Be Gentle With Yourself
56 minutes ago
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
TESSA AND THE LONELY CHICKEN
Monday Tessa called me on FaceTime. I have a special ring tone for her on my phone so I feel very happy when I hear it.
Whirling around on her backyard swing, while I get dizzy, she asks what I have been doing.
I promptly reply that I have been a rock and roll singer singing in a rock and roll band. "No you haven't." she says, "If you were, there would be lots of streamers."
Hmmm, maybe I better think my answers out a little more carefully next time I tell a big whopper to a seven year old.
While telling me what she has been up to I notice that she is a bit aggravated. Apparently Trixie, that's what she has named her one remaining chicken, is following her feet around pecking at them.
"Ouch trixie, stopping pecking at my feet"
This led us to a conversation about why Trixie, who is the only chicken that the fox didn't get, is following her around and pecking at her feet.
"I bet Trixie is lonely." I said. "Maybe she wants to get your attention and pecking at your feet is the only way she knows how to get it."
(I have no artistic skills but I wanted to entertain Tessa)
Tessa thought for a minute and said, "I think she needs baby chicks. Mama said that maybe since we can't get baby chicks because of the coronavirus we can have eggs sent to us and hatch our own. I would like for the baby chicks to think I am their mama, but maybe Trixie would think she is their mama."
"I bet that would make her happy and not so lonely."
There are a lot of children, who are feeling lonely right now. Just like Trixie, who has had her chicken friends and family taken away from her and doesn't understand what happened, they are feeling confused about what is going on.
If they start pecking at your feet it's just because they need a little reassurance that they aren't alone.
As for me I have found a solution to my loneliness.
Stay home and stay safe. Oh and watch out for scary chickens.
Whirling around on her backyard swing, while I get dizzy, she asks what I have been doing.
Photos are a bit fuzzy because they were FaceTime screen shots
I promptly reply that I have been a rock and roll singer singing in a rock and roll band. "No you haven't." she says, "If you were, there would be lots of streamers."
Hmmm, maybe I better think my answers out a little more carefully next time I tell a big whopper to a seven year old.
While telling me what she has been up to I notice that she is a bit aggravated. Apparently Trixie, that's what she has named her one remaining chicken, is following her feet around pecking at them.
"Ouch trixie, stopping pecking at my feet"
This led us to a conversation about why Trixie, who is the only chicken that the fox didn't get, is following her around and pecking at her feet.
"I bet Trixie is lonely." I said. "Maybe she wants to get your attention and pecking at your feet is the only way she knows how to get it."
(I have no artistic skills but I wanted to entertain Tessa)
Tessa thought for a minute and said, "I think she needs baby chicks. Mama said that maybe since we can't get baby chicks because of the coronavirus we can have eggs sent to us and hatch our own. I would like for the baby chicks to think I am their mama, but maybe Trixie would think she is their mama."
"I bet that would make her happy and not so lonely."
There are a lot of children, who are feeling lonely right now. Just like Trixie, who has had her chicken friends and family taken away from her and doesn't understand what happened, they are feeling confused about what is going on.
If they start pecking at your feet it's just because they need a little reassurance that they aren't alone.
As for me I have found a solution to my loneliness.
 |
| source unknown |
Monday, March 30, 2020
MY CORONA HOME
This is day 16 of self quarantine for me. To be honest I am not really sure what day it is anymore. One day is running into the next and I have to check my phone to see if it is Monday or Saturday.
Atlanta is on a mandatory shelter at home, which means we are expected to stay in our homes except for necessary things like grocery shopping, medical appointments, or work.
As I haven't been off the property where I live for over two weeks that isn't a problem for me. I do however, dream of far away places. (Not that I have been to any far away places recently, but I still like to dream of them.)
Short post today. See you in a couple of days. I'm busy dancing around my Corona home.
When I came across this I thought it was hilarious and fits the mood perfectly.
Short post today. See you in a couple of days. I'm busy dancing around my Corona home.
Friday, March 27, 2020
PLATE RACK ADDITION
A couple of weeks ago I shared my plate rack redo. In case you missed it you can see it here.
I missed having my blue and white transferware out where I can see it, and although I don't have room for all of my plates I like to see at least part of it.
I was feeling like the shelves were a little sparse, but didn't really have anything that I thought would work.
That's when I noticed that my daughter, Katy who has started to sell some vintage and antiques, had some beautiful Delft hand painted blue and white houses for sale.
Be still my beating heart.
I of course swooped in and bought them before anyone else could.
She was glad that I was getting them because she hated to part with them, and as for me I felt sure they would be the perfect addition to my plate rack.
I was right. The plate rack is now complete. (Well, at least for now)
I hope everyone is still practicing their social distancing.
Staying at home is the quickest way to knock this thing out so that we can get out and do all those things we love so much.
I missed having my blue and white transferware out where I can see it, and although I don't have room for all of my plates I like to see at least part of it.
I was feeling like the shelves were a little sparse, but didn't really have anything that I thought would work.
That's when I noticed that my daughter, Katy who has started to sell some vintage and antiques, had some beautiful Delft hand painted blue and white houses for sale.
Be still my beating heart.
I of course swooped in and bought them before anyone else could.
She was glad that I was getting them because she hated to part with them, and as for me I felt sure they would be the perfect addition to my plate rack.
I was right. The plate rack is now complete. (Well, at least for now)
I hope everyone is still practicing their social distancing.
Staying at home is the quickest way to knock this thing out so that we can get out and do all those things we love so much.
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
PASSING THE TIME
Monday I wrote about the new normal that we are currently living in. If you missed that post you can read it here.
As we self isolate we need to find activities to do while at home. I live in Atlanta where the mayor has announced a 14 day stay at home order so I cannot just decide to go out and wander around.
Today I thought I would share some of the things I am doing to keep myself fromgoing stark raving mad becoming bored.
I have been cleaning and organizing but I wanted something else to do. After all I live in a small apartment so there is only so much of that I can do.
Along with reading and streaming these are some of the things I am doing.
Monday I started a 21 day free medication experience from Oprah and Deepak called Hope In Uncertain Times. I find meditating to be very calming. It isn't too late to join in here.
There is no eating out so I am cooking and baking more.
I used to love to do jigsaw puzzles so I have ordered some from Eeboo. I ordered three of their Piece and Love puzzles. If you use code socialdistancing and buy two you will get a third puzzle free. Once the stay at home rule is lifted I will share with my daughters and they will share their puzzles with me.
I originally tried to order puzzles from Amazon, but they were sold out.
It is important to stay in close touch with families and friends so I will continue to FaceTime with my family (primarily Tessa who shoves her sister out of the room when we are on FaceTime)
Yesterday I met virtually with my new local peer group. Since we are unable to meet in person right now we used an app called Zoom to have a group meeting. This is a nice thing to do to help us keep from feeling so isolated.
I have been feeling like a slug as I haven't been able to do much exercising. I miss my chair yoga class so I have started Chair Yoga with Adriene on You Tube. You can find that here.
I am also going to try some of the Silver Sneakers workouts on You Tube here.
I have also added apps on my phone to brush up on my cribbage and french.
What are some of the things that you are doing keep both your mind and body active during this stressful time?
As we self isolate we need to find activities to do while at home. I live in Atlanta where the mayor has announced a 14 day stay at home order so I cannot just decide to go out and wander around.
Today I thought I would share some of the things I am doing to keep myself from
I have been cleaning and organizing but I wanted something else to do. After all I live in a small apartment so there is only so much of that I can do.
Along with reading and streaming these are some of the things I am doing.
Monday I started a 21 day free medication experience from Oprah and Deepak called Hope In Uncertain Times. I find meditating to be very calming. It isn't too late to join in here.
There is no eating out so I am cooking and baking more.
I used to love to do jigsaw puzzles so I have ordered some from Eeboo. I ordered three of their Piece and Love puzzles. If you use code socialdistancing and buy two you will get a third puzzle free. Once the stay at home rule is lifted I will share with my daughters and they will share their puzzles with me.
I originally tried to order puzzles from Amazon, but they were sold out.
It is important to stay in close touch with families and friends so I will continue to FaceTime with my family (primarily Tessa who shoves her sister out of the room when we are on FaceTime)
Yesterday I met virtually with my new local peer group. Since we are unable to meet in person right now we used an app called Zoom to have a group meeting. This is a nice thing to do to help us keep from feeling so isolated.
I have been feeling like a slug as I haven't been able to do much exercising. I miss my chair yoga class so I have started Chair Yoga with Adriene on You Tube. You can find that here.
I am also going to try some of the Silver Sneakers workouts on You Tube here.
I have also added apps on my phone to brush up on my cribbage and french.
What are some of the things that you are doing keep both your mind and body active during this stressful time?
Monday, March 23, 2020
A NEW KIND OF NORMAL
We are all feeling it. Life as we have always known it has changed, and it looks like this new normal is not going to end quickly.
With that being said, I am going to pull out my counselor's hat and dust it off a bit.
I know that many of us, including me, may be feeling lonely, anxious, confused, and/or a bit depressed.
Everything is up in the air and none of us know what to expect. It is definitely spring here in Atlanta and so for me, I am able to get out and enjoy the warmer weather. That may just mean walking around my neighborhood or even some days my parking lot, but I find that the fresh air makes me feel better. (Don't forget that social distancing is important even when outside.)
It is very difficult to be in isolation, especially when you live alone. There is no human touch, and human touch is very important. So what do we do to combat all of these emotions that we are having?
First of all it is important to know that none of us are alone in this. Second is to understand that nothing of what you are feeling is wrong. Third don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
I know that many of the younger generation don't like to talk on the phone, but if you feel that is something you need to do then be sure and talk to your family about it.
I like to FaceTime with my family. It allows me to see their faces and to feel like I am there with them in their homes. You can also Skype if you don't have access to FaceTime, and I am sure there are other apps that I don't know about.
I am a news junkie, but most of the news is repititious. They keep telling us over and over how terrible everything is. They are right that what is going on is very serious, but I think as long as we keep abreast of what is happening, we don't need to listen to it 24/7.
Pull yourself away from the news and focus on other things. What are some other things? Let's talk about that in the next post, when I will tell you about some of the things I am doing.
In the meantime continue to follow the CDC guidelines, and know that at some point we will come out of this. We will be able to get out and about again doing the things we love, and we will be hugging those children and grandchildren. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it?
With that being said, I am going to pull out my counselor's hat and dust it off a bit.
I know that many of us, including me, may be feeling lonely, anxious, confused, and/or a bit depressed.
Everything is up in the air and none of us know what to expect. It is definitely spring here in Atlanta and so for me, I am able to get out and enjoy the warmer weather. That may just mean walking around my neighborhood or even some days my parking lot, but I find that the fresh air makes me feel better. (Don't forget that social distancing is important even when outside.)
It is very difficult to be in isolation, especially when you live alone. There is no human touch, and human touch is very important. So what do we do to combat all of these emotions that we are having?
First of all it is important to know that none of us are alone in this. Second is to understand that nothing of what you are feeling is wrong. Third don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
I know that many of the younger generation don't like to talk on the phone, but if you feel that is something you need to do then be sure and talk to your family about it.
I like to FaceTime with my family. It allows me to see their faces and to feel like I am there with them in their homes. You can also Skype if you don't have access to FaceTime, and I am sure there are other apps that I don't know about.
I am a news junkie, but most of the news is repititious. They keep telling us over and over how terrible everything is. They are right that what is going on is very serious, but I think as long as we keep abreast of what is happening, we don't need to listen to it 24/7.
Pull yourself away from the news and focus on other things. What are some other things? Let's talk about that in the next post, when I will tell you about some of the things I am doing.
In the meantime continue to follow the CDC guidelines, and know that at some point we will come out of this. We will be able to get out and about again doing the things we love, and we will be hugging those children and grandchildren. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it?
Friday, March 20, 2020
A BLOOMING GOOD DAY
After five days of being cooped up in my apartment I decided I had to get outside. I was starting to feel like Jimmy Stewart in Rear Window.
I have been watching the world from my window. Fortunately, no one has been murdered. There have been some cute puppies being walked though.
Yesterday was the perfect day for it.
The sun was shining, the temperature was in the 70s, and the blooms were, well.....blooming.
So much was blooming, and the trees had suddenly dressed up in green. The azaleas though, were the best. I am so happy that I didn't miss them.
I love spring, and spring in the south is fabulous. It's my favorite season, even though my allergies might disagree with me.
Yesterday this popped up on my Facebook memories from seven years ago.
Tessa, the sweetest spring flower of all. The girl who FaceTimed me on Wednesday to play dolls with me so that I wouldn't feel so lonely. They don't come much sweeter than that.
I have been watching the world from my window. Fortunately, no one has been murdered. There have been some cute puppies being walked though.
Yesterday was the perfect day for it.
The sun was shining, the temperature was in the 70s, and the blooms were, well.....blooming.
So much was blooming, and the trees had suddenly dressed up in green. The azaleas though, were the best. I am so happy that I didn't miss them.
I love spring, and spring in the south is fabulous. It's my favorite season, even though my allergies might disagree with me.
Yesterday this popped up on my Facebook memories from seven years ago.
Tessa, the sweetest spring flower of all. The girl who FaceTimed me on Wednesday to play dolls with me so that I wouldn't feel so lonely. They don't come much sweeter than that.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
COMFORTING SIGHTS, SOUNDS, AND ROUTINES
My goodness. how our world has changed in a few short weeks. Social isolating has become a must.
I heard a political historian compare what is going on in our country right now to Britain in WWll. I always wondered what it was like for the people who lived through that.
I think we are about to find out. Will we have food rationing due to a disruption in the supply chain? Will we be forced to remain in our homes in order to slow and hopefully stop the spread of the illness? Will we be separated from our loved ones for an extended period of time? We are already seeing some of this start to happen?
I have banana bread baking in the oven. It's familiar smell comforts me.
As I sit quietly reading. I hear the ticking of my new to me clock and the gurgle of my cool air mister. They remind me of being at my grandparent's house, where I would curl up on the couch reading a book, listening to the ticking of their mantle clock and the soft sounds of the rain. It was a safe time.
Yesterday afternoon I had my groceries delivered. What an ordeal. There were so many things that weren't available, but I guess getting my groceries this way is a new routine.
Out my window I see my younger neighbors leaving for work. Some of them apparently still have jobs. A young woman walks her dog. I sit in my chair and watch.
Last night I left my apartment for the first time in three days. I needed to check my mail and to print out my application for an absentee ballot to vote in our delayed primary. As I was getting off the elevator a man was getting on and he got within a couple of feet of me. I felt panicky. What if he had the coronavirus.
I was so glad to return to my apartment, my safe haven where I am comforted with familiar sights, sounds, and routines. It's a different world.
I heard a political historian compare what is going on in our country right now to Britain in WWll. I always wondered what it was like for the people who lived through that.
I think we are about to find out. Will we have food rationing due to a disruption in the supply chain? Will we be forced to remain in our homes in order to slow and hopefully stop the spread of the illness? Will we be separated from our loved ones for an extended period of time? We are already seeing some of this start to happen?
I have banana bread baking in the oven. It's familiar smell comforts me.
As I sit quietly reading. I hear the ticking of my new to me clock and the gurgle of my cool air mister. They remind me of being at my grandparent's house, where I would curl up on the couch reading a book, listening to the ticking of their mantle clock and the soft sounds of the rain. It was a safe time.
Yesterday afternoon I had my groceries delivered. What an ordeal. There were so many things that weren't available, but I guess getting my groceries this way is a new routine.
Out my window I see my younger neighbors leaving for work. Some of them apparently still have jobs. A young woman walks her dog. I sit in my chair and watch.
Last night I left my apartment for the first time in three days. I needed to check my mail and to print out my application for an absentee ballot to vote in our delayed primary. As I was getting off the elevator a man was getting on and he got within a couple of feet of me. I felt panicky. What if he had the coronavirus.
I was so glad to return to my apartment, my safe haven where I am comforted with familiar sights, sounds, and routines. It's a different world.
Monday, March 16, 2020
SPRING CLEANING MY SMALL KITCHEN
Now that I am seriously self isolating I have decided it's time to do some spring cleaning. What better place to start than my kitchen.
First of all I got my new refrigerator a couple of weeks ago. It isn't a fancy refrigerator with a lot of bells and whistles. It's a basic GE refrigerator, and I love it. I don't know just how old the one that was here before was, but it was pretty old. This one is clean and shiny and I can see where everything is. No more lost food.
Tessa gifted me with a new piece of artwork to Christen it. Makes me happy whenever I see it.
The first thing I did was clean out the cupboard under my sink. Found things I forgot were there. Like this pretty pot. Perfect for the bedroom.
After I finished cleaning out cupboards. I moved on to thoroughly cleaning counters and everything on them.
My counter space is very limited, and it doesn't help that I don't have a double sink,
and since I don't have a dishwasher my wooden drainer takes up a lot of space.
My next task was to remove the burners from my stove, lift up the stove top and clean everything really good.
Unfortunately I forgot that I no longer have a self cleaning oven and since I don't have oven cleaner that is something I will have to take care of later.
Finished up with mopping the floor and I was done.
I love a shiny clean kitchen. Now on to the rest of the apartment.
First of all I got my new refrigerator a couple of weeks ago. It isn't a fancy refrigerator with a lot of bells and whistles. It's a basic GE refrigerator, and I love it. I don't know just how old the one that was here before was, but it was pretty old. This one is clean and shiny and I can see where everything is. No more lost food.
Tessa gifted me with a new piece of artwork to Christen it. Makes me happy whenever I see it.
The first thing I did was clean out the cupboard under my sink. Found things I forgot were there. Like this pretty pot. Perfect for the bedroom.
After I finished cleaning out cupboards. I moved on to thoroughly cleaning counters and everything on them.
My counter space is very limited, and it doesn't help that I don't have a double sink,
and since I don't have a dishwasher my wooden drainer takes up a lot of space.
My next task was to remove the burners from my stove, lift up the stove top and clean everything really good.
Unfortunately I forgot that I no longer have a self cleaning oven and since I don't have oven cleaner that is something I will have to take care of later.
Finished up with mopping the floor and I was done.
I love a shiny clean kitchen. Now on to the rest of the apartment.
Friday, March 13, 2020
FUN ACTIVITIES WHEN STUCK AT HOME
I am trying hard to follow the CDC recommendations to stay at home as much as possible, but sometimes I have a hard time following directions.
I am actually fine most of the time staying at home, but the rebel in me doesn't like to be told what to do. This has led me to try and control the urge to misbehave by coming up with activities for the time I amstuck confined at home.
So in my ever so nice way I thought I would share my list with you.
And guess what , just like that the day is over and I have accomplished so much nothing. But I did get to eat.
What are you doing while staying at home during the pandemic?
P.S. Don't be a rebel. Please follow all CDC recommendations that apply to you. Let's beat this thing.
I am actually fine most of the time staying at home, but the rebel in me doesn't like to be told what to do. This has led me to try and control the urge to misbehave by coming up with activities for the time I am
So in my ever so nice way I thought I would share my list with you.
- Eat (not really helping my weight loss plan)
- Search You Tube for exercises to combat failed diet. (started watching the videos, which was fun, but not really helpful when you don't participate)
- Watch my favorite basketball team play in their tournament this weekend (oops tournament cancelled)
- Eat popcorn I made to eat while watching game (seems to be a trend here)
- Overturn everything in my apartment looking for my reading glasses (they were on the table next to me)
- clean up mess I made looking for my glasses
- After cleaning up the mess, overturn everything again looking for my cell phone (seriously, Laura?)
- Think about baking some gluten free muffins. Go into kitchen to pull out ingredients. Grab purse and head out the door to the gluten free bakery (okay, that was a big fail)
- Eat (I swear I only ate one of the muffins I bought)
- Look in mirror (is my nose growing?)
- Spend endless hours looking at photos on Instagram (I might now be permanently cross eyed)
Spring clean(nah...who wants to do that)
What are you doing while staying at home during the pandemic?
P.S. Don't be a rebel. Please follow all CDC recommendations that apply to you. Let's beat this thing.
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
PLATE RACK REDO
I often wish I had more places to display my treasures, but living in a small apartment definitely limits me. Last week I shared my old pine cupboard where I have my china and other pieces I have either inherited or collected over the years. If you missed that you can see it here.
A couple of years ago I bought a hanging plate rack at a yard sale, which I stored in a closet until I moved into this apartment.
I was excited to be able to hang it in my dining area here, and I have changed up what I display on it a couple of times in the last year.
This is how it looked as of last week. I had done a couple of tweaks over the winter, but it stayed primarily the same.
And this is my little drop leaf dining table over which the plate rack hangs.
As you can tell, I had them decorated for winter and I am needless to say so over winter.
Also, I wanted to display some of my blue and white transferware plates again.
I love blue and white china, and I have been collecting the plates for over 40 years. Occasionally I sell one, if I have duplicates, and I have gifted some to my daughters, but they are the one thing I really hold on to.
The two small fruit prints that were hanging next to the rack have been replaced with a couple of my smaller plates for a more cohesive look.
Don't you just love that little Bybee pottery chicken creamer.
I did decide to keep the basket and the little whisk broom to give it a bit of a farmhouse look.
And of course I had to change up the table top where I am now using this pretty blue and white serving bowl. It is actually for sale in my Etsy shop, but when it sells I'll replace it with something else.
All in all I'm pretty satisfied for now, but who knows when the redo bug will hit again.
A couple of years ago I bought a hanging plate rack at a yard sale, which I stored in a closet until I moved into this apartment.
I was excited to be able to hang it in my dining area here, and I have changed up what I display on it a couple of times in the last year.
This is how it looked as of last week. I had done a couple of tweaks over the winter, but it stayed primarily the same.
And this is my little drop leaf dining table over which the plate rack hangs.
As you can tell, I had them decorated for winter and I am needless to say so over winter.
Also, I wanted to display some of my blue and white transferware plates again.
I love blue and white china, and I have been collecting the plates for over 40 years. Occasionally I sell one, if I have duplicates, and I have gifted some to my daughters, but they are the one thing I really hold on to.
The two small fruit prints that were hanging next to the rack have been replaced with a couple of my smaller plates for a more cohesive look.
Don't you just love that little Bybee pottery chicken creamer.
I did decide to keep the basket and the little whisk broom to give it a bit of a farmhouse look.
All in all I'm pretty satisfied for now, but who knows when the redo bug will hit again.
