How was your week? How are you doing? What suspense! I was hoping we’d have a presidential election winner to announce by the time this post was published, but not quite yet. (Although, between us, we have Champs chilling in the fridge.) Have a good one, and here are a few links from around the web…
Stacey Abrams is a national hero. (Donate to Fair Fight to support her efforts.)
The funniest memes about Nevada counting votes for the election. (Memes have been keeping me sane.)
What a fun, bright apartment in Harlem.
Love these holiday masks.
Belgium’s pandemic lockdown rules say that everyone gets one “knuffelcontact” (cuddle buddy) to help maintain mental health. (People living alone get two.)
“British mystery shows that I would watch,” haha. (New Yorker)
Diving into this book, after I loved rereading Catcher in the Rye.
Plus, two reader comments:
Says Mel on how did you picture adulthood as a kid: “There is a very appropriate Seinfeld sketch about adulthood and ruining your appetite whenever you want.”
Says Una on how are you feeling today: “I am a nurse-midwife at a very busy practice in Pennsylvania and do 24-hour shifts in the hospital. Normally I am running from 5 p.m. until 5 p.m. the next day and sleep is a mere dream, but of course, OF COURSE, last night the floor was empty. No laboring women, no phone calls, no triage, nada. I sat in the call room, trying to sleep, failing to get off my phone, feeling my heart sink lower and lower as the landslide victory I had quietly set my heart on also became a mere dream. Finally this morning, a patient from our practice arrived and I was able to busy myself with her care, and for that precious time I was whisked away to a place where everyone in the room is working towards a common goal, and the cheer that went up as a 9lb (!) baby girl let out her first screams was such a balm to my soul. In the midst of so much anger and suffering and fear and my own despair about America, life marches on, and her feisty cry was an excellent reminder that new humans are arriving every day and they deserve our continued struggle against tyranny, racism, climate change, and all the other battles dear to our hearts. Keep the faith! Do it for them.”
(Photo via Kamala Harris. Belgium news via Kottke. Holiday masks via Lewis.)
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I love the story about Belgium. It makes me think of our beloved Knuffle Bunny books!
I was so pleased to note that you linked to Nine Stories on Bookshop.org rather than Amazon. Cheers!
thank you, Emily!
Yes the world is a chaotic mess, but, OMG — fireworks cut in half!!
Fellow midwife here, Una, and your comment warms my heart. There is nothing like a birth to remove every distraction from your mind. The intense, prolonged focus followed by a flood of joy and relief, what could be better?
If you love Catcher in the Rye, I highly recommend Marukami’s book Norwegian Wood. Has the same kind of feel, but in Japan.
As a Georgia native, I am so awed by the amazing work of Stacey Abrams and others working to amplify the voices of Black and other minority voters. Stacey is a true hero — but she is not working alone! I love that Stacey Abrams also gives credit to the many others working for this cause, including the New Georgia Project, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Black Voters Matter Fund, and NAACP. Let’s make sure we lift up their work as well.
yes, great point, Kathleen. thank you!
VICTORY!!! All weekend I basked in the knowledge that we will have two competent, fair-minded ADULTS in the office for the next four years. Now it’s Monday and we need to get back to work trying to heal this nation. If you can, dear friends, donate to these two Senate runoff races in Georgia, so that we can help elect compassionate, competent leaders to the Senate too!!!
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/warnock-for-georgia_web?refcode=website&amount=25
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_hp_ossoff?refcode=ms_hp_fr_2019.09.10_x_homepage_x__x__x
As a proud Belgian (although we also have our fare share in Memes: https://www.reddit.com/r/belgium/comments/jpo23d/an_interesting_titel/) ,
i confirm having a ‘knuffelcontact’ is the best in these lockdowntimes – looking forward having my BFF (and ‘knuffelcontact’, nothing sexual about it) coming over for dinner tonight :-).
Also, our bookstores, ‘arts and crafts’stores and gardencenters have been declared ‘essential’ (next to grocerystores (food only) and pharmacies): these are the only stores that don’t need to close their doors during this second lockdown.
Apparently not only ‘cuddling’ but also reading, crafting and gardening is considered essential as well!
Ps: we also popped some champagne this weekend! Hurray..
And to be more clear – a knuffel in dutch/flemish is better translated as a hug.. (I never fully understood the difference between a hug and a cuddle to be honest ?)
So “knuffelcontact” basically means that there is only one person per family that can be hugged..
I just want to say thank you to Cup of Jo for being joyously, unabashedly progressive!!!!!
I love 9 Stories! Reminds me of a beloved english teacher, and also the scene in 500 Days of Summer….. “Just because she loves the same bizzarr-o shit as you doesn’t mean you’re soulmates” So good!
hahahaha
Joanna-Thanks for reminding me of Nine Stories and thank you for using your platform to encourage book sales from Marcus Books via Bookshop.org! For readers unfamiliar with their shop, Marcus Books is the nation’s oldest Black-owned independent bookstore and due to gentrification in the Bay Area and the pandemic, they’re struggling to keep remain open. I imagine more people use Amazon affiliate links because they’re more profitable, thank you for making the decision to support an incredible institution.
lol we do get a knuffelcontact
I think I have been re-reading Nine Stories since I was twelve. What is it about that book?
Also, congratulations from Canada!?
Yay!!!
As a new mum, the past 4 months have been filled with so many ups and downs. The lingering fear and guilt of bringing a brown son into this world has been overwhelming. This gives me hope and those baby coos are so special today.
@Em – I don’t know if you’ll ever see this, but I just wanted to say that I wish fear and guilt weren’t part of the joy of bringing your son into our world. I see you and please know that there are so many of us doing everything we can to make this world a better place for him. Sending love to your family – xo
Sooooo happy for USA and the whole word! Thank you for voting! Love from France.
What a weekend. Congrats y’all.
I could watch footage of joyous Americans celebrating all day! I know there’s lots of hard work & uncertainty ahead, but enjoy this moment! Congrats from the UK.
Same!! We watched whole bunch with our girls and the joy was just contagious!
Joanna & team: Thanks for all you did to use your platform & do your part to make this Biden/Harris win a reality!!!!! It’s no easy thing to mix politics with work, and I see the efforts you’ve made to both foster a respectful community AND speak up about your values. So impressed. And grateful. CHANGE IS HERE! And we’ve got lots of work to do.
we walked out of the met late morning to applause and cars honking, then went to a socially distanced meetup with some friends in sheep meadow, where rounds of applause broke every ten minutes, punctuated by the pop of corks everywhere – what a day to be a new yorker :)
we have so much work to do! but this is a first step.
Hallelujah!!! My heart is bursting with joy, gratitude and relief! I am tired yet also energized. So thankful to witness this turning point in our nation!
Today is my birthday.
Guess what I got for my birthday?
Joe Biden! Hooorrraay!
You should have been here the birthday I got Barack Obama!
But I was so sad the year I didn’t get Hillary Clinton. Apparently she was just a smidgen short. :(
Ahh it was my birthday too and literally the gift I could ask for – such relief! My parents had my girls and i got the news on the way over – ran into the backyard and yelled we won! Such an amazing feeling.
AAAAAHHHHH! So happy
OMG! We did it! I’m elated!
OUiiiiiiii! The nighmare is over. Love from Paris.
Hi Agnés, When your mayor said, “Welcome back America”, it almost made me cry. (I have tried for 1/2 an hour to get the accent the other way, with no success- my apologies!)
She did? You’re better informed than I am! (I’ll check that out; I like our mayor). And now, I can only imagine that Kamala Harris will be the next President of your country! THAT will be crazy exciting!
Best weekend ever
Congratulations, American friends! There is much work to be done but today we are celebrating with you around the world!
I suppose it is correct to assume that a different view isn’t welcome on your site. You make your and your staff’s view point crystal clear.
I’ve been a reader for years- spent thousands on your affiliate links, savored the recipes, related to the many brilliant comments on various topics, and told many friends and co-workers about this site. I respectfully wish you and your community the best
Thank you so much for your note, Janet! We welcome and encourage respectful debate. I hope you choose to stay! Thank you so much xo
I think part of the problem today is how often we assume a differing view isn’t welcome. As president-elect Biden said tonight, it’s time to put away the harsh rhetoric, to lower the temperature, to talk to each other again. I think a great start is to find common ground. Maybe that would be coming to a site because you like the affiliate links, the recipes, the brilliant comments. Don’t give up on the “other half” – we really do need each other!
Hope you choose to stay Janet! There little to hope for if we abandon discourse. This community can continue to be one for many despite our differences in gender, race, political affiliation, wealth, or opinion. Let us not give up on each other. Sending love if the last few days have been hard. Xxx.
How sad it is to assume that Jo and her team don’t welcome readers with different viewpoints? I cannot remember ever reading anything along those lines here. Do you think you might be projecting? That after four years of living under a president that seeks to divide us and stir animosity, you can’t help but assume everyone feels that way?
I will never understand why someone wouldn’t read a site by someone else who doesn’t share the first person’s ideas/views/values? Is the world so right or wrong/black or white (no, not in that way!)? Can’t you read content you like without being angry if the writer isn’t 100% like you? So strange.
@Janet C COJ has a preference and represents it openly. But has ALSO made this a safe place to have a differing opinion. Consider representing your perspective in a socially acceptable way if you really wish to make a difference. Generate respectful dialog. Enjoy sharing in a diverse group of perspectives. Leaving in a huff does not do your beliefs any good.
@ Beth P Now if only the NYTimes – and all – would set the example and stop agitating the public with it’s rabblerousing “journalism” and begin the return to respect, truth and dignity.
For those who comment (media, too!) that @Janet’s opinion represents “half of the United States”, it actually doesn’t. Upwards of 80MM people, more than voted for either candidate, did not vote.
I didn’t read anything that said Janet was leaving this blog, “in a huff.” I did read comments like “do you think you might be projecting?” And “how sad it is to assume….” And “so strange.”
Not exactly welcoming to differing opinions. This was a very emotional election, and it will take some time to reset our approach, re-think our tone, AND not overreact to Comments. But I think that we all have work to do.
Proud former Nevadan here. Those Nevada memes are ridiculous. That state is so much more than Las Vegas makes it out to be. The state has a thriving literary community, Lake Tahoe, a deep love of turning old homes into something new (bookstores, salons, law offices, dentist offices, etc.), cultural landmarks, a rich arts community, and so much more.
J, just to give an outsiders’ perspective: the Nevada memes were one of the only things that brought me genuine laughter during our collectively stressful week! Nevada provided a lot of hope and happiness this week. Also, it seems like you have a lot of good reasons to between proud of your home state. :)
POP THAT CHAMPAGNE JOANNA!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
I am REVELING and letting it truly sink how HISTORIC it is that we will have a WOMAN OF COLOR as a Vice President!
As a POC and a Georgian, the last 4 years have been gut wrenching in many, many ways. Apart from the very obvious gas-lighting from the White House, Stacey Abrams’ (THANK YOU FOR HER AMAZING WORK!!) stolen election and seeing my first choice Elizabeth Warren pushed out of the presidential race, I have been so, so desperate to have someone to represent ME! And I finally (FINALLY!) feel seen and heard after today’s news! It’s been so, very exhausting, but we are here friends! Cheers to a new America!
Reading this on Saturday morning AND THEY JUST CALLED THE RACE FOR BIDEN/HARRIS!! Happy dancing, happy tears! Now it’s time to really get to work.
Congratulations President Elect Joe Biden!
Love reading all the comments even if I don’t agree with some. I especially love the succinct ones, some comments here read like a blog entry.
The squad is not anti-semitic. Israel continuously persecutes Palestinians and continues to violate human rights. The reason most politicians never address or criticize israel is BECAUSE people will call them anti-semitic. I am proud of these women for standing up for human rights all around the world.
Debbie, this is my understanding as well. Of course, I truly want to understand if I am missing something or misinterpreting – but I have always gotten the impression that Ilhan (I don’t follow the others as closely, so don’t know) has a healthy criticism of Israel, in view of the Palestine/Israel relationship. I don’t see her as being against Israeli people or culture in the least, but rather against harmful Zionist policies. I would love to know if I just need more info, but from my perspective she is for bettering the Palestine/Israel situation, not anti-Semitic. Maybe this isn’t the place to get into, and I’m not trying to argue, but just want to know if I’m reading her words and actions wrong.
Thank you for saying this!!
The commentors in the thread referenced specifically differentiated between examples of the squad speaking against Israel vs expressing anti-Semitism. Did you read it?
100% agree. Thanks for making this point. Israel is often a county that makes decisions like Trump- their well-being before anything else. Calling them out on that shouldn’t result in being labeled anti-Semitic. It just means being honest about an appalling lack of humanity in some of Israel’s policies.
Una, you are a wonderful writer. Please consider writing a book. I’d love to read more words written by you.
Thank you for linking to Stacey Abrams’ Fair Fight – as a Georgia voter, it was an honor to vote for her in 2018 and a disgrace that she is not our current governor. She is such an inspiration and I can’t wait to see what she does next, including helping us flip the Senate. ??
Hoping we’ll see Stacey in the Biden administration. What a powerhouse she is!
Enjoy your weekend, everyone! Cannot wait for the election results (Biden/Harris) ??Stay safe and healthy ?
Cheers from the Netherlands!
Right back atcha!!!
Ae i just adore nine stories and raise high the roof beam carpenters is another one to try if you like. I feel like the fam is the original tenenbaums.
British mystery shows you would watch? Well, we do actually have a hot vicar mystery- Grantchester! Can’t comment on the quality, but James Norton in a dog collar, c’mon!
Una! What a lovely comment and great energy to bring into the upcoming months
Don’t sleep on Franny and Zooey!! ? The Glass Family are my literary favorites! A Perfect Day for Bananafish is a prequel to their story and Raise High the Roofbeam Carpenters the sequel! Prepare to be delighted.
FRANNY AND ZOOEY!
I just read about Stacey Abrams yesterday. Now that is truly a hero! Imagine if Fair Fight or similar could do the same great job in all states!
I just cannot understand how every citizen isn’t automatically a voter by the age of 18?! (Yes, I am European)
I’m European too. It took me a lot of reading about US elections and their voting system to understand this.
My very down to earth 12-year-old asked, after watching the news: do they realize that if they had the same rules we do (if you are a citizen over 18 you can automatically vote, every vote counts, whoever gets more votes wins), they would know their next President, by now?
It’s a problem, for sure.
It becomes less of a mystery when one understands that our voting apparatus/rules/systems are intended to maintain the status quo, white supremacy and suppress the popular free vote. The system works perfectly, in that regard.
The electoral college is meant to keep us from true democracy (and do all of the above), as is our senatorial system. 2 senators to represent 40 million in California, and 2 senators to do same for 1 million in Montana. The consequence is that Republican dominated states (all of the rural midwest, much of mountain west, some of the south) are greatly over represented in the Senate. If we had a truly representative legislative branch, as well as truly democratic voting (one person, one vote, all equal) Republicans wouldn’t stand a chance at running our government. But they’ve had a very very long time to work this system, as well as suppress voting and gerrymander.
The election of Biden inside this system is nothing short of a miracle, and only happened because Americans overwhelmingly voted for him – enough to override all of the inherent obstacles.
@Sasha L Thank you for the explanation! That is absolutely horrible and truly not worthy a country like yours. Imagine if there could be a change and true democracy!
I recommend Franny and Zooey- my favorite of Salinger’s books.
My students often read his short stories and have to analyze them, though.
Leslie Jones. Her commentary ??????? https://www.vulture.com/2020/11/leslie-joness-crush-on-steve-kornacki-gets-shout-out-on-cnn.html
Yes! Leslie Jones got me through this week with her coverage.
Una – such a beautiful comment. Thank you.
Oh Una you bought tears to my eyes. I had our first baby last Sunday (Polly!) and since she arrived, the world stopped. I am in AWE of your profession and the sisterhood it supports.
As I stay up in the wee hours following the election and snuggling (a real emotional rollercoaster if ever there was one!), it only motivates me more to be better and do better. You’re right – our children deserve our continued efforts in this work and cannot afford our despair. Thank you for being incredible and sharing this moment. xx
❤️
Going back to read the comments on your post from earlier this week (nearly 800 of them, many on the rampant anti-semitism of the ‘squad’!) … it’s great to see all the anti-racist content lately. Where is your post educating and taking a stand against anti-semitism?
I personally like that Cup of Jo mixes in political or justice issues with posts about food, relationships, style, motherhood, homes, etc.
To post about every issue every day would fundamentally change this blog and we’d lose the sense of community.
Keep doing what you’re doing CupofJo!
Instead of calling her out for in the manner you did, try asking for what you want. “CupofJo, considering the rampant anti-semitism happening, could do a post highlighting what’s happening?”
Love and respect. Not hate. The world doesn’t need more hate.
Criticizing the state of Israel for its blatant human rights violations is *not* anti-semitic.
What Maya said. I have seen it first hand in Palestine and Isreal. We can be critical of governmental policies and not be anti human value and worth.
I love that you shared Courtney McLeod’s apartment in Harlem. I’ve had the chance to work with her, and she’s beautiful on the inside and out—and has an apartment to match!
Thanks for the much needed laughs about the British Mysteries. And yes, I have watched all of them. The commentary was spot on.
Una’s comment is everything! Thank you for that sweet and gentle reminder.
Skills acquired in 2020:
1) amateur epidemiologist
2) amateur professor of American political science.
So the year hasn’t been a complete waste.
Wishing your nation luck and goodwill from Australia!
hahahah same.
Ahahaha AJ I’m also Australian and I have also learned both of those things this year. So relatable!
This won’t get posted, I’m sure. But it ain’t over yet. Not by a long shot.
Counting every vote does take time! We are here for it.
Ah, well, it isn’t looking good for ol’ Don and circus, and there’s nothing wrong with hope taking the shape of a chilled bottle of champers! :)
It’s over. Cup of Jo publishes all replies that don’t violate terms of service.
Looks like you’re wrong about Cup of Jo just like you’re wrong about the election. Maybe a good time to start questioning your assumptions. Just a thought? I, for one, can’t wait for the announcement!!! Go away, Don the Con. Eeeeee!!!!! :))))))
Bon chance, sis!
You’re right. It ain’t over. We have so much work to do on equality for women, POC, LGBTQ+, people with preexisting conditions, the climate and battling the pandemic.
I’m glad Biden/Harris will take steps to move the needle.
As a 47 year old woman of color with an unusual K name….. it is only now sinking in how important it is to me that Kamala is Vice President…..this is huge!! Biden/Harris should not have to fight a jackass for their honest win to the White House. I continue to hold my breath…
Even here in Massachusetts I am afraid to use my Biden Harris Tote Bag publicly….
I’m a 57 y.o woman of color and I’m going to order a Biden/Harris mask which I will start wearing publicly!
I’m in Massachusetts too. It’s sad that we’re one of the big blue states and it still feels like racism is all around us. UGH.
Donated $110 to Fair Fight. Thanks for the link, I was looking for somewhere to donate to support democratic causes/fight authoritarianism and fascism. This election makes it clear that we needs to be in this for the long haul.
Don’t forget the ACLU. They do the hard work… day after day.
Also buy Stacey Abrams’ book to support her!
Don’t dare say anything on You Know What, but leaping in to say that I would watch EVERY SINGLE ONE of those UK detective shows. In fact, I feel I have. #GentleCrimeEveryTime X
Joanna, we have champs chilling in the fridge too! Have a good weekend!
Thank you to cupofjo for clearly and loudly voicing your opinions of this administration, whilst always opening up your space for civil discourse in the comments.
We still have a lot of work to do, but this is a great victory for us!
Can’t wait to celebrate (at home) ! :) :)
The memes have been keeping me going! Oh, it feels soooooo good to be in sight of the end of DT’s reign of terror!
I live in Georgia and Stacey Abrams is a QUEEN!
I have been rereading Catcher in the Rye about every 5 years or so since I first read it in middle school. It’s really interesting to see how it changes for me over the years, as I change and my perspective on life and phonies and struggling young people changes. I notice new things, and different people or storylines resonate more or less for me.
Rosalie – I love this! I have a similar ritual with Siddhartha by Herman Hesse and every time I get a new perspective, have new life dilemmas or challenges to consider, and (always!) more internal work to be done. I love that even though I get something new out of it every time it’s such a grounding activity for me that is constant. How lovely to meet a kindred spirit :) I hope Catcher in the Rye continues give you to guidance and support for years to come!
I am very hopeful for a Biden/Harris win to be confirmed ASAP – I know it seems clear now but I won’t believe it ’til I see it!
I also feel guilty that, in the midst of such a massive moment for the country and society, I am obsessing about a boy. We’ve been dating for a month (started virtual and then moved to some great in person dates). When I saw him last weekend, he said he’s happy with how things are going and he doesn’t want me to read into him not being a big texter (which he mentioned when we first connected on a dating app). I acknowledged that I’ve been having a bit of a hard time with that but I can adjust while we keep getting to know each other in person since that’s the most important thing. Now I haven’t heard from him at all since Tuesday and I feel crushed. I feel like after a month, I at least deserve to not be ghosted? Any advice for compartmentalizing this personal drama to focus on the actual national news at hand?! I feel like such a cliche right now and it sucks.
My advice: don’t compartmentalize and don’t push it away. Give yourself the license to feel the drama. For what it’s worth, this is your experience of this moment, and there is no reason on earth for you to feel guilty. Just as we can’t hurry the vote count, you can’t hurry your feelings.
Kate, imo, among other things, you totally don’t have to worry about the national news 24/7 or even 8/7, you know you care. The world, after all, is happier when made up of individuals who pursue their dreams, and on an individual level, romantic love is often one of those dreams.
I often think of this Confucian quote:
The ancients who wished to illustrate illustrious virtue throughout the
kingdom, first ordered well their own States.
Wishing to order well their States, they first regulated their families.
Wishing to regulate their families, they first cultivated their persons.
Wishing to cultivate their persons, they first rectified their hearts.
Wishing to rectify their hearts, they first sought to be sincere in their thoughts.
Wishing to be sincere in their thoughts, they first extended to the utmost their knowledge.
Such extension of knowledge lay in the investigation of things.
Oh, Kate–I’m in a very similar dating and feelings situation. I think it’s especially hard not to experience love and support on a personal level that could distract from national drama. No real advice or insight, but wanted to say you’re not alone. <3
I would not despair just yet. It hasn’t even been a full week – give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he has had a busy week or something unexpected has come up!
During this wait I’ve been trying to remember how long the Gore/Bush election took to resolve – it’s all a blur because I was obsessed about an ex-husband at the time. We have all been there at one time or another. Give yourself a break and may all your inner dialogues be kind ones.
You haven’t heard from him since Tuesday? THIS WEEK?? If he didn’t accidentally drop his phone, iPad, and laptop into a lake, dump him. You deserve a man who will communicate and who wants to communicate, and this guy is not worth wasting another two seconds of your life. What a relief that you found out so quickly!
Oh goodness. No matter what is going on in politics, we still must live our lives, and take care of ourselves. Don’t wrestle with these questions in a void – one’s imagination can take over and create all kinds of answers to unasked questions. It’s important that you know what’s actually up. If he doesn’t text then call him and just ask, get the answers you need, protect your heart and peace of mind. Better to know sooner than later, one way or another.
Good luck!
That How to Be at Home video is stunning and just what I needed. Thank you.
Oof, as a Nevadan 12 days away from her due date, Una’s comment and the memes have made this the perfect Friday post for me. Going to celebrate this dose of optimism with a donation to Fair Fight, have a good weekend everyone!
Congrats! You got this!! :)
That was beautiful and much needed, Una!
Sending you lots of “knuffels” (cuddles) from Belgium! ??
I’m finally allowing VP FUCKING KAMALA HARRIS to sink in and damn does it feel good.
THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes yes yes! Have been protectively denying this for far too long!!
YES!!!!! ???????????????
Re: British Mystery Shows.
My mom and I found “Agatha Christie’s Ms. Marple” on Hulu. We watched it religiously every night for like two weeks!! It’s a newer “Murder, She Wrote” and a more palatable crime show when you’re not quite feeling SVU or CI but still want to be engaged. We were living for her British old lady quirkiness, think knitted dusters with intricate collars, felt hats and a mini magnifying glass on a necklace chain. ??????
and it is so unexpectedly savage! (I found it very satisfying for the crime buff side of me).
Una’s comment is just what we need to focus on! Bravo! have a peaceful week-end every body, thinking of you from France and hoping…
Joanna, this is crazy!! Of all the fabulous Deb Perelman recipes to feature, this is the EXACT ONE from years ago that I just found and printed out yesterday to make asap. What wonderful synchronicity — hoping it is a good omen of things to come!
A perfect day for bananafish is my favorite story of all time.
Ooh yay, looking forward.
me too! Enjoy the read Joanna!
I know Salinger is problematic, but then again, a lot of great writers and artists are. So, I acknowledge that and say that, still, in my top ten I have to include Nine Stories or Raise High the Roofbeams, Carpenters. Highly recommend that one if you like Nine Stories…
—it has been like 14 years since I read Nine Stories and I almost called it Ten Stories!
Una! Stop making me cry!
All of the love to Stacey Abrams. We throw around accolades to people’s “dedication to public service” a lot in politics, but Abrams embodies this ideal fully. I know she’s talked about a possible presidential run in the future, may we ever be so blessed.
Absolutely Charlotte — so perfectly said.
This post is such a Saturday morning tradition for me (I’m in Australia), and I especially needed it today! We are all on edge to finally see the numbers tick over, even from the other side of the world.
(p.s. the Architecture Digest link is broken!)
Hi Joanna! I just wanted to say thank you for providing a place to both share anxiety, and escape from it! I hope we can all have an exciting weekend with an end to this endless election. I told my daughter that she and Joe Biden share a birthday (Nov. 20!), and she was already excited that he has the same name as her little brother, so now she’s into the election and we’re waiting together to see what happens.
Aw so cute! My niece too shares the same birthday, she’s in great company then. :) And her name is Maya as Kamala Maya Harris. I feel so hopeful for the new generation!
Oups I meant Kamala’s sister Maya!
I’m not American but in my family we are different proportions of European, Indian and African. I hadn’t realized how moving would be to see Kamala Harris give a speech as Vice President. Representation does matter! I wonder if I will ever hear in my home country similar speeches against systemic racism..
Came here looking for a mood lift! Thanks as always, CoJ.
quick heads up – AD link isn’t working. Guessing it’s https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/courtney-mcleod-harlem-apartment-blue-walls :)
So anxious, apprehensive, oh so cautiously hopeful. My kids gave me huge laughs today – My two-year-old: “PLEASE play with me!” (as I was typing away at work / the kitchen counter) I say, “Ok, for a few minutes.”
She grabs two cups from her play kitchen, hands me one, sits down, crosses her legs, and says, “I made you some beard (how she says beer). So, let’s talk about the election.”
Later in the afternoon, I realized my six -year-old had been on the iPad for a while and I rushed into his room to ask what he was watching (fully expecting something Lego-related). “I’m watching videos about the electoral college and democracy on brainpop – I just need a little while longer!”
Agh. Parenting is both so challenging and so rewarding. Hugs to all this weekend. xx
Love the kid quotes!!
I think the main thing my 7 year old remembers about virtual school last year is all the brain pop videos ?
Your kids made my day! Thanks for sharing these quotes. Kids are amazing
The Harlem apt. link does not work, btw!
Thank you!
As a proud Nevadan, I can confirm every meme. <3 you NV!
Me too!! All of my native Las Vegas friends have been sending them back and forth, they’re all true and we laugh so hard. Go NV!!!