Friends, hi hello and Happy Father’s Day to Clifford Lesly Wilson, Jr.
My parents are currently driving due east to Bellville, TX from Los Angeles. They’re coming to visit me at the new Bakehouse and truly, not a moment too soon. I have fresh sheets on their bed and a cleared dresser for their clothes and besides that I need my dad to make his cookies and I need my mom to ask me where every random thing in my house belongs because nothing is where it needs to go. As you can see, I’ve reached new levels of chaos in my car. Thank goodness they saw my smoke signals because I’m casually losing it. I think parents just know.
Today’s list is an easy Sunday ride.
• This feels like the most honest telling of what it is to age as a woman and it’s both terrifying and liberating: Pause by Mary Ruefle (Grata)
• This week’s long read is about what a terrible curse viral fame seems to be. What Cheer Lead To: How Viral Fame Upended Monica Aldama’s Life. (Texas Monthly)
• In honor of Father’s Day, please revisit our favorite dad Clifford’s notes on cookies and pie: Cliff Notes. And not to be shameless but, you can pre-order a signed copy of our children’s book, The Life-Changing Magic of Baking! Ok thanks byeee! (Joy the Baker, Blue Willow Books)
• The way I love Jennifer Garner’s Pretend Cooking Show especially this episode with her mom. (Instagram)
I feels like a good time of year to remind you of our friend Timothy’s Vegan Chickpea and Avocado Salad Sandwich because something about the summer heat makes eating a bunch of meat feel like a bit much to me. Timmy also has a very happy and active peach tree in his front yard and his harvest has inspired me to plant my own front yard peach tree next spring. He recommended Everglade Farms!
• I may have a dog and random bowls of watermelon in my car, but I promise I keep it fresh mostly thank to a cordless vacuum and Kin and Cottage Car Oil Diffusers in their cute little bottles. I just ordered Summer Camp because it feels like the perfect moment. Will it smell like fresh air and pool chlorine? Fingers crossed. (Kin and Cottage)
• How To Maintain Friendships in your 30’s. I’ll tell ya, the answer is 12 minute voicenotes, also known as Personal Podcasts. (Self)
• Can confirm it’s already too hot so Raspberry and Gin Slushies. (Joy the Baker)
• My summer reading list may be short but it does contain All Fours by Miranda July. (Blue Willow Books)
• When I think of a low stakes summer project, I think of making myself a little piece of jewelry. I head straight to Honestly WTF because her jewelry tutorials are perfect for summer outfits. (HonestlyWTF)
• I’m going to need your thoughts on hot dog bacon, please. If I’m being honest, I love a hot dog any which way. (The Kitchn)
• Thank you for welcoming my favorite hound dog Graham to the family! (Joy the Baker)
• I want as much of the art in the new (very old) Bakehouse Texas to be original. I made my first purchase portrait of collard greens from Half Shell Studio this week and I can’t wait to show you when it arrives! (Etsy)
My love to you!
xo Joy
12 Responses
What it is to have parents! That moving thing – you definitely need someone who gets you, and mum fills that role perfectly! I had a kitchen renovation in 2008/9, and add things ad hoc wherever, thinking I’ll figure it out later, hoping a friend would help. Everything is in the same ad hoc place to this day, and my friend left the country! I could do with my mother, that’s for sure! Good luck , but just enjoy that visit.
Gosh, best of luck to you too! I’m rooting for you!
You will love All Fours. It is a menopausal midlife Reckoning that is funny, spicy, spiritual and profound.
I just picked up a copy yesterday and can’t wait to start it
Graham is a very lucky doggie. Thank you for rescuing him. I can tell he’s a real sweetheart. Happy Father’s Day to your Dad! Thanks for being you!
Thank you! Graham really is such a sweetie! I feel lucky.
Happy Sunday, Joy! Mazel Tov on the new digs (and dog)!!!
I just wanted to thank you for sharing Pause with us. As someone who just turned 59 and a half, I can vouch that it well describes this part of a woman’s life cycle. Especially the invisibility.
I was never one to create a “record scratch” moment when I entered a room, but you DO know when you’re getting some looks. And you also know when those looks no longer happen. But, indeed, after the small mourning period and then the acceptance of one’s invisibility – it is so wonderfully freeing and empowering. That, and the far fewer f&*ks I have to give with each passing birthday (which I celebrate the hell out of as it’s a privilege to get old).
When I get side-eye from girls (i.e., the women who still menstruate) – I just smile, a bit wickedly, and tell them to enjoy their next 420 periods.
Crones rock.
Can’t stop chuckling! ;)
I love this !!!
First of all, Lisa – bravo to counting your half birthdays and congratulations on 59 and a half! Your comment absolutely made me giggle and while I personally probably have a few dozen more periods left in me, I so look forward to fewer and fewer f*cks to give. I feel them dwindling by the year, thank goodness!
There’s power in a lil invisibility! And you’re absolutely not invisible to the right people, ya know?
When I bought my house nigh on 7 years ago, I committed to a majority of my decor be made by either myself or someone I know and it’s honestly been the best decision. I can’t wait to see your collard greens and all the other original pieces you ultimately obtain.
I feel like *THIS* is what makes a house a home.