Hello dear friends!
Welcome to another fine Sunday!
When I started writing this very post the ‘T’ key on my laptop keyboard was not working (even with light touches and full on smashing). I couldn’t coax a T to save my life. I took to google, watched a video or two, removed the key and cleaned it, and SOLVED MY OWN PROBLEMS.
A pat on the back to all of us who solve our own problems on the regular. And while we’re being generous with gestures, a firm handshake to my last boyfriend who said I was hard to be with me because I didn’t need anything. Good day to you, sir. Good day.
I think I’ve got the T up and running, but if you see any missing from the words below, can you be gracious about it? I appreciate you.
This week feels like the first of summer though the calendar would tell us otherwise. Kids are out of school here in New Orleans and my front garden is both fully overgrown and dying of thirst – something I need to address with attention tomorrow.
I’ve got some travels coming up the next few weeks, so I’m enjoying quality time at home, working away, watching the trashiest of television, and soaking up some friend hangs. I hope these days are treating you well.
The offering this week is below. The invitation, as always, is to take whatcha need:
• 75 years ago this week. D-Day in Photos: Heroes of a More Certain Time. My goodness. Doesn’t this seem like a million years ago? These images brought tears to my eyes. (The New York Times)
• This week’s long-read is a thoughtful and beautifully written opinion piece: A Gun Killed My Son. So Why Do I Want to Own One? (The New York Times)
• Sadly, add Everest to the list of things we’ve ruined: Everest Is Over. (The Atlantic)
• I suddenly feel the need to hold Keanu close to my chest: Keanu Reeves Is To Good For This World. Have you seen him in Always Be My Maybe? Gold. (The New Yorker, Netflix)
• The Rise of Laughing Gas in the Delivery Room. I mean – I’ll take that face mask now if you’re offering. (New York Times)
• I have stayed ready for this trend: The rise of granny panties. Thank you Rihanna. (Vox)
• You know what? Knowing how to give a good toast is a life skill we should all possess. How To Give An Awesome Toast. (Science of People)
• Making an interesting case for Drake. Let Drake Be An Asshole (Please). Canada we appreciate you / you’re fine / you’re great /really! / thank you for Drake, but please come get your man, tho. (Buzzfeed)
• This weekend I whipped up a batch of these legendary Browned Butter Blueberry Muffins. I don’t use the word ‘legendary’ lightly. They’re that good. (Joy the Baker)
• I’d very much like to make Deb’s Braised Ginger Meatballs in Coconut Broth (but with ground turkey) for dinner very soon. (Smitten Kitchen)
• I just re-upped on film for my little Fuji Instant Film Camera and I can’t recommend it enough for summertime LIVING! (Amazon)
• I’m suddenly redesigning my bedroom to incorporate this chair from Target.
• Discovered Moon River by Frank Ocean and it’s so dreamy I’m smitten. (Spotify)
• No more ‘black thumb’ excuses: Plant Doctor House Calls to save the day! (Apartment Therapy)
Enjoy this beautiful day!
My love to you,
xo Joy
Edith
Those braised ginger meatballs are even better than they sound. You end up with a lot of broth leftover and it gets spicier as it sits – we tossed greens and noodles in it on day two and it was like the gift that kept on giving!
Sara Dankert
My last boyfriend before I got together with my husband said the exact same thing – he was upset that I didn’t need more help from him. Of course, guess what happened when I did asked him for help? ?
My husband is happy to help when I need it and equally happy to stand down when I’ve got it. ??
Andrea
When my dishwasher wasn’t filling with water I “fixed” it with some youtube sleuthing. The solution? “Whack this part with a wooden spoon a few times.” From a GE-produced video about that particular dishwasher model. Did that every now and again for four years whenever it malfunctioned – you’re welcome, landlord!
I LOVE that muffin recipe.
Rita
OMG. I have made those meatballs with turkey twice since she posted that recipe, and I’m inclined to make them yet again soon. So delicious!
Lise
I like that these posts aren’t really about baking and you bring up some very interesting articles. I’m very impressed that you fixed the T! I was also single until my mid 30s. I can do lots of things by myself but some things I don’t really want to do like killing roaches, mowing the lawn, investigating that strange noise at 3 am or taking out the trash. Agreed? Also, putting lotion on your own back is a bit tricky. Enjoy your travels. xo
Stella
Hi Joy,
Thanks again for sharing. You solved the “T” problem now can you get cracking on immigration, equal pay and protecting abortion rights! Your can do attitude is exactly what we need. I know it’s a lot to handle, but we women are excellent multi-taskers. I really appreciate all you do Joy
Natasha (also difficult to be with;-)
I made Deb’s meatballs with ground turkey and they were great! 1/2 are in the freezer now – hopefully they defrost well!
Marisa
I said good day!
I appreciate everyday that I was single until my mid-thirties, bought two houses all on my own AND fixed them up before I met my now husband. He regularly refers to me being a “strong, independent woman and that I can do it myself”, usually to encourage me and sometimes to harass me when I don’t want to do the dishes. We recently bought a 100 year old craftsman house and have since added a deck and re-plumbed the entire house. On both projects he told me that he knows I’m capable, but please don’t do it all because he would like to help some. Somedays I think he’s a unicorn among men, but most days I just appreciate the heck out of him. Especially right this minute as he’s in the kitchen doing the dishes for me from a catering event I had last night. Come to Montana ladies, there are plenty of dudes here that love us independent ladies, or really just come because it’s an amazing place to live. Happy Sunday to you all!
Angela
I always start my Sunday here in California reading your email with a nice coffee in my hand looking out the window into my backyard. There is always a lot to think about when I read your column. Thank you.
I’ve made Deb’s Ginger Balls – half lamb and half turkey. Both kinds were amazing. Make them today! It’s a keeper!
Chrissy
As someone who is T-2 months away from being 38 myself and having been single for most of it, I can sympathize. Haven’t we HAD to learn how to ‘survive’ these years without having to rely on some man? To fix our keyboard Ts and, in my case, unclog my bathroom sink? I hate it when men make it sound like independence is a bad thing. If it makes you feel better, a study just came out that say that unmarried, childless women are the happiest demographic, so here’s to us!
Sally
I look forward to your Sunday post. Thank you for sharing.
Beth
Moon River…that version sure IS dreamy! Thanks for sharing it!
Brenda
For the record, former boyfriend, we do need things. We need love, respect, compassion, intimacy…ya know, all of the things that human beings need. We just may not need you to change our tires, balance our checkbooks or repair the drip in the faucet in our home (the one we bought with our own money from our own jobs). I found a quote recently that summed up the ongoing (almost 20 years) of my husband trying to be the white knight while I resist any loss to my independence : “I don’t want you to save me. I want you to stand by my side as I save myself.” -author unknown.
Good luck, girlfriend.
Linda
Now, I have all three of your cookbooks! Ts, included.
JoDee
I am appalled on the state of Mount Everest!!!
We never learn.
Rena
Congratulations you made working your T again! Happy Sunday!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Darla
Happy Sunday, Joy! Well, haven’t you given me plenty to contemplate. And I thank you! I’ll definitely check out the fun egg chair for my deck. What a cute little haven to read, or just enjoy a morning coffee. I’ve already added the camera to my List on Amazon. Our daughters will be visiting in July. This will capture our lovely moments together instantly ?? Have you checked out The Peach Truck cookbook? It’s coming early July.