Pick-Me-Ups: A Puzzle, Poem & Playlist

Post-election distractions for your weekend

For the most part, I try to give you something positive to read here each week, whether it’s an inspiring interview, local news story, business roundup, or a personal essay. I intentionally don’t link to articles about violence or theft or corruption — of course I think these are essential pieces of news, but I know you see them from other sources. I want Park Slope Times to be part of the Good News Movement, but it’s hard to know what to write about this week, especially when 92% or more of Park Slope residents voted democratic in 30 of the 35 election districts in the neighborhood (and 85%-92% of the other five election districts voted democratic). Collectively, our week sucked.

While I’m thinking about how to move forward, I’m also seeking out pick-me-ups and distractions. If you also need them, here’s a poem, a puzzle, and a playlist for your weekend. I hope you enjoy them.

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To assemble this poem, writer and nonprofit executive Rebecca Faulkner used nearly 500 responses from the Reasons to be Cheerful community to the question: “No matter who wins, __________.”