Distract Yourself With This.
I’m having a hard time this morning. A lot of us are. Writing a blog post about frivolous stuff seems silly and so wasteful to me right now. But I know that is what I must do. Move forward and do what I do best. Keep my head up and believe that something good will come of all this desperation and discord our nation is suffering through. I am trying to focus on remaining hopeful that these massive changes will spur growth for us as a people and a country and not damage the work we have done thus far to be one of the greatest countries in the world.
But this I will say. I have a voice. I am a woman of strong opinion and conviction. I am not afraid to share it here or anywhere else. I may be a design blogger and purveyor of pretty things, but I am not a robot or a giant company who cannot share preferences or beliefs. If that bothers you, I kindly invite you to find another blogger who suits your sensibilities better because I will keep talking, discussing, arguing and sharing. For this, I will not apologize and I will not change. Thank you for listening and keeping this space one of tolerance and open-mindedness. I wish peace and kindness for all of you, no matter what you believe in.
– EG
(a very nice faux fig tree from NDI)
And speaking of opinions, I’ve had VERY strong ones about the use of fake flowers and plants in decor for a very long time. Those opinions skewed hard towards the “ewwww, so tacky” viewpoint (and still do when it comes to silk/fake flowers- not my bag, baby!) But then I got a Fiddle Leaf Fig tree and promptly killed it. So I bought another one, and studied up on how to take care of it. Aaaaaans cut to it dying almost instantaneously. I bought another. And another. I loved how it looked and so even though my space CLEARLY is not suited for keeping one alive, I kept trying.
And then I buckled. And committed a designer sin. I bought a fake one.
And you know what, it’s not terrible. The fiddle leaf fig kind of looks fake anyways, so while I know it’s fake, others may not. And now more than ever, we have amazing choices out there if you, like me, are the equivalent of human Clorox to plants! Prices range drastically- and usually the more you spend, the more realistic they look. But some of the more affordable options are looking pretty darn good these days….
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I have found myself also dipping my toe into the “it’s okay to buy faux branches, topiaries and succulents” pool as well. Succulents especially look fake even when real, so it’s not visually offensive to pop one in a dark powder room or basement to add some greenery! And preserved greenery, like boxwood and moss, are wonderful ways to add a little life to your space with zero maintenance, because let’s face it #aintnobodygottimeforthat.
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Jury’s still out on fake Christmas trees…. :)
Browse:
I can relate, but with orchids! Orchids go into a resting season and when they come back either a new bloom stem or a new leaf grows. I have two and one grew a leaf instead so I was thinking of adding a faux orchid stem to match the other plant that is blooming. Feel better about the faux idea after reading this post!
Cheers to you, Erin, for being bold. Also, your insta about feeling like we were slapped on the ass and sent back to the kitchen nailed it. Please feel free to suggest causes we can actively support as we hope for minimal damage during the next four year.
Sweet Jesus. Erin, please consider deleting a few of those comments. (I know people whine about ‘free speech’ in blog comments, but one day they’ll figure out the prohibition on limiting speech applies to government, not private businesses.)
I love real Christmas trees because I love picking out my tree but if I lived in the city I probably would have a fake one. We have an awesome Christmas tree farm out here and they serve free hot chocolate and hot dogs. Its awesome but it can be hard if you don’t have a truck and a chain saw. They are also heavy and messy and you need a way to dispose of them. Love the round up of fake stuff by the way. I have some fake flowers that I put out once and a while. They don’t bother me and I like the pop of color. Plus it saves some green in your wallet, in the long run.
As someone whose husband is allergic to pretty much everything green, everything green in my home is fake (silk flowers, synthetic Christmas tree). I love flowers, and I wouldn’t be able to have them in my home without a synthetic substitute. I’m proud to say that most of the silk flowers are of good enough quality that you have to touch them to know that they’re fake. And while you can easily tell that our tabletop tree is fake, until such time as we host Christmas, I don’t feel the need to get a nicer fake tree (or torture my husband with a real one).
Way to whore out your kid on a regular basis?!
HA! I keep killing off my babies- Might be time to spare them with some fake ones. And i hear ya- it’s been a hard two days. Not getting the best sleep over this.
https://www.mytwopence.com/
I am a longtime reader, first time commenting.
Thank you for speaking out. Thank you for letting your voice be heard. Thank you for not apologizing for it.
From,
An African American Southern Belle (researching a possible move to Canada)
I’ll purchase a one way ticket for you!
Holy shit, Karen. That right there, that complete lack of empathy or sensitivity, is exactly why people are scared. You may not have liked Obama or his policies, but he was not in any form a racist, misogynist, sexist, xenophobe….you see where I’m going with this? No one is outraged or terrified by, or protesting the outcome of a fair election. We’re “hysterical”, as you say, about a person who galvanized a segment of our population that IS racist, homophobic, xenophobic, sexist – and is now slated to sit in those hallowed halls as their leader. You yourself may not be those things, and you may have voted for him for very different reasons, but by doing so you chose to just ignore a growing segment of the population that experiences hatred and prejudice every day. For those that voted for him because they’re afraid of losing their job, or truly struggle to feed their families or pay for healthcare – I feel for them and I hope he can make that better. I struggled with those things for a time, but I NEVER would’ve chosen that man at the cost of so many of my fellow Americans under any personal circumstances. I pray for us all.
Karen: She wasn’t even personally addressing this at you. In your comment you state people are getting “Hysterical” but you post this unprovoked, ugly attack. Maybe you typed it in a moment of anger. But ironically you’re embodying the type of behavior you’re trying to speak out against.
repulsive, Karen.
Wow that was unbelievably cruel and hideous. No grace at all.
Oh. My. Word! What are people getting so hysterical about? What are people protesting? Oh, I know, they’re protesting other peoples votes! They’re protesting a FAIR election! So let me see if I understand, some folks believe in a democracy, but only of their candidate wins???
Give the man a chance! I know I had to for the past eight years, a man who has amassed so much debt for our country, more than every President before him COMBINED! Let him strengthen our military again, bring jobs back to the USA, and protect our borders. So you’d rather have a criminal running our country? Look in to the shady dealings of the Clinton Foundation. If the Clintons did nothing wrong, why did the White House announce yesterday that they are looking into the possibility that Obama will pardon Hilary before he leaves office, so that Trump doesn’t prosecute her after he takes office!
EXACTLY Grace! There have been some here in my city & Trump WON! Can you imagine if he hadn’t??
People are” hysterical “(your word)because of the racism and hate that was blatantly spoken and promoted in the election by our next President.
Karen, you could not be more wrong. Have you seen the MANY hate crimes perpetrated in the past three days in Trump’s name? This is not about politics at all. https://johnpavlovitz.com/2016/11/09/heres-why-we-grieve-today/
As you so perfectly wrote-“I am a woman of strong opinion and conviction. I am not afraid to share it here or anywhere else.” YES! This is what we need more of. BRAVO to you! This moment in history is horrific for me, and for my three daughters, who don’t understand how a man that says “grab her by the pussy” is in the White House.
Exactly. Years ago when I began my first summer job after high school before attending college I was pushed up against the wall by a 30+-year-old coworker who held my hands down and tried to kiss me. I was working for a large oil company located downtown Tulsa. It was the summer of 1973 and I was not yet 18 years old. It was my first day on the job. When I went to my supervisor he was very sympathetic but didn’t take me to Human Resources.. I withdrew… thinking I’d done something to provoke the attack. I can remember putting cute clothes back on the rack when shopping because they were too cute or too pretty. Subconsciously I guess I thought because no one at work took action that I’d done something wrong… and the only thing I could think of was that something about me had given that guy the idea that what he did was okay. I spent years trying to be less….
The reason I tell this story is that all the women who’ve had such experiences know exactly what just happened on Tuesday. The country told us we are not worthy… we’re overstating the harassment… they don’t believe us… or they just don’t care.
And then there are the comments about Muslim Americans, Mexicans Americans, military families, African Americans, numerous women, anyone who disagrees with him, etc.
My candidate has not always won in each of the elections throughout my life. That’s how elections go…. but after each disappointment I never ever said that the candidate elect was not my President. But Trump? Trump is not my President. He can’t be. He’s the guy who pushed me up against the wall. He’s every guy who pushes people up against the wall.
“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
Just like the unkillable fiddle-leaf fig, nothing’s gonna get you down! I don’t know if that comparison has already been made, but you ARE unkillable! I admire and respect you for being true to yourself. What’s the point of having a blog if you aren’t free to write what you want? Keep being awesome, lady!
The whole world watched this election like no other. I think the US lost a lot of respect amongst many nations. The heads of state were gracious, as they should be but wait with baited breathe to see what comes next. Uncertain times, my friend.
You are a class act for having an opinion and having the conviction to express it in the way you do. Loved your blog anyway, love it more now .
Yes yes yes yes yes thank you for having that voice and thank you for using it! Mourning with you.
I commend your resolve to stand up for your beliefs regardless of any potential backlash you may receive! I, too, was so deeply saddened and disturbed by the results of this election. For too long many of us have kept quiet so as not to cause conflict or potentially offend. I take solace in knowing that one positive outcome of this election is that so many strong women have found their voice and will not be silenced, now or moving forward. I, personally, have vowed to stand up for my core beliefs of tolerance, equality and humanity, no matter how uncomfortable and regardless of the cost. Keep doing you!
I am a long time reader and fan who LOVES you and your blog. My heart breaks for you and the pain and fear that I know you are trying to come to terms with. I know what you are feeling, because it was what I was feeling when thinking that H.C. would be the next president. With ALL respect to you, I felt forced to vote for Trump as the lesser of the two evils ( there were many voters that felt this way). the conversation that I want to see every one having is, WHAT IS WRONG WITH OUR COUNTRY THAT WE GOT HERE IN THE FIRST PLACE? There were far better people running for president during the primary on BOTH sides of the aisle, and yet in the end, the choice had to boil down to trump and clinton? I am depressed because I am worried for our country that it would hold up people like this to our children and the world as role models. Please know that I did NOT rejoice when trump won, I only felt sad that , in a country as great as ours , with as many great people in it( like you!) so many were forced to choose between two people that they did not trust. That said, it also worries me to see the attitude that whoever voted for trump did it for some dark, scary reason – Not true unless love for your country is a dark scary reason. This whole race has been so degrading to our country . While it’s important to keep an open mind about our president elect , let’s focus on what unites us – our love for America and all her people no matter WHAT they believe. I sincerely hope that this opens up a conversation about what got us here in the first place, and how to avoid it in the future. I say this not as a democrat or republican but as an american. Keep fighting but also keep an open mind to those you disagree with. Thank you Erin.
Go on with your bad self. Your courage to stand behind your beliefs gives me the courage to do the same. Thank you for that.
I also wanted to thank you for your post. I appreciate your honesty and agree with your words.
It is tough times but we have to push through. We must be the change we wish to see in the world :)
With love & hope, Heather [York, Maine]
Ahhhh….slowly but surely they DO mature and come around…there’s hope…franki
Erin, I can tell that our politics are not the same, but thank you for creating such a respectful space. Love what you do.
Dear Erin, I am not American and I do not live in the USA. I would like to thank you for your words and for your honest speaking. I agree with you and I think all of us are involved in these changes. I appreciate a lot people who declare their ideas. claudiag
Thank you Erin for your courage and honesty to speak out, its been a gutting election for me too. I am comforted to see so many other like-minded people here responding to your blog. I always remind myself that good conquers evil – every time! We must have Faith, swallow back the fear and push on. God bless you.
Clarissa
I wanted to thank you Erin. I don’t subscribe to many blogs anymore, but I really look forward to reading yours. You provide so much information and share your knowledge and amazing style so freely. I happily bought your book and look forward to the next one!
Although I live in Australia, I am an american by birth, and I was really saddened to read some of the comments that you received after ‘The Vote Post’. Good on you for saying what you think.
Please don’t stop doing what you’re doing! You have a great sense of humour and I love seeing the family shots as well. You have lots of support!
Yes! Keep using that voice! Bullies want us to be polite, apologetic and self-effacing. (Insert all the bad words.) That’s how they win.
I definitely needed some pretty to stop the tears, so thanks for putting one foot in front of the other.
I totally agree. Bullies do want to call us names when we don’t agree with them, espouse tolerance except when we have different views on government, religious liberty, and the security of our country. I don’t “hate” anyone but have been called vile names by the loser of this election. While I don’t like Trump as a person, I personally think what happened on Nov. 8th was long overdue and I look forward to a bright future for America.
Here, here!
Bravo
Perfect post, Erin! I’m amazed by your ability to say and post the right things, at the right time!
I am not an American but I have had the pleasure to live in the States temporarily during my studies and I am praying for this nation that has been most welcoming and inclusive as I could have ever asked for…
Thank you, Erin, for what you’ve said today here and on Instagram. As some others have mentioned, this is the first time I’ve cried over an election and questioned how to face the day. It’s always helpful to know we’re not alone, and I commend your honesty and bravery in this harsh internet world! xx
Thank you Erin! i was happily surprised that you spoke out and shared your feelings with us.
Please continue to use your platform to speak out!
Thank you for your inspiring words! I was in tears this morning when I heard the bad news but I am feeling better now after reading your blog and all of the supportive comments. Such a wonderful community of strong women!
Thank you for this. Both for the distraction and for the acknowledgment that it might be needed. Silence does not protect us and it doesn’t help us heal and you using your platform this way is powerful.
I read your opening paragraphs with tears in my eyes. Thank you for speaking out and fighting and not being afraid to use this space to do so. You have my full support. I now know that just voting is not enough for me. I must do more – for many others and especially for my babies. I want a better world for them.
I want to add to the chorus that your real and full voice is a significant reason of why I am such a devoted follower of yours. I love, love, love that you are confident enough to say, this is who I am, take it or leave it. You are a strong woman and it comes across in your writing so beautifully.
Thank you, Erin. Amen, sister.
As an artist, I feel compelled to comment on your concern that your blog may be “frivolous stuff” made “silly and wasteful” at a time like this. The ability to create beauty or to encourage others to appreciate it in the world is the glue that has held together the soul of man since time began. You have a gift, and you must never diminish its importance or its place in a world that seems determined to o often to show its ugly side. Rock on!!!
this is the first time I’ve cried over an election. So very sad… thank you for your post & instas! They are always my favorite & I love this community you’ve got goin’ on here. love always, SKM
I’m surprised and discomforted by the results as well. But it frustrates me that some people think the voters were motivated by racism. Trying to understand the vote I was casting about on the internet and saw this that someone had posted on Peggy Noonan’s blog ( WSJ editorial writer) that before the ACA her monthly healthcare insurance premiums were $500/mo, and after $1,900/mo. Who can afford an extra $1,400 per month for insurance, plus the high deductible? She is being driven bankrupt by the ACA, and this was the reason for her vote. I spoke to a doctor recently who said people are avoiding getting healthcare because they cannot afford for high deductibles!
Voters had their various reasons, and I’m sure a few fringly people have dark hearts, but I think its wrong to accuse some many people of hate. We’d all do better to really LISTEN and try to understand rather than accuse them of having nefarious motives.
I agree. I too voted for Trump and not due to a dark scheme. People’s reasons for voting are complicated and we should respect each other. I sympathethize with feelings of loss. It’s not fun to have a president who doesn’t share your political views. Most of us live half our lifetimes in those shoes. The most wonderful thing about America is we have the right to choose and choose again. Do not assume the worst of everyone who voted differently than you did. It’s what makes us a great nation
This is not REMOTELY about politics. https://johnpavlovitz.com/2016/11/09/heres-why-we-grieve-today/
I echo many others in thanking you for your post today and brilliant instagrams. It’s such a sad day that I’ll take comfort any place I can find it.
THANK YOU for speaking out – here and on instagram. I have to say, I was shocked at the number of nasty comments on one of your instagram posts – you can agree to disagree without stooping so low. BEYOND.
After the Orlando shooting, a blogger I followed signed off on her cheery blog post with a “Happy Monday!!! :):)” It was appalling.
I applaud your willingness to use your platform to discuss the realities we face as a nation, as a culture, as women. Your post today is beautifully articulated and much needed. Thank you.
I agree with you, Shelley! Erin’s post is courageous and beautifully articulated as always.
With respect to the blogger you mentioned, I do not know the details of his/hers circumstances but as a blogger myself I must confess it has happened to me on the same terrible day of the shooting. In my case, I have a blogging schedule and prepare my blog posts a couple of days before they are published (I know most bloggers do the same) and it took me a few days until I realized my sign off for that day was totally inappropriate. While this is not an excuse, I think these unfortunate and embarrassing moments happen in the life of many bloggers…
Erin, I had a difficult time sleeping last night and woke up very sad for the direction our country is headed. I didn’t cry but almost. So many people were duped by him. I believe the divide will be even greater because of Trump. One can always hope he will be impeached.
I am also sickened by the passing of Prop 57 in our state (CA) for many “non-violent criminals” to be granted early release/parole for “good behavior”. The list of crimes are not what one would think. Horrible violent crimes actually. My daughter is in law inforcement and said the only reason a lot of inmates are on good behavior is because they are medicated! It will be back to street drugs and alcohol for many when they get out.
Linda in San Diego
I just killed my fiddle leaf, too! Which fake do you like the best? I think I’m going to have to go that route😩
Love your blog and your post today!! Thank you for sharing your opinions.
so silly but I came to the blog last night just to see if you had posted anything bc I knew it would be comforting. Had to wait until this morning but here it is. you are such a good blog friend! ha
Long time follower, your blog is one of the few I still read. I admire you for speaking your mind, especially in this age of internet trolls.
I LOVED the earrings you had on in the IG picture with Andrew yesterday. I have even checked your Pinterest board to see if I could find them! Please help a girl out and share where you found them.
Thank you!
They are old and I have not a clue where I got them :( So sorry!!!
What they said, and more….
This morning, my 17 year old senior boy did his best to cheer me up. I am thankful that he has been mostly raised before this president elect was in the limelight- his values are not mine, ours or my son’s. Amidst a lot of kids at school spouting MAGA and pointing fingers, he knew better. Because of this, I still have the utmost hope for our country.
My 16 year old son said to me, “Mom, do you realize I am going to have Trump as my president until I am 20 years old.” One-fifth of his life and very formative years, as he seemed to recognize. He was very sad about this. He seemed to already be regretting the vulgarity and negativity that Trump champions and is likely to be the tone in our country for the next 4 years.
You are one of my favorite bloggers, I love your taste, your sass, your honesty and your beautiful family. Part of why I read is because we aren’t exactly the same. That would be boring.
I voted for Trump. I live in Marblehead and it is very polarized here, on my run today, I saw a lot of sad faces but some hopeful ones as well. Sometimes we forget that this isn’t a sprint, it is a marathon. We are all in this together and our differences make us better.
The dust will settle… Rent a movie, Have a glass of wine as soon as possible…and remember that life is good♡
Sara, this may sound silly but I find myself rereading comments from kind Trump supporters like you, in the hope that I can muster up some kind of optimism for our country in the midst of a lot of despair. Thank you for not gloating and for not criticizing HRC supporters. I think most of us feel crushed so your words are a bright spot in an otherwise depressing day.
I typed from my iPad, sorry for the typos:(
Thanks , Nancy…and if we are both here read Erin’s blog, we have more in common than not. I am not ignoring the feeling of loss out there. I am just saying we tend to divide and forget that we are in this together.
I lived in a town in NJ outside of NYC during 9/11. Our neighborhood was very split politically, and our town was full of people who commuted daily to the city.
We lost wo father’s that day. My own husband was a block from the explosion and had to hitchhike home covered in soot. Up until then there had been tension on my street. There was even a political sign stealing epidemic. That day changed the dynamic. Neighbors came out, we talked, cried, ate comfort food, played music, drank wine and had a sad reason to really get to know one another. …Still friends with everyone on that street even though we have since moved away. My point is that we saw the divine in each other, the temporary and fragile tate of things, not the politics. In the end, that was what mattered.
Such great words – thank you for sharing. And on a lighter note thanks too for blessing the occasional fake plant. I had real succulents in a bathroom and about a month into it found I also had dozens of small flying bugs. Yikes! While fake my new ones don’t have “pets”.
Thanks for the distraction! Separately, we all saw last night how much every vote counts. I hope you’ll continue to stand up for what you believe in and vote in future elections, too!
You are the epitome of class.
I have never commented on your blog, but I had to this time. Thank you for your words this morning. I needed them. My children needed them. All 3 of my kiddos cried this morning. In fact my 9 and 10 year old daughters asked to stay home because they were afraid what kids at school were going to say to them.(we are African Americans who live in an affluent/conservative suburb of Denver)
It’s nice to know others have similar feelings to mine.
I enjoy your blog!
D. Stephens, I came across this poem yesterday and unfortunately am not able to credit the author. I hope you may find some solace in it.
I’ve been told the future’s dark
with robots eating beating hearts
as people fold and fall away
and Earth’s immersed in dismal days.
And I’ve been told the future’s here
by folks who claim to lend an ear
with gods in private quiet talks
of plans to gather fighting flocks.
I’ve been told the future’s cheap
to buy and sell and sow and reap
to burn and grind and build and take
and never mind the mess you make.
But I believe the future’s bright
that you and I can be the light
and help to heal the hands we hold
and listen less to what we’re told.
Love, hugs and much peace to you and your family in Denver.
Your comment makes me so sad…I’m sitting here crying for the first time today. If anything, I’ve made a point to be extra kind to any African-Americans I encounter for the exact reasons you stated here. Trumps campaign was so full of hatred and racism if I can diffuse that in some way I’m happy to do it. A virtual hug to you and your family.
Linda in San Diego
Diane, You got it wrong. First I am a registered Republican, this is the 2nd time in my 40 years of voting that I didn’t vote within my party. Second, no one would be “royaly offended” because in no way was I being condescending towards anyone.
When are liberals going to quit lumping all african americans into the same group of victims. You are assuming all african americans voted for Clinton…that is just not true. Until we quit lumping people into groups we can never move forward. If I were african american I would be royally offended with your condescending “extra nice” behavior.
Thank you for this today! For some reason adding fake trees, leaves, succulents so fitting!
Thank you, Erin. As a young woman who is wholeheartedly heartbroken with today’s news, hearing the rationale and compassionate voice of a strong woman, on the platform she built herself, gives me a bit of hope. I do hope that after this phase of despair passes, this ‘event’ inspires more strong women to get involved in the political process. Our voices need to be heard. Thank you for speaking out.
Thank you for your instagram post and this blog post. I live in a very red state and had hopes that the rest of the country would choose love, reason, and respectfulness. That did not happen. This morning, I felt quite alone in my devastation and your posts comforted me. It helps to know that other people exist whose thoughts and ideals resemble mine. Thank you again.
I slept so horribly last night there’s this weight on me, I just want to cry. BUT I just listened to the President’s wise words, I’m going to try to take his words to heart. I’m scared of what the future holds, my husband and his family are Jewish, I am a Mexican American 3rd generation who loves this country dearly but I am afraid where he will take our country .
Thank you for your beautiful l words, your wise and gracious. Thank you for this post..
Thank you for NOT hiding. Your words are so appreciated.
I was in need of a distraction this morning and found your blog. It helps knowing that there are people like you Erin and those that have posted replies. We can only hope that our democratic system of checks and balances remains strong.
Thank you for clarifying that this is your website and that you, as a woman with a voice, are entitled to use that voice on this website. It’s unfortunate that it needed clarifying for some of your followers.
Thank you for these words
Thank you.
Once again I applaud your taking a stand. You have a platform and are using it to speak out about things you feel strongly about. That takes confidence and wisdom. Keep on keeping on.
I’ve never respected or loved you more as my favorite blogger :) Thank you for saying what’s on many of our minds. It’s a very sad day for many of us. I’m trying hard to understand how and why this happened and how to move forward in a positive way.
Thanks Erin for voicing your opinion. I don’t go to blogs for political opinions, but also can’t really stomach the blogs that are simply business as usual today. I am looking for support today. I truly fear the worst, but will try to hope for the best.
Love you, Erin! Please do keep speaking out. You did so respectfully, and even if I didn’t agree with you, I would support your right to speak out as you did. I think one good thing that may have come out of this election is that more and more women are speaking out about how we are treated, touched and spoken to by men. I don’t think those things are simply going to be accepted as part of “being a woman” any longer. That’s a big plus. Please continue to raise Henry to respect and admire his female friends as he would his male friends. And thank you for giving me something beautiful to look at today. It’s a great reminder that the world is not coming to an end, and we can still put one foot forward at a time in kindess and love (and beauty!).
A dark day.
Fakes in any aspect of life aren’t ideal but sometimes the environment isn’t amenable to the real thing. I have a spot with a lack of light and would like to liven it with something green; I will try a silk version.
I’m still in a state of shock and went straight to your blog to distract me from what is wrong in today’s world. I love your words and that you are never afraid of being you. Henry is so lucky to have a strong woman as a mother.
Thanks for posting this. This is part why I love reading your blog and following you: your whole presence, plant-clorox and all!
Thank you, Erin, for your words…
You rock! I had a feeling you might say something bc that is how your blogs are! I needed to read something like this and happy to see that there are like-minded commentors both about the election and fake plants :)
So glad you don’t apologise for speaking out or for having any kind of opinion. Your blogging style is exactly why I follow here. Pretty things, yes we have the same taste and I love reading the ideas, but the ‘life stuff’ that we all deal with and should’nt have to hide is what keeps me reading. Keep on keeping it real and being you. Today is impossibly tough and we are fearful. Today is also the day for those of us who behave differently to ensure that we continue to do so.
Though I don’t know you, I love you Erin! Sharing in your sadness. Thank you for being here today.
Thank you Erin. I am using my favorite blogs to distract me from the fact that this no longer feels like my country. Truly a sad day when we elect a president that embodies everything we hope our children will not emulate. Thanks for speaking out.
Your words, “when we elect a president that embodies everything we hope our children will not emulate” are just perfect. It’s so sad half of the country does not understand that.
If I could just thumbs-up this, I would!
I feel like Jeanne said, I also woke up and felt like this was no longer my country. I know this was a fluke. A TV reality star that knows how to use the negative media that shocks and yet appeals to the masses, and has no experience in how to run a government, much less foreign policy, actually became the President elect of the United States last night. This is the power of TV and social media where facts are not important, only how loud, shocking and extroverted you can be, is important. Trump knew this. The press says he won because we all want change…well, what change? We have it pretty good in the USA. Careful what you wish for. I too can only hope that this “experiment” works out for the best and has some kind of silver lining.
Thanks Erin for having the courage to open your blog to real issues too. And to keep showing us the beautiful things you do.
Some things are ok to fake, like fig trees, and other things, like feelings, aren’t. Thanks for being authentic and not hiding from what’s going on, afraid to offend anyone. I appreciate your candor. Keep it up!
Well said!
Brilliant tie in for her post.
Erin, you are a part of what is right for this world. Before we can expect enlightened men to stand behind and support us; we have to call on each other to make sure women are supporting each other, encouraging each other, and making it easier for other women to stand tall against oppression. You are a strong, smart woman who is creating your own path, and creating a way for other women to rise behind you. We need women employers, women cheerleading each other, even if they disagree with each other. Why do we tacitly accept sexual assault and violence against women? Why do we stay quiet as our attackers move on? This is a wake up, why are there no happy endings in feminist literature or art? Because we haven’t seen one in real life. Yet.
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Thanks for your remarks this morning…it is a disappointing and very sad day. We can only hope that the new President can succeed at helping our country…there are obviously many people who are terribly unhappy and ready for change. He was not my choice, but the people have spoken and the process must be allowed to go forward. However unappealing that is. The other thing we can do is be persistent in stopping racism when we see it, helping others, ralllying for causes we believe in and not giving in to the catch phrases and negativity. Life will go on….
1. I love that you use your platform instead of hiding to keep people happy. It makes me proud to follow you- silly, I know. It is super hard to be a woman today- I wanted to be able to tell me daughter this morning that history was made and that she could be president someday, but I don’t get to.
2. On a shallow note, I also appreciate your allowance to use fake plants- since having the babe I find watering them happens… NEVER and I hate to keep killing them. Fake greenery here I come!
xo, Brittany
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