Hanging in there. Trying to keep the kids occupied and the adults sane. Still getting used to having the camera on to video conference a dozen meetings a day. Well stocked with food except for produce and dairy. Think I need to brave going out for the first time in two weeks.
Actually getting some writing done, too, which is great. Nearing the half way mark of the first draft of my current novel. Hoping I can keep up the good pace from this month.
Still trying to entertain an extroverted and healthy (thank you, Lord) 82 year old. He’s convinced that life is continuing on at the seniors complex without him. My daughter is making a valiant effort to understand five card stud, but we aren’t much competition. It’s a little tough on the ego to recognize that your life is more boring than a senior citizen poker game. To be fair, they are a pretty lively bunch. They say Larry fakes his palsy to palm cards, and Dennis has no problem with his memory when it comes to collecting the pot. I miss them, too.
Talk about a rollercoaster! On Wednesday I thought my mom was in the last throes of the virus and was about to take her to the ER (ER told me to only do it if there was no other choice and it really seemed that way), but got some antibiotics for her instead. Within two hours she was perky, asking for tea and halvah. The next day she was moving around, no fever, doing her own laundry.
We're lucky to have a very responsive doctor and pharmacy in town.
And the next day I sold my debut novel along with an as yet unfinished sequel to Crooked Lane Books.
So... I can't celebrate in style, and who knows what's next, but right at this moment, the sun is shining and things seem like they will work out.
Sending good thoughts out to all the reiders. Hang in there.
I'm doing fine. My life has not changed because I never go out anyway. That being said, I ordered my groceries online this week. My son is going to pick them up tomorrow. I ordered a water filter because our water tastes yuck and I won't be going to the store to refill plastic jugs.
My car is making strange noises, so I'm not even creeping out for the occasional Culver's soup.
I'm on a diet, yay me. I get on the vibration platform machine and shake myself to pieces three times a day. Amazon had Marcy home gyms on sale before all this craziness hit, so I bought one. Thankfully, my darling son put it together. I've been working out with it and I have a recumbent bike that I used after the knee replacement.
I do weights one day and belly dancing the next day. Weights are much easier. I'm starting to hate this woman.
On the plus side, I'm losing weight and inches.
I'm writing. On the down side, Rain Crow has turned into a tome. Luckily one agent wants Civil War novels and he doesn't care about size. Another wants it and he doesn't care about size either. Now to just make sure it's so beautiful publishers don't care about size.
Rain Crow was done until a friend suggested I put it through the Save The Cat Writes A Novel wringer.
It's not me but I have a similar sofa and set up. The pug and I hide under a blanket at night. Last night, we heard several loud pops. I thought, is that gun fire? I have no idea. But we hid and I read her Alexander and the Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day for comfort.
At the moment, I am dancing to Hamilton sound track and trying to create new apps for the school system in its weird new reality. I am writing again in the pre-dawn hours. If I wasn't working, I would go mad. I worry about how this will hit people psychologically in the long run. This is quite unnatural for humans and even some of us not quite humans - you know, writers.
When I heard the British Prime Minister had been diagnosed with Covid-19 as well as Prince Charles, I had another little panic attack. I have about three a day now. They go nicely with meals. Not because of any personal affection but if the world's top leaders are getting sick...
I am scared. There. I said it. I am really scared in the quiet hours after sundown. My daughter called last night from her hidey-hole in Brooklyn, scared because a 31 year old friend had died of the virus before the test could even come back. And that scares me because she can't leave without feeling like she is endangering others. How many are in the same kind of situation - alone away from loved ones due to the new world order?
Only through fear can we be brave. So the sun came up again and here we are. It's good to see all of you here. Even if it is at a greater distance than social distancing requires. See you on the other side of the war....
NH is now under a stay at home order so that's where we are. It's not that hard for us, we're usually at home but it does mean we're only going to town once a week for early morning senior shopping and we can't have friends over or go to the library. This is our off season anyway so there aren't a lot of people around which is good. We are being very very careful because we are looking after two 91 year olds who would not last long if this hit them.
7 reported cases in our area. That we know about.
Ramona was so excited to see spring coming in yesterday she is exhausted today and sleeping it off under the blankets. She forgets she is not a kitten anymore.
It is very weird to drive through town and see everything closed.
Our library had to shut down but I do have the collected works of Mark Twain...
Better. Still worried as hell about family members who work as nurses in health care, friends and family who are police officers, family in banking and the grocery industry, etc. but I'm managing the worry as best I can.
I was beginning to fear that this was indeed Janet, since the blog post didn't pop up until much later than usual.
Writing, writing, writing. This isn't all that much different than regular retirement life except there are no trips to visit the grandson and very few trips to the grocery store. The state is locked down, so even people who go outside to exercise (it's a rare non-rainy day so I got to go for a walk after lunch) keep their social distance.
My guess: Someone who doesn't have kids. But only because there's no kid paraphernalia in the photo - which could mean little or nothing. So, essentially, I got nothing.
Me? I'm taking a break from trimming horses hooves, but heading back out to do as many more as my 62 year old body will allow. (Our farrier is social distanced). Some horses are very good and will stand at liberty while I trim. Others, not so much.
Emma--congratulations! A rollercoaster, indeed, but sounds like you definitely came out of it on top!
I've been isolating with my parents in Georgia (a small quaranteam of three) for about a week and a half now. Today my work-from-home office was our sunny, pollen-coated back patio in the gorgeous 81-degree sunshine. I miss my life and my friends, but I am one of the lucky ones--for the moment, I still have a job that allows me to remote in with no real change. If those $1200 checks do come through, I'm going to donate mine, so now I'm trying to figure out what will do the most good with what is, objectively, not a lot of money. Scuba masks to hospitals? Helping a local small business? There's so much need and all of it is worthy, I don't know where to start.
Emma -- SO many congratulations! I've been through a similar situation (on sub waiting for The Call outside the cardiac cath lab) and gotten the good ending too. Absorb every bit of joy and relief and pride right now. And when the adrenaline ebbs and you wonder how you got here, remind yourself that you damn well deserve it! CONGRATULATIONS!
I have absolutely no idea who that is, it doesn't conform with any of my dives into imagination that have given me preconceived notions about all of y'all.
Doing okay here. August has decided to visit in March and it has been horribly hot. The birds are singing for mates, the grass wants to grow and the bugs have started their invasion early.
If you go into a grocery store it looks like America has become a third world nation. Our county is closing down at 10 tonight, so you can't buy anything except food, when you can find it, and home repair stuff.
Best part of it is the Screech Owls nesting in the neighborhood.
I don't know whose apartment it is, but I do know the drinking glass! We just bought that one in green at Ikea last month--we bought four, actually, because we wanted green and that was the ONLY color that wasn't open stock.
Oh phew! I looked for today's post at 10, saw nothing, refreshed, still saw nothing, refreshed approximately 15,000 more times and started wondering. My brain, of course, didn't take long to tell me, "The reason is obvious: JANET HAS CORONAVIRUS!!!" Glad to see it was just blowing things out of proportion again! (...as always. I've gotten pretty good at talking it down though.)
When I saw it was posted at 7 am, I began to think I was going crazy. If not for Theresa's and Janet's comments confirming its lateness, I would still be confused. Thank you both.
I also have no idea who that is, though if they were lying on the couch instead of sitting, holding a phone instead of a computer, on a brown couch, and in a much messier room, I might think Janet had snuck into my house without anyone noticing.
I can't ID the Reider, but I admire their taste in dinnerware! It's sunny and warmish here in Minnesota, and people are desperate to get outside. I keep thinking about the ninth chapter of Jane Eyre, where Jane rhapsodizes for several lush paragraphs about the delights of spring at Lowood, only to reveal (spoiler alert!) that the reason she has so much freedom to roam at leisure in this woodland paradise is that typhus has moved in and stricken many of her classmates. It's a heartbreaking juxtaposition.
Congratulations, Emma -- that is wonderful news on both fronts!
Well the prize goes to someone who guessed pretty early on. Only that there is no prize, I suppose. 😉 When I saw that early guess, I was a little like Rumpelstiltskin – fuming and jumping… like HOW did you know? Am I known to hang out on sofas like this? 😉
I actually dreamed about this during the early morning hours. Cause, yeah, I got a Janet-warning that I’d be on today and shhh… don’t say anything until later. No problem! And then I dreamed that lots of German blog readers popped up like mushrooms overnight, they all recognised my arm to be German, and then the whole blog started talking in German. I wonder if there actually are any German blog readers?!
And then he’d sent me these two pictures. I immediately thought of sending them to Janet, first thing. Just so she knows she’s not the only one stuck in her apartment with no garden or balcony. Just for entertainment. Just to let her know how my social-distancing is coming along.
My entire country is in lockdown for 4 weeks and we're only on day three... Already very over working from home and trying to wrangle all sorts of new technology I'm only partially trained in using. But I can't really complain. Two people in our organization tested positive for the virus, and I'm feeling lucky that 10 days post-contact with them, I'm still symptom free.
But it is a weird old world where my 15-year-old son is the only one of us considered 'essential' because he works part-time at a supermarket. Way to check egos, world!
Katja: I should have guessed it was you. Your arm looks incredibly German. Such a German arm. How could anyone have missed that? ;) Seriously, though, stay safe and well!
Kate: I have long maintained that the people who should be paid most in any society are the ones who do the jobs we all take for granted, like the people who take your trash, or clean your streets, or put out your fires, and so on. It's sad that it takes a pandemic for us to appreciate them.
I am eating. Keeping busy. Eating. Completing small projects around our little downsize. Eating. Working on two WIPs that are very different which seems to sooth my wandering mind. Eating. Watching to much cable news. Eating. Take solitary walks around the neighborhood. Damn I'm hungry. Stay safe.
Yes, Colin, YOU should really have seen it's a German arm! I don't know where you were made... but I know you were born in Germany. Surely pulled out by a German arm! It was the very first thing you've seen and felt.
I saw an author tweet earlier this week, chastising other authors who are promoting their books. Paraphrased, his opinion was, “the world is on fire, HOW CAN YOU BE SO MERCENARY?!” But I disagree. I think it’s important to keep part of our routines, our normalcy, to get through this. I don’t have a book to promote, but I continue posting pics of interesting dishes that we’ve cooked, or new flowers coming up in the garden — it’s mentally healthy to focus on something *other than* the mess the world is in. And sharing good news is a delightful part of that.
Haha! This does look like a little bit of paradise. What's the snack, Katja? For some reason I am on a frozen thin mints parade. One sleeve is successfully vanquished.
Katja that really is a great set of pictures. Keep writing!
Everyone, thank you for the congratulations. You all made me feel warm and fuzzy.
Writer of Wrongs - how sad that an author would tweet that. I've seen the writing community be extra supportive of each other in the past two weeks. Authors whose books are coming out now are completely shafted. Authors whose books are coming out soon are in a twilight zone. We SHOULD support each other more and promote our and each other's work more, especially now. My hours got cut in half at work, but I still made it a point to buy a book that just came out only to support the author. I'm a fan of libraries, but what more meaningful time to buy books than now, if you can.
Carolynnwith2Ns I'm eating too. And then I'm on my eliptical until 2:00 am because who can sleep with the world upside down?
Glad to hear all of you are okay! Katja's arm made me laugh so much.
We are all fine here, nothing to report. Still no school, but the kids are perfectly happy with that, so...
I'm really worried about you guys in the UK and US, and especially anyone in NYC right now. Not gonna lie. Thinking of you a lot.
Congratulations, Emma! That is a very happy twist in your tale there! Thanks for sharing it with us.
, I agree. It's not mercenary to keep selling things to help people get through this weird stuck at home time. Also, frankly, think of the economy. Though I suppose it could be a little distasteful, done badly: "Got coronavirus? Buy my book before it's too late!" might be going a tad far. Yanno.
I'm not okay, actually. It's hard to admit that. I mean, *I* am fine, physically. But emotionally? I'm a wreck. It seems that everyone I love or care about is at high risk of getting horribly sick or dying and . . . it's a lot. I don't know how to, or even if I should, break free from that crushing, cycling worry.
I keep thinking of this quote from Pearl S. Buck, which feels so relevant right now:
"The truly creative mind in any field is no more than this: a human creature born abnormally, inhumanly sensitive. To him, a touch is a blow, a sound is a noise, a misfortune is a tragedy, a joy is an ecstasy, a friend is a lover, a lover is a god, and failure is death. Add to this cruelly delicate organism the overpowering necessity to create, create, create — so that without the creating of music or poetry or books or buildings or something of meaning, his very breath is cut off from him. He must create, must pour out creation. By some strange, unknown, inward urgency he is not really alive unless he is creating."
And I'm finding it impossible to create, anything, even the smallest thing, so it feels like my very breath has been cut off. A touch is a blow. Indeed.
It helps to hear all these familiar voices over here, expressing optimism and normalcy and humour, so thank you.
Emma, healing vibes to your mom, and huge congratulations on the sale!
Katja, you crack me up with your very German arm. :) Thanks for sharing the pics.
I send a greeting from Carkoon. Well, not exactly a greeting. More like a strangled cry for help. Janet, you were right. I bet on the wrong horse. Days after our arrival, Alan skipped out and has not been seen since, leaving me with nothing to eat but the unmentionable K word and garlic, whose smell alone nauseates me. And the heat! It's unbearable. While I've been assured I'm safe here from The Virus, one can't be sure. Meanwhile, I spend my days repenting and searching for ways to spread the gospel about Idris Elba. Which will probably go better after I figure out who he is. Surely someone from the Reef will send a searching party/rescue ship????
Big up, Emma! That’s wonderful news on all fronts. And congrats, Katja, on owning one of the most German arms I’ve ever seen—and I’ve seen plenty! And a very special thanks to you, Janet, for keeping this community going, during these...uhm...interesting times.
Other than that, the Bronx is still the Bronx, with the main difference that the air seems a lot fresher, these days. I’m not missing the traffic much! The fam is hanging in there. So far we’re all still unvirused. Mrs. Casual is getting a little antsy, after two weeks in the apartment. I’m guessing the “quarantine” is getting to her, just a wee bit. Nothing a quick round of Dutch Blitz couldn’t fix.
To keep myself busy I’m enjoying yet another one of Terry Pratchett’s tall tales; looking out the window, enjoying the gorgeous late afternoon sunlight washing across the otherwise rather drab brick wall on the other side of the street (Hm, I wonder if that's that famous "sunny side of the street" everybody keeps yapping on about?); taking some online illustration classes (because why not?); while, at the same time, trying to string together a couple of sentences, preferably in a somewhat sensible fashion, with the goal of adding them to my WIP. Let’s face it, that blasted novel won’t write itself!
As long as the money doesn't run out, this isn't a half-bad way of doing things... But then again, there is that "money running out" thing!
PS: @KDJames... I saw your post just before posting this. I don't have any words of profound wisdom to offer, but I have found that, more often than not, all we can do is put one foot in front of the other, take it one step at a time, and live in the moment. All the worrying in the world helps neither you, nor those you love or care about. I sincerely hope you can find some peace of mind.
I'm ok. We're only on semi-strict restrictions down here (our prime minister has been a tad... opaque on the subject. Everyone with a job is an essential worker apparently), but I'm following the British rules as they seem more cautious (and clearer). I've been out once this week to the mini-mart, where I bought hot-cross buns along with my essentials. Hot-cross buns as the substrate for toasted cheese (good sharp cheddar) are highly recommended.
I've also figured out how to use the primary teaching software for our uni, so the number of things that can go wrong in virtual class on Monday is now down into triple figures.
The thing that is bugging me in the background is being on the opposite side of the world to elderly parents during a travel ban. Whatever happens to them, we won't be able to get there. However, my Mum was a medical chemist back in the 60s before we came along and torpedoed her career, and still retains all her decontamination protocols. She probably has the cleanest doornobs, dustbin handles, and food packaging in the uk.
KDJames, I am so sorry you are struggling. It is terribly hard to worry about one someone, let alone a bunch of them. It is okay to not create during this time. Actually, I think it is pretty much okay to do whatever you need to do to maintain.
If we maintain, we get to the other side. Maybe a little ragged around the edges, but we're there. Wishing you a wee bit of peace, wherever you can find it.
Emma, Serious congrats are in order! Celebrating with you from a distance.
Katja, too late for me to guess, but you look so comfy on that lounge.
Biggles the Dog is totally thrilled with the stay-at-home life the Barbarians and I now lead. The Hub's team has been split in two so they work week on, week off shifts. Hard to keep track of the days! Online learning isn't going too badly for their schooling. I have a huge list of things that need doing around the house, so there is great incentive for the Barbarians to stay focused *grin*.
But my local bookstore is starting home delivery, I've found a garden centre that will deliver plants and my band conductor has sent us a pile of new pieces to practice. It's a shame online grocery delivery has been stopped. It really is the time of the introvert.
I was going to guess Julie, but realized the furniture was all wrong. After that, I had no guess. I should have guessed Alot, like John Frain.
Colin: Big thumbs up on the jobs vs paty comment.
Katja, I love the back story!
I'm thankful- I can work from home. (In fact, I've been doing it whenever I could get away with it.) The non-profit Sharon was closed for spring break, but she spent a couple of hours a day on video calls while they worked through how to serve their clients in the New Viral Order. They're getting quite creative and doing a great job of being open and available while they're more or less closed. (They're exempt from the order that has closed some businesses, but they're being quite bright about it.)
I go running every day; I've missed that. We pick up supper most nights to help our favorite restaurants and their employees out, tipping well. Today we ate at a spot out in the country. I'm practicing bass more, and our worship team is going to try jamming via Zoom.
Things could be a lot worse for us. I've been out of work with small kids. If anyone here needs anything, please say so. God bless you all!
I'm about to go watch some old Monkees episodes. 8^)
Julie Weathers, if you ever feel like taking a break from your novels, I sense excellent essay potential in your social distancing weight-loss adventures. :)
47 comments:
Does the Alot read the blog? I didn't think it was capable. That's my best guess ... so far.
I'll guess and say it's E.M. Goldsmith
I am grateful for a day off. Chillin' with the pups in my garden.
As of last night our county is officially on stay at home orders except for grocery stores, pharmacies, take out, and Home Depot.
I'm a little miffed that Son's birthday cookout has to be postponed since we are not allowed to see family, yet hordes of strangers are allowed in.
Wondering what next week will look like when I go back to work.
Stay well, Reiders! Wishing you all the best.
Hanging in there. Trying to keep the kids occupied and the adults sane. Still getting used to having the camera on to video conference a dozen meetings a day. Well stocked with food except for produce and dairy. Think I need to brave going out for the first time in two weeks.
Actually getting some writing done, too, which is great. Nearing the half way mark of the first draft of my current novel. Hoping I can keep up the good pace from this month.
I don't know if this is an option for your family, Cynthia, but this is how this 13-y-o's friends remembered him on his birthday: Despite Restrictions Due to the Coronavirus, 13-Year Old in Big Flats has Birthday to Remember
Still trying to entertain an extroverted and healthy (thank you, Lord) 82 year old. He’s convinced that life is continuing on at the seniors complex without him. My daughter is making a valiant effort to understand five card stud, but we aren’t much competition.
It’s a little tough on the ego to recognize that your life is more boring than a senior citizen poker game. To be fair, they are a pretty lively bunch. They say Larry fakes his palsy to palm cards, and Dennis has no problem with his memory when it comes to collecting the pot. I miss them, too.
Is it Katja?
Talk about a rollercoaster! On Wednesday I thought my mom was in the last throes of the virus and was about to take her to the ER (ER told me to only do it if there was no other choice and it really seemed that way), but got some antibiotics for her instead. Within two hours she was perky, asking for tea and halvah. The next day she was moving around, no fever, doing her own laundry.
We're lucky to have a very responsive doctor and pharmacy in town.
And the next day I sold my debut novel along with an as yet unfinished sequel to Crooked Lane Books.
So... I can't celebrate in style, and who knows what's next, but right at this moment, the sun is shining and things seem like they will work out.
Sending good thoughts out to all the reiders. Hang in there.
Brenda, I think there's a story there! I'd read the hell out of it.
Going to guess, it's E.M. in the quarantine ward.
I'm doing fine. My life has not changed because I never go out anyway. That being said, I ordered my groceries online this week. My son is going to pick them up tomorrow. I ordered a water filter because our water tastes yuck and I won't be going to the store to refill plastic jugs.
My car is making strange noises, so I'm not even creeping out for the occasional Culver's soup.
I'm on a diet, yay me. I get on the vibration platform machine and shake myself to pieces three times a day. Amazon had Marcy home gyms on sale before all this craziness hit, so I bought one. Thankfully, my darling son put it together. I've been working out with it and I have a recumbent bike that I used after the knee replacement.
I do weights one day and belly dancing the next day. Weights are much easier. I'm starting to hate this woman.
On the plus side, I'm losing weight and inches.
I'm writing. On the down side, Rain Crow has turned into a tome. Luckily one agent wants Civil War novels and he doesn't care about size. Another wants it and he doesn't care about size either. Now to just make sure it's so beautiful publishers don't care about size.
Rain Crow was done until a friend suggested I put it through the Save The Cat Writes A Novel wringer.
It's not me but I have a similar sofa and set up. The pug and I hide under a blanket at night. Last night, we heard several loud pops. I thought, is that gun fire? I have no idea. But we hid and I read her Alexander and the Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day for comfort.
At the moment, I am dancing to Hamilton sound track and trying to create new apps for the school system in its weird new reality. I am writing again in the pre-dawn hours. If I wasn't working, I would go mad. I worry about how this will hit people psychologically in the long run. This is quite unnatural for humans and even some of us not quite humans - you know, writers.
When I heard the British Prime Minister had been diagnosed with Covid-19 as well as Prince Charles, I had another little panic attack. I have about three a day now. They go nicely with meals. Not because of any personal affection but if the world's top leaders are getting sick...
I am scared. There. I said it. I am really scared in the quiet hours after sundown. My daughter called last night from her hidey-hole in Brooklyn, scared because a 31 year old friend had died of the virus before the test could even come back. And that scares me because she can't leave without feeling like she is endangering others. How many are in the same kind of situation - alone away from loved ones due to the new world order?
Only through fear can we be brave. So the sun came up again and here we are. It's good to see all of you here. Even if it is at a greater distance than social distancing requires. See you on the other side of the war....
Emma, what great news. I'm glad your Mom is recovering and a sale!!!
Whoo hooo!!!
Emma, a double huzzah. What bright news to have in a storm.
My big news is we're moving to the Pacific Northwest at last.
I am glad to see a post from Janet pop up!
NH is now under a stay at home order so that's where we are. It's not that hard for us, we're usually at home but it does mean we're only going to town once a week for early morning senior shopping and we can't have friends over or go to the library. This is our off season anyway so there aren't a lot of people around which is good. We are being very very careful because we are looking after two 91 year olds who would not last long if this hit them.
7 reported cases in our area. That we know about.
Ramona was so excited to see spring coming in yesterday she is exhausted today and sleeping it off under the blankets. She forgets she is not a kitten anymore.
It is very weird to drive through town and see everything closed.
Our library had to shut down but I do have the collected works of Mark Twain...
Better. Still worried as hell about family members who work as nurses in health care, friends and family who are police officers, family in banking and the grocery industry, etc. but I'm managing the worry as best I can.
Emma, glad to hear your mom is recovering.
No idea who it is!
Emma, double congratulations!
I was beginning to fear that this was indeed Janet, since the blog post didn't pop up until much later than usual.
Writing, writing, writing. This isn't all that much different than regular retirement life except there are no trips to visit the grandson and very few trips to the grocery store. The state is locked down, so even people who go outside to exercise (it's a rare non-rainy day so I got to go for a walk after lunch) keep their social distance.
sorry about the blog post being late.
I was tinkering with it last night, and I entered the wrong date for it to be published.
Maybe I should stop tinkering before I start swilling hooch.
It's NOT E.M.
Emma, wow! Congratulations on both pieces of news.
Brenda, hang in there. He sounds like a hoot.
My guess: Carolynn
Hey Reefers (there's just something funny about that vs Reiders at the moment),
I'm gonna guess Amy Schaefer? Maybe Mallory? I have no idea!
Doing well down here. Hate what's going on in NYC.
I forgot to add - congratulations, Emma! That's got to make all this seem a little (a lot!) better.
I think maybe it is Katja - not sure.
Let me add my congratulations to Emma
Emma... Congratulations. YAY you!!!
My guess: Someone who doesn't have kids. But only because there's no kid paraphernalia in the photo - which could mean little or nothing. So, essentially, I got nothing.
Me? I'm taking a break from trimming horses hooves, but heading back out to do as many more as my 62 year old body will allow. (Our farrier is social distanced). Some horses are very good and will stand at liberty while I trim. Others, not so much.
Emma--congratulations! A rollercoaster, indeed, but sounds like you definitely came out of it on top!
I've been isolating with my parents in Georgia (a small quaranteam of three) for about a week and a half now. Today my work-from-home office was our sunny, pollen-coated back patio in the gorgeous 81-degree sunshine. I miss my life and my friends, but I am one of the lucky ones--for the moment, I still have a job that allows me to remote in with no real change. If those $1200 checks do come through, I'm going to donate mine, so now I'm trying to figure out what will do the most good with what is, objectively, not a lot of money. Scuba masks to hospitals? Helping a local small business? There's so much need and all of it is worthy, I don't know where to start.
Congrats Emma! That's awesome news!
Emma -- SO many congratulations! I've been through a similar situation (on sub waiting for The Call outside the cardiac cath lab) and gotten the good ending too. Absorb every bit of joy and relief and pride right now. And when the adrenaline ebbs and you wonder how you got here, remind yourself that you damn well deserve it! CONGRATULATIONS!
I have absolutely no idea who that is, it doesn't conform with any of my dives into imagination that have given me preconceived notions about all of y'all.
Doing okay here. August has decided to visit in March and it has been horribly hot. The birds are singing for mates, the grass wants to grow and the bugs have started their invasion early.
If you go into a grocery store it looks like America has become a third world nation. Our county is closing down at 10 tonight, so you can't buy anything except food, when you can find it, and home repair stuff.
Best part of it is the Screech Owls nesting in the neighborhood.
I don't know whose apartment it is, but I do know the drinking glass! We just bought that one in green at Ikea last month--we bought four, actually, because we wanted green and that was the ONLY color that wasn't open stock.
Oh phew! I looked for today's post at 10, saw nothing, refreshed, still saw nothing, refreshed approximately 15,000 more times and started wondering. My brain, of course, didn't take long to tell me, "The reason is obvious: JANET HAS CORONAVIRUS!!!" Glad to see it was just blowing things out of proportion again! (...as always. I've gotten pretty good at talking it down though.)
When I saw it was posted at 7 am, I began to think I was going crazy. If not for Theresa's and Janet's comments confirming its lateness, I would still be confused. Thank you both.
I also have no idea who that is, though if they were lying on the couch instead of sitting, holding a phone instead of a computer, on a brown couch, and in a much messier room, I might think Janet had snuck into my house without anyone noticing.
I can't ID the Reider, but I admire their taste in dinnerware! It's sunny and warmish here in Minnesota, and people are desperate to get outside. I keep thinking about the ninth chapter of Jane Eyre, where Jane rhapsodizes for several lush paragraphs about the delights of spring at Lowood, only to reveal (spoiler alert!) that the reason she has so much freedom to roam at leisure in this woodland paradise is that typhus has moved in and stricken many of her classmates. It's a heartbreaking juxtaposition.
Congratulations, Emma -- that is wonderful news on both fronts!
Hands up, it’s me!
Well the prize goes to someone who guessed pretty early on. Only that there is no prize, I suppose. 😉 When I saw that early guess, I was a little like Rumpelstiltskin – fuming and jumping… like HOW did you know? Am I known to hang out on sofas like this? 😉
I actually dreamed about this during the early morning hours. Cause, yeah, I got a Janet-warning that I’d be on today and shhh… don’t say anything until later. No problem! And then I dreamed that lots of German blog readers popped up like mushrooms overnight, they all recognised my arm to be German, and then the whole blog started talking in German. I wonder if there actually are any German blog readers?!
The photos are from Tuesday – the first day of total lockdown here in the UK. We all got it by text message from the government that it was must-stay-in time now. We will get fined if we go out for the wrong reasons… police are definitely patrolling!
I didn’t change out of my nightshirt all Tuesday. I don’t do this often, because my OCD demands I follow strict routines, but I’m able to make exceptions now, and as you can see… I was like in paradise: writing with the yummy supplies Fiancé had put there for me!
I’d been there on the sofa for quite a while. Fiancé sat at the dining table. Suddenly he laughed. “Are you in there somewhere?”
Me: “Eh?”
Him: “No, don’t move!”
Me: “Eh?”
Him: “Just don’t move, okay?!”
I carried on typing away at my current WIP. Then I reached out for another biscuit on that plate.
Him: “Oh yeah, that’s a good one!”
Me: “Eh? What are you DOING?”
Him: “Just check your emails in a minute.”
And then he’d sent me these two pictures. I immediately thought of sending them to Janet, first thing. Just so she knows she’s not the only one stuck in her apartment with no garden or balcony. Just for entertainment. Just to let her know how my social-distancing is coming along.
I hope all of you are doing okay, too!
Congrats, Emma!
And yes, that glass is from IKEA.
Stay healthy and safe, Reef!
Congrats, Emma! Fabulous news.
My entire country is in lockdown for 4 weeks and we're only on day three... Already very over working from home and trying to wrangle all sorts of new technology I'm only partially trained in using. But I can't really complain. Two people in our organization tested positive for the virus, and I'm feeling lucky that 10 days post-contact with them, I'm still symptom free.
But it is a weird old world where my 15-year-old son is the only one of us considered 'essential' because he works part-time at a supermarket. Way to check egos, world!
Congratulations, Emma!! :D
Katja: I should have guessed it was you. Your arm looks incredibly German. Such a German arm. How could anyone have missed that? ;) Seriously, though, stay safe and well!
Kate: I have long maintained that the people who should be paid most in any society are the ones who do the jobs we all take for granted, like the people who take your trash, or clean your streets, or put out your fires, and so on. It's sad that it takes a pandemic for us to appreciate them.
Emmmmma ! Congrats !
I am eating. Keeping busy. Eating. Completing small projects around our little downsize. Eating. Working on two WIPs that are very different which seems to sooth my wandering mind. Eating. Watching to much cable news. Eating. Take solitary walks around the neighborhood. Damn I'm hungry.
Stay safe.
Yes, Colin, YOU should really have seen it's a German arm! I don't know where you were made... but I know you were born in Germany. Surely pulled out by a German arm! It was the very first thing you've seen and felt.
How could you miss this. Mwahahaha!
Congratulations, Emma! That’s wonderful news!
I saw an author tweet earlier this week, chastising other authors who are promoting their books. Paraphrased, his opinion was, “the world is on fire, HOW CAN YOU BE SO MERCENARY?!” But I disagree. I think it’s important to keep part of our routines, our normalcy, to get through this. I don’t have a book to promote, but I continue posting pics of interesting dishes that we’ve cooked, or new flowers coming up in the garden — it’s mentally healthy to focus on something *other than* the mess the world is in. And sharing good news is a delightful part of that.
Haha! This does look like a little bit of paradise. What's the snack, Katja? For some reason I am on a frozen thin mints parade. One sleeve is successfully vanquished.
Emma, that is wonderful!
Katja that really is a great set of pictures. Keep writing!
Everyone, thank you for the congratulations. You all made me feel warm and fuzzy.
Writer of Wrongs - how sad that an author would tweet that. I've seen the writing community be extra supportive of each other in the past two weeks. Authors whose books are coming out now are completely shafted. Authors whose books are coming out soon are in a twilight zone. We SHOULD support each other more and promote our and each other's work more, especially now. My hours got cut in half at work, but I still made it a point to buy a book that just came out only to support the author. I'm a fan of libraries, but what more meaningful time to buy books than now, if you can.
Carolynnwith2Ns I'm eating too. And then I'm on my eliptical until 2:00 am because who can sleep with the world upside down?
Stay safe and healthy everyone.
At least you've got your frisbee handy to get some exercise.
Glad to hear all of you are okay! Katja's arm made me laugh so much.
We are all fine here, nothing to report. Still no school, but the kids are perfectly happy with that, so...
I'm really worried about you guys in the UK and US, and especially anyone in NYC right now. Not gonna lie. Thinking of you a lot.
Congratulations, Emma! That is a very happy twist in your tale there! Thanks for sharing it with us.
, I agree. It's not mercenary to keep selling things to help people get through this weird stuck at home time. Also, frankly, think of the economy. Though I suppose it could be a little distasteful, done badly: "Got coronavirus? Buy my book before it's too late!" might be going a tad far. Yanno.
I'm not okay, actually. It's hard to admit that. I mean, *I* am fine, physically. But emotionally? I'm a wreck. It seems that everyone I love or care about is at high risk of getting horribly sick or dying and . . . it's a lot. I don't know how to, or even if I should, break free from that crushing, cycling worry.
I keep thinking of this quote from Pearl S. Buck, which feels so relevant right now:
"The truly creative mind in any field is no more than this: a human creature born abnormally, inhumanly sensitive. To him, a touch is a blow, a sound is a noise, a misfortune is a tragedy, a joy is an ecstasy, a friend is a lover, a lover is a god, and failure is death. Add to this cruelly delicate organism the overpowering necessity to create, create, create — so that without the creating of music or poetry or books or buildings or something of meaning, his very breath is cut off from him. He must create, must pour out creation. By some strange, unknown, inward urgency he is not really alive unless he is creating."
And I'm finding it impossible to create, anything, even the smallest thing, so it feels like my very breath has been cut off. A touch is a blow. Indeed.
It helps to hear all these familiar voices over here, expressing optimism and normalcy and humour, so thank you.
Emma, healing vibes to your mom, and huge congratulations on the sale!
Katja, you crack me up with your very German arm. :) Thanks for sharing the pics.
I send a greeting from Carkoon. Well, not exactly a greeting. More like a strangled cry for help. Janet, you were right. I bet on the wrong horse. Days after our arrival, Alan skipped out and has not been seen since, leaving me with nothing to eat but the unmentionable K word and garlic, whose smell alone nauseates me. And the heat! It's unbearable. While I've been assured I'm safe here from The Virus, one can't be sure. Meanwhile, I spend my days repenting and searching for ways to spread the gospel about Idris Elba. Which will probably go better after I figure out who he is. Surely someone from the Reef will send a searching party/rescue ship????
Big up, Emma! That’s wonderful news on all fronts. And congrats, Katja, on owning one of the most German arms I’ve ever seen—and I’ve seen plenty! And a very special thanks to you, Janet, for keeping this community going, during these...uhm...interesting times.
Other than that, the Bronx is still the Bronx, with the main difference that the air seems a lot fresher, these days. I’m not missing the traffic much! The fam is hanging in there. So far we’re all still unvirused. Mrs. Casual is getting a little antsy, after two weeks in the apartment. I’m guessing the “quarantine” is getting to her, just a wee bit. Nothing a quick round of Dutch Blitz couldn’t fix.
To keep myself busy I’m enjoying yet another one of Terry Pratchett’s tall tales; looking out the window, enjoying the gorgeous late afternoon sunlight washing across the otherwise rather drab brick wall on the other side of the street (Hm, I wonder if that's that famous "sunny side of the street" everybody keeps yapping on about?); taking some online illustration classes (because why not?); while, at the same time, trying to string together a couple of sentences, preferably in a somewhat sensible fashion, with the goal of adding them to my WIP. Let’s face it, that blasted novel won’t write itself!
As long as the money doesn't run out, this isn't a half-bad way of doing things... But then again, there is that "money running out" thing!
PS: @KDJames... I saw your post just before posting this. I don't have any words of profound wisdom to offer, but I have found that, more often than not, all we can do is put one foot in front of the other, take it one step at a time, and live in the moment. All the worrying in the world helps neither you, nor those you love or care about. I sincerely hope you can find some peace of mind.
I'm ok. We're only on semi-strict restrictions down here (our prime minister has been a tad... opaque on the subject. Everyone with a job is an essential worker apparently), but I'm following the British rules as they seem more cautious (and clearer). I've been out once this week to the mini-mart, where I bought hot-cross buns along with my essentials. Hot-cross buns as the substrate for toasted cheese (good sharp cheddar) are highly recommended.
I've also figured out how to use the primary teaching software for our uni, so the number of things that can go wrong in virtual class on Monday is now down into triple figures.
The thing that is bugging me in the background is being on the opposite side of the world to elderly parents during a travel ban. Whatever happens to them, we won't be able to get there. However, my Mum was a medical chemist back in the 60s before we came along and torpedoed her career, and still retains all her decontamination protocols. She probably has the cleanest doornobs, dustbin handles, and food packaging in the uk.
KDJames, I am so sorry you are struggling. It is terribly hard to worry about one someone, let alone a bunch of them. It is okay to not create during this time. Actually, I think it is pretty much okay to do whatever you need to do to maintain.
If we maintain, we get to the other side. Maybe a little ragged around the edges, but we're there. Wishing you a wee bit of peace, wherever you can find it.
Emma, Serious congrats are in order! Celebrating with you from a distance.
Emma, that is super news. Congratulations!
Katja, too late for me to guess, but you look so comfy on that lounge.
Biggles the Dog is totally thrilled with the stay-at-home life the Barbarians and I now lead. The Hub's team has been split in two so they work week on, week off shifts. Hard to keep track of the days! Online learning isn't going too badly for their schooling. I have a huge list of things that need doing around the house, so there is great incentive for the Barbarians to stay focused *grin*.
But my local bookstore is starting home delivery, I've found a garden centre that will deliver plants and my band conductor has sent us a pile of new pieces to practice. It's a shame online grocery delivery has been stopped. It really is the time of the introvert.
I was going to guess Julie, but realized the furniture was all wrong. After that, I had no guess. I should have guessed Alot, like John Frain.
Colin: Big thumbs up on the jobs vs paty comment.
Katja, I love the back story!
I'm thankful- I can work from home. (In fact, I've been doing it whenever I could get away with it.) The non-profit Sharon was closed for spring break, but she spent a couple of hours a day on video calls while they worked through how to serve their clients in the New Viral Order. They're getting quite creative and doing a great job of being open and available while they're more or less closed. (They're exempt from the order that has closed some businesses, but they're being quite bright about it.)
I go running every day; I've missed that. We pick up supper most nights to help our favorite restaurants and their employees out, tipping well. Today we ate at a spot out in the country. I'm practicing bass more, and our worship team is going to try jamming via Zoom.
Things could be a lot worse for us. I've been out of work with small kids. If anyone here needs anything, please say so. God bless you all!
I'm about to go watch some old Monkees episodes. 8^)
Julie Weathers, if you ever feel like taking a break from your novels, I sense excellent essay potential in your social distancing weight-loss adventures. :)
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