Thank you to everyone who came out to the pop-up in Silverlake yesterday! It was so lovely to see you all and connect irl. I sold out of lemon cake and only had a couple galettes left which felt like a major success.
If you didn’t make it to this one, stay tuned! I’m hoping to participate in more events in the new year (if not sooner).
Just to clear up any confusion about last week’s post, I am not doing any custom cake or pastry orders at this time. I appreciate the enthusiasm! It means so much to have your support. That being said, I am hyper aware that I need to take it slow, move with intention and hold strong boundaries in order to not burn out again.
A very insightful friend asked me recently, “Are you a writer who is gifted in baking? Or are you a baker who enjoys writing?”
The more I think about that question, the less I identify with either of those titles. I believe (and am in constant need of reminding) that my purpose in this life is just to radiate out my most authentic self, which (if I could strip away all the cultural conditioning and fear and shame etc, etc) would simply be a manifestation of joy and love. Maybe that sounds cheesy and maybe the fear of being cheesy is why it’s so hard to embody that truth sometimes.
In a deep meditation I did a couple years ago, I saw myself just as beams of golden light like the color yellow or the sun shining, like the sound of laughter or the feeling of running through a grassy field. I think we all have some version of that inside ourselves, but because of the aforementioned cultural conditioning (and trauma), we get caught up figuring out what our title should be or what career we should pursue or what’s our “true calling”. I personally go down that rabbit hole every other day.
There are so many avenues of expression I have felt aligned with throughout my life, caring for animals, acting, dancing, blogging, baking, art history, poetry, writing, etc. etc.
I don’t know if any one of those interests are more meant for me than others, but they're all in pursuit of the same ultimate goal which is connection (to the universe, to myself and to others).
And yes, I bake and I write and I want to find a way to make a living that isn’t soul sucking. I identify as an artist of some sort, but my only real angle here (online and in this life) is to pursue the pure unadulterated freedom of being my most authentic self.
That’s my hope for all of us (even as we do all the things we must like paying our bills and putting food on our tables).
P.S. I posted on instagram last week that I have a goal of reaching 300 subscribers by January (Extra Honey’s one year anniversary). Right now I’m at 187 and kinda want to pretend I never made that announcement. It feels like a BIG leap!
But on the other hand, what’s the harm in trying??
If all my subscribers shared the newsletter with just one friend, I would be well past that goal! I actually got seven new followers when just two friends shared the newsletter last week.
So (if you feel so inclined) send this along to a close friend or family member that you think would genuinely connect with this community.
It would mean the world to me!
Congrats!🎉
I think there are some of us who do so many things, who are artists/ creatives/ happy makers and don’t feel like one or two or five narrow labels fit. The best mentality is definitely to just embrace that. I love hearing that’s where you are. I’m enjoying watching your journey and can’t wait to see what’s next ✨
This piece resonates a lot with where I'm at. Thanks again for sharing your journey Jenny. The goodies you share in the photos look amazing! You're a very gifted writer and I bet those goodies are just as good as the words you share. Good luck with your Substack, I'll definitely try to share with friends :) I genuinely think they'd enjoy <3