11.15.24 Newsletter

The Royal Appointment, RHONY Reboot, Chuck Todd, and a Message From My Mom

Nov 15, 2024

Pulling Threads by Meredith Constant is an entirely reader-funded endeavor. Extensive research and care goes into my post and new subscribers allow me to do this—and even more—as I work on making this a part/full-time job. Thank you for your support.

Hello friends!

I have had a busy week disassociating from the reality of American democracy (jk—but I did have a photoshoot!)

A few years ago a job I had ended unexpectedly—in an incredibly painful manner. My photographer at the time, Christiana, told me when I was at my lowest that something even better would come along and, when it did, she would take my photos.

And here we are.

No, this is not for a book reveal. (but hopefully one day!) It’s a move to invest in myself. Invest in this “hobby” I stumbled into nearly 2 years ago. I have big plans for 2025—I’ll share more in December—but already I am living more authentically and standing in my power. These photos aren’t just for my career, but to mark this moment in my life. I can’t wait to share more.

Here’s a little BTS of my photoshoot:

Thanks again to Bultedaob Photography!

Royal Corner

Royal Appointment

Subject Line: A very 'ordinary' royal birthday

NGL—I originally thought the headline said, “Since his last birthday, the King has lived a whole year in a year.” And I was like, wow the bar is real low.

He turns 76 tomorrow. Not a landmark birthday by number, but – after everything that has happened this year – one that will feel like a milestone nonetheless.

Since he celebrated his 75th birthday, the King has lived a whole life in a year.

Is The Telegraph forcing her to write these against her will?

As my assistant super sleuth, Amy, pointed out, in the piece the author describes King Charles as having a, “prostate problem” and then, “discovered he has cancer”. Kate is described as the, daughter-in-law who fell “seriously ill herself”. The language certainly doesn’t quell the internet chatter ever since royal journalist, Rhiannon Mills, described The Princess of Wales as having '“pre-cancerous cells.” This is a distinct change from, “cancer had been present” that Catherine told the world in her March 2024 video.

Amanda Matta

and I are going to do a Matta x Meredith Mashup episode to discuss the latest chatter around Kate. I want to stress that this isn’t about digging into Kate’s medical history. There are a lot of inconsistencies though and I still chalk it up to incompetence. Much of this stems IMO from how the Comms. Team has handled this mess—with input from The Prince and Princess of Wales. That podcast ep. will drop on each of our channels over the weekend.

Let’s finish up this rrrroyal appointment.

Is the King taking his birthday off from work? No! He’s treating it like a normal day. Which is extraordinary considering the average person not only gets their birthday off, but the entire month!

I can't think of a more royal way of spending a birthday than visiting a community food project, admiring its new freezer, and probably unveiling a plaque.

This could almost read sarcastic if it wasn’t for the outlet. But dang it does sound sassy when you read it doesn’t it?

It’s sobering though when contrasted with this article that just dropped from the BBC about Milton Keys, Buckinghamshire:

One in three children are living in poverty in the city. The charity looking to combat this silent crisis has heard that parents are starving themselves for days to feed their kids and children are mimicking eating out of empty lunchboxes out of embarrassment.

One man cannot reverse the misfortunes of millions of people, but a monarchy supported by the taxpayers that own massive swaths of land (and sea)—particularly the King and The Prince of Wales through their personal duchies—they could make a real impact.

Pop Culture//Odds and Ends

It’s Time to Cancel RHONY

I have suffered through the first few episodes of the second season of the rebooted RHONY, but I cannot go down with the ship. Between Brynn flat out lying to Jessel about what Jenna said to start drama and Rebecca and Erin concocting a lie that Rebecca is pregnant with another man’s baby, I’m done.

The face I make when I don’t want to talk about Scientology, but will make up a lie that I banged multiple guys and got pregnant again for a plot line. Image via Bravo

In the past few years Bravo has lost its footing with popular franchisees like RHONY, RHOA, and RHOP. Unlike New York, Potomac came back firing on all cylinders this year by removing a few cast members, but keeping some OGs. RHONY went another direction and did a total recast. Instead of seeing the lives of “real, diverse NY housewives”, it is overproduced, curated content from a group of women who are clearly aware that this second season is their last chance to get it right.

It’s all wrong. I say put it on pause. Keep Jenna and Jessel. Bring back one or two OGs and some messy friends and see what happens.

I just hope Atlanta has a better comeback than whatever this was…

Keep It, Chuck Todd

File this under “save it for your tight 5”":

Behind every joke is an element of truth. A majority of U.S. media has learned absolutely nothing from the last decade. It’s telling that Todd is more concerned about saving cable TV than democracy through accurate, fair, need-to-know reporting. It’s all just a game, a big joke for people who will undoubtably become richer because of another Trump Presidency.

I’m not laughing and I’m not giving them a ratings boost this time.

Message From My Mom

My dear friend received a new lung this summer due to a progressive disease called ILD (Interstitial Lung Disease). She can’t do the things she loves like gardening or fresh floral arrangements because of the bacteria present. So, she’s started a new business selling absolutely stunning silk floral arrangements.