Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

Sometimes, life really is just as simple as good communication—a reminder I’ve gotten recently. See, we’ve had a tree company over for five nonconsecutive days, taking down the large oak in our front yard. I’d marked the perfect slab for a table, and they’d moved it to the other side of our house so it wouldn’t be taken away. You can guess where this is going.

They hauled it off with the second load. I know it’s silly, but I initially wanted to cry. Instead, I wrote a note, stuck it to a log, and asked for another slab. It gave the crew a good belly laugh—which helped me, too—and they gladly cut another one.

As for the person below writing to Grace about sticking up for someone, I’d encourage a gentle reminder that clear communication is key—and I’m so glad you’re here.

Dear Grace,

Everyone is talking about my sister-in-law because she has started going to protests ever since No Kings. People are saying she is a bad mom and putting her kids in danger, but I don’t agree. I think she is being brave and strong by standing for what she believes in. I don’t want to go myself (I don’t have the time), but I want to stick up for her when others badmouth her.

What should I say when I hear people speaking about how she’s being too risky?

— Wanting to Speak Up, Michigan

Dear Wanting to Speak Up,

Wow, hearing someone you love and admire being called a “bad mom” behind her back is a horrible feeling! As moms, we are already so hard on ourselves, even as we pour everything we have into caring for our kids. When someone throws that insecurity back at us, it stings and can make us doubt ourselves. Shaming your friend for her choices as a mom is downright unkind. I understand why you want to speak up for her.

People have this idea that protests are unsafe, because we usually only hear about the ones that have enough drama to make the nightly news. We’ve all seen the heartbreaking footage of demonstrators and bystanders being harassed and hurt by ICE in the past few months, but the reality is that hundreds of peaceful protests are happening all over the country all of the time, and most of them are extremely safe and feel like…a block party with a purpose. 

I’m not hitting the pavement every weekend, but I’ve been to my fair share of marches, and I’m always inspired by the people I meet and the way it feels to all come together around something we care about. The most common risks of taking to the streets are sore feet and dehydration, so if you do plan to join your SIL, make sure you wear good shoes and bring a water bottle.

Let’s talk about how you can stand up for your sister-in-law while she exercises her constitutional rights…

I know I’ve written a lot about the Walk for Peace recently, but… how often does this happen? (While meant as a rhetorical question, I’ll go ahead and answer anyway: Not often—or at least, not around here.)

It’s been really cool to follow their journey from Texas through Virginia, which is set to wrap up in Washington, DC, this week. I’ve gotten a little more information on the route they plan to take across the Potomac River on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 7 a.m.:

• Depart Marymount University (No public event scheduled)
• Right onto North Glebe Road
• Right onto Chain Bridge Road
• Exit Arlington County

Have you seen the monks along their route—or do you plan to see them before they depart DC on Feb. 12? If so, I’d love to hear about your experience and see your pictures. Email me to get in on the conversation.

Here’s a quick roundup of neat things to do over the next few days. Have an event you’d like to see featured? Send it my way! 💌

Beading with My Besties: A Galentine’s Crafting Event (Richmond)

Thursday, Feb. 12 at 5 p.m.

What screams Galentine’s Day more than making jewelry? We’ll wait. And while we’re doing that, you can book your spot at Beading with My Besties: A Galentine’s Crafting Event in Richmond. Emma Neuhaus, owner of Heart & Craft, will lead the custom necklace workshop.

Xs & Os—Be Our Valentine! (Danville)

Saturday, Feb. 14 at 12 p.m.

Are you looking for love? 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co. in Danville is hosting an afternoon mixer full of love and community, complete with music and entertainment. Event organizer Collidescope-VA says you can bring a date—or maybe even meet one there!

Valentine’s Day Contra Dance (Floyd)

Saturday, Feb. 14 at 7 p.m.

Put on your dancing shoes—partners welcome, but not required. The Valentine’s Day Contra Dance in Floyd is sure to sweep you off your feet. The Rhythmajigs will provide live music for the evening, with a brief dance lesson taking place before the floor opens for footwork.

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