Update
How are you faring in the 6th? 7th? month of the pandemic. The other day I described myself as an InstantPot. I feel the pressure building up within, the pressure of not being with my kids and hugging them, the pressure of wondering when this will end, the pressure of such hatred and division in our country. How do I release this pressure?
I’m staying home and am desperate for a haircut. Since March 15, I’ve been in a bank once for a notary, I’ve been to my daughter Kate’s house—outside—twice, I’ve met outside with five other women for a sharing session a couple times. Our deck is our refuge, and for my birthday, my kids got me a wonderful gift–a magical retreat on our deck. Kate and her husband Todd snuck over and decorated the gazebo while Rich and I were out walking.
I walk and/or do yoga every day. I ZOOM with friends. I have a wonderful Artist’s Way group and writing my morning pages is life-saving. I’m thankful for the health of Rich and my children, but I grieve for my sister Kay who is in hospice in another city and I can’t be with her.
I imagine you are finding ways to cope whether you’re an Instant Pot or a whirly-gig, or a roller coaster. How would you describe yourself right now? And if you have prayer requests, post them in a comment and I’ll add them to my list.
Books, books, books
Another thing keeping me sane is reading. I usually read only one, or maybe two, books at a time. If it’s two, one is fiction and one is non-fiction—usually on the craft of writing. But right now, I’m reading FIVE books at the same time. A record for me. They are:
Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody. A writing craft book that provides a really clear explanation of story beats with specific examples.
Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi. An extensive exploration of the history of racism in America through the lens of lives of various people including Thomas Jefferson, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Angela Davis. (It’s over 500 pages, so don’t expect my book report by the weekend.)
The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd. I’m listening to this beautifully written and extensively researched fictional book on Audible. I believe Sue Monk Kidd spent five years researching it.
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. This is my second time through this 12-week process of recovering my creativity. My first time through launched my writing career. I highly recommend that you gather a few friends and read this together, meeting once a week (via ZOOM) to discuss it. You might end up writing a book, or another book, painting a picture, planting a garden, or whatever is your heart’s desire.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. This is my second time reading this short mystical fable about self-discovery and our Personal Legends. So many pearls of wisdom. (note: I just finished this book, but I was reading it while also reading the others.)
Next on my TBR list: How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny. I have to finish at least three of the above before I can dive into this book because I know I will be lost in this Inspector Gamache book until it’s finished. Who cares if the laundry overflows the hamper?
How are You Doing?
What are you doing to navigate this unsettling time? If you’re reading books, share the titles. Leave a comment with your strategies for coping with the pandemic. If you’re overwhelmed with emotion, know that you’re in my prayers.
P.S. Remember to comment: Are you an Instant Pot, a whirly-gig, or something else? Please share. What are you reading to help you through this troubled time? What coping mechanisms help you? Any prayer requests?
Love to you all. Stay Safe. Wear a mask
Hi Liz: (forgive the lack of formality) I feel like I am alone on an island. I ferry to the doctor and the pharmacy. Then back to my isolation. I am so used to wearing a mask, I have forgotten to take it off after being outside. I am not going to get this quote quite right, but I seem to remember something from time spent at my grandparent’s. “Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives.” I just want normal!!! And always wear a mask in public. I just realized I am on the wrong post!!! But I need a haircut, too. I might be a spinning top!
Yes, Debra, the isolation is so difficult. I remember that quote from a tv show and it seems like right now the sands aren’t flowing through the hourglass very quickly. A spinning top is a great image! Yes, that is so appropriate for these crazy days. I wear a mask when I go out, too 😷
I think I’d have to describe myself as a mole, like the creatures I’m fighting in my garden. I come out only when necessary for: food, a hair cut, a hardware or drugstore item.
Coping: I have an accountability writing partner. We check in daily, in the morning & again at night. It’s helping both of us to obtain our writing goals.
Books: I’m reading The Song of Achilles, a beautifully written book. Just read Reading Lolita in Tehran, learning how the revolution in ’87 is when the women had to wear the jihab, when other restrictions on women were enforced.
Great post!
I’ve wanted to read Reading Lolita in Tehran, Diana. Thanks for the reminder. A mole is a great image for these days of burrowing in at home. But moles are resilient (as you know) and so are you 😊 Having someone to check in with daily is a great idea!