Rumble
Nothing Will Change If You Don't Change
Dear everyone thinking they still have a day of crumbiness to happen to them before 2021 rings in a miraculous year of amazingness?
Let's Rumble - Ask Us Anything
Part of our goal here at Rumble is to start and continue conversations among women. We want to know what’s important to you, what’s weighing heavy on your mind? What problems can we help each other solve? What questions can we help you answer?
So this is where you can ask us anything and you’ll get answers from several different members of our staff, which is surely to bring different perspectives. To submit your questions to us, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
My husband and I chose to stay at home this Christmas instead of traveling to another state to gather with our families. It was a difficult decision because we don’t get to see them enough anyway, but we knew it was the right decision as we are both still working and don’t want to risk transmitting the virus unknowingly to our families, especially those who have chronic and serious underlying conditions. This decision was made more difficult by relatives who don’t understand and have laid heavy guilt trips on us, claiming we don’t love them. We are so hurt by their comments. How do we make them understand? How do we repair these hurt feelings on both sides now?
Susanna Shetley: It’s been said that COVID-19 takes advantage of our humanity. As human beings, it’s a natural desire to be with those we love, especially over the holidays. Many super spreader events have been the result of weddings, funerals, birthday parties and other family gatherings. It’s during these times when the virus rears its ugly head and takes hold. I say all of that to make you feel better because you did the right thing, in terms of what was safest. Maybe it wasn’t the right thing in terms of everyone’s feelings, but it was still the wisest choice. Also, it’s looking hopeful that herd immunity will combat COVID-19, just as it has other powerful viruses. History has shown us we can overcome a pandemic. In the grand scheme of things, one year isn’t that long of a time, especially if it means saving someone’s life. I’m sorry your family doesn’t understand, but if they truly love you, they will move past this and when life feels safer, we can go back to more intimate holiday experiences.
Amanda Singletary: For starters, you made the right call in steering clear of family gatherings during the Holidays. We continue to see rising cases in our area and across the country due, in large part, to families joining together to celebrate. There’s a natural tendency to let our guards down around those we love, but love can come at a potentially high cost during a global pandemic. I don’t want to kill grandma, do you? To make matters worse, it’s been difficult for many of us to get our family members all on the same page in handling how to celebrate safely. Lots of bridges have been burned and feelings have been hurt along the way. I know I’ve hurt some feelings myself. Rest assured this is not just a “you” thing.
Scrolling through my Facebook during the days following Christmas, I saw an assortment of photos documenting holiday gatherings – some appeared much safer than others. We’ll have to see what comes of them. I hope they all stay well, but admittedly many were doing things I would never do at this point in the pandemic. At the end of the day, the safest choice, whether for a holiday or any other time, is to gather in person only with the people you live with. Even with masks being worn, folks have a tendency to forget the distance portion of the equation. Masks are great, but they aren’t perfect, especially when gathering indoors. There needs to be distance and ventilation as well.
In the case of disgruntled family, the best thing to do is to acknowledge their reaction is one of hurt. As the saying goes, hurt people hurt people. That nasty message came from someone hurting. However, it’s not up to you to fix that hurt by risking your own safety or theirs. Instead, let them know you hear them and you understand they are upset and that you love them. You love them so much that you want to ensure you’re able to gather with them again when it’s safe. It’s going to be difficult for them to remain defensive and angry if you approach from a place of love and stay in that place during the conversation. Step away if you find yourself getting heated. Return when you are calm. Most importantly, keep doing what you’re doing because you’re helping to keep yourself as well as others safe.
Jessi Stone: You are not alone in this — so many families are dealing with this same problem. It’s disappointing when others, especially family members, can’t respect and honor personal boundaries and understand personal choices. Everyone has different comfort levels during this pandemic, and we should respect that. I don’t require my sister to wear a mask in my house, but I respect the fact that she wants me to wear one in her house. Unfortunately, people also have different coping mechanisms to deal with pain, disappointment and anger — often that mechanism is to lash out and place blame onto others. It’s important to keep that in mind as you process your feelings around it, so you don’t in turn lash out in return. Remind yourself that their behavior says way more about them then it does about you. I think it’s also important to remember you don’t have control over other people’s emotions or behavior, but you do have a right to express your thoughts to them in hopes of mending the hurt feeling so you can all look forward to seeing each other next year.
Make sustainable diet changes in 2021
It’s that time of year! We’ve gorged ourselves on turkey, ham, stuffing, casseroles, cakes, pies, cookies, and eggnog — now we’re ready to commit or recommit ourselves to our health with a new diet and exercise routine. It’s easy to start out strong Jan. 1, but many of us aren’t choosing a diet plan that is sustainable and we lose motivation to continue by mid-February. Rumble reached out the Ingles Dietitian Leah McGrath to give us some tips for healthy eating habits that can last all year long.
Kids in the Kitchen
Every year I have high hopes to be in the kitchen more over the holidays, baking and making savory treats. I especially want my kids to remember being in the kitchen with me when they are older and look back on their childhood Christmases. Though I didn’t bake sweet stuff as much as I wanted, I achieved my goal in the way of savory dishes.
Wild Market Offers Wellness Advice
Kathy Hardin, health food expert, former teacher and owner of Wild Market in Maggie Valley, sat down with Rumble to offer wellness advice as we enter the final weeks of a tumultuous year.
New Art 'Blooms' At Asheville Gallery
“Blooms” marks Asheville Gallery of Art’s second new member show of the new year and celebrates the early signs of spring through the beauty of nature, new life, and of course, florals. Viewers can expect to see a variety of work from this month’s featured artists: Kate Coleman, Cynthia Llanes, Jacqueline Oliver, and Claire Simpson-Jones. From figurative work to still life’s, every piece connects with the “Blooms” theme and brings a preview of what’s to come.
Check Your Vanity At the Door - Or On Zoom
Holidays going on, pandemic still going on, virtual shopping going on x 1000, and my face going on everywhere! I wish there was an off button for my face!
The Art of Survival - Spartanburg Exhibits Works Created During Pandemic
Artists Collective | Spartanburg will host The Art of Survival, an art exhibition on tap for Jan. 5-Feb. 27, 2021, that will explore how regional artists have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and expressed its influence creatively.
Pomegranate, Apple & Mint Salad
During the holiday season we seek out certain types of food. Those that are based in tradition, or that we only have on special occasions. Roasted meat, rich sauces, fancy sides, an array of food in one meal. This Pomegranate Apple and Mint Salad is a decadent addition to any holiday meal. Combining just these few ingredients will leave you with a unique, sweet and tangy salad that will bring another dimension to a holiday feast. Serve it on its own, or atop a leafy green salad.
Ingredients:
1 Pomegranate
1 Granny smith apple
1 Bunch of fresh mint
1 tsp. Cinnamon
1 Tbsp. Honey
1 Tbsp. Lemon juice
½ Tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar
Directions
- Seed the entire pomegranate into a bowl.
- Chop apple into small pieces and add to the bowl
- Mince mint and add to the bowl
- Add cinnamon, honey, lemon juice and balsamic vinegar to the bowl and stir
- Serve as a side and enjoy!