Staying Home
Hi there!
It’s been way too long that I’ve let my little blog go unattended and I figured it was time to check in. I also plan to click on all my favorite blogs and make sure everyone is safe. I’m curious to find out how you’ve been keeping sane and what you’ve been doing to pass the time.
Life is certainly different these days. For most of us, our main concern is how to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and healthy. Even though, in some ways, there might be more time, if you’re like me, I find myself with much less ability to focus. Instead of working, I’m scrolling through COVID-19 updates, hoping against hope that this pandemic will soon be over.
Meanwhile, I’m also making a few masks, helping my mom donate a large collection of fabric to the cause, and trying not to focus entirely on the news.
A bright spot during my weeks is virtually chatting with friends and colleagues. Here, for example, is my critique group. We did quite well, considering we are such a large group. Everyone was polite and observant of speaking one at a time, and as always, the feedback from this talented group is amazing!
During this strange time, I also enjoy walking, as I’m sure many of you are doing, either alone, or six feet apart from friends.
From Pexels on Pixabay
From ZoeGammon on Pixabay
I guess all we can do is keep our distance and help those who need us. Keep walking toward those brighter days ahead and many many thanks to all those working on the frontlines!
“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo.
“So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
I truly hope all my blog readers are safe and healthy. Hang in there, we’ll get through this.
Next up, some writing news!
- Posted in: Children's Books ♦ Exercise ♦ Writing
- Tagged: COVID-19, face masks, sewing, Tolkien, virtual critique groups, walking, Writers' Rumpus
Marcia Strykowski 
Glad to see this nice blog. Gee, what a lot of fabric your mom has donated to the cause! You’re certainly handier than I am when it comes to making masks. Been thinking of you…
LikeLike
Hi Michelle!
So nice to hear from you, too. Yes, a lot of fabric, and that’s only one of the fabric pile pictures… Hope to see you real soon. 🙂
LikeLike
That’s wonderful that you’re making masks! I have no sewing talent, and therefore no fabric either to make them, but I applaud those like you who do. Good so see your blog again! Stay safe!
LikeLike
Hope you’re still staying safe, too, Michele, and also hoping things in Canada aren’t quite so bad as here. Thanks for your comment!
LikeLike
Love the quotation from JRR Tolkien! Very professional looking masks. Happy to see you are doing well.
LikeLike
Thank you, Colleen, hope you’re doing good, too. I appreciate you popping in to comment!
LikeLike
It is so good to see you here. I was wondering how you were doing. We are fine here in our little corner of Spain following the very strict lockdown rules. Take care and stay safe. xo
LikeLike
So glad you are safe in your corner of the world, Darlene. Thanks for letting me know. Yes, stay safe!
LikeLike
I agree with you, that the outdoors – Nature – is a good companion during these isolation times! Happy Earth Day, Marcia!
LikeLike
Ah yes, Happy Earth Day, to you, too, Lynn! Can’t beat nature as we wait for more carefree days. 🙂
LikeLike
Marcia, I’m so glad to read your comments and the quotation from Tolkien. Another friend sent me that same quote yesterday, and it’s certainly apropos. I don’t know how things can be attached here–if indeed they can–but I’m going to send (to your home e-mail) an article about handling our moods during the virus crises. Birch Hill sent it to us today, and it’s an excellent reminder of things to think of/do. Again, thanks to YOU.
LikeLike
Ha ha, another friend. Did it happen to have an illustration? 🙂 Sounds like a useful article. Thanks, Louise!
LikeLike
Hi Marcia, I am so pleased to see a post from you and hear how you are getting on. We are fine but South Africa hasn’t as yet been badly hit by this virus. We are working from home and the boys are home schooling too.
LikeLike
Hi Robbie! Happy to hear South Africa is not too bad. Hope it stays that way and doesn’t become the mess my country is in. Maybe with the heads up, you’re all being smarter with isolating and social distancing. Thanks for the update; glad you’re all home staying safe!
LikeLike
The masks look great! I’ve been connecting with people virtually as well. Glad you are safe.
LikeLike
Where would we be without the internet? Stay safe, Yvonne, great to hear from you!
LikeLike
I’m so glad you are well and staying as safe as possible. Our lives haven’t changed much, since we are retired and had no trips in the offing. Our county in the mountains of NC has five confirmed cases of the virus and no deaths from it yet. The stats are in our favor!
LikeLike
Hi Anne! So happy to hear from you and glad that you are safe and cozy in the mountains. Funny, but I was just about to click on your last post when I saw your comment come in. See you over there!
LikeLiked by 1 person
All good here Marcia. Walking once a day plus trying to do the odd exercise video! We’ve been in quarantine for four weeks but luckily we are getting groceries and medications delivered. Lovely to see you back at your blog. Stay safe. xx
LikeLike
So good to hear from you, Barbara! Sounds like you have a nice safe way to isolate. I’m sure you have plenty of books to read and photographs to take. Hopefully, England will soon be done with this and then us, too!
LikeLike
So glad I came across your blog. Thank you! And love the quote by Tolkien, it is one of my favourites. 🙂
LikeLike
Why thank you, Ashwini, I’m happy to meet you! I love that quote, too, seems so relevant for today’s times. 🙂 Hope you and yours in India remain safe.
LikeLike
Yes, indeed! Very relevant and timely.
We are safe and will continue to practice social distancing till things get better. Hope you all are safe too.
Looking forward to many more inspiring posts by you.
LikeLike
I just checked out your wonderful blog, love it and your reading choices. I’ve been a little unreliable with blogging lately, but will hopefully always keep it up to some extent. I was about to tell you to enjoy your day, but I guess it’s quite late there now. G’nite!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is wonderful to read one of your posts again! I have missed them. I love all the donated fabric and the masks! Much needed at these trying times. Where would we be without our virtual meetings and classes! It is wonderful to stay connected and see smiling faces! I too have been walking every day and enjoying nature! I hope when this is all over that we will all still take the time to smell the flowers! To live our lives with gratitude for each day that we have on this beautiful planet. Thank you for your uplifting and cheerful post! 🙂
LikeLike
Yes, we all must do what we can and hopefully some good will come out of this trial. Thanks for adding your wonderful thoughts to the discussion, Bette!
LikeLike
I am glad to hear you are doing well! School has been from home since March 13- so as a school media specialist I have been crazy busy. I am shocked that a month and a half has gone by in some ways because helping parents, kids, and teachers with distance learning and tech issues has been a whirlwind. It seems every week a new layer gets added on and the frantic questions begin again. Besides work- I have been walking a lot too.
I think it is wonderful that you have been making masks and donating fabric. What a wonderful way to help! I haven’t been able to get much writing done- my mind has been too stressed I think. I am hoping things settle down and the words flow! 🙂
I have been doing some reading- but not as much as I normally do. Again- I think that is because of work and the longer hours. My eyes are tired after looking at the computer from 8am-9pm when I am not used to that!
Stay safe! Have a great week!
LikeLike
Hi Stephanie, thanks so much for your long thoughtful comment. It’s great to hear from you. I agree completely; I find it very difficult to concentrate or make words flow during the pandemic and the video meetings are quite draining on the eyes. Sounds like you have an exhausting workload; be good to yourself with plenty of eye and mind breaks. And yes, at least we are all keeping up our walks during this trying time. Be well!
LikeLike
Marcia!! Great to see your posts, happy your doing okay!! The writing group looks fun, love that dog, too!
LikeLike
Hi Ashley, nice to hear from you, too! Stay safe and healthy, brighter days are coming!
LikeLike
Dear Marcia, I love all of your posts, but this one really pulled at my heartstrings. I’m so impressed that you are making and donating masks – sewing is a superpower I don’t possess. I’m grateful we can stay in touch through Zoom, but look forward to the day we can meet again in person! Take care, my dear friend.
LikeLike
Why thank you, Laura! I’m grateful for our virtual meetings, as well. Hope to see you for real, real soon.
LikeLike
A question for you: what is the spirit animal blogging award? I’m quite impressed and intrigued!!
LikeLike
I had to look it up myself and discovered the award was from four years ago. Here are the details: Thanks for your interest, Laura!
LikeLike
Having trouble getting the link to stick… https://marciastrykowski.com/2016/05/10/spirit-animal-blog-award/
LikeLike
Hi Marcia! You are busy. Glad you are well. Distance learning has been difficult for the preschoolers and also the teachers. Too many Zooms, I think. But, we’re being creative and having fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jennie! You’re doing a wonderful job with distance learning. I enjoy your videos. So difficult for little ones not to see their friends and teachers. Thanks for your visit and friendship! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Marcia. I’m glad you enjoy the videos. Stay safe and well, my friend!
LikeLike
You, too, Jennie!
LikeLike