I did not prepare for this.

I probably should have, but I just couldn't let myself go there.

I did not prepare for this. I probably should have, but I just couldn’t let myself go there. Now that we’re here, I don’t know what to say. 

Am I glad to be reading a book about people eking out lives as the end of the world slowly seeps in under the doors? I don’t know about that either. 

I hardly feel qualified to offer advice at this moment in time. I’m not a historian or a pundit or even a person who works in a newsroom anymore.

But what I do know is that we’ve been here before.

I do not think now is the time to be overly simplistic or saccharine. I know how important it is to hold space for devastation and anger and fear. I am learning how to grieve. I am trying to prioritize ease, and spending less time worrying about whether I seem like I have my s$&# together. 

Take the time you need. Muster your strength. Lean on your people. Seek out smart humans. Be kind. But also, don’t give up on what you believe in, and don’t opt out because things are hard. Stretch yourself. Get out there. Do the work. 

As my friend Stephanie Douglass said, “Show up in the small ways until you can show up in the big ways.” 

In other words, don’t forget about delight, but KEEP SHOWING UP. 

DelightfulAF

It is always important to find solace wherever we can. Life keeps life-ing, whether or not we’re ready for it. So here are some delights from GRETAGRAM readers:

“Denver got some snow. And my dogs LOVE snow like I love them.” -Nicole

“When you’re doing research for your Musicology masters and run across this jewel in a jazz magazine from the late 1990s. Dream job indeed!” -Christina

“I always thought it was a bit of a cliché  when people talked about the joy a dog brings you, but then Zuzu came into my life. And, well, the cliché is all too perfect and true! There is really no limit to the love I have for Zuzu. Plus! She is a living, walking, breathing, notseeing symbol of perseverance and will to live. Zuzu was diagnosed with a neurological disease within weeks of us adopting her and she went blind one month after we brought her home. But, this hopeless, dark, scary, maddening Wednesday morning, Zuzu sensed my emotions, snuggled up to me and reminded me what a perfect creature she is who brings me endless joy.” -Carrie

“My daughter started preschool this fall; she’s a pandemic baby and has been home with us all this time. Every day, she takes a “friend” (a stuffed animal or toy) with her in the car for the ride to school and back. Lately, she’s been giving my husband and me each a friend to keep while we’re apart from her — either when we go to work or when we say good night at bedtime. This morning, I held that stuffed friend as I scrolled, and I’ve got to say, it was a comfort. Here’s a selection of friends we’ve been given in the past few days.” -Ashley

“Here are pics of my cat, Tony, modelling his Johnny Cash denim jacket. (The top half of a Canadian tuxedo — from a Canadian feeling grief for her American friends/family today.)” -Kim

“Hey Greta, this brought me joy last night: Nick Cave playing Manchester.” -Ellie

“My dog, Honey, allowing me to dress her as Harry Potter (well, technically Honey Potter).” -Sydney

“I pulled out all the books on my shelves that I think will be comforting for the rest of this year: Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Book Shop, all my VE Schwab, Margo’s Got Money Troubles, The Ministry of Time, I Cheerfully Refuse. You get the vibe. I’m giving up on anything that isn’t bringing me joy and making me smile. I’m diving into Normal Rules Don’t Apply by Kate Atkinson because short stories at bedtime feel like the right move. Anything to escape.” -Kathryn

One more note

It’s not too late to get caught up for book club! This month, we’re reading The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich. We’ll discuss it on Sunday, Dec. 1 at noon Central Time. Email me for the Zoom link! gretamjohnsen@gmail.com.

If you’re a real go-getter, feel free to get a head start on December’s book, too — Sally Rooney’s Intermezzo!

Okay, that’s it for this week. Hang in there, take care, and don’t forget about last week’s recipe roundup! (I, for one, will be making tater tot hot dish!)

P.S. Do you like this email?! Spread the delight and forward it to a friend! (Or spam an enemy, lol!)