Quarantine Journal - March 2020

This is what is on my mind… I’m ok with sharing some of it.

March was a month of change, for all of us I think.

The world changed.

People changed.

The planet healed.

Somehow with less time I am consuming more content. Perhaps it is because I am longing to connect with the people around me, or because I am on face time with my family about 5x a day on average. However, the media consumption happens late at night before bed, just in time to get my brain reeling about what is happening in the world, and cutting down on sleep. (not the best combo) That happens because I am so deeply immersed with what I am doing doing the day with my little guys.

Steve and I have worked out some kind of a flow to our day and both trying to work but also keep life as “normal” as possible for the boys. It is important to note that our house is also under construction ur to water damage in January, so we are living in two homes, one air bnb that we cook and eat in, and then ours which we are in part of the day for playing and sleeping. It is a strange schedule for sure, but we can walk from one location to another, which makes getting outside more of a frequent event.

We have spent a LOT of time at the beach lately. I am incredibly grateful for our proximity to Lake Michgan. We can walk there anytime and the sky is truly amazing. When I moved here I could not believe the beauty of the sunrises and sunsets, and I am enjoying them even more now. August and I especially find peace when we go to the beach. We discuss how the waves are different from the last time we are there. We collect rocks to take home to dada and Hugo, and some for us to paint. The fav activity has been getting as close to the water as possible, and throwing rocks in to hear the noise they make.

It was especially still the other day, and the sky was beyond incredible. It felt as though the planet was relaxing and breathing a little easier.

I could go on forever about what is going on, but it probably isn’t very different from many other homes. August is learning a tremendous amount, especially now that it is getting nicer out, and just given his age. If you ask him he will tell you “I three soon, I’m two now.” He still doesn’t watch TV and that is a personal choice we have made for now. That being said I totally get and respect any decision around TV and media consumption you might make for your kids. He does catch an occasional glimpse of a YouTube video when we are playing music, and he is absolutely mesmerized.

How are you? Please lay it on me, I am here to support. So much has been disrupted in this time, cancelled and postponed weddings, trips, birthdays - learning to celebrate with a select few, or just one. I am sad about cancelling my kids birthday parties, so for those of you who were/are getting married this year, I cannot even imagine, but can be here to listen and brainstorm.

I have a lot of worry and many things I am grateful for. Im grateful our little family is healthy, and Hugo quickly recovered from an ear infection. Grateful we can both work from home, and have been pretty much at peace (not to say we don’t get frustrated or irritated at times). Grateful that we are learning new things and that the sun has decided to shine more…really everything could be significantly worse, like it is for so many people around the world. Grateful for everyone from farmers, to cashiers, to teachers, to medical professionals and so many others who are busting their asses right now.

I worry about my family, all of my siblings are on the frontline working in hospitals, along with my parents. I worry for so many people who feel desperation during this time. I worry for the future of our interactions. So much stress that is on others plates, like “when will my next paycheck come?” “will I be able to afford my housing and healthcare?” Is something that is really easy to apply “out of sight out of mind” to - but we shouldn’t.

I’m inspired by all the local businesses and creatives who are making moves and working together to stay afloat. I feel strongly about supporting you and our community in anyway I can. Please reach out if there is a way I can do this remotely, especially if you are a local Milwaukee business. My ears are open!

(Some of what has been going on for us below.)