Regular readers recognize the fact that I don’t usually talk politics here.
To me, there’s no need; there are countless others who are better equipped to analyze and offer opinions.
But indulge me here. Tuesday’s stunning results meant that you either woke up elated and energized or you rolled over, double checked your news feed, cried into your pillow, and then found it hard to summon the energy to get out of bed.
If you’re in the former, I can’t say I understand you but I say enjoy this moment. You may, however, not be interested or relate to what follows so feel free to tune me out. No hard feelings.
Okay, here’s my paltry two cents.
I’m stunned that I live in a nation that would prefer a self-confessed sexual predator who mocks disabled reporters and grieving parents of fallen heros, brags of profiting from a housing crisis (and whose bigotry lacks everything but a white hooded robe) over Hillary Clinton (complicated and flawed and baggage-laden as she is).
Like so many, I walked around mystified — it’s like I didn’t recognize the world I lived in.
Everywhere I went I saw people mourning, shell-shocked, walking in circles.
I gave– and received– so many hugs that I lost count.
And after a few hours of wallowing, I did the one thing I know I can do when I’m feeling powerless, depressed or fearful.
I started cooking.
First up, I had leftovers from this–
a rich, golden stock that I’d made, frozen and then defrosted for soup making.
I roasted two giant Kombucha squash, a couple fennel bulbs and a half pan of carrots (all tossed with anise seed and garlic oil) and then added them to the stock.
Also in the pot was a pot of yellow dal lentils that I’d cooked into a mash.
I also added into the soup pot lots of shredded chicken from the night before.
The soup was a cinch to make, and I talked on the phone much of the time, commiserating with friends and family, giving the combined ingredients some time to come together.
And before I knew it, I had over twenty servings of Curried Kabocha and Dal Soup to share — with teachers, friends, and neighbors.
With every cup delivered I made a point to look the recipient in the eye and ask them how they were doing. I listened to them pour out their fears, their sadness, and when they finished, I similarly unloaded my anxieties.
Each cup of soup allowed me a new interaction, a fresh opportunity to say to someone “I have a gift for you. Because you matter. And I matter, too. We ALL do. And whatever B.S. is happening elsewhere, we’ll be okay. It may not feel like it, but we’ll get through this.”
I even offered some soup to some mystified strangers — they could not know that I wasn’t really doing it for them but for me; I was reaching out to reassure myself that there are enough kind and like minded souls out there and I wanted to meet them.
I needed to restore my faith in humanity.
And as my friend Elizabeth likes to say, filling your bucket fills mine.
Gratified, I kept going.
I baked and baked and baked — and soon had almost fifty oversized cookies: Triple Chocolate Brownie, Ginger Chewy and Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip (the latter two recipes of which can be found in my archives).
I wrapped them individually and gave them out — this time to a larger community.
My mailman. Two librarians who walked by my house; I’d never seen them outside my branch and decided to use the opportunity to introduce myself. The gym teacher at school who I bet doesn’t get nearly enough attention. An elderly neighbor who I rarely see out and about.
I also used the opportunity of all this soup and cookies to walk over to a new neighbor down the street and give them a welcoming package — and the offer of help in the hood.
And so in these first couple days post-election, I leave you with this thought.
If you’re happy with the results, please don’t gloat. Show the rest of us that your vote was one for change — but not an endorsement of bigotry, sexism, or ignorance. I can understand the need for change or a sas long as it’s respectful and doesn’t dismiss or diminish equal rights for all.
If you’re unhappy with the results, grieve.
And then move on.
Channel your sorrow into something positive — whatever speaks to you.
Bake. Write. Organize. Donate. Volunteer. Take under your wing someone who might feel particularly vulnerable. Make a point of connecting with a stranger. Be the one who always smiles at a newcomer first.
Whatever fills your bucket, do it. And if it fills someone else’s bucket at the same time, all the better.
And just remember what my beloved sister Polly told me.
We’re just one day closer — to the next election.
(And, in the meantime, remember at any given time you’re only about a half hour away from one of these deeply restorative treats.)
And now we’re off to the beach for a much-needed break.
XO
Beautifully said!
Thanks, Michelle!
You’ve inspired me😄I need to start cooking for the good of the world.
I mean it, that is such a great show of love you offer. Thanks Sarah
Nicki,so kind of you to say and the one good thing about cooking is its always appreciated, not expensive and a wonderful non-verbal way to show compassion and form new bridges. Love to hear of your successes!
I share many of your feelings, you expressed them better than I’ve been able to! Keeping busy is good advice. I wish I had all of those delicious-looking cookies to show for it!:)
Thanks, Rachel. Staying busy, helping others, focusing on something or someone other than one’s own worries is vital. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Sarah, Portland is blessed to have you! Another WONDERFUL blog. Hello from SF, Laura
Thanks, Laura! What a week. Cheers 😬
Well put Sarah. Like you, I’m trying, after moping the first few days, to redirect energies in a positive direction. Thanks for the inspiration!
Connie, it’s hard. Honestly I’m struggling. I feel philosophical one minute and then I read something new–like Trump’s plans to get free of all gun-free zones– and then I feel the tentacles of despair wrap themselves around my heart and I almost can’t deal. Wow. Thanks so much for piping in – it helps so much to know I’m not alone.
You’re most certainly not! Tomorrow, I attend a neighborhood political action meeting at someone’s house. We’ll start with appetizers, wine, and some commiseration – then start discussing a game plan.
Thanks Connie and good work on starting phase 2. I’m not there right now but I applaud those who are– and are throwing some heart into it. Bravo!
You just lost a follower…….I’m sure not the first or the last. Many of us felt the same when Obama was elected not once but twice but we didn’t take to the streets in protest or wallow in our sorrows. We have a democracy – one side wins and one loses….every time. We respect that and move on. Trust me it won’t be nearly as bad as you imagine. Personally while I’d love to support a woman for president and hope to soon, it needs to be someone who earned the right to run, not the ultimate corrupt insider who has messed up everything she has touched and stood by a confirmed sexual predator…..
Jessie,
Since you say I’ve already lost you, my response may never reach you, but I feel the need to clarify. Apparently my sadness over a loss angers you to the point that it has obscured any of the reasons you started following me in the first place.
I’ve never been a huge Hillary fan and I recognize her flaws but it’s my opinion she beats a candidate who who mocks disabled, assaults women and cheats honest layman. That’s my opinion– as well as the majority of American voters.
It’s over. I agree.
You’ve intimated that I’ve advocated taking to streets or wallowing. In fact, if you READ my post in its entirety, you’d have seen that I advised against that and suggesting we ALL do something positive for someone else. Perhaps you read of my displeasure and just zoned out– with one last dig at the loser in the race.
I think the only way we move ahead as a country is if we talk together. I’m genuinely curious why people voted they did– and how Trump can and will make America great again. If we ALL only listen to those who agree with us on EVERYTHING, what progress will we make?
BTW, Since you wondered aloud how many readers I lost I don’t know; yours was the only voice who said my voiced disappointment ensured a loss of readership and I got a lot of direct emails voicing gratitude (plus a flurry of new readers).
Know that I wish you well despite your obvious anger– and it’s my greatest hope that all our fears and anxieties about your guy will not only prove unfounded but he’ll end up uniting (not dividing our country). I’d happily eat every lost drop of egg on my face and tip my hat.
In the meantime, let’s all be kind to one another and keep our vulnerable safe.
Best,
Sarah