This too shall pass.
We're going into the fourth week of 'sheltering-in' in Mississippi. It's hard to believe just a short while ago I had plans to get on a plane and fly to Florida for Easter to visit my family in the West Palm Beach area. And now I'm making masks for them! Photos and a link to the directions are below.
That trip is off, of course, and while it's not the same, we're keeping in touch by phone. And we'll plan a few zoom meetings. Have you tried Zoom yet? It's a fantastic way to get your people fix. When it became evident we didn't need to keep meeting in person, my Pilates teacher learned how to do Zoom, and we're getting together virtually.
Also, I'm picking up groceries for my neighbors across the street. They are in their late eighties and they've self quarantined themselves--I don't even go in, but leave the groceries on the steps, and she cleans everything with wipes before taking anything inside.
So how about you? I pray you're coping and maybe reconnecting with family. I had one guy tell me he'd seen more of his wife these past few weeks than he had in years. I've seen other positive out-comes from sheltering-in.
Several authors, me included, have banded together to offer our services to off to do interviews for teachers who are having on-line classes. If you're a writer, perhaps you can reach out to a teacher in your area.
This is a great time to get creative with our kids. I met young Juliette Gaudrault at a book signing. I was there with my books and she was there with a book she'd written. She printed the story in pencil and drew the pictures, and her mom had the pages printed and put it together in a booklet. I thought it was cute and it's something you can do with your own children or grandchildren.
I think kids would love to do something like this. And now for the link to the masks. https://leahday.com/pages/how-to-make-a-face-mask-free-pattern
Do you have any suggestions for activities or ways to help others in this pandemic? Leave a comment and I'll enter you in a drawing for a $10 Amazon gift card!
scrapbook
ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
Great activity! And great to do it with your kids...
DeleteI keep thinking about how I can help. Then I have two or three people offering to help us! Wow, this will make you think about your age.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Richard! I have older neighbors who are in their 90s that I help so that makes me feel younger. lol And I wish the news would quit saying elderly! I do.not.like.that.word!
DeleteWith the weather warming up we are taking the little ones outside more to run off their energy and for some different scenery. It's nice not to be cooped up inside as much.
ReplyDeletenstotts@sbcglobal.net
DeleteI so agree, Nicole! The weather has been gorgeous here lately and I've been able to get out and walk every day.
DeleteSpring cleaning while listening to an audiobook on Scribd or Audible.
ReplyDeleteExcellent suggestion, Lydia. Now if I could only motivate myself...
DeleteRead, read, read...and walk 😎
ReplyDeleteThat one I can do, Mark! Although so far I haven't had time to read much. Or write. I'm still trying to figure out why I can't get anything done!
DeleteThankfully we live on a small acreage outside of town where we can get outside some each day. While out we look for the beauty in nature be it a flower starting to bloom or a set of bluebirds working on a nest in our birdhouse. We love photography so we try to capture what we see. Then we share those photos on Facebook to show that there is still beauty and hope in the world. Even though through our love of photography we have great cameras, I would suggest that folks look for the good things and snap photos with their phones etc. It's fun, gets you outside and neat to share what you capture.
ReplyDelete2clowns at arkansas dot net
Excellent advice, Kay! I posted a picture on FB of my cat, Tux, on the 5' fencepost this morning. :-)
DeleteI am helping by staying in except for trips to the grocery store and work when I have it so I can keep my family healthy. Also letting my circles know that I'm here if I can help them in any way. Today I plan to write and mail some cards to my friends to help brighten their day. Thanks for your encouraging words and the chance to win a prize.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! And be sure to post your email address, 2boyzmommy. And that goes for everyone! Please put your email address in your reply. :-)
DeleteI'll bet moms could avail themselves of exercise videos and "how to" videos on any subject that interests their youngsters via YouTube.
ReplyDeleteGood advice, Susie-Q! Please add your email address--I forgot to put that in the post.
DeleteI love to quilt--just put 80 blocks together in one quilt, but now have to stop and clean my quilting room up a tad....!
ReplyDeletemy email is chendryx(at)nctv(dot)com
DeleteOh, wow, Connie! It's been years since I quilted...
DeleteColoring helps with stress.
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
I agree. I'm going to get one of those 500 piece puzzles and maybe by the time this ends, I'll have some of it put together. lol
DeleteWe usually get out early & walk at one of the county parks, then come home & putter around, either inside or outside. After lunch, hubs naps & I read. Thanks! Stay safe! rw620 AT aol DOT com
ReplyDeleteI wish I had time to read, Robin! I really can't figure out where my time goes. lol
Deletehttps://pin.it/5F37QGT
ReplyDeleteEar savers for face masks. Yarn and buttons, easy crochet.
tumcsec(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you, Gail! That's the perfect solution for not having elastic!! Will make some tonight!
DeleteWrite a list of 100 things you are thankful for! (My list is over 100! :) )
ReplyDeleteBadawson16 at AOL dot com
Barb, what a great idea! I will do that tonight before I go to sleep!
DeleteOur family has been playing games, doing puzzles, reading books aloud, and going on walks and bike rides.
ReplyDeleteAs far as helping others, here are some suggestions we have been doing....checking on your neighbors, doing grocery runs for others, help with the elderly, share resources, do some live chats like ZOOM with others. Our Bible study group is doing live weekly chats through ZOOM. Tomorrow we are doing communion together. :)
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DeleteOops! I forgot to give my email. It is:
Deletenj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com
These are all great things to do! Thanks for chiming in.
DeleteI've had my daughters sewing masks, too. It's been a great way for them to get a bit more familiar with sewing, and a way to feel like they can do something useful to contribute to the current crisis.
ReplyDeleteYes, Rosalyn. They are super easy to make and will make them feel so good when they finish one! I know I do.
DeleteI think we’re definitely baking more. We are out of bread so we baked some. There has been more than two batches of brownies made. I wish I could say that I’m cleaning or even reading more, but I'm just too distracted.
ReplyDeleteperrianne (DOT) askew (AT) me (DOT) com
Perrianne Askew
I know what you mean, Perrianne! Bread sounds so good, and the aroma would be heavenly!
DeleteMy sister-in-law made my daughter and each a mask. In fact, she said she made 50 of them to give (or send) to family and neighbors.
ReplyDeleteI made about 12 before I ran out of elastic. I'm going to try the crocheted ones Gail linked to if I can find my crochet needle. lol
DeleteWow what great ideas for activities. Love the patterns for face masks.
ReplyDeleteSome ideas I have is writing a short story, Get the family together and have everyone write down ideas on how to stay positive during these uncertain. Then put all the ideas together in a short story and put why these positive ideas are important. It will not only make you feel good but your family too. It's something everyone can participate in. In the long run, they'll have that good feeling knowing they helped their family and others stay positive.
Crystal
Crystal, I love your idea! That sounds like such fun! Let me know how it turns out.
DeleteActivities: Make a card or a drawing for senior adults or elderly neighbors in your neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteKeep a journal of words or drawings to write about the experience or the day's activities. Write about unexpected blessings, plans, favorite things, new lessons you've learned about life or yourself.
Ways to help others: Call friends & neighbors or text with them to let them know you are thinking of them. Ask how they are doing, if they need anything, share ideas of future plans or updates on family members, new hobbies, interests, etc. Keep things normal.
I love your ideas, Suzan! My nephew and I face-timed tonight. I'm going to try and do that at least once a week.
DeleteWhat an amazing idea! My granddaughter is 9 now and we are missing each other so much right now! This would be perfect to brain storm with her in our video chats!
ReplyDeleteMsredk at aol dot com
Great! Let me know how it turns out.
DeleteWe have pulled out the board games.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I like that, Mary. I'm going to ask my neighbor if I can borrow one of their 350 piece puzzles. :-)
DeleteListening to worship music.
ReplyDeletepsalm103and138atgmaildotcom
How calming that would be Caryl! I like to listen to worship music after my quiet time, but there's no reason I can listen all day!
DeleteNothing much has changed here, except we go out even less than usual. I like to keep up with our church family via text messages every few days to see how they are doing and encourage them. I also have done the crossword puzzles in the newspaper, something I haven't done for a long time. It sure is relaxing!
ReplyDeleteThese are strange times indeed so trying to keep our spirits up can be extra challenging!
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
Yes, indeed, Trixi, these are strange times and it's important to keep our spirits up!
DeleteNo kiddos at home, so am basically working on reviewing & promoting some of my fave Christian fiction authors, and playing in the dirt in my flower garden. Hubby got masks from a company he does business with & we've been sharing those.
ReplyDeletedianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com
Sharing those masks is awesome, Diana! And playing in the dirt sounds relaxing.
DeleteThanks, Patricia! Stay safe & well!
DeleteMy husband and I have been doing small projects around the house.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good time to do them, Gina!
DeleteI cleaned and organized my craft stash, desk, material stash. Made a few small sewing projects and of course read!
ReplyDeletepaulamarys49@gmail.com
DeletePaula, I've picked up sewing again--haven't done that in years!
DeleteAND THE WINNER OF THE $10 AMAZON GIFT CARD:
ReplyDeleteMr. Random dot org picked BEVERLY DUELL MOORE as our winner! Thank you all for your comments and for following our blog.