Hi friends! Welcome to Sunday Reading. I’ve been wanting to come up with a weekly series to share what I’ve got going on, thoughts on the world and things I ate that week. I’d like to use this space to give my “week in review,” share highs and lows and some of my favorite links from around the interwebs. I hope it will be at least somewhat interesting for you, but at the very least a creative outlet for me. So, here we go!
My week was brought down by a virus, but started out so well! The previous Thursday, I booked a spur of the moment trip to NYC leaving the following day to visit friends. We had such a fun time and I ate literally ALL the things. Emmy Squared pizza, Veselka pierogis, Tompkins Square Bagels.. and those are just the highlights. Unfortunately, my trip ended with two cancelled flights and a four hour delay, so I ended up missing a day of work. When it rains, it pours, apparently, because then I woke up with a 100 degree fever on Wednesday morning. Luckily not the flu, but I’ve spent the rest of the week recovering and am just now feeling somewhat back to myself.
On Friday night, the bridal party of my best friend’s wedding got together and made our own candles at Brownstone Candle. We each got to pick out our own scents and decorate the jars. The ladies at Brownstone were so sweet and fun to work with! Lexington friends, definitely check them out for a fun girls night.
I laid low on Saturday attempting to give myself some rest. I couldn’t help but get lost in posts and articles about President Trump’s executive order. I usually stay away from politics on social media, but this one really struck a chord with me because it goes beyond politics. I wouldn’t call myself a politically passionate person. I struggle in finding politicians who I feel accurately represent me and have pretty moderate beliefs. I try and stay informed, but you won’t usually find me out campaigning, if you catch my drift. When I consider my passions, I think of people. Ever since I was young, I’ve always had a heart for those who are lonely, disadvantaged or less fortunate. I just want people to know they are loved, so the thought of people being turned away from our country, a country built on immigrants, crushes my heart. Hearing stories of children being afraid their mommies and daddies are going to be taken away from them because they were born in a different country; I’m at a loss. I felt so helpless, hopeless and honestly, just angry that this is what our country has come to. I went to bed pretty discouraged. I got up the next morning, went to church and was greeted by a service filled with messages of hope and a call to fight for justice. I’m reminded that this world is filled with good people and am going to bed reassured of that and determined to show love to them all.
highs and lows
High: Leftover Breads Babka from my trip to NYC
Low: Too many broken-hearted posts on social media about the results of the executive order
Links I loved
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” One of my favorite quotes from Mr. Rogers. I found comfort in reading of countless lawyers who donated their time and efforts to assist those detained at the border.
Speaking of, if you’re looking for a way to help, you can donate to the ACLU here.
If you’re in Lexington, the Episcopal Migration Ministries and Kentucky Refugee Ministries are hosting a talk this Tuesday to share info about the global refugee crisis, the refugee resettlement program, the implications of the executive order and what you can do to make a difference.
Okay, more on food. One of my favorite Whole 30 recipes was this creamy ham and potato soup. You’d be amazed that there’s no dairy in here! My roommates and I made a big batch for easy lunch and dinners throughout the week.
Speaking of healthy.. Spoon University, one of my favorite food media outlets, launched Spoon Healthier, offering health and wellness content that’s interesting and useful. For example, “A Closer Look at Food Labels: Why Carbs, Fat and Protein Don’t Matter As Much As Additives and Fillers.”
Breakfast polenta? Sounds like something I need to try. This rendition on a breakfast bowl from Tasting Table caught my eye.
Coming to Netflix next month: Find Dory, the new season of Chef’s Table, Magic Mike and more..
For Bachelor fans: A conspiracy theory that will make you giggle.
quote of the week
“Give away love like you’re made of the stuff; we’re rehearsing to spend eternity together.” Bob Goff
That’s what I’ve got this week.. hope you’ll come back next Sunday for more!
Biscuits & blessings,
Leels
