Shows up and you aren't prepared. You didn't take any photos over the weekend. You…
Weekend Glimmers, Jan 31st – Feb 2nd
I’m going to warn you right now, the photos in this post are all of food. If you’re hungry you might want to step away or get a snack before continuing . . .
Also, if you’re in the bad place, some of this is a little dark because that’s where I am right now. If you aren’t in the frame of mind for that sort of talk, you might want to skip this post. I get it.
I won’t pretend that I’m not having a difficult time regulating my emotions concerning the state of America right now. The executive orders, the tariffs, the fact that Elon Musk seems to be controlling a great deal even though has wasn’t elected and has no official government status, the chaos . . . I feel like my belief system has been shattered and, while I want to trust that someone somewhere is doing something to protect our democracy, I don’t have any real faith in the outcome. It’s like we’re living in the upside down and it’s only been 2 weeks.
I’m trying to focus on the things that are within my power to handle. I’m journaling and escaping into books. I’m avoiding the news and being mindful of what I look at on social media. And, apparently, I am cooking.

Jo-Ann came over Saturday and we made Chili Oil Wontons from the New York Times. They were a bit time consuming and tedious to make, and that helped to take my mind off the world. Spending time with Jo-Ann doing something fun in the kitchen didn’t hurt either.
I made a loaf of sourdough on Sunday. I’ve actually been baking a weekly loaf for the past few weeks, using the same starter that I got from my friend Sean back in February 2020. That’s right, I was making sourdough about a month before everyone else jumped on that particular band wagon. My starter, Mama Cass, is doing well and I learn something with each loaf I make. It was great delicious alongside our Soup Sunday this week.
I don’t suppose making myself a latte really counts as cooking but when I poured the steamed milk on Sunday morning I managed to make a heart. I’d love to tell you that was intentional but it wasn’t and maybe it’s just a reminder to spread love where I can.
Thanks for reading. I feel better now.
I’m with you, Carole. The place I am in could not be darker, and while I would like to say that I can’t believe where this country is going, I actually do. I think a lot of us knew this was coming, but like many things in life, there was no way to anticipate how badly it would feel. On the more optimistic side, I read this weekend that the best way to avoid anxiety is to be creative because it activates a part of your brain that deactivates anxiety. So you are doing the best you can by being creative in the kitchen. All the food looks fabulous, wish I lived next door!
I am sharing many of your feelings about the current state of our nation… and really… rather embarrassed as well (Canada, Mexico, Greenland, and Panama… I am angry and appalled at the actions of my nation.) Those wontons look amazing though! (and I weekly cheer for the steadfastness of my sourdough bread!)
I understand your feelings and concerns. That said, I’m channeling mine into anger at my elected officials who have all but disappeared. Their staff is about to know me as the angry lady who is contacting them regularly about that silence. In addition, I’m deciding on just a couple of areas to keep up on and what I can do to help people or hold my politicians’ feet to the fire. There are things they can be doing to fight back, throw sand in the gears and generally be helping their constituents. Narrowing your focus helps it seem more manageable and less overwhelming. Also, challenging yourself to learn latte art might be fun. Hang in there. Remind yourself you’ve got good company on this journey.
I hear you and raise a glass to you. Our country is a damn scary place right now with too many maniacs running the show. I still practice being an ostrich with my head in the sand but it doesn’t work all the time.
I’m also angry, appalled, and even scared, but I can’t think of anything that I can do about any of it. So I cook, knit, bake, read, and write to my senators. They’re both Democrats but I still have to tell someone with some power to do something.
I have to keep reminding myself not to read/view the news, and to not click on the notifications that pop up about what Elon & the Muskrats (thanks to V for this one) are doing now. It’s overwhelming in all the wrong ways, and I just can’t. So I’ve been burying myself in phone games (thanks to MistPlay I’ve already gotten $75 in gift cards & am getting close to another $50 one), and learning to crochet cute little animals! After I feel more comfortable crocheting, I’m going to attempt Granny Squares – we should get together and crochet! Those wontons were totally delicious, and worth the time spent – of course, any time spent with you is time well spent in my book!
Tackling a complex recipe is a good way to forget about . . . things. With delicious results, too! We just need to keep moving. (Because what else can we do???) XOXO
I am equally frustrated and angry, not to mention completely befuddled that anyone could think what’s happening right now is better for this country. But I also know that we made it through this guy once before and I’m determined that we will again! I hope that heart showing up in your mug reminded you to show love and be kind to yourself!
Who elected Musk? Who gave him a background check? I’m appalled and angry and afraid. I’m right there with you.
Wontons: They’re my comfort food. I guess it’s time to make soup…my Baba’s recipe (daddy). I miss him.
I totally agree with you; things are quite scary now, and the next 4 years aren’t looking good at all. I love seeing your book list. Your cooking looks very tasty. Sourdough keeps you on schedule, doesn’t it? I don’t do it anymore, but our daughter has been sharing the loaves she makes!
Ugh. But those wontons look amazing! I’ve made wontons/dumplings in the past and they are tedious, but ALWAYS 1000% more fun to do it with someone! I <3 your latte.