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This post was beautifully articulated, comforting, and brave. I’m new to your work and now an instant huge fan. Thank you so much for this.

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thanks rachel! xo

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"the antidote to anxiety is action" --> Uncross those fingers & get dialing or knocking! If you're hesitant, just know that these are mostly easy conversations at this point. We're helping voters make a plan to get to the polls. Come to a swing state (lots of busses going!) or join a phone bank. https://go.kamalaharris.com/resources/battlegroundstateshelp/

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yes thank you lisa!!!

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At this point, I'm sort of treating it all like the early days of the pandemic: burying my head in the sand and just waiting for someone to fill me in on the news. I'm going to try and spend Tuesday keeping myself busy and not constantly checking the news, hoping for the best AND a fairly quick outcome. I've seen a few political insiders on TikTok who are predicting a Harris win (and a few even saying it'll be a "decisive" victory) and that's giving me hope. I sure hope that by this time next week we'll be celebrating our first woman president!

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this is nice to hear!

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You always "nail it," Julia! Thank you! Oh, also...I, too, have taken the architecture/river trip in Chicago. Awesome! ❤️

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thanks Pam <3

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founding

Yes to all of this. <3 You really captured the spectrum of feelings right now. It always helps to cuddle with my dogs who don't know what's going on but are excited by all the attention. Maybe a little annoyed.

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YESSSS to the dog cuddles - always a good idea

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Thank you, as always, Julia, for your camaraderie and inspiration. I have vowed to take care of myself and loved ones by investing time in preparing nurturing meals, particularly this week and next. And specifically for myself, I am getting outside and walking as much as possible. The anxious energy gets expended (somewhat) and I am reminded that nature is my friend.

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i'm with you - i've never regretted a walk

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I own a small gift shop and this weekend kicks off the holiday shopping season so that requires so much of my focus. I carry a small selection of election themed stickers (childless cat lady, voting prevents unwanted presidencies, I understand the assignment, pro roe, etc) and I breathe a little sigh of relief every time someone purchases one. That said, I feel like I’m all twisted up between the anticipation of holiday success for my shop and a strong desire to stay under the covers and force the cats to snuggle with me until next Wednesday morning.

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I understand! sending lots of holiday retail stamina your way!

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Thank you!

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Julia, very big yes to all you wrote. Thank you, thank you!! I've only had my copy of WGWW for a few days but already it's become a source of warmth, expansiveness, and deep goodness (as this newsletter is, as all your work is!). I'm reluctant to put the book on the shelf with my other cookbooks and I've literally been carrying it around the house (it sits on the kitchen table during the day and by the bed at night!). It feels like a friend, and I love having it near. Your work is SO much about care and I feel grateful for it, for you.

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oh this is so kind - thank you kasey! so much xo

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Like Lisa, I’ve been doing as much as I can. My spouse and I mailed 500 postcards, and now we’re making calls. I alternate between feeling cautiously optimistic and terrified. I also wear Harris/Walz gear every day.

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THANK YOU!!

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Thank you for this message, Julia. It's beautiful. I'm on the keeping busy train with you, working on my book, getting my Minnie Mouse costume ready for Halloween and moving a lot because if I sit down, I worry. Thank you again for your hopeful words. xoxoxoBarbara

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thanks barbara xooxoxox

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Thank you for the encouraging message and I feel just like you! I’ve been very anxious about this and I go between almost panic to remembering that this is out of my control. I voted early here in AZ by Dropbox and will try to get outside more often and watch less news. Go Harris/Walz!!

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thanks for voting early!!

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I wear my Kamala cap while walking the pup in the morning. We live in the most conservative county in AZ. I have thus far had seven people stop to chat and remark positively. It's been a wonderful experience.

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oh that's nice to hear!

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Wow, that’s great news for me here in AZ. We live in one of the most conservative areas in the east valley with Trump signs in quite a few yards. I’ve been hesitant to put myself out there with a cap or sign for Harris 😬 Good for you!

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I'll admit that I was nervous at first! One lady even said "you have guts!" We put up a sign a couple of days ago. It's still there. Our first try, someone took the sign out of the sleeve and laid it on the ground. So I put it in the back yard for safe keeping and visibility.

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Absolutely yes to all of this! I was supposed to attend your event at Book Larder in Seattle last week, and I'm still bummed that I missed it....but your posts (and the new book!) give me hope and motivation. Thanks for that, and all of the brave things you do. ❤

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sorry to have missed you! thanks for these kind words xo

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Hi Julia, Yes, so anxious. For what it is worth, I understand completely. Holding hands in spirit, May good prevail. Love your writing and recipes.

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Thank you Ann 🩷

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Hi Julia - yes - very much on edge - but a saying l like - “ Hope is born out of participation “ is in action in my life - getting out and helping with our local vote - l am back to lifting weights at my Y thanks to your inspired posts - and cooking - l have been cooking extra for friends, neighbors and our 2 girls and dog walks in the woods - those are the best - thanks for all you do - ❤️🌸❤️Greg and Allan

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🩷🩷🩷

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So much anxiety, and little glimmers of hope so intense it takes my breath away. Two 💙 votes from WA, and wishing I lived in a swing state so it could have a bigger impact!!

I’m taking long hot showers, cuddling my kiddos and making comforting food.

And last night I had my dog on my lap while I flipped thru your new cookbook. It’s glorious! 😍

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