No 57 • Surprise

I am sitting at my desk to write this letter, as we are less than a week out from Election Day 2024. And while I am still trying to process my own dismay and disillusionment at the outcome, it is clear that there are cultural and social forces at work in this country that I do not understand. It is difficult to reconcile the fact that so many chose a path of denigration and regression and disregard for the traditions and norms of democracy.

My instinct in the immediate aftermath is to withdraw, like an aardvark curls into a ball when threatened to protect its head and its heart.

Complete disengagement seems irresponsible; we need to be paying close attention to what’s happening. We can’t turn away, not entirely. But I think there’s something to be gained now by retreating into the people and things that really matter, by living slowly and intentionally and locally.

I’ve long thought that eating locally grown food is one of the most radical acts we can do, as a way to take ownership of our health and stick it to the global industrial food system. Opting out of Big Food and instead choosing to support local farmers, producers, retailers, and restaurateurs is a form of protest. When we can’t rely on our leaders to protect our interests and reflect our values, then we can express them through our food purchases.

Food is comforting. Cooking is restorative. Gathering is essential. These bring light to dark days. We need light, comfort, sweetness now, more than ever.

“I will be fighting with all that I am, but I will also be reminding myself
again and again not to wait for the world to give me a reason to sigh with relief.
I will give myself respite. I will remember not to keep waiting for sweetness
and rest to arrive on their own.” — Margaret Renkl

Here’s to hope,
Bryn Mooth, editor

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Winter 2024

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