this is a hard day.
thoughts and feelings are overriding my ability to focus right now.
I’m trying to come to terms with what is happening in our country right now, and just when I think I have my feet underneath me, they are pulled out from under me again.
Where do I even start?
Over the past weekend, the TikTok drama really got to me. Seeing how easily a platform that allows for freedom of speech can be whisked away was very jarring. Honestly, I didn’t realize how much it would impact me. I started checking out TikTok towards the end of my pregnancy as the pandemic surged once again. I found moms and artists, advocates and chefs, all sharing themselves in a way that I had never seen before on any other platform. In the years since, it’s been a safe place for me to be myself and build community.
And they can just take that away.
The events yesterday were shocking and not shocking at the same time. I expected it to be a hammer. I knew they were going to come in with their rhetoric and their big plans and yet… I still found myself completely numb for most of the day. I spent most of the day at my desk with the heater blasting and music blaring, trying to focus on anything but the events of the day.
When I did finally feel able to look at the news sources I rely on and come into Substack to hear the summaries of the day, I was surprised. Surprised by the boldness and disgusting actions and words coming out of the mouths of this new leadership. Surprised by the sense of community that I have found in the past couple of days here on Substack. Surprised to feel such a profound sense of loss and fear for the coming years.
I’ve never been so unsure of what the world will look like in a month for us.
What I do know is we cannot be silent anymore. We need to talk and build community and protect those who need our help. We need to form strong bonds and not let the rhetoric and propaganda distract us from what’s really going on.
Stay vigilant. Stay alert. Stay strong.
If you have any publications that you love, please share them in the comments below as a resource to others! Here are a couple of my favorites for staying informed:
The Parnas Perspective - amazing independent journalism. He works SO hard and there’s a great community in his chat.
The Contrarian - I feel like the name says it all.
what’s new
Here’s what you might have missed on the blog this week:
I revisited this cilantro lime gin and tonic that I created after a trip to Dublin in 2014. It’s still just as good.
Honey Sesame Ginger Salmon Bites. This is the dinner to make this week - easy, simple, and nourishing.
inspire
Cook what you can this week. Or order out. Give yourself permission to slow down and build stronger connections over the dinner table this week. I’ll be basking in the joy of a 4-year-old who loves to tell me all about his day, every single day.
what to bake this week
oatmeal chocolate chunk cookies
Baking is in order this week. Oatmeal chocolate chunk cookies are the ultimate comfort bake with big pools of dark chocolate and flaky sea salt on top. It’s SO cold this week. I’ll take any excuse to turn on the oven at this point.
Until next time!
xoxo,
Meghan
My heart hurts and the healthy thing is to look away but I care too much not to bear witness.
It's a tough time. I'm 73 and so incredibly sad for my country. Baking can help, although I am afraid of depression eating, a slice every time I walk by. Bake and give away to others who might need cheering up.