Dear Future Joy the Baker,

December 29, 2009

Joy the Baker Vacation 

Dear Future Joy,

Once upon a time, probably a good handful of years ago, you took yourself on vacation.  

This was at a time before you had kids or a husband.  When you would treat yourself to the expensive shampoo and conditioner.  When you were convinced that only super rich people get to own houses.  When you couldn’t exactly afford to take yourself away on a fancy vacation… but you did anyway.  

Future Joy… you should know that the Joy of 2009 is totally cheering you on.  She wants you to have the happy husband, and the crazy kids and the mortgage and the life that makes you want to do backflips and rejoice.  But with all that… I’m sure some things will just drive you batty.  You might need to remember this time… this time that happening to me right now.  

Joy the Baker Vacation 

See… it’s quiet here.  There are little napkins with embroidered animals on them.  

Joy the Baker Vacation 

The drapes are gorgeous.. and you never even notice drapes.  

Joy the Baker Vacation 

Drawers have little keys.

Joy the Baker Vacation 

Matchbooks have little painted typewriters on them.

Joy the Baker Vacation 

You’re working on your book proposal.  Your freakin’ book proposal!!!  Yea… you’re pretty excited.

Joy the Baker Vacation 

Working in between making fires…

Joy the Baker Vacation 

and taking baths. 

Joy the Baker Vacation 

There’s art in the garden.  Art.  In the garden!

Joy the Baker Vacation 

Hot Dang!  You’re living the good life and it feels dreamy.  This is the sort of thing you’re going to need to draw upon when you’re getting a root canal, or standing in line at the DMV, or trying to wrangle toddlers into car seats.  Remember that once upon a time you took yourself on a big, fancy vacation, and you felt so blessed and enjoyed every single moment of it.  Remember.  

Love you.  Mean it.

Present Joy

{ 114 comments… read them below or add one }

Anna January 3, 2010 at 7:15 pm

I love the idea of this post….I like the idea of talking to my past and future Anna..because she IS my best cheerleader.

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Laurel January 4, 2010 at 7:27 am

Hi Joy, I can’t wait til your book comes out–I will definitely buy it! You go girl!

Love, someone who has written many letters to her future self :)

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Meg January 4, 2010 at 10:16 am

Wow, good luck with your book proposal!
Looks like 2010 is kickin’ off in a spectacular way.
Happy New Year.

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Tracey January 4, 2010 at 1:34 pm

Thank you so much for this post! I have been very down the past couple of weeks, having that “29 and still single” during the holidays pity party, along with the news that my last single girl friend got engaged at Christmas. so thank you for helping me see that i really should be enjoying this time, not whining and crying about it. maybe i’ll plan me a little solo trip too. :)

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Meghan January 4, 2010 at 7:31 pm

Beautiful home! Just so sunny and bright, like you! And I would kill for that bathtub! Well, maybe not kill, but you know what I mean! :)

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Gigi January 4, 2010 at 9:52 pm

lovely post! inspiring and soooo true! happy new year. :D

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Reagan January 5, 2010 at 10:53 am

So magical!!

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Alyssa Goodnight January 5, 2010 at 4:00 pm

I’m jealous! And soooo hoping for a book! Best of luck!

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Alissa January 5, 2010 at 7:55 pm

A book proposal??? Sign me up! I want one for sure!

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Heather Jones January 6, 2010 at 12:04 pm

I’m so jealous, I didn’t get to do much of that before the kids and the husband, and the mortgage. I smiled reading your post :)

Hurray up with that proposal, can’t wait to read what will sure to be a wonderful book.

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Lexi January 10, 2010 at 12:39 pm

Just found your blog and absolutely love it! And can I tell you that I completely agree with the whole buying a couch thing. That’s how I felt about purchasing a new matress. But can I tell you that I haven’t regretted the purchase once..! Oh the luxuries of being a “real” grown up! Can’t wait to see your book!

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Nicki January 20, 2010 at 11:45 pm

That photo of you in the mirror is really lovely. Your hair looks great!
Glad you had a good time!

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CRYSTAL January 24, 2010 at 10:09 pm

I JUST GOTTA KNOW WHAT KIND
OF CAMERA YOU HAVE!!!!!!!!!!!
all of the pics. are so lovely.

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joythebaker January 24, 2010 at 10:20 pm

hi crystal.
i have a canon rebel with a 50mm lens.

Reply

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