks much better now). The door painting inspired me to make a wreath for the back of the door so my attention went into an hour long trip to the craft store and then down a rabbit hole of rearranging my office and bedroom. It’s felt good (like a luxury, really) to put energy and attention into my space. Really, I’m just prepping for a Christmas tree.
Also, light sos: can I trim my own bangs like this article from Marie Claire suggests?
This week’s offering doesn’t include all the heaviness that exists in our world these days and this week but I hope you find something you didn’t know you needed:
• Consider: Migrants travel in groups for a reason, safety. (The Conversation)
• This is beautifully and honestly written and gave me a sustainable amount of anxiety: The Real Biological Clock is Death. (Hmm Daily)
• In conflicting news, scientists are working on the drug that keeps you young. (MIT Technology Review)
• Taking care of your eyes and ears keeps your brain sharp and your marriage happy – because screaming so your spouse can hear you would wear down even the most patient of partners. (NPR)
• Of interest: Why do some people hurt more than others? This doesn’t address male behavior when a cold comes on. (The Conversation)
• Composing the housewives: The Sounds of Housewives Everywhere: behind the scenes with the men who make America’s favorite ‘ladies’ into drama queens. I’ve never thought so critically about the soundtrack of my now second favorite candy on television… after my new guilty obsession, 90 Day Fiancé. (The New York Times)
• There’s a new astrology app called The Pattern and it will read your liiiiiiife, just know that. (iTunes)
• This weekend in New Orleans I’ve been fortunate enough to take some workshops with Kathryn Budig and I thought I’d share one of her flows with you.
• While we’re still talking about woo woo stuff, I’ve been enjoying these meditations this week: Cultivating Spiritual Intelligence.
• Have you ever made a whole, baked, stuffed pumpkin? I haven’t, but I’ve been scoping out recipes all week. I want some sort of wild rice, spicy sausage, Gruyere cheese situation. Here’s some inspiration: Whole Baked Pumpkin (Cooking Light)
• When life gives you lemons (life gave me actual lemons), make Preserved Lemons. On my meal-prep list this Sunday. (NYT Cooking)
• This week I resurrected this very old recipe from 2008. I talk very differently about boys and baking, but the recipe is solid gold and thank goodness for personal growth, ya know? Apple Crisp!! (Joy the Baker)
• Leopard as neutral. (Other Stories)
Enjoy your Sunday! Do something that feels good.
My love to you!
xo Joy
Janie Foltz
Please share paint color of door…marvelous!
April
The yellow door is FABULOUS! Also, we just roasted our first stuffed pumpkin. I was brave enough to try it because there was a recipe in my favorite Dorie Greenspan cookbook (Around My French Table). Here’s the basic recipe from her book, found online: https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/pumpkin-stuffed-with-everything-good-361169. We liked the flexibility of the recipe. The hardest part was cutting off the top of the pumpkin. Everything else was super easy!
Stella
Dear Joy, after the week that was, may I give you a virtual hug? The constant barrage of deeply disturbing events/news has left me feeling anxious, angry and in search of refuge. Your Sunday post offers me some solace. Thank you. Oh! I love the yellow door.
Nancy
I could not agree more. Joy, I add my thanks! When the world (and especially the hate so openly displayed now) overwhelms me, I put on headphones and listen to Queen music. I’ve listened to so much Queen music this past week – and especially Brian’s solo in Tel Aviv in 2016 – a stunning version of Hava Nagila.
Martha in KS
Love your yellow door. I painted the outside of my front door lilac & then found out that it’s a no-no per our HOA, so I repainted it white. I never thought of painting the inside of the door my favorite color. I’ll be doing that soon. Take that – HOA!!
Chelsea Bashore
OMG! 90 Day Fiance is so addictive.
Ruby Rose
Gosh thank you so much for your Sunday articles Joy. What a perfect compliment to my Sunday morning coffees (and 20s swing music!), especially after a long week. xx
Ashley
Love this! I’ve been wanting to make preserved lemons for a while but a little intimidated. Also, what do you use it in? I’ve definitely had it a few times and loved it but would love to know how you would use it!
Mary Moore
A beautiful room- the yellow door pops!
Alissa
Nope, THIS is the pumpkin recipe you want. I sub sausage for bacon but you do you. We had it last night and mid-eating decided to have it again next weekend if pumpkins are still hanging out at the store.
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/pumpkin-stuffed-with-everything-good-361169/amp
Florence
Love the yellow door! My husband and I made a beef stew and baked it in a pumpkin. It was delicous.
Kate Hall Mai
Your door left me breathless. And so did the article on our biological clock. Wow.
Enjoy your Sunday, sweet Joy.
Taste of France
I love your door! I also love your table with the comfy chairs. I had wanted to do this years ago, after seeing the movie “Burnt by the Sun,” which mostly takes place in a Russian dacha, around the table. My kid and I were discussing just last week how useless living rooms are, and today the New York Times has an article about how everybody spends almost all their time in the kitchen or at the kitchen table: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/26/arts/design/antiques-home-living.html
The article also makes the case for buying antiques–cheaper and better quality than new.
Also, for people who are wondering how single-payer health care actually works, I explain the system in France: https://francetaste.wordpress.com/2018/10/12/single-payer-faqs-in-france
And a little something about refugees: https://francetaste.wordpress.com/2018/08/28/citizens-of-the-world
LMM
Long time reader, first time commenter!
All I have to say is 90 Day Fiancé is the best worst tv show ever made and I just can’t quit it. Reddit has an amazing 90 Day fiance subreddit if you’re into that thing. Also sincerely proud yet embarrassed this is my comment to you! Haha!
I wish I had be words for how much your Sunday emails me to me- just know the light you put into this world is bright and appreciated!
Rena
Your yellow door looks amazing!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Joy Dyson
I LOVE your yellow door! Even with just one coat! I have door envy :-)