Soooo...we did the equivalent of cutting bangs when we were bored - and painted our privacy fence brick red. And then our corner fence. And then porch railing strips and stone caps. I will post a FB pic when it is done. We think we like it? We will be more sure in the light of day tomorrow. We had gone to Menards the day before shelter-in-place to get supplies for home projects - which is exactly what everyone else in town did. And the paint department looked like a covid breakout waiting to happen- people everywhere much, much closer than 6 ft...all jockeying for someone's attention. No way. We walked around to the back of the department, found a giant dented can of barn red fence and said, 'looks good'. And off we went. Both the little kids got in on the action, pretty entertaining.
My mental health is better today - probably because I spent six hours outside planting flower seeds and baby seedlings under cloches. Or maybe because I have decided a daily nightcap of Gentleman Jack will make me a better mama. Or at least sleep better. Only time will tell. We are all feeling the stress of living right on top of each other when our normal life carries us in all different directions all the time. I have to believe that as we adjust to this new normal, things will ease up and we will find our groove again. Until then, mama is just taking it day by day - doing my best to balance family time with quiet time and brain time with screen time. There is a learning curve here I have yet to master, but I am working it.
Today, coloring replaced school. I found a giant, detailed coloring page on Amazon. They had different kinds - I picked the world. It is a big cartoon map of the globe. I sharpened every colored pencil I could find (so satisfying) and everyone sat around and colored. I am putting it in the win column with reading and typing and garden projects. So far sitting in the fail column is math worksheets and handwriting. They have been kicked to the curb.
Also, in the last 24 hours, I have been more determined to find ways to connect with people outside of my house. We have a ladies book club that normally meets for dinner and drinks - we will be doing it virtually this Saturday if anyone is interested. I will be wearing my onesie reindeer pajamas and having a Jack and Coke. It will be grand. Message me if you can't find it on my wall on FB and I will shoot you an invite.
Also, again...in that same vein...I started up a virtual prayer group on FB called Just Pray 2020. I don't think you need an invite to join, but if you want to find it and can't - holler at me. Without church or my tribe - I am missing out on a vital piece of my normal life. While I can pray and do devotionals at home - there is something about a faith community that brings peace. In my brain, I see this page as a place people can go for support and to share things that are helping them keep the faith. A place to check in with as the day winds down, to pray for requests, reflect on some well timed Scripture or prayers posted, and settle in with God before going to bed at night. No politics, no religious affiliation, no criticism, no judgement....just a spot to land to find some peace in the strange time. Hope to see some people there!
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