Well, hello there!! It’s been a while! I am ashamed to say that I had lost my appetite for blogging. Or maybe I just got busy living life that I didn’t find the time to pick up my blog and write, in more than a year! I almost forgot how much I enjoy this space and connecting with my photog-reader-friends in this way. So, I dusted it off, cleared the cobwebs and am diving in, again. And what better time to do so than a global shuttering and quarantine?! It’s day 29 of quarantining for my girls and I. We initiated our homebound confinement a few days earlier than what was ordered by our Governor. So, we are in the groove now.
I am by nature an introverted soul (yes, hard to believe, amiright?!) and enjoy being home, having solitude and staying in Pj’s all day is not a problem for me. The more difficult adjustment through these recent historic times is actually going out. It’s not such a pleasure to be in a state of fear at going to the grocery store. It’s all so incredibly odd to me, and I’m going to venture for everyone else also. We are all looking at one another with cautious glances, taking precautions at navigating our physical distancing, and wondering what in the world is happening?! We do our best and carry on, that’s what’s happening. In that spirit, I thought it would be good to share some of the things we’ve been up to over here in our little corner of the universe.
Spring has sprung!! The daffodils bright little faces are shining with joy; the trees are budding and some are fully in bloom; buds of all kinds are popping with promise! I LOVE spring! You too? With the quarantining going on, I’ve found myself picking up my camera more often than not to make photos for the pure joy of it and to capture this history-in-process. Because, let’s face it, eventually this will pass, we’ll all go back to some sort of normalcy and won’t it be nice to have some record of how we managed? I think so, too.
We celebrated Emilia’s 11th BIRTHDAY last weekend! She said that it was her best birthday yet! We started the day with our traditional breakfast in bed and presents. We had a special guest with us from Maine, Kurt’s sister, Jeri, to help sing special wishes and celebrate the festivities! It was such a treat to host “Aunt Jeri” for a few days! In the evening, when it was time for Emilia’s ice cream birthday cake, we had another special guest join our celebration - Chelsea! Chelsea’s in Arkansas these days and we miss her sooo much! Thank heavens for technology and FaceTiming!
Speaking of technology, the girls are both up and running with cyber-edition, home schooling. Our teachers and the many people working behind the scenes to get this up and running on such short notice have done a wonderful job for the kids! Truly, I am blown away by what’s possible and how easy they’ve made this transition seem. I’m certain they’ve been working round the clock, formulating ideas, planning and implementing curriculum via a screen. This is not easy for them, in the least. Emilia even had an art lesson with her art teacher via YouTube! The kids, too, are doing an outstanding job! We’re finding our new routine, right along with everyone else.
With the warmer temps, we’ve been outside more often, taking walks and soaking up the sunshine every chance we get! I hung up our hammock on the back deck and found some “me time” to chill and read. Did you know that Bumblebees bite? I had no idea they would bite - not sting - until later in the evening when I felt sharp needle-like sensations on the back of my calf. Lo and behold, one little bumble lost its way or was looking for a warm hiding place in my pants. Either way - Ouch! The girls thought it was the funniest thing ever to see their mom scrambling away in fright of a big bad insect crawling up her leg! We all had a good laugh at that one (after I iced my leg that is)! :) Ha!
Photo by Emilia :) Prior to bumblebee fiasco.
How is your April quarantining been? Are you finding new rhythms and routines? Has it been difficult for you? Or easy to adjust? Please let me know how you are faring through this “Reboot” time. Any tips or tricks you can pass along? We keep putting our best faith efforts forward and find ways to laugh, every chance we can. I also remind myself often that this is a chance to learn, to make art, to read, to play games and listen to music. I really have no idea what I’d do without the Arts. They are a saving grace for me and my family. I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for stopping by. Be well and stay safe, friend.
With warm hugs and all love,
Barb