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Let It Be Sunday, 335!

August 15, 2021 by Joy the Baker 12 Comments

Hello dear friends!

It’s been one of those long long short weeks. Time expanded to fit in a trip to Los Angeles this week to celebrate the life of my dad’s oldest sister, my Aunt Cordellia. Dea, as we all called her, was the most regal, generous, and low-key hilarious aunt.  We celebrated life and mourned her passing with a small family gathering, so much fried chicken, and told stories she would have said “Oh you all, hush” to.  It was just sweet to be together.  

Today I’m packing for my two week motorcycle trip with Will.  We’ll be riding up and across California, making our way back across the states to Oklahoma and Texas depending on how the fires and air quality moves us.  I’m hydrating.  That feels essential. I’m hoping to stay firmly planted in every single moment with Will, with the wind, with my family we’re visiting.  Just this morning my mind flashed ahead to the twinge of disappointment I might feel at the end of our trip. Isn’t that just the silliest sadness my brain is trying to conjure out of the clear blue? 

I’m smiling ear to ear this weekend.  Last Sunday I asked you to email me your favorite Internet pieces and summer songs and random crafts and WOW FRIENDS you came through! I sorted through each one of your emails and found myself lost in songs you love and words you’ve read. It made me feel like I know each of you just a bit and I’m truly delighted. I’m so glad we’re friends.  I couldn’t fit all of your offerings into today’s post, but I have two big handfuls for you here.  The rest will come. Thank you, most sincerely, for taking the time to share with me. Thank you for making this space a sweet little community. Y’all fill me right up.  

The offering this week is below. It’s from you to us.  As always, take some time for yourself and take only what you need: 

•  From Reannon of Perth, Western Australia –
“Book- The Midnight Library. I didn’t expect to like this book let alone love it like I did. It bought me so much joy to think of different versions of myself living alternate lives. (Parnassus) 

Song- I have two for you & the readers. The first is Chaise Longue by Wet Leg. I can’t stop singing this song even though I have the lyrics wrong. I keep singing “ I’M a chaise longue” instead of “on a chaise longue”. And the second is by a young Aussie called the Kid LAROI featuring Justin Bieber it’s called Stay & is catchy AF!” (Spotify) 

•  From Meg Griffiths of Providence, RI (formally a New Orleans dweller) –
“Joy Oladokun’s debut album, In Defense of My Own Happiness, is on constant rotation. Her track, if you got a problem, is a gentle and groovy anthem of love, friendship, and solidarity. (JoyOladokun.com)

The Hidden Brain podcast just launched its annual You 2.0 series, which invites us to think about who we are and who we want to be. The first episode, Cultivating Your Purpose, just dropped this week. (HiddenBrain.org)
 
My wife and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary with an at-home breakfast for dinner feast and these caramelized peach pancakes were the main event. Make these while peach season is still in full-effect (which is too short up here in New England!).” (Cookies and Kate) 
 
•  From Sarah Killian – 

“Wanted to send you a book recommendation for your Sunday series, because it’s seriously the best book I’ve read in a LONG time: Nobody Will Tell You This But Me by Bess Kalb. (Amazon)

Written from the perspective of Kalb’s now-deceased Jewish grandmother, Bobby, “Nobody Will Tell You This But Me” highlights the grandmother-granddaughter relationship and tells generations of family stories with charm, admiration, humor, and love. I loved it so much that I read it in one night, then immediately gave it to my mom, with the stipulation that she give it back when she was done so I could keep it forever.” 
 
•  From Ashley Munday – 
I wanted to share this “We Are Supported By…” episode featuring Abby Wambach.  Abby is such a role model and I really enjoyed how motivating the episode was. (Spotify) 
 
•  Two songs about time from Wendy Wener – 
“Time will Tell by Gregory Alan Isakov
This is a great road trip song and I love the message that time will reveal things to us as I think your trip will to you.,Gregory is a singer/songwriter and organic gardener,
 
Riverside by John Gorka.
John is my favorite singer/songwriter and I have gone far and wide to see him, This too is a song about time, and how we see it. Who cannot love a song that says, “If you have loved then you have cried.”

•  A very important summer link from Sherre Nissley – 
Simple recipe, yet informative about cold brew coffee. How To Make Cold Brew Coffee. (Simply Recipes)
 
•  From Neith Little (who has a cooler name than all of us, wow) – 

“Mavis Staples’ 2019 album We Get By is timeless and timely and full of slow summery jams. (Spotify)

 
My go to lunch this summer when it’s hot and humid (which is all summer in Maryland) has been fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, pita bread or naan bread, and a variety of spreads: egg salad, hummus, baba ganoush, cottage cheese. It’s easy, cool, and feels luxurious. (Joy the Baker) 
 
For anyone who enjoys or wants to explore more speculative fiction (Sci fi, fantasy, horror, and everything in between), I would recommend The Full Lid:  a weekly email newsletter written by Alastair Stewart and edited by Marguerite Kenner. They’re both just the sweetest nerdy people, and very much #couplegoals. Reading the Full Lid each Friday feels to me very much like the genre fiction version of your Sunday blogs: thoughtful, kind reviews of the latest blockbuster monster movie and indie podcast interspersed with slice of life of being a freelance writer in the UK. Delightful, a great way to find my next book to read, and a balm for the soul.”
 
•  From Ashleigh Withall – 

“How to Not Die Alone,: The surprising science that will help you find love by Logan Ury

I just turned 40 as a single gal & this book changed my attitude to putting myself back out there. And it’s not just for unattached folk, there’s chapters on being in & getting out of relationships too. I’m giving copies as gifts to everyone this year.” (IndieBound)
 
•  From Lynn Blythe – 

“Very entertaining and inspiring true story of a FBI Special Agent, mom, & wife who in her ‘spare’ time hiked sections of the AT (Appalachian Trail) completing it in 13 years.  FYI- The AT goes thru 14 states from Georgia to Maine and covers over 2000 miles.

Sticks and Stones- How to Hike the Appalachian Trail in 13 Years. By Diane ‘Sticks’ Harsha” (Amazon) 
 
•  From Nicky Gilkison – 

“I have a Seamwork membership, but there are a heap of tutorials you can access and patterns you can buy if you don’t want to sign up. Signing up gives you free and discount patterns and access to the community. It is an inclusive and supportive site run by generous and skilled sewist’s. Since I found Seamwork I’ve learnt a lot more about sewing than I ever thought I’d need to know and my sewing is better for it . (Seamwork.com)

•  From Katie Pelczar – 

“I saw this post and thought some of your other readers might enjoy while you are on vacation: 

So you want to build a wood-fired oven? Start here. 
 
My husband, who has become an expert at pizza on the grill but frankly has never before showed any interest in ovens – indoor or outdoor- suddenly decided yesterday that he wanted to build a pizza oven in our backyard. Right.” (King Arthur Flour) 
 
•  From Micha But – 
“Two small pieces of cardboard fell out of a package of new sheets as I opened them to put them in the washer last week. They looked like little books to me so….This video has a link for binding journals which I followed after making the covers and signatures. I am so proud of myself! The two friends I gave them to were quite happy with them too. I plan to make many more junk journals.
 
That’s all for today friends. There’s so much good here because of you.  Thank you! We’ll have more of these community posts soon.  Next week, a Sunday offering from my friend Toby Lowenfels to look forward to. Have such a lovely Sunday and a steady week too.
 
My love to you.
xo Joy
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  1. Philip King

    November 7, 2021 at 6:51 am

    Thank you so much for sharing. You have great memories which you will remember rest of your life.

    Reply
  2. Carter

    September 8, 2021 at 2:03 pm

    That’s great :) I really loved and enjoyed this article. Keep up the same. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  3. Liz

    August 15, 2021 at 7:37 pm

    Love joy oludakun so much. Been obsessing on her for weeks now.

    Reply
  4. Vicki

    August 15, 2021 at 10:43 am

    Condolences on the passing of your beloved aunt. Have a wonderful adventurous trip! My all time favorite song since I was five years old is Theme from a Summer Place. I just finished reading Always Home by Fanny Singer and Off Balance by Dominque Moceanu Couldn’t put either book down.

    Reply
  5. Ann

    August 15, 2021 at 9:53 am

    Love your weekly emails! It is enjoyable to hear about areas of interest from such a refreshing vibrant viewpoint. You knocked it out of the park for me with your reader recommendations this week! I am excited to try out the many categories of books, podcasts, music etc. Looking forward to hearing more! Have fun on your trip, sure sounds like an exciting adventure!

    Reply
  6. Ramona Puckett

    August 15, 2021 at 9:42 am

    Thank you so much for this! Enjoy your travels and I’m so sorry for your Aunt’s passing, she left you and your family with lots of great memories.

    Reply
  7. Jo

    August 15, 2021 at 7:45 am

    Best wishes on the motorcycle trip! Knee pain & constipation, that’s all I’m saying lol! But the life memories are everything

    Reply
  8. Bethany

    August 15, 2021 at 6:48 am

    These are lovely! How fun would it be to have one reader submitted link each week?!

    Reply
  9. Lauren

    August 15, 2021 at 6:06 am

    Love love this list. Midnight library also surprised me by how much I love it, and think of it often. Currently listening to Joy Oladokun thanks to your readers, and loving her! Excited to look into more on this list. Enjoy your trip with Will!

    Reply
  10. Reannon

    August 15, 2021 at 5:56 am

    Aaahhh Joy, I love that you included my recommendations & that there are so many for me to look in to- thanks JtB community!
    Enjoy your trip x

    Reply
  11. Catherine

    August 15, 2021 at 4:11 am

    Have the very best time with Will & visiting family! I’m sure it’s going to be a trip to remember!

    Thank you for this community post (such a lovely idea!) I definitely sent Michael the article about how to build our own pizza oven, sent my aunt who loves seeing the Seamwork website, and am looking forward to listening to the Hidden Brain podcast!

    Reply
  12. Darla

    August 15, 2021 at 3:38 am

    What a fantastic idea to have your readers/friends share there treasures! I’ve downloaded books, found a new walking podcast to listen to, and sent an article to our daughter. She’ll probably build their pizza oven !

    Enjoy your trip. Be totally submerged and present with Will. We will be here on your return home. ?

    Reply

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Chai-Spiced Sugar Cookies #taylorsversion made wit Chai-Spiced Sugar Cookies #taylorsversion made with an old sugar cookie recipe I made back in 2009 (like whaaat?) and a boatload of warm autumn spiced @taylorswift added to the dough.⁣
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This cookie recipe explodes on my site every September and for good reason. We’re fall girlies and we love a little nutmeg glaze. ⁣
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Find the full recipe linked in the profile! Xo
I don’t know what it is about this year, but I j I don’t know what it is about this year, but I just need more light-hearted fun, more hugs, more breakfast made by mom, and more coffee walks in the sand. Let’s do autumn now, nice and steady.
🥯🥯 for the weekend, babes! Save this no-yeas 🥯🥯 for the weekend, babes! Save this no-yeast bagel magic for your Sunday morning. ⁣
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Two Easy No-Yeast Bagels⁣⁣
1/2 cup self-rising flour⁣⁣
4 tablespoons greek yogurt (plus a teaspoon or two more if needed)⁣
1 large egg, beaten for egg wash⁣⁣
1/3 - 1/2 cup grated gouda or gruyere⁣⁣
Everything bagel seasoning⁣⁣
3 tablespoons baking soda with 2 cups of boiling water. ⁣⁣
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Place a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray the paper lightly with nonstick spray. ⁣⁣
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In a small bowl, use a firm spatula to work together the flour and yogurt. Add a few teaspoons of yogurt if it feels dry and knead into a cohesive ball for 5 minutes or so. Sprinkle with a bit more flour if it gets overly sticky. Cover with a damp paper towel and gather your toppings. ⁣⁣
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Divide dough in two and roll each piece into a roughly 8-inch rope. Bring the ends around and pinch into a circle. ⁣⁣
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Sprinkle the bottom of the prepared pan with grated cheese in two spots.  Pour boiling water over the baking soda and float each bagel in the water for 20 or so seconds.  Use a slotted spot or spatula to transfer the bagels on top of the cheese.  Brush lightly with egg. Sprinkle with more cheese and everything bagel seasoning. ⁣⁣
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Bake for 20 - 22 minutes until deeply golden and bubbling.  Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and smearing with cream cheese.
The secret to really great muffins is eating them The secret to really great muffins is eating them warm, with a big smear of butter and a sprinkle flakey sea salt. ❇️ This goes for any muffin but is especially delicious on these a Vegan Carrot Zucchini Harvest Muffins because they have so many veggies they’re basically a salad. ❇️ Full recipe linked in the bio! Xo
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