We are close to the end of 2020, one of the most difficult years many of us have ever experienced. Do you look to see what others are doing to make the best of the situation--of the physical distancing, isolation, mask wearing, worry?
I do. I like seeing what others are doing to keep things on an even keel. Many efforts are similar, but each is unique. Articles and blogs give suggestions, comparisons, and inspiration. Some people are cooking or baking, experimenting with new recipes. Others have found time for activities they had little time for in the past. People are reading more. Binge-watching on Netflix is no longer a guilty pleasure, but a way to keep minds occupied. We do what we can.
Creative people look deeper into their chosen interest, practice more, experiment more. Active people look for ways to stay active when gyms are closed and when being with other people simply doesn't feel safe. Thank goodness for Youtube videos on practically everything from art to baking to exercise to science.
I search for art and dance, science and ecology, and new ideas in education. I'm happy when I find another article that advocates cursive and writing by hand, discover a new poem that speaks to me, find a new connection to a book I'm reading.
Bloggers suggest books, movies, funny memes that they find compelling or amusing. They share what helps them through the days and months.
Here are some dancing videos, I've enjoyed lately: ballet videos, the Lindy Hop, Irish Step Dancing, or the Jerusalema Challenge at the Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery.
Somewhere, I found this TEDtalk about Where Joy Hides.
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One thing I loved about the video were the pictures of things that spark joy. Do you find pictures online or at Pinterest that somehow make your heart sing?
Snug and warm
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Helen Phipps' blog that makes me smile. I've never commented, and I should change that since her photos provide a sense of beauty and comfort that I appreciate. Quilts always signify comfort for me.
Art and Sand also combines gorgeous flowers with a sense of homeliness, that quality that means a sense of cozy cheerfulness.
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| https://newengland.com/today/seasons/fall/vermont-foliage-drive/ |
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| https://sleeklens.com/which-animals-to-photograph-in-winter/ |
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| https://www.naturettl.com/winter-wildlife-photography-ideas/ |
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| https://www.pinterest.com/pin/159596380521121995/ |
What keeps you on an even keel, helps with the need to physically distance from friends and family, or just makes you smile when you need it?
What a beautiful Post! You have captured what blog reading does for one's spirit in words. The Internet takes on a new glow of importance in your post.
ReplyDeleteThe robin on the apples in the snow is precious!
A simple joys' keel on my ship
Thanks! There are many things to appreciate with the internet, even when we know all of the problems as well. :)
DeleteTaking a moment to stop and read this post helps. :-) Although my reading has suffered this year, I do take comfort in books just the same. I feel a sense of peace when I look at photos of the nature scenery--beautiful gardens or forests and lakes, for example. I find joy in being closer and more present with my husband and daughter. And the cats--I can't leave them out. They love having us home more. Just getting out for a walk or being outside is refreshing. I spend so much of my time cooped up indoors working. I've been listening to music more. Starbucks runs on Monday just so I can be alone for a little while--away from work and school. It's all in the little things. :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree about the comfort of books--from adventure to humor they help to sustain us. And yes, nature in person or in photos provides beauty and peace to us. We can't leave out cats! I certainly can't keep them out of my lap. And I love putting on favorite CDs, many of the oriented to children--like Anne Murray (and I sing along, "Hey, Daddy, there's a dragon in the driveway..." The little things, indeed.
DeleteThank you for sharing all those lovely photos! My favorites are "Snug & Warm," Helen Phipps' quilt (I appreciate the link and spent quite a while perusing her beautiful pictures), and the sweet little bird in the snow (with apples?).
ReplyDeleteI've been working on puzzles, reading, blogging, visiting blogs, purging old paper files, and riding my Peloton. If the rain ever stops, I'll get back outside for my daily walk, but it *is* November. :)
The photos do make me smile, and don't we all need smiles! Yes, you do have some fantastic puzzles, Les, and a lot of patience! Visiting blogs has never seemed as important as it does now. Friends in far away places. :)
DeleteReading blogs is tops. I feel a connection with my blog friends that I don't have in person any more. It is a weird time-and I try to not dwell on my fears. I'm afraid I watch a lot of news, but I'm hoping that will change if things settle down. I paint, I bake now and then. I'm thankful for a studio where I can play with my supplies. Your photos are beautiful. I always leave here feeling uplifted. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWell said! We tend to depend on each other through the internet. Seeing what our blog friends are doing and sharing. I'm trying now to stay away from too much news. It is hard enough without inviting in more problems. I visit your blog to see your paintings--the fox is one of my favorites, Debra!
DeleteHi Everyone
ReplyDeleteLovely post & comments the photos are the best, the truck photo is definitely Autumn, my favorite season. Crispy leave season is here and I love running my way through the piles left on the side walks and trails. For me, it has been reading, writing letters,taking the time to enjoy nature and working. Putting things in perspective. Notice work is at the end of list... still require at this point
Autumn is my favorite, too! I love the crunch of leaves, the colors, freshness of the air. Reading and writing letters are among my favorite things to take my mind elsewhere. Putting things in perspective is always a good thing. Even work provides a balance, doesn't it?
DeletePainting, embroidery, and reading are my go-to lockdown activities. Oh, and crochet - preferably complicated patterns that I have to undo and redo!
ReplyDeleteYou always seem to have a lot to keep you busy, Rachel!
DeleteG'day. Just stumbled upon your interesting blog and thought I'd say 'hello'. I love reading blogs and I keep telling myself to write one too...but I am a bit nervous to try it. I'm a book worm too and I used to swap lots of mail art with folk all over the world. Photography and hand stitching is how I'm keeping sane throughout the pandemic and shutdowns and all that weirdness going on in the world. I'm a retired health professional, living in Aus. Love the good ole USA, but it's got me baffled right now....
ReplyDeleteHi, Rose! I'd love to swap some mail with an Aussie, if you are interested. Letters are one of the ways I cope with the physical distancing. So are blogs--give it a try! The USA has the USA baffled right now. As if dealing with the pandemic were not enough, Americans seem to be struggling through an identity crisis. Email me your address, and I'll put a letter in the mail. :)
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