Amanda W
@amwesselmann.bsky.social
Interested in books, history, neurodiversity, cooking, art, and democracy
This fall I made Rosehip syrup, racahout from acorns, and harvested echinacea and chicory root for tea. Apparently my #foraging skill has reached level beverage. 😂😂😂
#GrowYourFood #gardening #nature #TinyJoys
#GrowYourFood #gardening #nature #TinyJoys
January 5, 2026 at 11:39 PM
This fall I made Rosehip syrup, racahout from acorns, and harvested echinacea and chicory root for tea. Apparently my #foraging skill has reached level beverage. 😂😂😂
#GrowYourFood #gardening #nature #TinyJoys
#GrowYourFood #gardening #nature #TinyJoys
Reposted by Amanda W
A THREAD, which I am calling 'Some Of The Many Reasons Lichen And Moss Are Fucking Brilliant'.
1. They make public seating super comfy.
bsky.app/profile/dj-a...
1. They make public seating super comfy.
bsky.app/profile/dj-a...
There are over 18,000 types of lichen in existence. My personal favourite is ‘village bench lichen’, which devotes its entire existence selflessly to gradually making communal public seating more furry and comfortable.
January 4, 2026 at 8:44 PM
A THREAD, which I am calling 'Some Of The Many Reasons Lichen And Moss Are Fucking Brilliant'.
1. They make public seating super comfy.
bsky.app/profile/dj-a...
1. They make public seating super comfy.
bsky.app/profile/dj-a...
Reposted by Amanda W
Rep. Seth Moulton comes on CNN and starts by saying: "Is anyone going to just stop for a second and be honest? This is insane. What the hell are we doing? We've got a lot of problems in America today, and invading / occupying / running Venezuela does not solve any of them."
January 3, 2026 at 6:46 PM
Rep. Seth Moulton comes on CNN and starts by saying: "Is anyone going to just stop for a second and be honest? This is insane. What the hell are we doing? We've got a lot of problems in America today, and invading / occupying / running Venezuela does not solve any of them."
Reposted by Amanda W
Members of Congress: stop posting online and APPEAR, PHYSICALLY on the steps of the Capitol to decry this unconstitutional violation of domestic & international law. SHOW THE PEOPLE the level of danger we are facing as a country.
@housedemocrats.bsky.social
@senatedemocrats.bsky.social
@housedemocrats.bsky.social
@senatedemocrats.bsky.social
January 3, 2026 at 5:17 PM
Members of Congress: stop posting online and APPEAR, PHYSICALLY on the steps of the Capitol to decry this unconstitutional violation of domestic & international law. SHOW THE PEOPLE the level of danger we are facing as a country.
@housedemocrats.bsky.social
@senatedemocrats.bsky.social
@housedemocrats.bsky.social
@senatedemocrats.bsky.social
Reposted by Amanda W
A reminder to the liberals who hollered “the military won’t follow illegal orders!”
Girl.
They just did.
Girl.
They just did.
January 3, 2026 at 10:58 PM
A reminder to the liberals who hollered “the military won’t follow illegal orders!”
Girl.
They just did.
Girl.
They just did.
Reposted by Amanda W
I'm boosting myself to say this:
You're going to see people On Here tell you calling electeds doesn't matter. That's not true.
Some are bots. Some are people who like being contrary to be edgy.
But calling moves the needle, especially against a blatantly illegal act by Trump and Co. ACT.
You're going to see people On Here tell you calling electeds doesn't matter. That's not true.
Some are bots. Some are people who like being contrary to be edgy.
But calling moves the needle, especially against a blatantly illegal act by Trump and Co. ACT.
Candid answer - as someone who handled constituent affairs calls for years - while they’re not checking the phone right now, the urgency of the moment is important.
Show them you care enough to make the weekend call, and be counted that way. Staffers will clock and report this upstream.
Show them you care enough to make the weekend call, and be counted that way. Staffers will clock and report this upstream.
Is there actually a benefit to leaving a VM now vs getting a staffer on Monday? Can do both but just curious
January 3, 2026 at 10:48 PM
I'm boosting myself to say this:
You're going to see people On Here tell you calling electeds doesn't matter. That's not true.
Some are bots. Some are people who like being contrary to be edgy.
But calling moves the needle, especially against a blatantly illegal act by Trump and Co. ACT.
You're going to see people On Here tell you calling electeds doesn't matter. That's not true.
Some are bots. Some are people who like being contrary to be edgy.
But calling moves the needle, especially against a blatantly illegal act by Trump and Co. ACT.
Reposted by Amanda W
We're all pretty upset right now, so maybe take a minute and breathe before deciding to punch down on folks calling for empathy & community.
Asking for alt text, for example, is not "woke scolding." We need each other, and we need to be our best selves to meet this moment.
Scorn isn't strength.
Asking for alt text, for example, is not "woke scolding." We need each other, and we need to be our best selves to meet this moment.
Scorn isn't strength.
January 3, 2026 at 11:00 PM
We're all pretty upset right now, so maybe take a minute and breathe before deciding to punch down on folks calling for empathy & community.
Asking for alt text, for example, is not "woke scolding." We need each other, and we need to be our best selves to meet this moment.
Scorn isn't strength.
Asking for alt text, for example, is not "woke scolding." We need each other, and we need to be our best selves to meet this moment.
Scorn isn't strength.
Reposted by Amanda W
“It’s like modern-day slavery.”
Former models for Donald Trump’s agency say they violated immigration rules and worked illegally.
Former models for Donald Trump’s agency say they violated immigration rules and worked illegally.
Former models for Donald Trump's agency say they violated immigration rules and worked illegally
"It's like modern-day slavery."
www.motherjones.com
January 3, 2026 at 9:00 PM
“It’s like modern-day slavery.”
Former models for Donald Trump’s agency say they violated immigration rules and worked illegally.
Former models for Donald Trump’s agency say they violated immigration rules and worked illegally.
Reposted by Amanda W
Among the many reasons you don’t kidnap a foreign head of state at gunpoint even if you have the capability, is that it sparks consequences you can neither control nor anticipate.
January 3, 2026 at 10:27 AM
Among the many reasons you don’t kidnap a foreign head of state at gunpoint even if you have the capability, is that it sparks consequences you can neither control nor anticipate.
Reposted by Amanda W
three names u should know:
1. John Hope Franklin - historian, teacher, & best known for his work "From Slavery to Freedom."
John Hope Franklin was also the son of attorney Buck Colbert Franklin who defended the survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre.
John Hope Franklin was born 111 years ago today
1. John Hope Franklin - historian, teacher, & best known for his work "From Slavery to Freedom."
John Hope Franklin was also the son of attorney Buck Colbert Franklin who defended the survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre.
John Hope Franklin was born 111 years ago today
January 2, 2026 at 10:41 PM
three names u should know:
1. John Hope Franklin - historian, teacher, & best known for his work "From Slavery to Freedom."
John Hope Franklin was also the son of attorney Buck Colbert Franklin who defended the survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre.
John Hope Franklin was born 111 years ago today
1. John Hope Franklin - historian, teacher, & best known for his work "From Slavery to Freedom."
John Hope Franklin was also the son of attorney Buck Colbert Franklin who defended the survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre.
John Hope Franklin was born 111 years ago today
This is a terribly difficult time of year, and few people talk about it. So much pressure to act happy because “it’s the holidays” or “for the kids” just makes it worse. If you are also grieving or struggling, I sit with you in solidarity.
#MentalHealthMatters
#MentalHealthMatters
January 2, 2026 at 5:34 PM
This is a terribly difficult time of year, and few people talk about it. So much pressure to act happy because “it’s the holidays” or “for the kids” just makes it worse. If you are also grieving or struggling, I sit with you in solidarity.
#MentalHealthMatters
#MentalHealthMatters
Reposted by Amanda W
Under a zero tolerance policy, the first Trump administration separated immigrant children from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border.
New data suggests separations are happening all over the country, often after little more than a traffic stop.
(Published Nov. 2025)
New data suggests separations are happening all over the country, often after little more than a traffic stop.
(Published Nov. 2025)
ICE Sent 600 Immigrant Kids to Detention in Federal Shelters This Year. It’s a New Record.
Under a zero tolerance policy, the first Trump administration separated immigrant children from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border. New data suggests separations are happening all over the count...
www.propublica.org
January 2, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Under a zero tolerance policy, the first Trump administration separated immigrant children from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border.
New data suggests separations are happening all over the country, often after little more than a traffic stop.
(Published Nov. 2025)
New data suggests separations are happening all over the country, often after little more than a traffic stop.
(Published Nov. 2025)
Reposted by Amanda W
"1.What resources exist so I can better educate myself?
2.Who’s already doing work around this injustice?
3.Do I have the capacity to offer concrete support & help to them?
4.How can I be constructive?
...You are not needed everywhere, but we are all needed somewhere." ✨️
- Mariame Kaba's Conclusion
2.Who’s already doing work around this injustice?
3.Do I have the capacity to offer concrete support & help to them?
4.How can I be constructive?
...You are not needed everywhere, but we are all needed somewhere." ✨️
- Mariame Kaba's Conclusion
I started reading this earlier at the doctor's office, but then got home, & other priorities took precedence. Given how demoralized I feel, I am returning to it and hoping that posting quotes that resonate as I go may help me with finishing it. Channeling my past self, who read 450+ books in 2017! 🥹
January 2, 2026 at 12:01 AM
"1.What resources exist so I can better educate myself?
2.Who’s already doing work around this injustice?
3.Do I have the capacity to offer concrete support & help to them?
4.How can I be constructive?
...You are not needed everywhere, but we are all needed somewhere." ✨️
- Mariame Kaba's Conclusion
2.Who’s already doing work around this injustice?
3.Do I have the capacity to offer concrete support & help to them?
4.How can I be constructive?
...You are not needed everywhere, but we are all needed somewhere." ✨️
- Mariame Kaba's Conclusion
Reposted by Amanda W
Trump 2.0’s second year may be even worse than the first. So, what can you do? Here are the 10 most important actions you can take in 2026. https://robertreich.substack.com/p/what-you-can-do-in-2026
January 1, 2026 at 5:01 PM
Trump 2.0’s second year may be even worse than the first. So, what can you do? Here are the 10 most important actions you can take in 2026. https://robertreich.substack.com/p/what-you-can-do-in-2026
Reposted by Amanda W
I truly do feel for Americans who will have to drop their healthcare coverage
Health care costs have officially spiked for millions as Affordable Care Act subsidies lapsed at midnight thanks to GOP inaction
Health Care Costs Skyrocket For Millions Of Americans As Subsidies Lapse
The change impacts a cross-section of Americans who don’t get insurance from an employer and don’t qualify for Medicaid or Medicare.
www.huffpost.com
January 1, 2026 at 9:45 PM
I truly do feel for Americans who will have to drop their healthcare coverage
Reposted by Amanda W
#Flu incidences are surging and rates will likely get worse ...
| #virus | #infection | #pathogen | #Influenza | #publichealth | Via @npr.org
| #virus | #infection | #pathogen | #Influenza | #publichealth | Via @npr.org
Flu cases are surging and rates will likely get worse, new CDC data shows
Flu season is off to a rough start this year, according to new CDC data. The virus is spreading faster than in previous years and the surge is likely to get worse. Here's what you need to know.
www.npr.org
December 31, 2025 at 6:00 AM
#Flu incidences are surging and rates will likely get worse ...
| #virus | #infection | #pathogen | #Influenza | #publichealth | Via @npr.org
| #virus | #infection | #pathogen | #Influenza | #publichealth | Via @npr.org
Reposted by Amanda W
January 1, 2026 at 7:03 PM
Reposted by Amanda W
A growing body of research indicates that Texas's restrictive abortion bans have negatively impacted the health and lives of Texas women and babies in multiple ways. Across the board, pregnancy outcomes and complications have worsened.
What researchers have discovered about maternal, infant health under Texas' abortion laws
In the more than four years since the state of Texas significantly restricted access to abortion, medical researchers have been studying the health effects of that policy change.
medicalxpress.com
December 29, 2025 at 5:12 PM
A growing body of research indicates that Texas's restrictive abortion bans have negatively impacted the health and lives of Texas women and babies in multiple ways. Across the board, pregnancy outcomes and complications have worsened.
Reposted by Amanda W
Oh y'all want me to care about a lady's boots in the papers because she's a mayor's wife? No we're not doing this.
January 1, 2026 at 7:10 PM
Oh y'all want me to care about a lady's boots in the papers because she's a mayor's wife? No we're not doing this.
Reposted by Amanda W
Relaxation tips:
- picture a quiet forest
- picture yourself wandering in the gloom
- picture a mossy forest horror creeping up behind you
- picture yourself becoming best friends with the mossy forest horror, scaring townsfolk together, and sharing tea & laughter
- picture a quiet forest
- picture yourself wandering in the gloom
- picture a mossy forest horror creeping up behind you
- picture yourself becoming best friends with the mossy forest horror, scaring townsfolk together, and sharing tea & laughter
December 30, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Relaxation tips:
- picture a quiet forest
- picture yourself wandering in the gloom
- picture a mossy forest horror creeping up behind you
- picture yourself becoming best friends with the mossy forest horror, scaring townsfolk together, and sharing tea & laughter
- picture a quiet forest
- picture yourself wandering in the gloom
- picture a mossy forest horror creeping up behind you
- picture yourself becoming best friends with the mossy forest horror, scaring townsfolk together, and sharing tea & laughter
Reposted by Amanda W
This man was a Republican during the time President Obama was in office and he apologized for everything he said bad about him and thanked him for saving his life with the Affordable Care Act aka Obama Care
December 30, 2025 at 6:18 PM
This man was a Republican during the time President Obama was in office and he apologized for everything he said bad about him and thanked him for saving his life with the Affordable Care Act aka Obama Care
Reposted by Amanda W
Reposted by Amanda W
As we experience a huge surge of flu cases, a reminder that the widespread usage of masks at the start of the COVID pandemic wiped out a strain of the flu.
If you haven’t been masking up lately, now would be a great time to restart.
If you haven’t been masking up lately, now would be a great time to restart.
The Covid-19 pandemic killed off one strain of the flu, and that will change the next vaccines | CNN
For 10 years, Americans have had access to flu shots that protect against four strains of the virus: two A strains and two B strains. Starting this fall, however, all the flu shots distributed in the ...
edition.cnn.com
December 30, 2025 at 10:49 PM
As we experience a huge surge of flu cases, a reminder that the widespread usage of masks at the start of the COVID pandemic wiped out a strain of the flu.
If you haven’t been masking up lately, now would be a great time to restart.
If you haven’t been masking up lately, now would be a great time to restart.
Reposted by Amanda W
In a win for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a federal judge blocked the White House's attempt to defund the agency
Judge Stops Trump's Agency Exterminator From Kneecapping The CFPB
At the heart of this case was whether White House budget director Russell Vought could effectively shut down the agency and lay off all of its employees.
www.huffpost.com
December 30, 2025 at 5:22 PM
In a win for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a federal judge blocked the White House's attempt to defund the agency