I’m honestly gobsmacked by the response to that reel about when “it” happens (more than 6,000 comments on Instagram alone). Joy is why we fight, and it’s also what gives us strength. Let it happen. (Also: the piñata head may need to become real.)

Even if you don’t know for sure, I bet you know exactly what I’m talking about. I usually focus on optimism and action, but today I’m indulging a small fantasy — imagining an end to harm and a collective exhale. So humor me. In this hypothetical… what would you do?

Recent events have hit hard. When something this horrific happens, it can knock the wind out of you. If today is a day to step back, breathe and do that. Grief means you care. Come back when you can.

For analysis, follow: @heathercoxrichardson, @aaronparnas, @joycewhitevance, @iampoliticsgirl, @robertreich How to stay effective: 🔥 Don’t disengage ✊ Show up (No Kings rally) 📞 Call Congress (@5calls) 💸 Support legal fights 🗳️ Prep now for the midterms What we’re doing is working. Stay the course.

With your help, I’ve been able to donate directly to organizations supporting trans folks, reproductive freedom, immigrant rights, democracy, and youth. I’ve organized fundraisers that raised even more. This doesn’t happen without YOU. Every bar purchased, every $10 donation, every share mattered.

The folks at MigraWhistle make it easy to host your own assembly party. Zine PDFs, folding instructions, and whistle print files are at migrawhistle.org — and they welcome questions. Free kits are available at Citizen Ruth (NE Alberta). Doing something together builds community — share widely.

This reel responds to a comment asking why I wasn’t supporting a particular cause. Not doing everything doesn’t mean not caring — it means choosing where I can sustainably show up.. If you’re fired up about an issue, take that as a signal to act yourself to do something positive to help.

Looking for soap while I’m sold out? I shared a list of talented soapmakers in the comments here: 👉 www.instagram.com/reel/DRfV1Ps... Please feel free to cheat on me 😄 Supporting small-batch makers keeps this whole ecosystem thriving. More soap coming next month; optimistic activism until then.

Yelling “What the actual f*ck” is understandable. Stopping there isn’t required. Turn outrage into action: 📞 Call reps / join Indivisible 👀 Learn ICE watch & get trained 💸 Donate strategically 🤝 Build community Authoritarianism thrives on isolation. Community is resistance.

I’d love to see a real study on how this administration has impacted our mental & physical health. I know my nervous system is feeling it. I usually focus on action — but today is just for venting. Say what’s been heavy, and support each other if you can. We’ll get back to solutions tomorrow.

Visible support matters. When trans people are being scapegoated, seeing allies speak up — in comments, posts, stickers, or conversations — can make all the difference. If you’re looking for a place to start, say it out loud here. Your words might reach someone who really needs them today.

I’ve been getting this a lot lately: “Are you…?” “Do you make candles?” (😂) “Oh — you’re the soap lady!” So being recognized at @craftywonderland tracked. The energy was extra though. If you’re near Portland, it’s still happening today — and full of fantastic local artists worth supporting.

When things feel dark, it’s easy to withdraw — cancel plans, scroll, and tell ourselves we’ll reconnect “soon.” I shared a list of practical, low-pressure ways to reconnect in the Instagram caption for this reel: 👉 www.instagram.com/reel/DSNVDlR... Community matters. More than ever.

I fell out of the library habit after Covid, but canceling our streaming services reminded me what a gift it is. Libby + Hoopla give me endless books & shows for free. Check things out, show up for programs, support funding, bring a friend to get a card. Using your library is resistance.

Potters Rise Up raised $12K for justice using handmade mugs — creativity as resistance. It’s the same spirit I bring to my soap: using what we love to push back and do real good. Follow @potters_rise_up — their next fundraiser is coming, and your morning mug might help fight fascism.

Yes, we have to resist — but we can’t live in panic 24/7. My friend Gina’s rule: 15 minutes fighting fascism, 15 hours seeking joy. Joy is an act of resistance. Refuse to let them take that from you. Do something today that makes you feel alive.

We raised nearly $7K for the Oregon Food Bank — mostly from small donations. Proof that when regular people work together, big things happen. So grateful to the makers who helped make this fundraiser possible. Full caption with MANY ideas for doing good here: www.instagram.com/reel/DR7aem2...

I’ve been seeing a meme that “shifting $40 to local shops” and while I haven’t checked the match, I agree that money spent locally stays in the community — supporting wages, suppliers, taxes, and charities. We can’t buy everything small, but shifting even a couple gifts matters.

I’m in a season of “enough,” so I’m sharing the abundance. Soap makers: drop your shop, where you’re located, and what makes your bars special. New? Experienced? Side-hustle? Tell us your story. Thanksgiving shipping pause: orders after Wed noon ship Monday.

Free MigraWhistle kits are now available at Citizen Ruth (1416 NE Alberta St). Whistles alert the community when ICE is spotted: • Short blasts = ICE nearby • Long = someone’s being detained Support the Alberta St shops while you’re there. More info: @migrawhistlepdx & migrawhistle.org

Full collection at www.optimisticsoap.com: Candy Cane: Peppermint essential oils. Santa’s Spices: Cinnamon sugar, mocha, nutmeg + ginger. Sugarplum Fairy: Fruity-sweet with purple swirls. Comfort & Joy: Apples, berries, orange + cinnamon (vegan + classic). Shalom: Cranberry pomegranate.

I’m not trying to be an influencer, so I turn down most freebie offers (beauty serums? exercise gear? sex toys??). But these dresses from @misslulolabel? I love them and would’ve bought them myself. Peek here: www.misslulo.com Code OPTIMISTIC for 15% off.

Families are still feeling the strain this season, so a group of Portland makers and I are raising funds for the Oregon Food Bank. Every $10 donation = one raffle entry to win beautiful handmade prizes. Donate: tinyurl.com/Creativesfun... Thank you for showing up. 💛

Jenn (@citizenruthpdx) and Molly (@optimisticsoap) grabbed lunch thinking it’d just be fun… but we hatched a plan to support our immigrant community with a real tool to push back against fascism. Two generous weirdos doing what we can. Stay tuned.

If the reel scrolled too fast, the full list of beautifully unhinged names is here: www.instagram.com/reel/DRIGLno... Laughing at wannabe dictators is resistance. Keep the names coming. ✨

I went to my first ICE watch yesterday and was surprised by how kind and community-centered it felt. PIRC (@pirc_oregon) runs free ICE watch training in Portland. Once trained, you’ll get text alerts so you can show up when ICE is sighted. Sometimes just showing up is enough.

Amazon’s convenience sends money out of our communities and into billionaire pockets. Small businesses are at risk — this holiday season could decide who stays open. Shop early. Shop local. Every dollar is an investment in your community. 🛍️ #ShopLocal #SupportSmallBusiness

They tried to block SNAP benefits — we’re fighting back. Ten makers are raising $20K for the Oregon Food Bank. Every $10 donation before Nov 23 enters you to win one of ten different prizes (for $1,770 in value)! Donate → tinyurl.com/creativesfun... #OregonFoodBank #MakersForGood #EndHunger

Forage Local makes it as easy as Amazon to shop from Portland-area makers — and have your order delivered within days! 💛 Check it out → foragelocal.com#ForageLocala#ShopLocalPDXD#SupportLocalMakersrs

Joy, for me, comes from knowing what’s ENOUGH, not striving for MORE. I’ll restock Don’t Obey Frog stickers as I can — but Jenn at Citizen Ruth is fully stocked, ships fast & donates to immigrant rights groups. Grab one here → citizenruth.com/product/port... 🐸

I donate $1 per bar of soap I sell online. 💛 Lately I’ve focused on Democracy Forward, which has beaten this administration in 93% of their cases. When they win, it helps every cause I care about — trans rights, abortion access, immigrant rights.

Don’t Obey. 🐸 A nod to Shepard Fairey’s Obey Giant and a reminder to “not comply in advance.” — Timothy Snyder Profits support IRCO & PIRC. Free with every order through November. Shop now ➜ www.optimisticsoap.com/product-page... was

My husband thinks I’ve tricked my friends into helping me bevel and label soap. But they keep coming back — and love it! Turns out asking for help isn’t weakness. Sometimes, letting others give to you is the most generous thing you can do.

Smash the Patriarchy isn’t just a soap — it’s a practice. 💪 Speak up. Spend intentionally. Vote. Lift others up. One action? Donate to @plannedparenthood @globalfundwomen @sheshouldrun @equalitynoworg @weareultraviolet. Every act adds up. 🧼 www.optimisticsoap.com/product-page...

1 in 5 new mothers experiences postpartum depression, often in silence. With your support, @fakeadultmom.bsky.social and I raised $7,150 for @postpartumsupportinternational to help new parents find care and community. 💛 Learn more: postpartum.net

They’re angry because it’s working. Silence would’ve signaled acceptance — but millions showed up instead. AI videos attacking protesters aren’t power — they’re panic. Every rally raises visibility & the cost of authoritarianism. 💛 #NoKings

My Almond soap looks pink, yellow & white — but I split it into six! The fragrance darkens over time, so I scent only half. Part of the swirls stay bright, others deepen with a burnt hue. Soapmaking chemistry is pure magic. 🧼 www.optimisticsoap.com/product-page...

I didn’t invent the “potato in the candy bowl” trick, but it’s been hilarious! 😂 Some kids are confused… others thrilled! One neighbor even had his potato for breakfast the next day. 🥔 Would you try it? I’d love your comments!

Want to make a real impact? ✉️ Go to VoteForward.org → create an account → adopt 5 or 20 voters in CA. Just need paper, a printer, envelopes, stamps & a pen! Mail by Oct 28. In Portland? Join the letter-writing event Oct 25 at Migration Brewery (see IndivisibleOR.org for details).

Did you attend #NoKings? Share your experience! 🙌 There’s nothing like standing with thousands of kind, determined humans who share a sense of purpose. We’re not done — but giving up one afternoon to push back felt good. Stay tuned and follow along — more actions ahead! 💛

Plenty to fear this fall — authoritarian creep, transphobia, the 2025 hellscape — but one spooky thing’s good news. 💀 All Hallow’s Eve soap is back and disappearing fast (like democracy if you don’t show up). 🎃 www.optimisticsoap.com/product-page...

Old video (note my hair), new reminder: 💛 Optimistic Soap is a one-woman show — me, doing all the jobs, up at 4am chasing this obsession. I’m at capacity, and that’s okay. We don’t have to chase endless “more.” Sometimes joy is realizing you already have enough.

The #NoKings Rally is one week away! Feeling overwhelmed? I’ve got you — here’s a quick guide to showing up, staying safe, and making it meaningful. 🎥 Watch here: www.instagram.com/reel/DPpHYwM...

My friend @fakeadultmom says Postpartum Support International saved her life — and they help moms daily. 💛 We’ve raised $4K toward $10K, deadline tomorrow! Every $10 = another chance to win 20 soaps + a hand-knit towel. give.postpartum.net/resist 💛

Our fundraiser for @postpartumsupportinternational has raised less than 10% of its $10k goal. 😬 Every $10 donation = 1 raffle entry to win 20 bars of soap (includes the sold-out Resist Like a Mother bar!). Help us finish strong 💛 give.postpartum.net/resist

You don’t have to buy soap to support me — but if you want soap, I’ve got Pumpkin Spice, Autumn Glow, All Hallow’s Eve, Resist, Calm the Fck Down, Fresh out of Fcks, Bisexual, Smash the Patriarchy, Billionaire Tears + more! Full list on what’s coming in caption: 👉 www.instagram.com/reel/DPXPDMG...

I thought I’d be promoting fall soaps… but then these motherf*ers decided to wage war on Portland. Don’t worry about soap — be fired up for activism. Join the No Kings rally Oct 18 with @50501movement. 🧼 Soap (if you want it): www.optimisticsoap.com/product-page...

They’re gaslighting us again. I checked ICE & the Justice Center yesterday — both quiet. Portland is not “war-ravaged.” The show of force is theater, a distraction from more important issues.

In 2020, federal troops rampaged through Portland: unmarked cars, tear gas, rubber bullets. I was there. It was hellish. But we got through it then, and we will again. Portlanders are resilient. Stay peaceful, protect your rights, take care of each other. 💛

I missed Bi Visibility Day (classic 😅), but made a new batch of my Bisexual soap to celebrate! 💗💜💙 Fragrance: lime, bergamot, frankincense & litsea cubeba. Bi people exist, we’ve always been here — and that’s something to celebrate. www.optimisticsoap.com/product-page...