Hi, and welcome! I’m glad to see you here.
From My Heart is a newsletter about Eastern Europe, Ukraine, Belarus, and about living in challenging times.
About me:
I’m Darya Zorka – a writer, poet, artist, and documentary translator. I contributed to multiple films about Ukraine, including the award-winning documentary “20 Days In Mariupol.”
I was born and raised in Belarus and immigrated to the U.S. in my early 20s. Shortly after moving, I met my Ukrainian husband, and since then, our Belarusian and Ukrainian families have been living through the most difficult times together.
About From My Heart:
Each Saturday, I send an essay sharing a part of my heart: personal stories, memories, reflections, and poems. I share my experience and perspective as an Eastern European woman who lives in the West. From past to present, from Eastern Europe to the U.S. These series of essays are the most honest and sincere words that I share on the Internet.
Every month, I share an article about a talented person from Eastern Europe: an artist, writer, poet, or scientist you most likely haven’t heard about. The world still largely overlooks Eastern Europe and portrays it with damaging stereotypes as a result of Russian colonialism, Soviet oppression, and propaganda. I’m determined to change that by sharing the stories of the incredible talent, strength, and perseverance of Eastern Europeans in this newsletter.
Have a read of some of my most popular essays and poems:
Eastern Europe: brave, beautiful, and misjudged
A love letter to Ukraine: personal stories about Ukraine and Ukrainians I met
Belarusian culture, family memories, and Russian colonialism
Ten poems about war, life, and hope
The Queen of Flowers – a life story of Kateryna Bilokur, a genius Ukrainian artist
Over the years, I created a collection of family recipes from Eastern Europe. I share the recipes from my Belarusian and Ukrainian families that were passed through generations. I guide you through every step of the cooking process, sharing family stories and memories along the way. Each recipe is cooked from scratch and includes detailed descriptions, photos, cooking secrets, and tips. This series of posts is an introduction to Eastern European cuisine and my family.
Browse my favorite family recipes from Eastern Europe:
Ukrainian borscht recipe from my mother-in-law's cookbook
Belarusian draniki (potato pancakes) – favorite comfort food of my childhood
Traditional Ukrainian varenyky
Medovyk – luscious multi-layered honey cake with prunes and walnuts
Subscription options:
From My Heart is a reader-supported newsletter. While my weekly essays and articles are open to all, your support is what keeps this newsletter going. Writing, researching, and creating posts and recipes takes an enormous amount of time and energy. While it’s a common misconception that creative people should work for free, I believe that everyone should be paid for their work. By subscribing as a paid member, you will allow me to continue educating and connecting people through my writing, and also provide help for my two refugee families and pay the bills.
Free subscribers receive weekly essays, articles, and previews of the family recipes.
Paid subscribers receive access to everything in this newsletter, including a collection of family recipes from Eastern Europe.
No matter what type of subscription you choose, I’m genuinely grateful for your support and being among my readers!
Warmly,
Darya
You can reach me via email: daryazorka@substack.com
Follow me on Instagram
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Shop my art on Etsy
Watch the “20 Days in Mariupol” documentary
Watch Frontline PBS documentaries on Ukraine
Donate to help Ukraine: UKRAINE DONATION GUIDE 2024
