Shine Bright

If you’re anything like me, you can’t handle another Peppermint Bark Recipe or Holiday Wreath DIY.  I can’t deal.  It’s not that I’m bah-humbuggy.  Not at all.  I’m totally into these happy winter holidays.  It’s just that everything feels like so much lately.

… How’s that for eloquent?  Everything is so much.  Really though… that’s the only way to describe it.

Today, I don’t have a cookie recipe for you.  Maybe tomorrow… ok, probably tomorrow, because I really do love cookies.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the coming year.  I know that Christmas isn’t even here yet, but thoughts of 2013 are my little way of denying all the Christmas tasks I still need to accomplish.  Plus… I love to think about newness.  It distracts from the shortcomings of nowness.

One of the best way for my brain to think about new things, is to occupy my hands with new adventures.  This past weekend (instead of buying gift-cards at The Gap), I spent the afternoon exploring water-color paints.  I want to practice my handwriting.  Just… you know… because it seems like a really satisfying thing to be good at.

I practiced my handwriting using the words that I am currently most obsessed with.  Rihanna’s Diamonds.  If you’re not yet into this song:  you’re welcome/I’m sorry.

Also, this is the new workspace I’ve created for myself.  Before you think me fancy, let me just tell you that this is a simple Ikea wooden countertop jankily arranged in my living room.  Janky or not, I feel inspired in this space.

I’m trying to live in the energy that is 2012 and gather new inspiration for 2013.  Pretty pictures always work to inspire me.

I spent some quality time with the most recent Kinfolk magazine, as well as Edible Boston.

People are taking some really beautiful food pictures.  Apparently, it’s all about white marble these days.

A Magazine curated by Rodarte is an issue inspired by California.  It’s obtuse and inspiring.  Something about weird fashion photos actually inspires my food brain.  It’s the colors and feeling that I always want to translate into every cookie and biscuit I make.

I treated myself to this pretty pair of glasses.   I don’t know what sort of drink is worthy of these glasses.  Bourbon something?  Sparkling something? It might take me a few months to figure this out.  I’ll have the patience as long as I can just stare at these pretty items occasionally.

My desk is lined with canning jars.

This week I’m making Maple Pecan Granola to fill these jars and give as gifts.  Right now, just the sight of the jars is medium-satisfying.

I’m writing a few last minute holiday cards.

“To Whom It May Concern,

Happy Holidays.  I love you and I think you’re rad.

Love, Joy”

Ok… that’s totally not what they say.

Mostly I’m just trying to take this in, and give this out.  That’s all there is, really.

If you’re feeling like everything about this time is so so much, just know that I’m with you in that sentiment.  Despite these feelings,  let little inspirations creep in.  I, for one, am trying to smile more often than I’m not smiling.  It’s a small thing, and it’s actually working.

I love you!  More cookies soon!