Thank goodness, Abby brought extra parachutes for us last week because I’m raising my hand to claim one. She’s not the only member of Team Joy the Baker who jumps first and finds solutions on the way down. That’s exactly what’s happening as I set off on a little solo camping trip this week to create and collect content for the forthcoming Camp Joy: Cooking Zine (out in late May, godwilling).
Creating this zine, on my own with a very small but very mighty team, feels like a natural evolution of early pandemic’s Camp Joy and the retail-leaning holiday magazines but – it’s funny that even when an idea feels natural and exciting, it’s also wrapped in doubts and second guesses. Also fear like… why are ideas downright scary sometimes? I guess that’s just the way of it, right?
I made a single giant pancake for Instagram yesterday (me upon my bullsh*t), and someone in the comments asked how to flip a pancake that large. It’s like looking off the edge of a cliff dive and deciding to jump, or not. Creating a book, jumping off a cliff, flipping a pancake: all the same side of a coin. Ya gotta do it to do it.
I’m thrilled I get to try at something for you. I’m thankful Abby has extra parachutes. If you’re on the Hard Try too, I want to hear what you’re reaching for.
Fact remains, it’s our Sunday and I’m so glad you’re here. Find a sweet place to settle and, as always, take only what you need. See you in the comments, babes.
• Overestimating ChatGPT and underestinating the elegance of our big little brains. Noam Chomsky: The False Promise of ChatGPT (New York Times)
• As a person who worked in the mall food court as a teenager, I’m highly invested in these Fountains of Youth. The way I turned Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream into actual currency in that food court. I was a King Pin. I peaked early. (Eater)
• A few weeks ago I was a guest on the Dear Foundher Podcast. We talked about the foundations of content and community in our work. That’s you. You’re the community. (Apple Podcast)
• Our big sister, Kerry Washington, is in Her Enlightenment Era and we’re taking notes. (Marie Claire)
• Milk Has Lost All Meaning but I gently suspect that cow’s milk is weirdly, about to be trendy. How many years of oatmilk can we take, really? (The Atlantic)
• My friend Noah Galuten’s deep dive into Chili Spaghetti opened my eyes to chili-specific ground beef and left me drooling. How do you feel about chili over pasta? I’m deeply PRO. (YouTube)
• Like Abby, I’m in a fashion dilemma. I’m in a transition of seasons but also a transition in, dare I say, AGE? In this 40 somethingth year of my life I find that I don’t want to explore the return of 90’s fashion but I’m more than willing to let go of my skinny jeans. What is this in between space? It’s time for classics only. Timeless only. Straight jeans, good linens, and these classic Reeboks. (Amazon)
• I’m throwing absolutely everything I’ve got at balancing my hormones this year after the fibroid surgery last year. Full court press. These Beeya Seed Cycling mixes are one thing I’ve added to the regimen and they definitely make a difference in my PMS symptoms and I love the fiber they add to my diet. (Beeya)
• I won’t buy the new Raspberry Rally Girl Scout Cookies off Ebay but like… who do know who could get me a box? Girl Scout to Girl Scout, ya know?
• A symptom of scrolling on TikTok is that my brain craves only whole album listening experiences. I’ve taken to Nina Simone’s Here Comes the Sun this week. It feels right as we step into these long sunny evenings. (Spotify)
• It’s Oscars Sunday! Will you be watching? Are you making something from Toby’s Oscars Party Menu? My vote is for the White Bean Crostini and the dress recaps come Monday. (Joy the Baker)
My love to you. Enjoy this fine day.
xo Joy
Catherine
I absolutely LIVE in those classic Reeboks. Like so much so that multiple members of my family have been like, “Catherine…you NEED to get a new pair of those.” Haha as embarrassing as that may be, they truly are one of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn! In the kitchen, on long walks, a quick trip to the grocery store — seriously, get yourself multiple pairs because you’ll want to live in them!!
Dottie
Good luck with your camping zine. Aren’t new undertakings scary and exhilarating in equal measures? You’ll do great things!
I wonder if Beeya will move into the menopause phase of things at some point? Could be helpful to we older ones. :-)
I picked up some Girl Scout cookies sold by some Scouts and their moms and they were a walk down memory lane. Shortbread cookies (hubby’s choice) and Thin Mints for me. Maybe raspberry cookies the next time I see a Girl Scout.
Amanda M
Joy! I got you with the Raspberry Rally’s if you are still in need of a box. I have a few extra boxes and would be happy to send you one. I’ve been reading this blog for such a long time, and my family and I greatly enjoy your recipes. As a woman in her early 40’s I also appreciate the relatable content. <3
Marina
Fashion has never been my thing. I’m barely figuring out how to wear successful layers in cold weather. I like to leave fashion to the fashion-forward and I focus my efforts on pretending I’m going to bake everything I bookmark and save and like on social media.
Rachelle Hughes
Recently semi-retires, I’m struggling with the collision of conviction between cleaning and decluttering vs cooking and baking wonderous meals and sewing. Darn work ethic getting in my way.
Debra
We used to go to a place in college after a night out and have Chili Mac, loved it. Cheddar cheese on top.
Jess Mann
I too am 40, and staring into the incomprehensible abyss of fashion gives me vertigo. I hated cropped shirts in high school! I don’t like having a cold lower back. And can we officially get super scared that low rise jeans and exposed hip bones are on the reboot horizon? I (gollum voice) hates it, and I have made the decision to age like a French woman, in black, with sunglasses, a cool disaffection, and a distaste for any exposed skin that isn’t a shoulder. Look for me in ten years and you’ll find a pile of rags with a cigarette sticking out of it.
Colleen
I’m in the the mid-30 range, and feel like I’m out in deep, unknown waters trying to understand current fashion trends. Why is *everything* cropped?!! And I pick up shirts that look like they’re fitted for a toddler?? I will say though that I too was just reminded of how cute Reeboks are. I got a pair of their nano trainers for the gym- do recommend! God speed in your retail search.
Maggie M
I’m about to commence Pi Day production mode and that’s always hard try mode for me. I like to make two pies I’ve made before and try out something new. I’m still a bit shaky with pie crust. The blind or par baking portion always gives me the issues. But I’m putting on my apron and the Encanto soundtrack and we’re going for it.
Mary T Nooney
I love Nina Simone – everyone should know about her. Listen to her music, read about her tragic life. Please.
Beth Cole
We love “chili sketti” around our house! We like regular chili instead of Cincy style though. We top off our chili over spaghetti noodles with pico de gallo.
Bronwen Voss
I loved everything about your post this morning. My soul needed it and I’m looking forward to the mall chat after sharing the article with all my friends.
Heather
As a person who deeply loves my cow dairy products, I also need to chime in and say oat milk isn’t a fad for some people… Dairy makes my boyfriend physically ill, so he has to take the non-dairy / plant-based / whatever-you-want-to-call-it route. And the fact that places like Starbucks will upcharge him so he can NOT be sick, or when people act like non-dairy milk is some sort of smug hipster trend and why can’t you just drink milk like a regular person… It’s just not the reality for a lot of people. And again I say this as someone who loves dairy and frequently resents having to bake with fake butter – so I do get it. But sometimes we need empathy.
Zita
Hi Joy! We bought an RV a few weeks ago. Looking forward to the Camp Joy zine for some fun ideas. Hope you have a great camping week. So many good state parks in Texas. We are doing our best to visit them all! I’m with you on the fashion dilemma. I turned 61 this week and don’t know what to wear anymore. I’m not a “coastal grandma” or an old lady. Leggings, denim cut-off shorts, t-shirts, and big flannel shirts are my main stays. Boring…
Melissa
my favorite advice on flipping things in a pan comes from Julia Child, “you’ve just got to have the courage of your convictions!”. sound advice that carries far beyond the toss of a frying pan. as an anxious over thinker who finds herself stuck mostly in doubt and hesitation, I reflect on these words often as I watch the contents of my pan land on the stove and well-seasoned kitchen floor.