Hi Kim - I can't tell you what a thrill it was to see my quilt included in the things bringing you joy. I'm loving hanging out with my daughter Jessie during this time. Usually she is so busy that we hardly see each other but now we're baking cookies, walking dogs, and watching the Marvellous Mrs. Maisel together. We're hoping to sew a quilt top together too -- thinking of an old fashioned basket quilt, so charming!
Comfort food and the comfort of friends is how I will remember this pandemic. I have been making things like meatloaf with mashed potatoes (cream cheese rather than milk, and lots of butter!) and batches of peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. I've stopped caring about calories--very liberating! Most of all, what is bringing me great joy is connecting with friends for virtual walks. I just came back from a 75-minute walk with a friend in another city--whom I don't speak to nearly enough in "normal" times. We didn't solve many of the world's problems but we sure did do a deep-dive into contemplating whether we should continue to go grey--that could be very liberating too!
You know I am in favour of the liberation of grey--did it myself 6 or so years ago, and haven't regretted it. Love the idea of the walk in two different cities too!
Knowing when to connect and when to unplug, reading, weaving--a new skill shared by one of my MFA peeps, quilting, sewing, meaningful engagement with the fam I live with, and of course yoga. Writing is there but I find it hard to focus well. Oh...cooking and eating....those memes on weight gain are real for me--eeks! But, its all okay. Most of all I am trying to accept what is as I recognize how much harder it is getting. Thanks++ for your newsletter, Kim....and for suggesting the comments :-)....inspiring!
What sparks joy seems to be a beautiful, big topic right now!
Like Ken, I usually have regular walking routes in the Don Valley. But over the past week, I've begun stepping off the trails, and have become more interested in the relics of history... An old pot. Bricks in strange locations.
Dinner has also become special! My girls and I alternate who cooks every fourth night, and every meal so far has been something out of the ordinary. The past few Thursdays have been mine. I request formal dress and we listen to a Facebook Live jazz show.
And the arts! That blows my mind and provides serious sustenance.
Hi, Kim. A longish daily bike ride works for me. This is in addition to the daily walk I take with Sheena. Sure, I used to ride once or twice a week, but almost always the same route . . . over the hills and then down along the water in the Beaches. That's still my number one route. But lately, feeling the need to mix things up, I've been ranging north of Kingston Road and heading either east or west. I'm getting to know neighborhoods beyond walking distance, areas I didn't know existed. Otherwise, work, work, work. I've got a couple of bosses who are real slave drivers and . . . oops, no! scratch that last bit. I keep washing my hands.
Fabulous newsletter, Kim! That quilt!!! Blew my mind. As for what's keeping me going through this? Well, as I'm a control freak and SERIOUSLY soothed by routine and ritual - having to work my tail off this past month (YAY crisis comms! *sarcasm*) from my home office has helped me maintain a sense of normalcy, regular hours, etc., Monday to Friday at least. I've been allowing breakdowns and ugly crying when needed - about once a week seems to be my schedule! LOL And, as you said, I'm exploding with the joys of spring finally spring! Seeing the seasonal birds return, and hearing the birdsong, has been a gift - not to mention dog walks and some days spent in sunshine that borders on warm. I'm not sure how I could have handled WFH with two extra people at home day-in, day-out, were it the depths of January!! Best to you and yours, stay safe.
Kim, your newsletter is definitely a bright spot! In lieu of actual travel, or even just travel planning, I've been reading some old travel books: Prospero's Cell by Larry Durrell, A Time of Gifts by Patrick Leigh Fermor, In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin. Super satisfying.
Cultivating appreciation for life’s little moments is becoming more habitual. The kindness and creativity of friends and family has to come at the top of the arcade pinball wins. This year’s spring will stay with me as I’m experiencing it more intensely. The privilege of having a yard is one I’m not taking for granted, especially as so many do not have this joy. I’m weeding, pruning, transplanting, raking ... literally like never before!
What’s helping me get through is reading, working, walking, and conversations with friends. What’s sparking my creativity...hmm. Not sure I feel too creative. I have finally organized my recipes and am cooking a lot (does that count?). What’s bringing me joy has gotten much simpler: Sunshine through a window or on my face.
Thanks for this Kim. And thank you for my first comfort food of the pandemic. I read this at the right time. Like many who are logging 18 hour days, I am ready for a break b4 this breaks me. I am feeling my privilege in all kinds of ways. Waking up and seeing the ocean, watching "bird TV" from our deck, leading our elderly relatives through their first zoom calls... these are gifts in uncertain and uncomfortable times. I look forward to post pandemic pie. xo
I have never minded being alone. In fact, I enjoy solitude.But forced isolation is something very different. Never responding well to being 'forced' to do anything, just accepting that I had to stay in, wash my hands so frequently they are raw, not hug my friends and wear a mask and gloves was quite a hurdle to overcome. I go through many phases--I'm okay and everything will be fine; Will this be the last time I do something that matters?; As an older person will I be around when this ends?; This is a gift in many ways--time to think about me and my values; time to write; Enjoying grocery shopping with no crowds and Driving with very few cars on the road. But an important gift was discovering Zoom and learning how to use it! I can connect with friends, family...the whole world if I want to. And, something that has given me great joy and lots of wonderful tips and suggestions: Kim's thoughts. I look forward to the email that tells me another wonderful and thoughtful piece from an insightful Halifax voice is awaiting my click on my computer. Thank you Kim.
Pat, thank you for your kind words. I think so many of us are grappling with the questions of what matters, how do I contribute something that matters in all of this, how do I maintain the connections that matter? We've had two Zoom/Skype conversations with friends tonight--such a gift!
I've had a couple of 'forced into isolation sessions' in my life but there was a timeline to the others - in 3 months you'll be fine - in 6 weeks it will be over - not this one. Who knows when we'll cross borders again - to Ottawa - we are interrogated at all five bridges both coming and going. My novel Argonauta - begins with Trudeau (Dad) invoking the War Measures Act in the 70s..hmm seems like a déja vu with Justin wanting to do the same. Thanks for your newsy letter.
Thanks,Kim for these newsletters. You have provided me with much material to ponder. I like to ponder such issues as perfumes and scents in general. Love to hear about books you are reading and how to cope with stacks of books on the bedside table. And always look forward to the picture of Buddy.
These are confusing times. I had not realized how much of what we do, requires that we be in close physical space with others. When I watch TV and the commercials from pre-Covid19 come on, most of them show people doing every day things like going to the gym, or talking to someone at a store, or bringing their car in for a filter change. And they always stand together in close proximity. And they often shake hands!
We may never or at least for a long time, be able to have these basic, human interactions. I find it extremely unsettling that shaking hands may disappear from our way of expressing our feelings.
I do not understand economics. I know nothing about science. I have very little experience in business. But I know just enough about history and communication, to wonder how we will replace the symbolic and meaningful gesture of shaking hands.
All this to say am ok with solitude. I have a partner, so I have a wonderful person who shares my worries as well as joys. My beloved dog who was almost 18 died two weeks ago, and I miss him a great deal. I am fortunate also to have very fine folks as friends. And from both of my parents, I have learned to be resilient. And to look for humour in every situation.
So thanks,Kim. Wish you well in your many challenges. And enjoy your walks with Buddy.
Oh Rose, I'm so sorry to hear you've lost your dog! They leave a very big hole in our hearts, don't they? The sharing of worries and joys is so important, isn't it? I share my home with my mother and sister, and the shared talks and worries and sometimes outrageous and funny comments are all helping to keep us sane, as are our conversations with other friends and family far. We aren't all in the same room, but we are still connected.
This blog and comments are so incredibly uplifting. Thank you, Kim, and everyone else. Lately, I am checking in with and supporting many parents trying to be teachers, parents and employees all at the same time from home. I counsel them to also "go easy." So what if you kid ate Doritos all day so that you could do a Skype call. And just in case you were wondering the times' table practice will still be there tomorrow. I talked to one Mom yesterday with a 13, 10 and 8-year-old. She usually embraces life completely, whatever it throws at her. With her new reality of kids home all day, she challenged her kids to join an all-night family party, and if they are still awake after 11:00 pm, they order pizza and watch documentaries. 🍕🙂
Margaret, your work in supporting parents is so important! I am in awe of friends who are managing their kids' schooling on top of everything else--and share their frustrations at the impossible expectations that this should be anywhere even close to normal schooling. And I love the all-night family party--it sure beats the middle-of-the-night solo insomnia option!!
Shutterfly sent me an email on Monday reminding me where I was 5 years ago. So I've been re-living my 2015 travels in Beijing, Vietnam and Laos by posting photos, indulging my travel bug in the absence of any future travel plans.
Hi Kim - reading this newsletter is an inspiration for me. I love reading about books and ideas and seeing the beauty you share. That of course includes the beautiful quilt by Marilyn Smulders that you added today. I try to stay connected to family living across Canada and in the US. And to new and long time friends as well. Sometimes I even wish I had a dog to walk! Then the thought evaporates - like the day.
Oh Carol, thank you so much for your kind words. And when we're past this social distancing stuff, let's take Buddy for a walk together--he's always happy to have a new woman to adore him!
Hi Kim - I can't tell you what a thrill it was to see my quilt included in the things bringing you joy. I'm loving hanging out with my daughter Jessie during this time. Usually she is so busy that we hardly see each other but now we're baking cookies, walking dogs, and watching the Marvellous Mrs. Maisel together. We're hoping to sew a quilt top together too -- thinking of an old fashioned basket quilt, so charming!
Marilyn, your quilts amaze me! I can't wait to see what you and Jessie create together.
Comfort food and the comfort of friends is how I will remember this pandemic. I have been making things like meatloaf with mashed potatoes (cream cheese rather than milk, and lots of butter!) and batches of peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. I've stopped caring about calories--very liberating! Most of all, what is bringing me great joy is connecting with friends for virtual walks. I just came back from a 75-minute walk with a friend in another city--whom I don't speak to nearly enough in "normal" times. We didn't solve many of the world's problems but we sure did do a deep-dive into contemplating whether we should continue to go grey--that could be very liberating too!
You know I am in favour of the liberation of grey--did it myself 6 or so years ago, and haven't regretted it. Love the idea of the walk in two different cities too!
Grey is awesome!
Knowing when to connect and when to unplug, reading, weaving--a new skill shared by one of my MFA peeps, quilting, sewing, meaningful engagement with the fam I live with, and of course yoga. Writing is there but I find it hard to focus well. Oh...cooking and eating....those memes on weight gain are real for me--eeks! But, its all okay. Most of all I am trying to accept what is as I recognize how much harder it is getting. Thanks++ for your newsletter, Kim....and for suggesting the comments :-)....inspiring!
Unplugging and connecting are both important, aren't they? And the balance keeps shifting. Thanks for your comments, Kim!
What sparks joy seems to be a beautiful, big topic right now!
Like Ken, I usually have regular walking routes in the Don Valley. But over the past week, I've begun stepping off the trails, and have become more interested in the relics of history... An old pot. Bricks in strange locations.
Dinner has also become special! My girls and I alternate who cooks every fourth night, and every meal so far has been something out of the ordinary. The past few Thursdays have been mine. I request formal dress and we listen to a Facebook Live jazz show.
And the arts! That blows my mind and provides serious sustenance.
xo
What fun, Mara! We've been doing some Skype dinners with friends, which has also added joy.
Love that! Making the normal extraordinary :)
Hi, Kim. A longish daily bike ride works for me. This is in addition to the daily walk I take with Sheena. Sure, I used to ride once or twice a week, but almost always the same route . . . over the hills and then down along the water in the Beaches. That's still my number one route. But lately, feeling the need to mix things up, I've been ranging north of Kingston Road and heading either east or west. I'm getting to know neighborhoods beyond walking distance, areas I didn't know existed. Otherwise, work, work, work. I've got a couple of bosses who are real slave drivers and . . . oops, no! scratch that last bit. I keep washing my hands.
Ken, are you sure you have time to be distracted by enewsletters? :)
Ha ha. QED!
Fabulous newsletter, Kim! That quilt!!! Blew my mind. As for what's keeping me going through this? Well, as I'm a control freak and SERIOUSLY soothed by routine and ritual - having to work my tail off this past month (YAY crisis comms! *sarcasm*) from my home office has helped me maintain a sense of normalcy, regular hours, etc., Monday to Friday at least. I've been allowing breakdowns and ugly crying when needed - about once a week seems to be my schedule! LOL And, as you said, I'm exploding with the joys of spring finally spring! Seeing the seasonal birds return, and hearing the birdsong, has been a gift - not to mention dog walks and some days spent in sunshine that borders on warm. I'm not sure how I could have handled WFH with two extra people at home day-in, day-out, were it the depths of January!! Best to you and yours, stay safe.
Thanks Lindsay. Marilyn's quilts are just amazing. And spring is a blessing.
Kim, your newsletter is definitely a bright spot! In lieu of actual travel, or even just travel planning, I've been reading some old travel books: Prospero's Cell by Larry Durrell, A Time of Gifts by Patrick Leigh Fermor, In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin. Super satisfying.
And three more to add to my to-read list. Thank you Jill!
Cultivating appreciation for life’s little moments is becoming more habitual. The kindness and creativity of friends and family has to come at the top of the arcade pinball wins. This year’s spring will stay with me as I’m experiencing it more intensely. The privilege of having a yard is one I’m not taking for granted, especially as so many do not have this joy. I’m weeding, pruning, transplanting, raking ... literally like never before!
I think there are going to be many many well-cared for yards this year, Amanda!
What’s helping me get through is reading, working, walking, and conversations with friends. What’s sparking my creativity...hmm. Not sure I feel too creative. I have finally organized my recipes and am cooking a lot (does that count?). What’s bringing me joy has gotten much simpler: Sunshine through a window or on my face.
Cooking absolutely counts as creative!
Thanks for this Kim. And thank you for my first comfort food of the pandemic. I read this at the right time. Like many who are logging 18 hour days, I am ready for a break b4 this breaks me. I am feeling my privilege in all kinds of ways. Waking up and seeing the ocean, watching "bird TV" from our deck, leading our elderly relatives through their first zoom calls... these are gifts in uncertain and uncomfortable times. I look forward to post pandemic pie. xo
Laurie, please keep sharing those photos from your deck! I'm getting my vicarious shoreline dose from them--and yes to post-pandemic pie!
I have never minded being alone. In fact, I enjoy solitude.But forced isolation is something very different. Never responding well to being 'forced' to do anything, just accepting that I had to stay in, wash my hands so frequently they are raw, not hug my friends and wear a mask and gloves was quite a hurdle to overcome. I go through many phases--I'm okay and everything will be fine; Will this be the last time I do something that matters?; As an older person will I be around when this ends?; This is a gift in many ways--time to think about me and my values; time to write; Enjoying grocery shopping with no crowds and Driving with very few cars on the road. But an important gift was discovering Zoom and learning how to use it! I can connect with friends, family...the whole world if I want to. And, something that has given me great joy and lots of wonderful tips and suggestions: Kim's thoughts. I look forward to the email that tells me another wonderful and thoughtful piece from an insightful Halifax voice is awaiting my click on my computer. Thank you Kim.
Pat, thank you for your kind words. I think so many of us are grappling with the questions of what matters, how do I contribute something that matters in all of this, how do I maintain the connections that matter? We've had two Zoom/Skype conversations with friends tonight--such a gift!
I've had a couple of 'forced into isolation sessions' in my life but there was a timeline to the others - in 3 months you'll be fine - in 6 weeks it will be over - not this one. Who knows when we'll cross borders again - to Ottawa - we are interrogated at all five bridges both coming and going. My novel Argonauta - begins with Trudeau (Dad) invoking the War Measures Act in the 70s..hmm seems like a déja vu with Justin wanting to do the same. Thanks for your newsy letter.
You're welcome Deborah!
Thanks,Kim for these newsletters. You have provided me with much material to ponder. I like to ponder such issues as perfumes and scents in general. Love to hear about books you are reading and how to cope with stacks of books on the bedside table. And always look forward to the picture of Buddy.
These are confusing times. I had not realized how much of what we do, requires that we be in close physical space with others. When I watch TV and the commercials from pre-Covid19 come on, most of them show people doing every day things like going to the gym, or talking to someone at a store, or bringing their car in for a filter change. And they always stand together in close proximity. And they often shake hands!
We may never or at least for a long time, be able to have these basic, human interactions. I find it extremely unsettling that shaking hands may disappear from our way of expressing our feelings.
I do not understand economics. I know nothing about science. I have very little experience in business. But I know just enough about history and communication, to wonder how we will replace the symbolic and meaningful gesture of shaking hands.
All this to say am ok with solitude. I have a partner, so I have a wonderful person who shares my worries as well as joys. My beloved dog who was almost 18 died two weeks ago, and I miss him a great deal. I am fortunate also to have very fine folks as friends. And from both of my parents, I have learned to be resilient. And to look for humour in every situation.
So thanks,Kim. Wish you well in your many challenges. And enjoy your walks with Buddy.
Oh Rose, I'm so sorry to hear you've lost your dog! They leave a very big hole in our hearts, don't they? The sharing of worries and joys is so important, isn't it? I share my home with my mother and sister, and the shared talks and worries and sometimes outrageous and funny comments are all helping to keep us sane, as are our conversations with other friends and family far. We aren't all in the same room, but we are still connected.
This blog and comments are so incredibly uplifting. Thank you, Kim, and everyone else. Lately, I am checking in with and supporting many parents trying to be teachers, parents and employees all at the same time from home. I counsel them to also "go easy." So what if you kid ate Doritos all day so that you could do a Skype call. And just in case you were wondering the times' table practice will still be there tomorrow. I talked to one Mom yesterday with a 13, 10 and 8-year-old. She usually embraces life completely, whatever it throws at her. With her new reality of kids home all day, she challenged her kids to join an all-night family party, and if they are still awake after 11:00 pm, they order pizza and watch documentaries. 🍕🙂
Margaret, your work in supporting parents is so important! I am in awe of friends who are managing their kids' schooling on top of everything else--and share their frustrations at the impossible expectations that this should be anywhere even close to normal schooling. And I love the all-night family party--it sure beats the middle-of-the-night solo insomnia option!!
If you know any parents that are struggling and just need someone to chat with you may pass in my name and email address.
Thanks so much Margaret--I will!
Shutterfly sent me an email on Monday reminding me where I was 5 years ago. So I've been re-living my 2015 travels in Beijing, Vietnam and Laos by posting photos, indulging my travel bug in the absence of any future travel plans.
Oh, that's great! I've been scrolling Paris photos on my phone...
Hi Kim - reading this newsletter is an inspiration for me. I love reading about books and ideas and seeing the beauty you share. That of course includes the beautiful quilt by Marilyn Smulders that you added today. I try to stay connected to family living across Canada and in the US. And to new and long time friends as well. Sometimes I even wish I had a dog to walk! Then the thought evaporates - like the day.
Oh Carol, thank you so much for your kind words. And when we're past this social distancing stuff, let's take Buddy for a walk together--he's always happy to have a new woman to adore him!