the upside down

​It's been about a year now since the women's march. Since women around the world were shaken by a storm we didn't anticipate, and the ground fell from under our feet. 

I still don't have too many words about the day when those votes were counted. I do remember the morning after the announcement. I walked into work and sat at my desk; weighted down by the heavy sadness that loomed over us all. Everyone piled into the little conference room when our boss called for us, and we sat in silence for a minute. You can imagine the awkward stares; the half smiles trying to convince one another that this will all be okay.

But this is not ok.

Reality hadn't quite set in until my boss began to speak. There was sadness and cracking hope in his voice. There were silent tears and red faces among all of us while we were encourage to take time to process what had happened, as well as be with our loved ones. That we will continue to celebrate each other and treat one another with kindness.

There was a silent understanding that we all felt the same. Not many more words had to be said. 

Then there was the women's march.

Again, not many words are appropriate aside from power. So much power. 

I was not in Washington D.C. but I didn't have to be; power was everywhere.

I've never felt so connected with both the women in my community, and beyond. There's this communal passion, anger, and desire to defend ourselves and one another. I don't think I have to explain to you where that comes from. 

There are pictures of donuts here because I made them for a women's creative group I'm so happy I'm apart of. It's one of the few places I've felt not only comfortable in my own skin, but proud and empowered to be a woman. Women supporting women is not just a cheesy Pinterest quote. When implemented, it's a strong action by way of love.

​This group asked me if I could make these donuts for their "Stranger Things" website launch party. These photos have been sitting in my draft folder for a while because I've been debating on what to write about them.

I've found that people relate the "Upside Down" in the show to the horror we are living today. So it's fitting that this date, and these photos collide on my screen today. It's been a year since the march. It's been a year since the world stood still and we all had trouble catching our breath.

But today, we inhale. 

Exhale.

We will get back to the "Right Side Up". 

---

Photo's courtesy of Stef Streb.