Love in the Wild

Before the TikTok ban I had a saved collection of videos depicting loving moments entitled “Love in the Wild”. I intended to share these but an election, inauguration, and an ice storm in my town put it on hold. I’d like to get back to it. A couple’s pole dance shows the art of balance and collaboration, with trust, strength, and intimacy—and they’re barefoot in the snow. (@cediyaelarts) This week I saw people in Florida laughing and squealing in the middle of a downtown city street having a snowball fight. (@savedbyduhbelle) Pamela Hemphill, a 71-year-old capital rioter, declined a presidential pardon saying, “It’s an insult to Capitol Police, to the rule of law and to the nation. If I accept a pardon, I’m continuing their propaganda, their gaslighting, and all their falsehoods they’re putting out there about January 6th.” (@couriernewsroom) A woman was struggling with depression and her husband set up an elaborate cozy bed on the couch, with snacks and blankets and pillows so she wouldn’t have to suffer alone in her room. (@nikadiwa) Another woman cries happy tears listening to her partner brag about her video views “after a lifetime of settling for people who hated to see you shine”. (@fallinginsociety) The Dream Center in CA was wide open to volunteers and donations to help people in the Pasadena fires when others were turning away volunteers. (@the.free.press) If you see something that sparks love in you (joy, inspiration, creativity, community, etc), send me a link, a photo, or a story. It can be something online or offline, anything that you think would inspire others. More than anything right now, Americans need hope. [email protected] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit natlajune.substack.com/subscribe