L.A. Mom Transforms Pandemic Newsletter into an Uplifting Family Guidebook

Reflecting on Family and Togetherness in “Life at the Dumpling”

Published December 4, 2024

As we usher in 2025, many of us are looking back on the past several years with a critical eye. The COVID-19 pandemic changed life as we knew it, prompting unplanned moments of introspection for families around the world. For one mom and marketing professional from Los Angeles, this period of reflection has culminated in a heartfelt guidebook that aims to celebrate joy and togetherness.

Trisha Cole’s latest release, “Life at the Dumpling,” is more than just a family guide; it’s a nostalgic journey back to 2020, when the world seemed to slow down. As we approach the fifth anniversary of the pandemic this March, Cole’s book serves as a poignant reminder that, even amid uncertainty and chaos, it’s essential to hold onto joy and connection.

A Rich, Multi-Dimensional Experience

Spanning 168 pages, “Life at the Dumpling” is packed with black-and-white illustrations yearning for a splash of color, alongside 46 vibrant photographs. But this book is not just a visual treat—it’s a delightful amalgamation of family cookbook recipes, imaginative projects, how-to guides for everything from car camping adventures to party planning, poetry, and games. It finds its strength in being a scrapbook of collective memories from a historically challenging time.

Cole’s own experience during the onset of the pandemic serves as the backbone of this creative endeavor. At the time, Cole was reminded of the simple yet beautiful moments often overshadowed by the hustle of life. “When the shutdown happened, I saw it as an opportunity,” she recalls. “It was as if this beautiful gift of time was suddenly dropped in my lap, and I wasn’t about to squander a minute of it.”

The Birth of a Joyful Newsletter

Drawing inspiration from her newfound free time, Cole began hand-crafting newsletters for friends and family from March 2020 to March 2023. These thoughtful compilations of daily happenings, family activities, and uplifting reflections form the heart of what “Life at the Dumpling” has become. The book’s name is an endearing tribute to Cole’s home—affectionately named “the Dumpling”—a cozy space perched on a hill in Northeast L.A.

Cole’s approach was to shift the focus from fear and uncertainty to the joys of everyday life, even during such tumultuous times. “The newsletter was about finding the joy in living and observing the little victories,” she explains. “Instead of concentrating on what we were losing, it encouraged us to see how we were thriving.”

Bonds Beyond Family

One of the most significant aspects of Cole’s journey was the need for connection, something many of us craved as we navigated lockdowns and isolation. “That first week at home, I felt an overwhelming urge to reach out,” she shares. “I realized I was not alone in wanting to connect, to send a tangible message to friends and neighbors.”

With the support of her husband, Bruce, Cole began making plans for her newsletter. “I was a bit nervous about launching this project, but I knew it was crucial to share how we were living and learning as a family,” she adds. The enthusiasm from recipients confirmed her instincts: Friends looked forward to receiving her updates in the mail, appreciating the sense of community the newsletters fostered.

Now, as “Life at the Dumpling” makes its way into bookstores and homes, Cole hopes to recreate that same sentiment of anticipation and connection. “I want readers to slice through the chaos and enjoy moments of joy, just as those newsletters did for our friends and neighbors,” she states.

A Journey Into the New Year

With the dawn of a new year, “Life at the Dumpling” invites readers to reflect on what truly matters—family, connection, and the irreplaceable joy of shared experiences, especially in times of hardship. By chronicling her journey and creativity during a challenging period, Trisha Cole not only captures a moment in history but also inspires others to find silver linings in their lives.

As we step into 2025, let us remember that joy and togetherness are essential ingredients for navigating life’s uncertainties. For families seeking to deepen their reflections and foster connections, Cole’s book might just be the perfect companion on this journey of self-discovery and appreciation.

Whether you are diving into “Life at the Dumpling” with your family or sharing it with friends, it’s an opportunity to not just recount memories but also to create new ones—one colorful illustration and heartfelt recipe at a time.