Hello, friends – good morning Happy Sunday!
I hope this finds you starting a restful Sunday. If it can’t be restful, I hope there’s at least a few moments.
I’m in the middle of a big project at the Bakehouse, shooting several dozen cake recipes with Denny Culbert, the photo mind behind Mosquito Supper Club. It’s one of those hard-working, work-for-the-dream projects that makes my feet sore but is so fun to bake for. The house is a pile of props and cake layers and bowls of ingredients measured for baking. Since The Bakehouse is a live/work studio, it’s hard to relax in the middle of a project. I think it’s also just excitement – which is a blessing to feel towards work!
Let’s take it slow this morning. I’m going to make a mini Chilaquiles Frittata Bake, a big pot of coffee, and have a long sit on the couch with Tron and East of Eden. How about you?
The offering this week is below. Take only what you need and be sure to take good care of yourself today.
• The Hard Truth About Joe Biden. Like holding up a mirror at ourselves. Here we are. (The New Republic via Ann Friedman)
• I found this to be such a beautiful read. It swelled me heart. I Might Be the First Second Gentlemen, But I Don’t Want to Be the Last (GQ)
• These are the lines from Amanda Gorman’s inaugural poem that first started my tears (which of course streamed through her entire reading):
…And so we lift our gazes not to what stands between us
but what stands before us
We close the divide because we know, to put our future first,
we must first put our differences aside
We lay down our arms
so we can reach out our arms
to one another
We seek harm to none and harmony for all
Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true:
That even as we grieved, we grew
That even as we hurt, we hoped
That even as we tired, we tried…
How a 22-year-old LA native became Biden’s inaugural poet. (LA Times)
• Go full on English major with me and read all of the inaugural poems throughout history. (Literary Hub)
• I don’t know how long you’ll let me bore you with the saga that is Joy Learns To Swim. It’s something so foreign to me that it’s become much more than just jumping in the pool and figuring out a stroke. For me it’s about finding ease and surrender before I can even master the rhythm of breath. Friends, it’s just so new to me. I had no idea. If you need a visual (which of course you don’t), picture me in my local pool alone at night as a leaning torpedo. A friend recommended Total Immersion Swimming to me and so far it’s the method that feels most right. I’m also listening to Why We Swim on audio book as I fall asleep. Wellness update: trying hard, doing just fine. (Amazon)
• A therapy. A way to defeat time and quell dread. I Recommend Eating Chips. What would your chip of choice be? Could I get a hybrid bag of Cool Ranch Doritos and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and a Diet Coke? Would that be asking to much? (New York Times)
• You had me at elastic waistband. (Everlane)
• Have you listened to James Baldwin’s Home Records on Spotify?
• My sweet friends Amy and Amy sent me this Citrus Euculyptus Wreath and one sniff was like being back in my Venice apartment. Such a lovely gift. Thank you, friends! (Food52 and The Kitchn)
• I’m thrilled to report that I bought the Hearth and Hand Linen Blend Sheets from Target for a reasonable $68 instead of the hundreds of dollars linen sheets cost and I quite like them! I also splurged on a new duvet set since it has been a cool five years with the same bedding. (Target and Wayfair)
• Minimalist Baker made this very cool Aquafaba Granola that’s oil free and it’s on my list to make next week!
• Run, don’t walk to the kitchen to make Crispy Fried Eggs in Breadcrumbs! (Food 52)
• From the JtB archives I’m making a batch of Seed Cycling Balls because they’re a good energy snack to keep in the freezer. (Joy the Baker)
• A patient dog waits for days outside hospital which is proof that dogs are angel creatures with so much soul. I mean… my cat Tron would absolutely be outside of the hospital but only around 5pm to demand I get home to feed him dinner. (The Guardian)
Have a lovely Sunday, friends!
My love to you.
xo Joy
samantha campanini
I can’t stop saying that I’m really happy for you all US citizens for the upcoming years!
Solange
What decadent, gorgeous mounds are atop the silver tray in the picture initiating this post?
Shireen Eckhardt
So my Mom who never learned to swim made me go to the YMCA in Burlington, VT, for lessons when I was a kid. I think I never passed the first or second level, I did not embrace the chlorine in my eyes and one of the other little girls used to regularly snap a towel at me in the locker room. I hated everything about it. However, when I wanted to take sailing lessons I had to tread water for 20-30 min. In Lake Champlain to prove I wouldn’t drown, and wouldn’t you know it – I’m good at that!
Taste of France
Bravo to you for learning to swim. I was in the beginner class for so many years. The instructors would lose patience and throw me in the pool. I remember absolutely hating it. I still can’t swim.
Jennifer
My first thought was salt & vinegar chips with a glass of cold white wine. But Terry reminded me of chips & onion dip, so I’m slightly torn. I’m a salt fiend so they all sound delicious. Joy, water is so soothing. I’m excited to hear about your swimming journey.
Kimberly
Thank you so much for sharing the James Baldwin records. They are really sending ,me. So soulful.
Kim Ellis
When I was young, our family snack of choice was hot buttered popcorn with pb fudge on the side with ice water. Hot, buttery, salty and sweet. Yum.
Target has some nice vintage percale sheets, too. Fits fat or thin mattresses for half the price.
Katie
I appreciate the link and reminder to make seed cycling balls. I really found that post helpful, along with the “6 week night meals” post linked within the seed balls text. Much love to you!
Hope Leyenhorst
I am obsessed with Hardbite Black Sea Salt Avocado oil chips. I justify eating a whole bag because they are cooked in 100% avocado oil! I highly recommend them.
MrsB
I love Cape Cod Original Kettle chips with Famous Amos Chocolate Chip cookies and a diet Coke. Heaven.
Zita
I’m so happy you are learning to swim and hope you love it as much as I do! I can’t imagine a Texas (or Louisiana) summer without a daily swim. Excellent offerings as usual this week. Starting to feel a little hopeful. Thank you Joy!
Katie
The best chips are bbq chips. Yum.
Leanne
Well I just bawled onto my keyboard with that dog. We don’t deserve them… their hearts are just too big.
Terry
On the chip front, either Ruffles or salt and pepper crinkle kettle chips, with onion dip! Good luck with the swimming!
Kristen
I think I opened all the links today. Such great offerings. It was a week full of happy tears. Wishing you the best! <3
Jean
What size pan would be used for a half recipe of the frittata? It’s just my husband and me and our appetites are smaller as we get older. Thanks!
Maggie
I love eating Cool Ranch Doritos with sour cream for dipping, it’s like reverse ranch dip. Plus I learned how to make vanilla syrup so now I make my own tiny vanilla Cokes because if we’re going to snack, we’re snacking hardcore. Thanks for all your work and words, Joy.
Melinda
Wow, you’ve just introduced me to an idea that is going to haunt me until I try it. For some reason, I’ve always thought of Dorritos as “stand alone” chips, unlike potato chips. Thank you!
Gail Hardie
Joe Biden was once our neighbor many years ago. He is truly a good man. He will give his all for our nation. No hidden agenda, it is his calling. Watching Kamala Harris take the oath, listen to Amanda Gorman inspire us, I realized we are looking at the future of America. Joy, hope, forward, together?
Gail Hardie
Sorry – there should not be a ? after together – but given our current status – perhaps together is questionable. I hope that is not the case. We are all Americans?
Lynne Wong
Yes, I do believe he is good and will be great for America! So many people are so ready to tear him apart before even begins. I want everyone to help him succeed, so that we all can succeed!
Karen
I agree with a President Biden being a good man. I also agree that Amanda Gorman was inspirational. I cried listening to her beautiful words. I hope we can all give this President a chance, We are all Americans and should want what is best for our Democracy. I took a great big breath and had a sigh of relief after this week and have my fingers crossed hoping this country will move forward smoothly. We need to have inspiration and hope after a really rough time.
Hailey
I’m loving your swimming saga and I’m feeling so inspired to don a Speedo one piece and dive in with you. I’m also staring at some sets of new Target sheets as I’m still patiently wait for my new duvet cover to arrive — my early December splurge. Coziness and comfort on the agenda! And king cake. Happy Sunday!
Chrissy
I just got new sheets this week, too, and isn’t it such a treat? I want a new duvet but my version of Tron can’t keep himself from scratching it, so that will have to wait another day.
Gosh, where are all the Doug Emhoffs for the rest of us? Sure as hell ain’t on the apps…
Happy Sunday! Happy Swimming! You got it!
Jordan
I’ve really enjoyed learning via Total Immersion. I like how meditative and sensation-focused the process it is. Thanks for everything!
Jerri
Every article was just what I needed this Sunday. Thank you!
Andre S
Oh Joy!!! East of Eden is my all time favorite book and Steinbeck is my favorite author!! Enjoy and can’t wait to hear what you think of it. Thank you as always for your weekly posts, I don’t comment often but I was so happy to see you’re reading my favorite book! Best to you
Sarah
This week’s offerings are everything I needed after this week! Thank you. Every article, every quote, every recipe was spot on for this 46 year old mama and teacher (who just returned to in person learning with busy 8 year olds in time to share Amanda Gorman’s poem…they clapped!) But those pants!! Like a trip back to my 70s childhood mixed with my grunge loving self of the 90s. I am all in. Thank you Joy!
Darla
Happy Sunday, Joy! A pool, or shark-free ocean site is food for my soul. The past two weeks have left me emotionally and physically exhausted. I am taking today for myself; naps when needed, a tiny bit of laundry, and lots of reading. My body and soul need a reset.
Well, I just ordered the sheets and a new duvet for our bed. This, too, need a refresh. I am loving linen sheets.
Thank you for your offerings. May your week be what you need ?
Suzanne
Swimming is soul-food. I imagine this isn’t the place for product placement (and I’m not a salesperson) but a beautiful suit also really helps me swim more beautifully, I swear. funkita.com
Demethra Pinkston
Good morning! I have to say, I am resting well after this past week’s events. I am settling in to try to be a better part of the solution to help this place I call home. Thank you again for being the bright to the beginning of my week. Continue to be you, Joy…after all, you do it best!
Jamie
Wat are your dimensions for a mini chilaquiles bake? I have a mini cast iron skillet or ramekins.
EAT CHIMAC
Good morning! I have to say that I’m getting a good rest after last week’s events. I set out to try to be a better part of the solution to help this place I call home. Thank you again for being great at the beginning of my week. Continue to be yourself, Joy … after all, you do better!