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	<title>Drag Race &#8211; SimplyWholesome</title>
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	<description>Simple Living. Wholesome Thinking.</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:20:13 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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	<title>Drag Race &#8211; SimplyWholesome</title>
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	<item>
		<title>How One Drag Queen’s ‘Erika Kirk’ Impersonation Broke the Internet </title>
		<link>https://simplywholesome.io/how-one-drag-queen-erika-kirk-impersonation-broke-the-internet/</link>
					<comments>https://simplywholesome.io/how-one-drag-queen-erika-kirk-impersonation-broke-the-internet/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ammar Sohail]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:10:41 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Celebrity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Beauty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Drag]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Drag Race]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Explainers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fashion & Beauty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lifestyle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Queer Agenda]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Theatre]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trans Awareness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TV]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Broke the Internet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Drag Queen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Erika Kirk]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://simplywholesome.io/?p=23624</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[In Los Angeles, drag performer Lauren Banall has captured global attention with a series of viral videos where she impersonates Erika Kirk. She is now performing under the exaggerated persona “Erika Qwerk.” However, the impression isn’t meant to flatter. It’s satirical, theatrical, and deeply rooted in both drag tradition and political commentary.  &#160; Credit: TikTok [&#8230;]]]></description>
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<p>In Los Angeles, drag performer Lauren Banall has captured global attention with a series of viral videos where she impersonates Erika Kirk. She is now performing under the exaggerated persona “Erika Qwerk.” However, the impression isn’t meant to flatter. It’s satirical, theatrical, and deeply rooted in both drag tradition and political commentary. </p>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r_p0rrBWrHU?si=UrLXX-oR4YRXiAqe" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>


<p>&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="700" height="520" class="wp-image-23629" src="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-54.png" alt="" srcset="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-54.png 700w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-54-300x223.png 300w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-54-680x505.png 680w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-54-200x149.png 200w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-54-20x15.png 20w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Credit: TikTok @laurenbanall; shutterstock</strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Drag performer Lauren Banall has gone viral for her satirical impersonations of Erika Kirk, the widow of political figure Charlie Kirk.</li>



<li>Her drag character, Erika Qwerk, has been shared widely on TikTok and social platforms, earning millions of views.</li>



<li>Banall doesn’t just perform, she’s raising funds for civil rights causes, including the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_Liberties_Union" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ACLU’s </a>Defense of Drag Fund.</li>



<li>Reactions are split: some celebrate the humor and political satire, while others call it divisive or insensitive. </li>
</ul>



<p>Banall’s inspiration came from a strange moment many people noticed online: Kirk’s intense facial expressions and “icy eyes” in interviews and public appearances. After seeing a TikTok remix that added horror movie sound effects to those moments, Banall saw the comedic potential and ran with it. “I absolutely did not expect this reaction,” they said, noting that the act started as something to make friends laugh, not as a viral phenomenon. </p>



<p>What followed was millions of views across TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, and more as fans shared clips, GIFs, and memes featuring the character. @laurenbanall’s original TikToks show Banall in a stylized red blazer, dramatic makeup, fluttering blonde wig, and striking icy contacts. It is a look that has become instantly recognizable online. </p>



<p>Below is one example of the viral content that helped launch Erika Qwerk into internet fame:</p>



<p><a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/watch-viral-drag-queen-erika-qwerk-stuns-viewers-with-uncanny-erika-kirk-impressions/articleshow/127387292.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Viral Erika Qwerk performance clips compilation</a></p>



<p>But the performance isn’t just about laughs. Banall has turned virality into fundraising for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), specifically raising money for the Defense of Drag Fund, a legal aid initiative to protect drag performers and LGBTQ+ rights. Thousands of dollars have already been raised through community support and donations tied to the act. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="653" height="1024" class="wp-image-23628" src="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-62-653x1024.jpeg" alt="" srcset="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-62-653x1024.jpeg 653w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-62-191x300.jpeg 191w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-62-768x1204.jpeg 768w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-62-980x1536.jpeg 980w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-62-680x1066.jpeg 680w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-62-200x313.jpeg 200w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-62-20x31.jpeg 20w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-62.jpeg 1021w" sizes="(max-width: 653px) 100vw, 653px" /></figure>



<p>The reaction online has been lively, and wide-ranging. On Reddit and social platforms, fans are praising Banall’s comedic timing and makeup skills. One thread noted that the character’s “eyes are perfect” and that the impersonation is “absolute perfection,” with many commenters mistakenly thinking it was the real person before realizing it was performance art. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="784" class="wp-image-23625" src="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-59-1024x784.jpeg" alt="" srcset="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-59-1024x784.jpeg 1024w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-59-300x230.jpeg 300w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-59-768x588.jpeg 768w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-59-1100x842.jpeg 1100w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-59-680x521.jpeg 680w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-59-200x153.jpeg 200w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-59-20x15.jpeg 20w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-59.jpeg 1170w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Still, not everyone sees the spray of comedy as harmless. Some critics argue that mocking a grieving public figure, especially after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, crosses a line, calling the performances “cruel” or divisive. These voices reflect the broader culture wars playing out online and in media discourse. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="642" height="1024" class="wp-image-23627" src="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-61-642x1024.jpeg" alt="" srcset="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-61-642x1024.jpeg 642w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-61-188x300.jpeg 188w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-61-768x1225.jpeg 768w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-61-963x1536.jpeg 963w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-61-680x1085.jpeg 680w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-61-200x319.jpeg 200w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-61-20x32.jpeg 20w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-61.jpeg 1003w" sizes="(max-width: 642px) 100vw, 642px" /></figure>



<p>Whether people view it as satire, humor, or protest art, the videos have sparked wide discussion about drag as an art form, political expression, and how comedy can intersect with current events and cultural expectations. Eric Qwerk’s staging, dramatic, eye-catching, and sharply exaggerated, is a potent reminder that drag has always been a space for commentary, identity play, and pushing boundaries.</p>



<p>What began as a casual drag performance turned into a global moment of digital expression, a mix of humor, politics, art, and fundraising. In a year where both drag culture and political discourse are high on public attention, Lauren Banall’s Erika Qwerk is one of the most talked-about figures online, even as she insists her work is first about creativity and connection.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="631" height="1024" class="wp-image-23626" src="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-60-631x1024.jpeg" alt="" srcset="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-60-631x1024.jpeg 631w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-60-185x300.jpeg 185w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-60-768x1246.jpeg 768w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-60-947x1536.jpeg 947w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-60-680x1103.jpeg 680w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-60-200x325.jpeg 200w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-60-20x32.jpeg 20w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-60.jpeg 986w" sizes="(max-width: 631px) 100vw, 631px" /></figure>



<p>If you enjoy stories that explore creativity, community, and the ways art brings people together (even through debate and laughter), you’ll find more like this at <a href="https://simplywholesome.io"><strong>Simply Wholesome</strong></a>. We share uplifting and thoughtful real-life content that celebrates expression, identity, and the human experience.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>81-Year-Old Grandma Streams Minecraft to Support Her Grandson, and Now He’s Cancer-Free</title>
		<link>https://simplywholesome.io/81-year-old-grandma-streams-minecraft-to-support-her-grandson-and-now-hes-cancer-free/</link>
					<comments>https://simplywholesome.io/81-year-old-grandma-streams-minecraft-to-support-her-grandson-and-now-hes-cancer-free/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ammar Sohail]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 12:11:37 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Gaming]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Celebrity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Discover]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Drag]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Drag Race]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lifestyle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[81 Year Old Grandma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grandma Streams Minecraft]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://simplywholesome.io/?p=23530</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Credit: GrammaCrackers/youtube When most people think of YouTube gamers, an 81-year-old grandma probably doesn’t come to mind. But Sue Jacquot, a grandmother from Queen Creek, Arizona, is proving that courage, and love, knows no age. Sue never grew up as a gamer. She didn’t plan to start a channel. But when her fun evenings playing [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p><strong>Credit: GrammaCrackers/youtube</strong></p>



<p>When most people think of YouTube gamers, an 81-year-old grandma probably doesn’t come to mind.</p>



<p>But Sue Jacquot, a grandmother from Queen Creek, Arizona, is proving that courage, and love, knows no age.</p>



<p>Sue never grew up as a gamer. She didn’t plan to start a channel. But when her fun evenings playing Minecraft with her grandchildren turned into something much bigger, her world changed.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="jlvid_container "><iframe title="The BEST START EVER in Minecraft - Part 1" width="1200" height="675" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/es-EWqO9bbY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>An 81-year-old grandma named Sue Jacquot streamed Minecraft to help pay for her grandson’s cancer treatment, and it worked.<br></li>



<li>Her YouTube channel GrammaCrackers quickly went viral and raised significant funds for her family.<br></li>



<li>Her grandson Jack, who underwent extensive treatment for sarcoma, is now cancer-free and doing well.<br></li>



<li>The story has inspired many online, showing how love, creativity, and gaming can bring hope during hard times. </li>
</ul>



<p>Her grandson, 17-year-old Jack Self, was diagnosed in 2024 with an aggressive sarcoma, a type of cancer that requires intensive treatment. The costs were enormous and the strain was real. Sue wanted to help in any way she could.&nbsp;</p>



<p>She learned to play Minecraft from Jack and his brother in the summer of 2025. Then, in October, she made a bold decision. She launched her own YouTube channel called GrammaCrackers, and began streaming her gameplay with one goal: to support Jack’s battle with cancer.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Her first video, a simple introduction titled “The BEST START EVER,” caught the attention of viewers almost immediately. It wasn’t professionally made. It wasn’t high-budget. What it had was heart. Within days, the video had garnered hundreds of thousands of views, bringing not just smiles, but support.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Sue included a link in every video to Jack’s GoFundMe campaign, inviting viewers to contribute to his medical expenses. Donations began pouring in. Fans, fellow gamers, and strangers from around the world rallied behind her mission.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Before long, the channel had nearly 200,000 subscribers, and the funds raised made a real difference in the family’s life. Most importantly of all: Jack is now cancer-free and feeling great, according to recent reports.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Jack himself expressed his gratitude, saying seeing people from all over the world support both him and his grandmother was something “very sweet,” and that the kindness they experienced meant more than he could put into words.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For Sue, the journey began simply, playing a game with her grandchildren. But it became something much larger: a symbol of hope, creativity, and unwavering family love. She said she never expected to become a streamer. But when you’re helping someone you love, you figure things out as you go, no matter your age.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Her story has resonated far beyond her community. Many people online now see Sue as an inspiration: proof that it’s never too late to try something new, and that meaningful impact can come from the unlikeliest places.&nbsp;</p>



<p>And while Minecraft may be a game about building worlds block by block, Sue built something even more remarkable: a bridge of support, connection, and real-world love.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If stories like these, ones that remind us of courage, family bonds, and unexpected hope, uplift you, you’ll love what we share at <a href="https://simplywholesome.io">Simply Wholesome</a>. Our site features wholesome, real-life moments that restore faith in kindness and resilience.&nbsp;</p>
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		<item>
		<title>20 Dads Who Let Their Daughters Do Their Makeup, and the Results Are Pure Wholesome</title>
		<link>https://simplywholesome.io/20-dads-who-let-their-daughters-do-their-makeup-and-the-results-are-pure-wholesome/</link>
					<comments>https://simplywholesome.io/20-dads-who-let-their-daughters-do-their-makeup-and-the-results-are-pure-wholesome/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ammar Sohail]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 12:05:32 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Beauty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Discover]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Drag Race]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Explainers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fashion & Beauty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lifestyle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dad makeup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Daughters do Dad Makeup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Makeup]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://simplywholesome.io/?p=23518</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Credit: Shakirov Albert/ shutterstock It usually starts the same way. A small voice asks a simple question. “Dad, can I do your makeup?” And somehow, without realizing it, another dad says yes. Soon enough, the internet is filled with photos of men wearing bright lipstick, mismatched eyeshadow, uneven eyeliner, and nail polish in every color [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p><strong>Credit: Shakirov Albert/ shutterstock</strong><br><br>It usually starts the same way.</p>



<p>A small voice asks a simple question.</p>



<p>“Dad, can I do your makeup?”</p>



<p>And somehow, without realizing it, another dad says yes.</p>



<p>Soon enough, the internet is filled with photos of men wearing bright lipstick, mismatched eyeshadow, uneven eyeliner, and nail polish in every color imaginable. And somehow, they’ve never looked happier.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Dads across the internet are letting their daughters do their makeup, proudly.<br></li>



<li>The results are funny, messy, and incredibly wholesome.<br></li>



<li>The comment sections show strong girl-dad solidarity and shared joy.<br></li>



<li>These moments are less about makeup and more about trust, play, and love.</li>
</ul>



<p>These dads didn’t post for attention. They posted because the moment mattered.</p>



<p>And then the comments rolled in.</p>



<p>One dad summed it up perfectly.</p>



<p>“Thought I was the only one getting through this torture,” wrote&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="587" height="960" src="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-40.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-23519" srcset="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-40.jpeg 587w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-40-183x300.jpeg 183w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-40-200x327.jpeg 200w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-40-20x33.jpeg 20w" sizes="(max-width: 587px) 100vw, 587px" /></figure>



<p>He wasn’t.</p>



<p>Replies flooded in from men who clearly knew the experience all too well.</p>



<p>“Our daughters went to the same makeup school I guess,” joked The Dunic.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="612" height="960" src="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-41.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-23520" srcset="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-41.jpeg 612w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-41-191x300.jpeg 191w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-41-200x314.jpeg 200w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-41-20x31.jpeg 20w" sizes="(max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px" /></figure>



<p>“Dude, we’re finally pretty now,” added Michael Barrowman.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="621" height="960" src="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-42.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-23521" srcset="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-42.jpeg 621w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-42-194x300.jpeg 194w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-42-200x309.jpeg 200w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-42-20x31.jpeg 20w" sizes="(max-width: 621px) 100vw, 621px" /></figure>



<p>There was instant camaraderie. No embarrassment. No defensiveness. Just laughter.</p>



<p>Some dads expanded the makeover beyond makeup.</p>



<p>“I got my nails did,” shared Evan</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="508" height="1024" src="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-43-508x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-23522" srcset="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-43-508x1024.jpeg 508w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-43-149x300.jpeg 149w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-43-200x403.jpeg 200w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-43-20x40.jpeg 20w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-43.jpeg 640w" sizes="(max-width: 508px) 100vw, 508px" /></figure>



<p>“Mine got nail polish,” said John Trader.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="657" height="1024" src="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-47-657x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-23527" srcset="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-47-657x1024.jpeg 657w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-47-193x300.jpeg 193w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-47-768x1197.jpeg 768w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-47-680x1060.jpeg 680w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-47-200x312.jpeg 200w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-47-20x31.jpeg 20w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-47.jpeg 924w" sizes="(max-width: 657px) 100vw, 657px" /></figure>



<p>Others leaned into the chaos.</p>



<p>“Welcome to the club, friend. Got my membership early summer,” wrote CM Drunk.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="594" height="1024" src="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-48-594x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-23526" srcset="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-48-594x1024.jpeg 594w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-48-174x300.jpeg 174w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-48-768x1324.jpeg 768w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-48-891x1536.jpeg 891w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-48-680x1172.jpeg 680w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-48-200x345.jpeg 200w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-48-20x34.jpeg 20w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-48.jpeg 928w" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px" /></figure>



<p>The club clearly had many members.</p>



<p>Girl-dad pride showed up everywhere.</p>



<p>“Stay strong brother. #GirlDad,” commented Elliott Davis.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="640" height="1024" src="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-44-640x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-23523" srcset="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-44-640x1024.jpeg 640w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-44-188x300.jpeg 188w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-44-768x1229.jpeg 768w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-44-680x1088.jpeg 680w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-44-200x320.jpeg 200w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-44-20x32.jpeg 20w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-44.jpeg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></figure>



<p>It wasn’t mock encouragement. It was genuine.</p>



<p>Some dads shared creative upgrades.</p>



<p>“My daughter made me a custom Christmas crown &amp; had me looking like the Ghost of Christmas Present,” wrote Orsha Z.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="633" height="1024" src="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-46-633x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-23525" srcset="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-46-633x1024.jpeg 633w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-46-185x300.jpeg 185w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-46-768x1243.jpeg 768w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-46-680x1100.jpeg 680w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-46-200x324.jpeg 200w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-46-20x32.jpeg 20w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-46.jpeg 890w" sizes="(max-width: 633px) 100vw, 633px" /></figure>



<p>No regrets were expressed.</p>



<p>Even those who escaped makeup didn’t escape transformation.</p>



<p>“Lol no makeup but got my beard done by my princess,” shared Calvin.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="710" height="1024" src="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-45-710x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-23524" srcset="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-45-710x1024.jpeg 710w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-45-208x300.jpeg 208w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-45-768x1108.jpeg 768w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-45-680x981.jpeg 680w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-45-200x289.jpeg 200w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-45-20x29.jpeg 20w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-45.jpeg 998w" sizes="(max-width: 710px) 100vw, 710px" /></figure>



<p>That still counted.</p>



<p>The tone across all comments stayed the same. Light. Supportive. Joyful.</p>



<p>No one complained.</p>



<p>No one rushed to wash it off.</p>



<p>No one felt the need to explain themselves.</p>



<p>Because these dads understood something important.</p>



<p>This wasn’t about makeup.</p>



<p>It was about attention.</p>



<p>It was about being present.</p>



<p>It was about letting a child feel powerful, creative, and seen.</p>



<p>For daughters, it meant trust.</p>



<p>For dads, it meant stepping into play without ego.</p>



<p>And for everyone watching, it meant seeing masculinity softened in the best possible way.</p>



<p>Sometimes love looks like sacrifice.</p>



<p>Sometimes it looks like patience.</p>



<p>And sometimes, it looks like glitter eyeshadow applied with zero regard for symmetry.</p>



<p>These dads didn’t just survive the makeover.</p>



<p>They wore it proudly.If moments like these make you smile, the quiet, silly, deeply human ones, you’ll love what we share at <a href="https://simplywholesome.io"><strong>Simply Wholesome</strong></a>. We celebrate everyday love, family bonds, and the kind of joy that doesn’t need filters.</p>
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		<title>Sully and the “Miracle on the Hudson”: Skill, Luck, and What It Really Takes to Save a Flight</title>
		<link>https://simplywholesome.io/the-miracle-on-the-hudson-was-a-much-skill-as-luck/</link>
					<comments>https://simplywholesome.io/the-miracle-on-the-hudson-was-a-much-skill-as-luck/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ammar Sohail]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 11:45:55 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Lifestyle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Careers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Celebrity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Discover]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Drag Race]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Miracle on the Hudson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Save a Flight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sully and the “Miracle on the Hudson]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://simplywholesome.io/?p=23503</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Credit : Steven Day/AP/ShutterstockWhen US Airways Flight 1549 lost both engines shortly after takeoff on January 15, 2009, millions of people around the world held their breath. The aircraft had struck a flock of Canada geese and was left helpless above New York City. Instead of crashing into skyscrapers or descending into chaos, Captain Chesley [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p><strong>Credit : Steven Day/AP/Shutterstock<br></strong><br>When <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/US_Airways_Flight_1549" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>US Airways Flight 1549</strong></a> lost both engines shortly after takeoff on January 15, 2009, millions of people around the world held their breath. The aircraft had struck a flock of Canada geese and was left helpless above New York City. Instead of crashing into skyscrapers or descending into chaos, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles guided the jet down onto the Hudson River, where everyone survived. The scene was dramatic, and the event was quickly dubbed the “Miracle on the Hudson.” </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="819" height="1024" src="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-32-819x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-23505" srcset="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-32-819x1024.png 819w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-32-240x300.png 240w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-32-768x960.png 768w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-32-680x850.png 680w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-32-200x250.png 200w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-32-20x25.png 20w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-32.png 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Credit: Kathy Hutchins/shutterstock</strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger’s water landing on the Hudson River in 2009 saved all 155 people aboard, an event widely seen as heroic and often called the “Miracle on the Hudson.”<br></li>



<li>Aviation expert Patrick Smith explains that the success of that emergency landing was not magic or myth but a result of professional training, skill, luck, and calm decision-making under pressure.<br></li>



<li>“Hero” might be too strong a word for some, because the pilots did what they were trained to do, and many similar situations have had different, less fortunate outcomes.<br></li>



<li>Smith also reminds us that there are many lesser-known pilots whose skilled actions prevented worse disasters but who never became household names. </li>
</ul>



<p>Many remember Sully’s calm voice, his steady hands, and the relief of watching passengers walk onto inflatable rafts on the river. In the public mind, he became a symbol of sheer heroism, someone whose nerves of steel and extraordinary skill saved lives in an impossible situation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But aviation expert Patrick Smith, author of the blog Ask the Pilot, takes a more grounded view. In a detailed Q&amp;A piece, he explains that what happened that day was less about spectacle and more about professional competence under pressure. He notes that while ordinary people often think a water landing is astonishing, it actually involves many of the same flying skills used thousands of times in everyday practice.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Smith points out that the mechanics of a water landing, keeping the wings level, managing glide speed, and executing a smooth flare, are not fundamentally different from a typical landing on a runway. The big difference that day was the emergency context, with both engines out and a city beneath the plane.&nbsp;</p>



<p>He also emphasizes something less glamorous: luck. The weather was clear, the plane was within gliding distance of the river, and it was daytime. Had the same engine failure occurred in darkness, fog, or over a part of the city where a water landing wasn’t possible, the outcome could have been very different. In aviation, as in life, skill matters, but luck shapes what options are available.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="520" src="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-31.png" alt="" class="wp-image-23504" srcset="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-31.png 700w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-31-300x223.png 300w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-31-680x505.png 680w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-31-200x149.png 200w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-31-20x15.png 20w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Credit: Sonder Quest/shutterstock</strong></p>



<p>For Smith, celebrating Sully’s professionalism, and the teamwork between Sully, Skiles, and the cabin crew, is important. The pilots did what they were trained to do, and they did it well. But calling it a miracle can blur the reality that many other pilots have faced terrifying situations and used similar training to save lives, even when the odds were worse and the outcomes less perfect.&nbsp;</p>



<p>There’s also a broader conversation about what we mean by the word “hero.” Some define a hero as someone who sacrifices personally to save others, often at great personal risk. Smith suggests that while Sully and Skiles certainly acted calmly and skillfully, they didn’t willingly put themselves in harm’s way for others, they responded expertly to an emergency, exactly as they were expected to.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Still, the world loves stories of courage. Sully’s tale has inspired countless people, led to films, and made his name synonymous with cool-headed leadership in a crisis. And whether you call it heroism, professionalism, or just exceptionally good flying paired with favorable conditions, there’s no denying that Flight 1549’s outcome was extraordinary. If you enjoy thoughtful takes on real-world stories that mix calm expertise, human resilience, and unexpected outcomes, you’ll find more like this at <a href="https://simplywholesome.io"><strong>Simply Wholesome</strong></a>. We bring you well-grounded, heartening narratives that go beyond the headlines and explore what moments like these mean, not just for the people involved, but for all of us.</p>
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		<title>She Spent Two Months Recreating the Up House for Her Dad And the Details Made It Even More Special</title>
		<link>https://simplywholesome.io/she-spent-two-months-recreating-the-up-house-for-her-dad-and-the-details-made-it-even-more-special/</link>
					<comments>https://simplywholesome.io/she-spent-two-months-recreating-the-up-house-for-her-dad-and-the-details-made-it-even-more-special/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ammar Sohail]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:36:24 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Beauty]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Up House]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://simplywholesome.io/?p=23439</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Credit: Rebekah Hagan&#8217;s Post/facebookSome gifts are bought. Some are made. And some are built with pure love. For two months, Rebekah Hagan quietly worked on a Christmas surprise for her dad, a handcrafted replica of the house from Up, one of his favorite movies. The project wasn’t rushed. Every detail was planned. Every piece had [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p><strong>Credit: Rebekah Hagan&#8217;s Post/facebook<br></strong><br>Some gifts are bought.</p>



<p>Some are made.</p>



<p>And some are built with pure love.</p>



<p>For two months, Rebekah Hagan quietly worked on a Christmas surprise for her dad, a handcrafted replica of the house from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Up_(2009_film)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up</a>, one of his favorite movies. The project wasn’t rushed. Every detail was planned. Every piece had intention.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" src="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-15-768x1024.jpeg" alt="image" class="wp-image-23443" srcset="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-15-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-15-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-15-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-15-1100x1467.jpeg 1100w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-15-680x907.jpeg 680w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-15-200x267.jpeg 200w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-15-20x27.jpeg 20w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-15.jpeg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><br><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>A handmade gift can carry deeper meaning than anything store-bought.<br></li>



<li>Thoughtful details can preserve family memories across generations.<br></li>



<li>Creativity, when encouraged, can become a powerful way to express love.<br></li>



<li>The most meaningful presents often tell a story, not just show effort.</li>
</ul>



<p>Many of the items inside the miniature house were made by hand, carefully shaped to match the movie as closely as possible. This wasn’t about copying a scene. It was about recreating a feeling. The warmth. The nostalgia. The story behind it.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="737" src="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-12-1024x737.jpeg" alt="image" class="wp-image-23440" srcset="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-12-1024x737.jpeg 1024w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-12-300x216.jpeg 300w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-12-768x553.jpeg 768w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-12-680x489.jpeg 680w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-12-200x144.jpeg 200w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-12-20x14.jpeg 20w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-12.jpeg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>But one room carried a meaning far deeper than the rest.</p>



<p>Inside Carl’s study, Rebekah added tiny magnets. These weren’t random decorations. They were inspired by her grandfather’s refrigerator magnets, collected from every place he traveled around the world. Each magnet represented a journey. A memory. A life lived fully.</p>



<p>Her grandfather is no longer alive. But through this small, thoughtful detail, his presence was gently woven into the gift.</p>



<p>When her parents picked up the house, the reaction was immediate. Her dad was overjoyed. The kind of happiness that doesn’t need explaining. The kind that sits quietly in the heart.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="955" src="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-14-1024x955.jpeg" alt="image" class="wp-image-23442" srcset="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-14-1024x955.jpeg 1024w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-14-300x280.jpeg 300w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-14-768x716.jpeg 768w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-14-1100x1026.jpeg 1100w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-14-680x634.jpeg 680w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-14-200x187.jpeg 200w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-14-20x19.jpeg 20w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-14.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>This wasn’t just a model house. It was a family story told in miniature. A tribute to love, loss, and connection. Rebekah later shared her gratitude for her parents, who have always encouraged her creativity and imagination. This gift was a reflection of that support. Of being allowed to dream. To build. To create something meaningful without limits.</p>



<p>In a world full of rushed purchases and last-minute gifts, this one stood out. It took time. It took patience. And it carried love in every tiny detail.</p>



<p>Sometimes the most powerful gifts aren’t loud. They don’t need wrapping paper or a price tag. They live in quiet moments. And stay forever.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-13-1024x768.jpeg" alt="image" class="wp-image-23441" srcset="https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-13-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-13-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-13-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-13-1100x825.jpeg 1100w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-13-680x510.jpeg 680w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-13-200x150.jpeg 200w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-13-20x15.jpeg 20w, https://simplywholesome.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-13.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>If stories like this, filled with heart, creativity, and family connection, resonate with you, you’ll find many more at <a href="https://simplywholesome.io"><strong>Simply Wholesome</strong></a>. We share real moments that celebrate love, kindness, and the beauty of thoughtful gestures. </p>
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