Optimism and an Empty Bookshelf

Here in California, we are still at home. I am increasingly thankful to live in one of the states that are taking the COVID-19 virus seriously. We are safe, and that is the most important thing.

Mostly, I just long to look out my window and see something other than rain or mountain fog. To get some good news instead of the steady stream of bad news.

To pass our downtime, we’ve been organizing the house. When the lockdown began, we were in the middle of packing for a move to a different city. A different state, even. So we now have a moving room – a room filled with boxes that we are hesitant to unpack, even though it’s looking as if we won’t be moving any time soon. So, we are living in a house with bare bookshelves and a lot of boxes because that feels like the most optimistic thing to do.

I constantly remind myself that someday things will be back to normal. Someday I won’t have time to explore the various projects that are usually shoved to the back burner in favor of my everyday responsibilities. So, I’ve been reminding myself to enjoy those activities as a welcome distraction from the greater sadness in the world.

Sewing dresses. Experimental cooking and baking. Dance parties with my kids. There has definitely been some goodness mixed in with the sadness.

After you read about how I’ve been passing time in quarantine, please head down to the comments section and let me know how what you’ve been up to!

Sourdough Cracker Recipe // I start every day by feeding my sourdough starter. The only downside to my serious new sourdough habit is discarding a portion of it prior to each feeding. These crackers are an excellent solution to an otherwise wasteful hobby. My family couldn’t be happier with their daily round of crackers and hummus.

Frozen Banana Slices // Like most of you, we’re shopping a lot less, these days. For us, this means buying more of our favorite fruit and freezing some for later. Bananas can be tricky to freeze but these instructions are perfect. When frozen, bananas taste like little ice cream treats. You’re welcome.

What a Day! Podcast // If you are like me, you are exhausted by the steady stream of news on TV. This podcast gives the good and bad news of the day delivered by two funny and compassionate people. It is my favorite news source, these days.

Bob Dylan Playlist // I made this playlist a few days ago when it felt like all poetry had left the world. Here are a few of my favorite songs. Ninety-five songs, to be exact.

Scroll down a little and leave me a comment. I want to hear how you are doing and what is keeping you sane during this strange time.