Friends! Hi-hello-how are you? I hope you’re settled in to your Sunday morning with the last of the Thanksgiving pie. Welcome. I’m glad we’re here.
I’ve spent the last few weeks settling into Texas full time. It’s funny, I didn’t realize how much I straddled the fence between New Orleans and Texas. Even though I was spending most of my days and weeks in Houston, in my mind – New Orleans was home. I suppose some shifts are more mental than physical. Moving all of my stuff out of the Bakehouse in New Orleans and saying goodbye has, what’s the word? inspired me to deal with the mental load of this change. Lol at the way I thought I could avoid feeling those feels.
At present, I’m extremely grateful for a solid run in New Orleans and all that’s possible in Texas. I just have to dream it up, right? The dreaming and planning (and the general audacity to do both) feels like an active and passive endeavor. In some ways I’m simply waiting for the next right thing. In more ways, I’m planning, and making myself ready for that next right thing. I’ll know it when I see it (is what I keep telling myself).
I hope you’re steady stepping towards the end of this year. It really is just a one foot in front of the other type of deal. Take good care today and as always, take only what you need.
• Raise your hand if you’ve every kept a gratitude journal. Let the record reflect I have my hands planted firmly in my lap. Keeping a gratitude journal is up there with keeping a sourdough starter alive on the list of things beyond my capacity. But is gratitude the secret to happiness? The answer is more yes than no. The Guardian tales a skeptical view.
• After a serious 2 year break from running, I’m back baby. Well, I’m two weeks into running and training for… a little endurance and a whole lotta good attitude. Imagine me coming back from a breath taking two mile run to read that Jenny Hoffman Ran From San Francisco to New York in 47 Days. Mmmmkay. I’m not sure the Nike Run Club App has that sort of training program but their 4-week beginner running program is fantastic if you’re looking to get back in your running shoes. (Outside)
• My friend Lauren Viera wrote the book, 500 Hidden Secrets of Chicago which is a strong reminder that I’m well overdue for a visit. It also has me thinking that this book would be a fantastic holiday gift. Find all the city books here! (The 500 Hidden Secrets)
• Here’s a perfect little Sunday poem: Joy Chose You. (Instagram)
• If you miss our friend Kim’s contributions here on Sundays, you don’t have to miss her – just sign up for her newsletter! It’s the best kind of long email (with links), from a good friend. (Instagram, Substack)
• I need your help on this one. I’m currently testing holiday cookies. So far my favorite has been a thick and chewy gingersnap cookie spread with melted chocolate on the bottom. I think I also want to make a jam filled kolacky cookie? Help. What holiday cookie would you like to see this season? (Food 52)
• I’ve recycled more empty butter boxes than I can count over the years. I’ve never thought much about about them until now. (Apartment Therapy)
• The only leftover I took from Thanksgiving in Houston was the turkey carcass because I wanted this Day After Gumbo simmering away on the stove come Sunday. (Garden and Gun)
• Highly recommend you put Allison Russell’s new album The Returner on this Sunday. The title song will lift your heart, I promise. (Spotify)
• Have you ventured to Trader Joe’s for their holiday offerings? The Peppermint Joe-Joe’s alone demand your presence. But a trip to Trader Joe’s is always an ordeal which is why I end up shoving miso chips in my face in the parking lot post shop. I feel like we need this article on The Do’s and Don’t of Trader Joe’s Cart Etiquette rewritten by Amy Estes given her hilariously accurate Trader Joe’s Parking Lot diatribe. Amy – please and thank you. (The Kitchen, McSweeney’s)
• If you didn’t get your copy of Camp Joy over the summer, now is a great time to make my latest little zine the perfect lil’ stocking stuffer! (Joy the Baker)
• Spoiler alert: everyone on my gift list this holiday season is getting these Drunk Cat Matchbooks. This Rodelle Vanilla Bean Paste is going to be a great affordable but splurgey little gift for my baker friends. (Arna Miller, Amazon)
• This is my petition to make Big Sandwich Night (or BNS) an official after Thanksgiving holiday. Obviously you need Duke’s mayo (duh), and maybe make the Mega Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich for good measure. (Instagram, Joy the Baker)
Enjoy your Sunday, friends!
My love to you.
xo Joy