Oh my loves, it’s been a minute. I had big plans to start this newsletter back up at the beginning of the new year and wrote a whole draft detailing where I’ve been and why the hiatus. But it got too long and I sort of lost the thread. So here are the headlines: While I was away I got to do this beautiful Broadway play with Jessica Lange, film this and this, send my 9 year old to sleep away camp for a month, take care of my best friend as he left this earthly plane, plan his memorial, raise money for our state legislature giving circle, mourn the election results, help develop a new musical and sing a musical score for the first time in almost 13 years, witness my 9 year old navigate one of his best friends losing his dad. And grieve. And grieve. And grieve. Which basically gets us to now. We have some new subscribers and I’m so grateful you’re here.
It feels complicated to write about anything other than what’s happening in our country right now but this week I went to a live recording of The Energy Curfew Music Hour with guests Meshell Ndegeocello and Sara Bareilles AND I saw Bess Wohl’s new play Liberation (which is fucking amazing and you must go see. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever seen in the theater. Ever). Sitting in the audience reminded me that art really does play an important role in these hard and chaotic times. Being in a theater felt like medicine. So I’m gonna encourage you to do the same. Get out of your house and be with other people. I really think it helps.
Staying Awake and Engaged
Before the election, I heard that the main way authoritarian governments come to power is through the apathy of the nation. I think we all feel pretty overwhelmed and helpless right now and like there’s nothing we can do to change these circumstances. But that’s what they want. For us to just give up. And we’re not going to do that. Right?! As my friend Gavin was dying, he kept saying that he wished he had more time and I think about him a lot as I wonder how we’re going to get through this. The alternative is that we don’t get to be here to experience any of it. So this is what I’ve been doing to try and feel useful.
5 Calls- This app gives you a script and lets you pick a topic to try and influence policy with your lawmakers. I know it feels daunting but it’s really so easy. I call my two senators and congressman and say some version of “we need you to be high energy, high velocity leaders doing grassroots digital outreach (a la AOC and Mayor Pete) not old men shouting in front of a building (a la Chuck Shumer). I’ve never had to talk to anyone, it just goes right to voicemail and this gives me hope that their lines are flooded.
Boycotting Target, Whole Foods and Amazon who are all discontinuing their DEI policies- This one is annoying but I think that’s part of what makes it meaningful. Choosing discomfort over convenience isn’t easy but we know these corporations don’t care about anything except increasing profit and shareholder wealth so where we choose to spend our money can have real impact.
Getting Local- I’m turning the bulk of my energy to the upcoming NYC mayoral election (if you want to join me in expressing your displeasure with Mayor Adams you can do that here). I’m also trying to be more engaged with my kid’s school. I think getting smaller in our actions is helpful not only because there’s so much that feels insurmountable but also the chance of effecting real change feels greater.
If you want to get a little smaller and less flashy with me you can donate to our Project To Save Democracy giving circle where we’ve raised over $220K for state legislatures around the country. Defending democracy starts at the state level and there’s currently a match going on before 2/24 so your money will go even further.
Social Media- I’m really looking to get off of it all together. I know I’m missing some good stuff but I’ve decided it makes me feel more anxious than happy. Also it’s owned by despicable, corrupt, man-children who are punishing the rest of us for the massive, personal wounds they can’t seem to deal with.
I recently heard someone say that there’s a big part of the population that consumes politics the way they consume sports. They’re incredibly informed and armed with stats and facts but they’re operating as spectators instead of participants. Instagram keeps me “informed” but I think it’s an illusion of political engagement.
Books
I’ve already read so many good books this year and they’ve helped me stay away from doom scrolling and social media. I’m currently reading (and loving) Colored Television by Danzy Senna. These are the others I’ve read to start off the year:
Real Americans by Rachel Khong (this may be a new all time fave, it’s so so good)
Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten
Recipes
I love cooking in the winter. Comfort food and soup all day every day please. Here are some highlights:
Ina’s Italian Wedding Soup (my friend Joe made this recently for a dinner party he hosted and it was absolutely delish)
Cheesy Green Chile Bake (this is so fast and easy and a great meatless option)
Herbed White Bean and Sausage Stew (John and William both really loved this soup)
Podcasts
I’m trying to be discerning about my media diet. Generally I’m doing a quick morning round up like the The 7 or Up First, followed by The Daily or What Next, and then an afternoon Today Explained or Post Reports. This sounds like a lot but it’s really only a little over an hour of listening and I feel like it keeps me informed without feeling overwhelmed. I’m also listening to Ezra Klein and Pivot to fill in the gaps. But I need podcasts that aren’t news forward and some of my recent favorite eps are these babies here:
Talk Easy- A New Year With Jia Tolentino
Life Examined- Winter Wisdom with Katherine May on Grief, Loss, and the Power of Celebration
All There Is- Amy and David Sedaris
Unlocking Us- Dr. Mary Claire Haver on the New Menopause
This is not a podcast but I’ve listened to it no fewer than 100 times
Winter Go Tos:
Hanni Fatty Stick I am obsessed with his thing. I have dry, cracked and itchy heels. Ew. I put this on before bed and it really helps and it doesn’t mess up my sheets. It’s also good for dry hands, eczema and parched winter skin.
Jones Road Foundation I love this brand. I don’t usually wear makeup unless I’m getting my photo taken but this is my go to when I want to look natural with a little bit more polish. It’s sheer, super moisturizing and really easy to apply.
Taper Candles How sweet are these??
Okay that’s all for this week. Let me know how you’re doing. I have some things on my mind but what are you interested in reading about here?
I’m so happy you’re here.
And as always, here’s something to carry with you through the week.
Blessing When the World is Ending by Jan Richardson
…there is nothing
a blessing
is better suited for
than an ending,
nothing that cries out more
for a blessing
than when a world
is falling apart.
This blessing
will not fix you
will not mend you
will not give you
false comfort;
it will not talk to you
about one door opening
when another one closes.
It will simply
sit itself beside you
among the shards
and gently turn your face
toward the direction
from which the light
will come,
gathering itself
about you
as the world begins
again.
We can do this. Together.
Take care of yourselves,
Celia
Thank You Celia. It is so wonderful that you’re back. I have missed you and your newsletter.
I cannot tell you how excited I was to get this notification this morning. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing with us. 💛