It’s MLK weekend. There’s a big event scheduled for Monday in Washington D.C. The weather is turning shivering cold in NE Ohio and beyond. Angst and Dread are running at an all-time high amongst my legion of liberal and progressive friends and acquaintances. The Saturday news brought word of immigration raids planned for next week in Chicago and other major cities. The pending inauguration and all that has been promised to come with it feels ill-timed, coinciding with a holiday that celebrates a person, Martin Luther Ling Jr., and a social justice movement that sought to correct crimes against humanity, specifically Black American people. “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?” is a book by Dr. King. The books title is a reminder that we have agency in the face of anger, angst, fear, and dread. We are not powerless.
So how are you coping? I’m writing, cooking, catching up on work-work, and preparing for next week. Last night I made another batch of homemade Hamburger Helper, this time lasagna. Last weekend it was the NYT Cooking Cheeseburger Macaroni version. Both received rave reviews from my dedicated one-pot delights crew. Tomorrow, I’ll try my hand at one pot Creamy Cajun Chicken pasta. I also made chili earlier this week that should really be fully flavorful by now. Monday, I’m planning on making some Dirty Rice with peppers and onions. Our most dedicated salmon eater will be away for a few weeks, so I can make one-pot dishes for my other housemates. I’m kind of giddy; my palate ranges from kinda of common to fairly sophisticated. A break from having to make more interesting food is a blessing.
I’m also listening to some new-to-me music from StarFlyer 59. His album of lullabies, Dejame Dormir, is pretty good. James McVinnie’s Dreamcatcher album is on deck. This coupled with my late-to-the-game Kendrick Lamar listening (all albums) has been a positive distraction.
Have you seen the new Dick Wolf series “On Call”? I watched the first two episodes last Saturday night. The opener is gritty and the show has potential. I’m also looking forward to tonight’s episode of Saturday Night Live. The Mister and I are openly debating dropping Sling. Turner Classic Movies has been a yawn. I might challenge myself to dust off the DVD player and borrow my favorite old movie titles from the library.
Making near and far future plans helps. Traveling creates space to experience new and/or favorite things, places and/or people. Last time we were in NYC we went to this cute place on the Upper West Side called Brunch. Everything is from scratch and delicious. The best part was a series of teens that rotated in and out talking about their assignments and their lives. They were guardedly optimistic and truly kind to each other. It was refreshing to see. There’s also a great cocktail bar in the lobby of the Hotel BelleClaire.
For some reason today, as I tried to come up with a “cutesy” name for a new social media account, I remembered my childhood family name of “Face.” I was a bald baby with a long face. So here I am, kind of going back to the start so I can live in the present and be ready for the future. We can do scary things. Good meals and good company are part of the prescription. As is celebrating other people’s happiness and victories. Community beats chaos every time. Living and Loving is Resistance. As is Rest. Never stop Resisting.
Face's Facts 