Apart from contemplation, regular church going can connect you to your community in a very direct way (says this unrepentant atheist). This building of social connections is very important to health and well-being, not to mention longevity. Unfortunately, much as social media and technology have led to a splintering of connections and a warren of rabbit holes to fall down, the proliferation of religious groups has done the same for community worship. Back in the day, there might be the big three: C of E, Catholic or Methodist. Now there seem to be dozens competing for attention: it's all sects and rugs and sausage rolls...
Relatively new to substack (is 5 months new?) and yes it makes the world seem bigger and smaller - and so glad I found I Ate Auckland -which is often not really about food (or god) at all but always about something interesting - especially today when I followed a link to Kelly Gibney's Black bean and fried egg masterpiece. It was so good I wanted to make it twice in one day!!
That aside, unlike you, there are so many people I would never want to share a beer or an empanada with I don't care whose parent or partner they might be except to hope that entitlement is not hereditary or contagious. I had a quick look at one in particular and I don't think I will grow out of those feelings - or see any grace in them that I might aspire to.
Such an amazing thought - an excellent concept - especially at Easter.
You could hardly get an air fryer the winter two years ago in the UK, energy prices went up so much after the war started that it was the only way we could afford to cook. I really love mine. Funnily enough, a friend and I were talking about Jamie's first book and how good it was yesterday morning, but it seemed impossible that it was published 25 years ago. We also thought we drove past him on the sea front yesterday, near his aunt and uncle's café. It was just another Essex man though lol. Definitely good to sit and talk with people you think you don't agree with, face-to-face preferably.
I believe you are wrong in saying that the left and right get the same amount of hate. Women get attacked and threatened far more than men. There are far more women in the left, so more hate to the left. It has been reported death threats and rape threats have gone down significantly since we got a right wing government
Another fantastic post, Jesse, which resonated so much I could write a book of comments. Thank you for your authenticity and your softly-stated self-disclosures.
I’m totally with you on reaching out to people who hold different views – with the proviso there’s a world of difference between genuinely wanting to hear, understand, and even learn from them, and wanting to persuade them to a different viewpoint.
Lovely air fryer note to finish on! (Jamie’s short pastry recipe was a revelation to me that transformed the process from a struggle to fun. :-))
This is lovely, Jesse. Thank you for taking time to write it.
Thank you Chris!
Another lovely newsletter, thank you. I always read yours - regardless of the headline or hook.
Apart from contemplation, regular church going can connect you to your community in a very direct way (says this unrepentant atheist). This building of social connections is very important to health and well-being, not to mention longevity. Unfortunately, much as social media and technology have led to a splintering of connections and a warren of rabbit holes to fall down, the proliferation of religious groups has done the same for community worship. Back in the day, there might be the big three: C of E, Catholic or Methodist. Now there seem to be dozens competing for attention: it's all sects and rugs and sausage rolls...
I'll get my coat.
Great post.
Relatively new to substack (is 5 months new?) and yes it makes the world seem bigger and smaller - and so glad I found I Ate Auckland -which is often not really about food (or god) at all but always about something interesting - especially today when I followed a link to Kelly Gibney's Black bean and fried egg masterpiece. It was so good I wanted to make it twice in one day!!
That aside, unlike you, there are so many people I would never want to share a beer or an empanada with I don't care whose parent or partner they might be except to hope that entitlement is not hereditary or contagious. I had a quick look at one in particular and I don't think I will grow out of those feelings - or see any grace in them that I might aspire to.
Such an amazing thought - an excellent concept - especially at Easter.
And such a good post for anytime.
You could hardly get an air fryer the winter two years ago in the UK, energy prices went up so much after the war started that it was the only way we could afford to cook. I really love mine. Funnily enough, a friend and I were talking about Jamie's first book and how good it was yesterday morning, but it seemed impossible that it was published 25 years ago. We also thought we drove past him on the sea front yesterday, near his aunt and uncle's café. It was just another Essex man though lol. Definitely good to sit and talk with people you think you don't agree with, face-to-face preferably.
Lots of head nodding and “oh yes, exactly” happening here.
A nourishing read.
This means a lot from a green grocer's daughter!
This one made breaky more enjoyable this morning💕
Superb way with words, Jesse... " ..or even a regular coffee with somebody to whose grace you aspire." That's a keeper!... (as you are).
I believe you are wrong in saying that the left and right get the same amount of hate. Women get attacked and threatened far more than men. There are far more women in the left, so more hate to the left. It has been reported death threats and rape threats have gone down significantly since we got a right wing government
Clever thinking Elaine!
Another fantastic post, Jesse, which resonated so much I could write a book of comments. Thank you for your authenticity and your softly-stated self-disclosures.
I’m totally with you on reaching out to people who hold different views – with the proviso there’s a world of difference between genuinely wanting to hear, understand, and even learn from them, and wanting to persuade them to a different viewpoint.
Lovely air fryer note to finish on! (Jamie’s short pastry recipe was a revelation to me that transformed the process from a struggle to fun. :-))
Any suggestions on buying an air fryer for sml household of 2? Types, features, brands, a favourite, what to avoid?