This was such a beautifully written newsletter. Thank you for sharing this morning. I hope the rest of your day is as peaceful as your voice here. Take care.
Hi Jenna, (if this doesn't sound too creepy) today I was walking my dog with my husband and I said to him: "There's this woman I subscribe to on Substack just because I like the way she writes, and I've not heard from her since the election. I know she was anxious about it so I think she took it pretty hard - I hope she's alright." So anyway, I just wanted to let you know there are people all the way over in Amsterdam who are thinking of you and all the other millions of Americans (like my husband) who were shocked and saddened by last week's result. Sending strength, Vicky
thank you for this - your newsletter is one I look forward to, I always feel a sense of calm after reading it. much needed after all the craziness of last week.
I've avoided reading/watching the post-mortems because I knew my head would explode. I've read poetry (Heaney) and novels (Claire Keegan!), and I'm about to start Madeleine L'Engle's journals (with A Circle of Quiet). I too have had tea with friends, and we saw a not-great film with the great Saoirse Ronan. A concert at Duke Chapel by a superb a cappella group put me in the only tears I've shed. These little communities we have, including here with you, Jenna, are what I need now. We're digesting, reflecting, mourning. No, no marching for me or my boomer friends. My biggest hope is that we'll find ways to protect the most vulnerable.
Thank you for your spot-on letter and for your beautifully expressed honest, open reflections.
Art music writing, it’s all also healing. Giving us a minute to tap into ourselves and to share the joy or peace or spark we find there; and in turn allowing ourselves the space and priority to create (and receive) is an act of participating in a collective spirit of good, a beautiful antidote for so many less beautiful things about being human.
Yes 100%. I'm a totally different person than I was in 2016, even in 2020/2021! I'm tired of divisive, extremist discourse, and no longer interested in engaging on social media in any of these loaded conversations that require much more facial expressions and tone of voice than can be accomplished in a comment section.
Thank you for sharing! It's so important to encourage better communication and education now more than ever. I think it will get worse with more AI slop 🫤
That's why I specifically call myself out in the "we." It's sometimes hard to tread that line when discussing politics on social media. I don't abstain from political discourse totally, but don't enter into loaded conversations, at least knowingly. But I guess for me, there's still some value (not much, but some) in lurking, not engaging, in these conversations to understand why the divisiveness exists.
What we need is for more people to get to critical thinking for the first time. They have no need to go back because they were never there in the first place. When you have 54% of the population reading at a 6th grade level or below, critical thinking is not on their agenda. It's a serious issue that has been neglected for a couple of generations and it's contributing to a rather sad state of affairs. Beyond this there is much to celebrate in our connections with one another, with Nature and with gratitude for being here. Listening seems to be a lost art in many places so thanks for that good reminder too.
You make a very good point Gary, and I fear that it might get worse under the incoming administration and the dumbing down of needing to learn how to do anything with the proliferation of AI. The statistics that show how college-educated vs no college voters cast their vote in this election is such an interesting and telling story.
The proposed axing of the Dept of Education has some interesting aspects. And what, leave it up to the states? Replace it with anything or nothing? School choice for all? Schools need more and better funding, not less.
Federal programs in recent years have not been effective whether “Leave No Child Behind” or some other statement designed to improve outcomes. It’s a broken system along with healthcare and other social services and needs to either be repaired or replaced. Their are some creative designs on the horizon but not in massive numbers.
I think his plan is to leave it up to the states, like abortion. But of course, special needs, Black, and Brown children will suffer most. My kids went through public school for K-12 and one is at our state university. I don't know how schools can sustain more budget cuts and if Pell grants get eliminated, this would make schools unaffordable for the most vulnerable.
After the initial shock of the election results subsided, I went straight into a protective state for my psyche, and it included lots of fiction-reading. In a way, it's escapism, wanting to submerge into a world where this never happened. But also in a way to remind myself that personal perspectives on life and actual, messy relationship-building between people (two elements that apparently comprise most of the fiction I read) are some of the most important things in life. That the news can be scary *and* we can still focus on loving our people, exploring how to be better versions of ourselves, and helping anyone who needs it in our everyday lives.
I think the intense reading hole I fell into helped my mind bridge that connection, and I started this week not necessarily knowing a lot more about wtf happened and what we do as a nation, but with a little more resolve as to what I want to do next as a person: connect more, love more, help more. And after reading your words, I'm going to add to that: listen more. Thanks. ◡̈
Abby, any good books that you'd recommend? Escapism sounds good. This was a reminder for myself too, to get back to reading books, which is something that I've put high on my list, but haven't been too successful at. But I've been better the last few months, so there's hope for me yet!
Of my recent reads, I’d recommend The Wedding People and The Husbands, though honestly, some of the wisdom and perspective I’ve gleaned from them are things that I think you already have come to? But they’re fun reads regardless.
I also really enjoyed Margo’s Got Money Troubles and you may like the semi-shop talk about the work of creating internet content when everyone online is crafting a brand identity and is essentially writing their own story as they live it.
I was going to make tofu & broccoli tonight, but that cheesy bean sitch is just calling my name so I'm switching to that -- thank you! And also like (and agree with) the rest of the piece!
I was feeling very tense until Friday night when I went to a wonderful film and music performance and remembered that art, for me, is what keeps me going. For others its sports, fashion, rodeo, boating, chess, whatever. I do genuinely love the human spirit! I agree with much else that you said, except that I think whatever we are feeling right now, it may change and that's ok too. I personally don't feel up to a women's march, but I'm not going to ignore doing things that make things harder on this administration. I can do that while listening to others and seeing where some of us are going wrong and have a wrong idea. I also agree there's too much opinion and we are marinating in it. We didn't have 24 hour news programs in the 1970s and 1980s, and I think we were better off in some ways.
Oh we were better off when news wasn't 24/7. We didn't have a choice back then, but it's now up to us to self regulate our intake (not always easy to do).
Thank you for writing this Jenna. I, too, find myself more calm and analytical this time around. I know things are going to be bad for us (at least, immigration wise), we anticipate and respond accordingly.
I also started watching the Diplomat Season 2 to take my mind off all the political commentary videos and podcasts. to escape for a little while. Take care!
I had the pleasure to spend the days after adjudicating for the young arts foundation. It might have saved me. Art is resistance. Space is resistance. Rest is resistance (thank you nap bishop!!)
YES.
This was such a beautifully written newsletter. Thank you for sharing this morning. I hope the rest of your day is as peaceful as your voice here. Take care.
Thank you for reading and I so appreciate your comment here today. 🫶
🫶🏽
Hi Jenna, (if this doesn't sound too creepy) today I was walking my dog with my husband and I said to him: "There's this woman I subscribe to on Substack just because I like the way she writes, and I've not heard from her since the election. I know she was anxious about it so I think she took it pretty hard - I hope she's alright." So anyway, I just wanted to let you know there are people all the way over in Amsterdam who are thinking of you and all the other millions of Americans (like my husband) who were shocked and saddened by last week's result. Sending strength, Vicky
Hi Vicky! Not creepy, no. Pretty sweet, actually. I've been really struggling and I appreciate the thought so much. ❤️
Thank you for this Jenna.
thank you for this - your newsletter is one I look forward to, I always feel a sense of calm after reading it. much needed after all the craziness of last week.
That really makes my day, Abby. Thank you for saying that.
I've avoided reading/watching the post-mortems because I knew my head would explode. I've read poetry (Heaney) and novels (Claire Keegan!), and I'm about to start Madeleine L'Engle's journals (with A Circle of Quiet). I too have had tea with friends, and we saw a not-great film with the great Saoirse Ronan. A concert at Duke Chapel by a superb a cappella group put me in the only tears I've shed. These little communities we have, including here with you, Jenna, are what I need now. We're digesting, reflecting, mourning. No, no marching for me or my boomer friends. My biggest hope is that we'll find ways to protect the most vulnerable.
Thank you for your spot-on letter and for your beautifully expressed honest, open reflections.
Christina, thank you. I am really happy to hear that this little newsletter feels like a community to you. That makes my day. 💕
I loved this. Thank you.
The way out of the darkness is always through knowledge, even though that seems to be a spectacularly tall order for this go around.
Thank you, David. It does, doesn't it? It's really hard to stay hopeful. I'm trying though.
Art music writing, it’s all also healing. Giving us a minute to tap into ourselves and to share the joy or peace or spark we find there; and in turn allowing ourselves the space and priority to create (and receive) is an act of participating in a collective spirit of good, a beautiful antidote for so many less beautiful things about being human.
Beautiful words and thoughts, Carrie. Thank you for sharing.
🤗
Yes 100%. I'm a totally different person than I was in 2016, even in 2020/2021! I'm tired of divisive, extremist discourse, and no longer interested in engaging on social media in any of these loaded conversations that require much more facial expressions and tone of voice than can be accomplished in a comment section.
Thank you for sharing! It's so important to encourage better communication and education now more than ever. I think it will get worse with more AI slop 🫤
That's why I specifically call myself out in the "we." It's sometimes hard to tread that line when discussing politics on social media. I don't abstain from political discourse totally, but don't enter into loaded conversations, at least knowingly. But I guess for me, there's still some value (not much, but some) in lurking, not engaging, in these conversations to understand why the divisiveness exists.
What we need is for more people to get to critical thinking for the first time. They have no need to go back because they were never there in the first place. When you have 54% of the population reading at a 6th grade level or below, critical thinking is not on their agenda. It's a serious issue that has been neglected for a couple of generations and it's contributing to a rather sad state of affairs. Beyond this there is much to celebrate in our connections with one another, with Nature and with gratitude for being here. Listening seems to be a lost art in many places so thanks for that good reminder too.
You make a very good point Gary, and I fear that it might get worse under the incoming administration and the dumbing down of needing to learn how to do anything with the proliferation of AI. The statistics that show how college-educated vs no college voters cast their vote in this election is such an interesting and telling story.
The proposed axing of the Dept of Education has some interesting aspects. And what, leave it up to the states? Replace it with anything or nothing? School choice for all? Schools need more and better funding, not less.
Federal programs in recent years have not been effective whether “Leave No Child Behind” or some other statement designed to improve outcomes. It’s a broken system along with healthcare and other social services and needs to either be repaired or replaced. Their are some creative designs on the horizon but not in massive numbers.
I think his plan is to leave it up to the states, like abortion. But of course, special needs, Black, and Brown children will suffer most. My kids went through public school for K-12 and one is at our state university. I don't know how schools can sustain more budget cuts and if Pell grants get eliminated, this would make schools unaffordable for the most vulnerable.
So good to hear from you, Jenna. <3
After the initial shock of the election results subsided, I went straight into a protective state for my psyche, and it included lots of fiction-reading. In a way, it's escapism, wanting to submerge into a world where this never happened. But also in a way to remind myself that personal perspectives on life and actual, messy relationship-building between people (two elements that apparently comprise most of the fiction I read) are some of the most important things in life. That the news can be scary *and* we can still focus on loving our people, exploring how to be better versions of ourselves, and helping anyone who needs it in our everyday lives.
I think the intense reading hole I fell into helped my mind bridge that connection, and I started this week not necessarily knowing a lot more about wtf happened and what we do as a nation, but with a little more resolve as to what I want to do next as a person: connect more, love more, help more. And after reading your words, I'm going to add to that: listen more. Thanks. ◡̈
Abby, any good books that you'd recommend? Escapism sounds good. This was a reminder for myself too, to get back to reading books, which is something that I've put high on my list, but haven't been too successful at. But I've been better the last few months, so there's hope for me yet!
Of my recent reads, I’d recommend The Wedding People and The Husbands, though honestly, some of the wisdom and perspective I’ve gleaned from them are things that I think you already have come to? But they’re fun reads regardless.
I also really enjoyed Margo’s Got Money Troubles and you may like the semi-shop talk about the work of creating internet content when everyone online is crafting a brand identity and is essentially writing their own story as they live it.
Thank you for sharing ☺️
I was going to make tofu & broccoli tonight, but that cheesy bean sitch is just calling my name so I'm switching to that -- thank you! And also like (and agree with) the rest of the piece!
It's the right meal for right now. I have to say the photo didn't entice me, but we've made it a few times since 😋
I was feeling very tense until Friday night when I went to a wonderful film and music performance and remembered that art, for me, is what keeps me going. For others its sports, fashion, rodeo, boating, chess, whatever. I do genuinely love the human spirit! I agree with much else that you said, except that I think whatever we are feeling right now, it may change and that's ok too. I personally don't feel up to a women's march, but I'm not going to ignore doing things that make things harder on this administration. I can do that while listening to others and seeing where some of us are going wrong and have a wrong idea. I also agree there's too much opinion and we are marinating in it. We didn't have 24 hour news programs in the 1970s and 1980s, and I think we were better off in some ways.
Oh we were better off when news wasn't 24/7. We didn't have a choice back then, but it's now up to us to self regulate our intake (not always easy to do).
Thank you for writing this Jenna. I, too, find myself more calm and analytical this time around. I know things are going to be bad for us (at least, immigration wise), we anticipate and respond accordingly.
I also started watching the Diplomat Season 2 to take my mind off all the political commentary videos and podcasts. to escape for a little while. Take care!
Yuezhong, I saw your newsletter come in and looking forward to reading it. Thinking of you.
I had the pleasure to spend the days after adjudicating for the young arts foundation. It might have saved me. Art is resistance. Space is resistance. Rest is resistance (thank you nap bishop!!)
We will be alright.
That sounds like a worthy way to spend time after the election. Good for you!
I binged Diplomat and avoided the news so far. And taken up learning another language.
Learning another language is so great! I myself am chipping away at learning Korean.