It's a Weird World

It's a weird world right now.  My toddler told me that she thinks she's scared of Coronavirus.  It was an innocent confession, fraught with concern, made during the second time my husband and I had discussed the topic several weeks ago before much of the pandemonium began.  Much to my heart's dismay.  It was the first big news coverage of the virus in the US.  Being a sensitive family in this time is not easy, but there is a silver lining in this articulation of fear.  The silver lining, I believe, is in voicing our thoughts, our ideas for living in this weird period of self-isolation.

I've read so many accounts from parents who are trying to make things work, to continue on with life now like it was pre-Covid-19.  It cannot be done.  In truth, we have come to another historical era deeply steeped in reality.  With this pandemic, I believe we are unlearning our unproductive ways of thinking that revolved heavily on self-promotion and superficial social interaction and networking.  The magic now lies in more introverted, sensitive ways of doing, of being.  We are now teaching our children via how we manage daily life while physically sequestered away from others; learning is now hands-on and more spontaneous.  In theory, at least.  I like to think that in our boredom we find new ways of seeing.  More empathy and compassion in that we are staying in to protect the most vulnerable in our population.  And honestly, I'm loving it. 

My husband sent me an article from The New York Times about how children don't need traditional academic instruction during this time, but rather, engaged and loving parents:

For those who are lucky enough to have a stable home life, this period won’t be easy — on them or on their children. Children who are prone to anxiety may find this period especially challenging. But all the experts I spoke to emphasized that routine and simple affection are important.

I want to add that parenting means different things to different people.  We are just trying to survive and we will.  We will and are trying our best in the eyes of fear.  It terrifies me that the only tangible reference point we have to compare this worldwide upheaval to is: WWII.  We need to remember that with this virus, we are at war with a virus - not with people.  That, I think, is vital to our mindset as parents and as a collective society when it comes to raising our children during Covid-19 and beyond.  

Awareness is our lifeline.  Hate has no place here. 

Featured on Bookish

Guess what?  My stamped book-page hearts were featured on Bookish.com!  Valentine's Day edition, of course.  Even though I'm an old-time Etsy seller, I'm still surprised when my work is noticed. Order now for V-day delivery.  Shop these here.

Be Happy

via Etsy

For the Mamas

Introverting with You

Sometimes with the holidays, all one wants to do is cozy up with a steaming mug of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa and a book--and excuse all else.  Except for that one person who understands you most.  I know that I do, with my husband.  Socialization in small quantities does me best.  So with the holidays nearing, and whatever your plans may be, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.  (Yes, I did indeed create the above book page art with this festive season in mind!)

As always, stay warm and kind...

His Books

Recently, I was given many of my grandfather's books...

He was what you would call an organic intellectual--for not having the means to achieve a higher education, he made up for with his accumulation of books, none of which (it appears) he threw away.  You see, he was an immigrant to the United States, arrived in 1939, and paid his way through life with odd-and-end jobs, finally owning a grocery store in the Latin part of the city.  Books, I believe, represented a yearning for another life.

Quiet, he was; introversion was his cup of tea.  And he drank lots of it.  Dignified and occasionally stoic, he was more than the sum of his parts.  When raucous family gatherings ensued, he quietly slipped away to the back of the house.  A daydreamer, he would stare out the window for hours on end with a book in hand, watching the birds bathe in the dirt, watching the moon hold brightly in the night sky.

Truly, my grandfather loved his books, for they are all worse for wear.  The covers are taped up to stay together; the pages are strongly discolored, some mildewed and torn, stained and crumbling.  But their personal significance runs so deeply into me.

Blue-Gray Tones

The wind blowing through a translucent gray sky is a common scene around here, but it's still one of my favorites.  As an introverted Scorpio, I am deeply moved by my outdoor surroundings; it's a coveted past-time to be able to sit outdoors and quietly observe slight tilts in light and wind with a camera in hand and a full heart.  Perhaps I was a Transcendentalist in a prior life--that or a hippie, but I (humbly) prefer the former rather than the latter.  

86Vintage86's Etsy Treasury, "March," (as seen below) visually puts into motion all that I hold dear about this time of year, balancing tentatively between winter and spring...

Stay good, stay warm, stay kind...

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This post is dedicated to G.J.

Stick with Love

An intriguing, thoughtfully evocative Treasury by Patricia of Avery Beth Designs, this collection expresses the multifarious nature of love from the observably reverential, to the dutifully familial, to the subtly romantic.  Meticulously curated and complex, this Treasury is, in truth, the only flash mob that I am (and probably ever will be!) a willing participant in--albeit through an EmeraldCut listing.  It is the perfect, refreshing introduction to this month, minus the overly saccharine and gushy romanticism that tends to overrun poor old February.  Thanks, Patricia, for the inclusion!

Life is Beautiful

Not to heavily borrow the Roberto Benigni film title, but isn't life truly beautiful?  In all of its tragedy and triumph, our life-hardened hearts still have the capacity--through the contingency of emotional and physical turmoil--to forgive, trust, and relate.  Not once or twice, but dozens of times (if not more).  Sure, it may outwardly appear to be a vicious cycle sometimes, this life, but its continuous lessons are consistent and true: the pain is just as poignant as the joy; its trials and tribulations are equally as important as their outcomes.

More times than not, I am, admittedly, blind to the lesson learned...but occasionally, I get it.  It is in those latter experiences that moments of clarity arise, and I remember what not only rings true, but also what truly matters.   

Trustingly, I know that I am not alone.  Hopeful, I have finally become.   

Short Story: There's a Wandering Chill in the Air

 I wrote this short story today, prompted and inspired by the change of weather:

 There's a wandering chill in the air, and I am loving it.  With the chill arrives the fog-laden partition between land and immediate sky, obscuring the ugly from the tolerable, and valorous from the mundane.  The fog quickly lulls and rolls slowly in, in heaves and waves and fits and starts, noticeably obscuring the verdant hills that are usually quite visible on a clear, sun-worshiping day.  As the earthy ground scent accumulates (both of damp road and tree), fills the senses, I am at home as the wind takes her path.

Hallowed wind--the apple of the naysayer's eye--slants cock-eyed, indifferent to what it abruptly pushes away.  It's a primordial urge, this act of pushing away; says the naysayer with a solemn glint of eye and a protruding scowl of face.  Here, there, in all directions blow the leaves on the robust bamboo tree; the heightened cherry tree.  The tiny, immaculate feathers on the reluctant sparrow, who has just perched on the telephone wire to get a one's up from the cold, hard ground below.

He loves me.  He loves me.  He loves me.  She clumsily scrawls, pencil to paper, mumbles aloud.  Finding her voice; carried onward, forward, by the roaming wind.

Inspiration: April Flowers

I couldn't not post these photos: the lighting was just perfect, and the lilac hues, gloriously aglow.  All that is missing in this indoor landscape is the great outdoors.  Now, only if I knew what type of flower these were, my day would be made complete.  Welcome, spring.

A random thought:
I didn't like ("like" is an understatement) The Beatles when I was a child.  However, as an adult, their music makes me feel happy as a clam.  It's funny how musical tastes can change over time--or better yet, become more varied and arguably "old" with age.  As in like a good wine. 

One Year Later

One year later, the same sentiment is deeply expressed....

Treasuries, Blogs, Thought: Doing Some Good

Here are some Etsy Treasuries that have been created to showcase some sellers and items whose proceeds will go to do some good...

The collective loveforjapan Etsy shop:

• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d8bde907ff78eefd7939449/100-percent-donating-to-love-for-japan

The Handmade with Purpose blog:

• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d99e1f7e0b16d915dca5b0f/handmade-with-purpose
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d9a727fc8ff6d918e73656d/handmade-with-purpose-2 
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d9e7336396d6d91581fd4e9/handmade-with-purpose-and-orange

 
Spreading the word...

I'm a member of the Night Owls of Etsy team, and have been leaving information about Handmade with Purpose and loveforjapan, there.  NOTE: I found out about Handmade with Purpose from oneinthehand in the joyforjapan team (I'm a member there, too).  The usually solitary and and non-joiner in me decided to be a part of not one, but two, Etsy teams--it was very much worth it.

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Lindsay of Paint Me A Picture, created a lovely image of my donation items!  I love her perceptive eye for color, design, and proportions.

Photo courtesy of: www.handmadewithpurpose.blogspot.com
Blurb on my shop: http://handmadewithpurpose.blogspot.com/search/label/Global%20Giving%20-%20Japan

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A self-conscious thought that I've been having:

I know that I've been discussing my donating to help with Japan's relief efforts quite a bit, as well as Handmade with Purpose.  I'm not aiming to market myself--or any of the other participants in Handmade with Purpose.  I just believe in making informed choices about consumerism and spending, in general.  Our purchasing power is necessary for personal commodities, survival (physical and economic), and of course, for gifts.

Why not spend money at a shop where certain proceeds go towards a good cause?  Supporting small brick and mortars, as well as small online shops, is a good way to go, too.  These shops are perfect for Mother's Day gifts, birthdays, an early Father's Day gift, etc., because of their donations and/or philosophy (shopping small businesses will keep big business from completely engulfing us all, giving us more choices and variety).  After all, small (independently-run) businesses comprise the backbone of America.  The American dream.  We can't let an American tradition slip away, although, I admit, it is more economical to shop big business.  

Independent, small businesses are a less guilty place to shop for yourself, too.  I've documented this (personal) moral dilemma, here, and am wearing a beautiful moonstone ring as its result.  Just food for thought...

 

HELP JAPAN

 I have marked nine items in my shop as "HELP JAPAN"--100% of the proceeds of these items (excluding the shipping price) will go towards the tsunami and earthquake relief efforts in Japan.  My husband and I have had a difficult time figuring out which organization to donate through, but this is the first step...getting the funds to donate.  We will figure out the logistics later (UPDATE: We will most likely donate through PayPal).

HELP JAPAN--Unique Carnelian Disk Pendant

This decision to donate the proceeds of nine items from my shop (with bright red, round/oval stones, representing the Japanese flag) was inspired by the Etsy Treasury, "Our Love to Japan," by MagnusJournals, and the sellers it includes.


**PLEASE do not use coupon codes for the "HELP JAPAN" purchases.
Purchases of these items with a coupon code will be canceled.  Thanks for understanding this donation effort--I truly appreciate your support.

Inspiration

I found this Etsy shop, www.eastwitching.etsy.com , when I was searching for parakeet (budgie) items on Etsy.  So obscure, yet the mere image of a parakeet conjures up fond memories of my beloved childhood pet.  Here are some images from this lovely shop:

 

This shop, www.feltmeupdesigns.etsy.com, also has some sweet parakeet items:

 

Both of these cool budgie shops are based in the UK!

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Lastly, warmest thanks to www.goodietta.etsy.com for featuring my Rough Green Amethyst Nugget Pendant in her pretty Treasury titled, "Ode to the Green Amethyst."  I love green amethyst!  View the Treasury HERE.