It’s been a long time since I’ve connected on this platform, although I’ve been able to keep up with others. It seems another lifetime ago since we had that conversation, “What Now? We coined the term back then, “What Nowness”. So much has happened in-between then and now. We’ve returned during this time of the coronavirus, full circle to the question and the same state of uncertainty: the not knowing; the unformed “ness” of it. This time more urgent, more critical and more pressing than ever before. All the fault lines and cracks in bold relief, it’s as if mother nature has sent us to our rooms like naughty children to have a deep think about our bad behavior. In these rooms, we have become child-like again; using our imaginations, resourcefulness, and creativity to meet our needs, needing and using less, loving fully and making use of the gift of time. Dare I say we have had time to think again. This is where I find hope.
First and foremost, I hope all of you and your families are safe and well. One family member contracted the virus but has made a full recovery and the rest of mine are well. I am in my safe home remaining healthy as my beautiful city suffers unspeakable loss yet is manifesting unparalleled heroism from first responders and medical personnel. The kindness and generosity manifested by those in my local community have been a balm, younger neighbors checking in on us. Our favorite small and homey local restaurant making food for us and for those working tirelessly in the large, looming hospital just a few blocks away. Saying thanks to pharmacists and grocery workers putting themselves and their families at risk to serve us. It makes me feel sick inside to think about how I took them for granted before. A fashion designer friend in danger of losing his own business, hopping on his bicycle to deliver masks to child welfare workers who still must go into homes and homeless shelters to make sure families and children are safe simply because I put out a call. As this goes on and we have no idea for how much longer, there is already enough time passed for these behaviors to become habits. We are learning to make do with less, cherish connection to family and friends, reconnect with gardens and nature, cooking, being kind, helping others and using social media for networking, social action and to express our humanness. Underneath it all, there is an incredible potential to change how we live as a community, how we treat the earth and others and how we re-learn an ethic of care. There has never been a more important time to ask the question, “What Now?”
In my time away from all of you before the world was shaken, I was working on a “What Now?” book proposal and it’s done. Whether anything will happen to it given the economic devastation of the current moment is questionable but there is comfort in knowing there are multiple ways it can be shared. Doing something well takes full immersion and concentration and so I was neglectful of you and for that, I apologize. Three weeks ago, I started writing essays on my Instagram. As always, I view essays as places to think things through and invite others to join me in communal reflection. Instagram is not a platform that serves a long-form of writing well. It’s easier to post an emoji than a comment. I find myself back to my beginning, writing a blog. It’s been quite a journey to get back here and as we move through this time of messy “Whatnowness” I will share it.
I’m wearing orange merino wool here, vintage earrings and a watch and scarf that are an investment that can be left to my daughter and to her daughter, meant to last lifetimes. These are some hints as to my ideas about moving forward when it comes to clothing. Kandinsky describes orange as “Red brought closer to humanity by yellow“. So I wear it to stay close to all of you during this time of social distancing. Stay safe and well.
Please let me know how you’re doing, what you are thinking about and any lessons you are learning as a way to re-start our conversation.
It’s nice to have you back.
Yes, it’s reassuring to know you’re “there,” even though you live thousands of miles away from me. In the back of my mind, I started to worry whether you were all right, whether your family was okay…Thanks for touching base with us. We need you.
Been in a cocoon, even before this as I was trying to find my way back to myself and why I did this, to begin with.
I would love to read excerpts from Your Book!
Oh! Insights on the meaning of colors would be most enjoyable!
I appreciate you!
It’s a book proposal right now but it is full of many stories I can tell you.
Good to hear from you. I’ve missed you.
Stay safe. Be well and happy.
Thank you, you too.
Feels good to be back.
It IS good to hear from you, to know you’re OK in this climate of statistics, to remind us to rethink our values and understand kindness.
Stay safe.
Yes back to basics.
I’m new here & I was missing you. Stay healthy. I look forward to more content from you.
I’m on it!
Like you I’ve been thinking/wondering how this time of greater simplicity will play out longer term. Of course the devastating human suffering of so many is difficult to come to terms with. I do though embrace the time spent gardening, reading, playing with dogs, mindfully going about daily chores and cooking. Realising that we need so much less my hope is that people will stop pumping their faces up artificially and start working on their self confidence in more positive ways. I hope even more will embrace slow fashion and reuse and repurposing of clothing and household items. Stay well
Fashion must change this is the time.
It’s great to have you back. We are doing good in sunny Las Vegas (although Sin City is quiet and not so shiny currently).
I actually like having more time at home, doing some art therapy, having long conversations and fun with my family. It seems I have a chanche to stop a bit and rearrange my priorities for the future. Thank you for being here and being positive.
Many people are re-discovering the joy of time and slow.
Hi. Staying safe. Using this alone time 2 focus on my spirit. Seeking my Spiritual Father, seeking His face.
Learning new things. Started an herb garden and I have a beautiful ale vera. I need something 2 take care of
Glad u r back. Thanx 4 the inspi6?
Herbs that will appear in lovely meals with others to come in the time after!
Orange is my favourite color. Now I know why.
Xo
I’m so happy to read your post. I’m one of those grocery workers you spoke about. It’s very scary. People yelling at me about social distancing when I’m just lucky to have a job to feed and keep a roof over my 2 boys. It’s sad to see humanity at its worst…daily…I cry…a lot…we WILL make it through this if we stick together… be kind…If I didn’t work no one could shop..what then?? WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS>>>KEEP THE FAITH>>>
God Bless you and thank you for your service stay safe and well.
Thank you for being such an inspiration to us all As I take the pulse of all the events over the last week’s and the new life and way of working I become aware of many things. Things like how much pleasure I get from watching the birds fly about busily as they are making their nests in time for their young ones who will soon arrive. How Nature continues on her merry way regardless of the Human drama abound. How grateful I am for technology that allows us to connect via video conferences and other means so we can still see one another and chat. Had this happened 30 or so years ago we would have faced more hardship than we do today. So in a nutshell I have become aware of being thankful for all that I have as many others around the world are not as fortunate as we are. They don’t have a warn bed to sleep in, a cosy home to be in , a fridge full of food or water at the turn of a tap. I guess what I am trying to say is that I have become aware of the smaller things in life as they indeed do make a huge difference. Stay well and be blessed.
You as well. How can we turn these lessons learned into action? I am so aware that having a roof and food is a priviledge and not all are granted it.
Its lovely to read your story etc again, please send more pictures of your style of clothing
Your admirer
Bozena
Good morning! I was so surprised and happy when I looked at email and saw this from you. You are such an inspiration to me in my life because of your boldness with your thoughts, actions, and dressing techniques. I am 73 and love every moment of my age and life. As you said, this coronavirus is causing me to stop and reflect on what is important in my life. All the running around and spending money, eating out, things that we are no longer doing has made me realize none of that was important. The real question will be how it all turns out when this is over with and will I and others go back to a normal routine or will we have learned and grown through all of this. Once again, thank you so much and prayers and blessings on you and your family.
That’s our job to not go back to a normal routine. I think of my grandfather who lost everything in the Great Depression, he always remembered and made us appreciate the free things in life like a flower blooming or a frog sitting on the lip of a pool.
Hi, I’am writing from Italy. I think you could not have expressed my feelings about this Corona situation at home any better than you did. We’ve been 27 days locked in our homes here in Italy now and it’s unbelievable how many things I can find to do indoors. It’s never boring. Never. I used to running around going to events, having appointments like a mad hamster ? and I’am not missing any of it. I don’t like the idea of going back to the situation before the crisis. I hope for a positive change and more consciousness for all of us
Stay all well and safe. B.
What will it take to help us maintain it? Let’s consider that here.
In answer to “What will it take to help us maintain it?” I believe mindfulness and remembering. If we remember what we have valued and learned while going through the pain of changing our patterns and expectations, perhaps we will maintain them. Perhaps we’ve found precious new things or rediscovered joys we had forgotten. Positive impressions and memories can fade behind bad ones, so we have to focus, record and remember in order to maintain.
Agreed record and keep sharing those rediscovered joys.
I am happy to hear from you! My town of 2,000 (Mason,Texas) is always quiet but even more so now. I am impressed with our nation’s displays of courage and unselfish commitment to the well-being of the most vulnerable among us. I feel blessed to be an American as and to be still eating organic herb garden salad mix while I shelter in place. First world problems! Blessed to have the technology to FaceTime with our son, a Marine in Okinawa. Grateful for God working through our hands. And I love this picture of you.
Thank you, happy you are safe there in Texas. Technology seems to have been taken back into the hands of people and is being used as it should to foster human connection and bonds.
I enjoyed your thoughts. Here in south east Australia, we are in serious, legally-enforced lockdown with all the consequences that comes with that. Although it is difficult, people have been vigilant in restricting all activities outside our homes to those seen as essential-basically food shopping & medical/pharmacy needs.
The anxiety coupled with the disruption to ‘normal’ life is hard but the common good is compelling us to do it!
The plight of NYC is awful. Be safe and strong.
Mindfulness, meditation, mental stimulation are my mantras.
Thank You. I always enjoy the deep thoughts & you express them so eloquently. Safe safe up there! We’re all hunkered down in S FL. I look forward to hearing from you again soon!! ?
Stay safe.
So glad you are back. I missed your blog. This sheltering time has been an unexpected blessing. My husband has been baking! I’ve been playing with my watercolors again and knitting the softest things. We’ve had beautiful spring weather here in Arizona so we’ve been enjoying long walks with the dogs. I hope others will embrace this simpler life as their new normal. Stay well.
I love the return to craft, it’s an amazing thing.
My daughter and I live together and we are communicating more, playing board games & just trying to make the best of it. My daughter even offered to dye my hair, otherwise I will look like a skunk ?. We have a beautiful small dog named William and we take him for walks. I’m in the healthcare industry so I have to be at work, but am staying safe at work as well. I’m glad you are doing well and stay safe.
Sincerely,
Diane Reynolds
Thank you so for your service, it is so appreciated. There will be alot more grey hair in the world when everyone comes back out.
Thank you for writing this , it helps!
I do love seeing your outfits, so please keep posting!
I absolutely will. Any other content you would like to see?
Thank you for being positive. We need to be positive, that God is in control, and that “this too, shall pass.”
It will and how we respond in the aftermath will certainly show our true characters.
Thank you! Enjoyed your comments and enjoy your fashion! Love those earrings!
Your outfit is outstanding especially the subtle patterning in the knit. I am not a fan of the current fabric with multiple patterns. All of your accessories are always extremely well appointed. I live in the Midwest. I have been studying Sogetsu Ikebana about a year. I have used the forsythia and dreaded honeysuckle to make flower arrangements for friends and neighbors. I have a small collection of containers to loan out. I live near a woods and have a woodpecker obsession. I have taken a few pics. I use nature to self regulate as nature is in my DNA. My daughter and granddaughter live on the Upper Westside of NYC which makes the pandemic much more personal for me.
I would give anything for a sniff of honeysuckle tight now.
Thanks so much for this. I admire your work, and always, your attitude about the world around us. The big issues. We are safe and well in Detroit, but shaken to the core, for all the reasons you’ve cited in your post. So much to digest in a time of uncertainty — but like you, I am looking for the positives that will grow from it.
Stay safe. Your city was rebirthing and I pray it will be even more innovative when you are through the worst.
I am doing fine and you stay safe! I love your posts. Keep them coming!
Will do!
I missed you! Saw you on the TV and now you’re posting.
Stay well my “Icon” Friend.
Cindy Harvey
You too! happy to be back.
well stated!
Thank you!
I just recently found you! AI I’m a contemporary of yours ( age 70) artist living in Pennsylvania. I so enjoyed the photojournalist views you have been sharing . Thanks for doing that . I paint, I read when I can focus, I transplant perennials here and there. I cook and can’t wait for wine time ! Again Thankyou!
The rituals and routines of comfort. Not costing a whole lot either!
Thank you for bringing a sense of familiarity to us during this uncharted time. I, too, believe this is a period of reconciliation and correction, whereby God is giving us an opportunity to make amends and focus on what is important. It’s wonderful to know that you’re more wise and beautiful inside than you are outside…And you are stunning!
This can be a truly imaginative and creative time and I look forward to the spirit of collaboration and sharing of innovative ideas that can emerge.
I can’t help but wonder if the Universe is resetting our intrinsic need to connect to each other and possibly love one another. We have been so divisive and angry and ethnocentric. Maybe we are in a collective time out.
Oh my, I hope so and the will of the people will prevail.
Beautiful, as always! I am working from home–as a pastor, my ministry has become totally virtual. And yet, it is offering me new ways to reach out. My sanity time is sewing and I am creating a lovely spring coat that has been waiting for 3 years to come to birth. Walking, time in conversation with my husband, cooking and cleaning together is so good. We Zoom connect for a family party with the kids on Saturday nights. It’s a time of family humor and deep sharing. Yes, we need to embrace the slowing down and the change. Let’s do this. It is the great answer to the “now what”… Be well.
The more we are sharing these re-discovered treasures and maintaining these new routines and rituals we can change from the bottom up rather than the top down.
You have become a national treasure. Every piece you write inspires and uplifts. Thank you!
Blushing….
I absolutely agree with Ms. Reilly!
You words are uplifting.
Thank you for returning with inspiration, in a much needed time.
You look wonderful!
Thank you!
Thank you for that inspiring post. I think every day about my friends and family in my old home of NYC – if there’s one thing New Yorkers don’t lack for it’s pluck, but even that can be pushed to the limits. There will be a “What Now?” or a “What’s Next?” and while it will be bittersweet after all everyone has been through – and tragic for many – I hope you will work on that for us. Very best wishes and warm regards.
A communal project for the greater good. I for one am taking this wake-up call very seriously.
Wise words. You are so correct about all we took for granted. I love that you have investment pieces to hand down to your family members. I am doing the same as did my grandmother. I hope you continue your good health. Many blessings.
Thank you so much. Blessings to you.
and to you!
It was so good to hear from you. Glad you are safe. Our area has been taking up money to donate to restaurant workers who lost their jobs. We have also been distributing meals to those in need. God bless and please stay safe.
So much kindness and goodness happening during this time. I wish we could bottle it up like aromatherapy and pull it out if we start forgetting.
I have missed your posts. Now I know why I a\have always been drawn to orange. I just finished the documentary “New York”. Our city will rise again.
Yes it will! I for one am appreciating small, local businesses and producers.Maybe we will have a renaissance of community.
I am deeply grateful to see your new post and all of the great shared thoughts in it – and especially love the term “renaissance of community.” It says so much more than the mainstream media’s overwrought cliche “we’re all in this together.” Thank you for your thoughtfulness, consideration, and overall lovely shared view of the world and those in it. Renaissance of community, indeed!
So much has been revealed and for sensitive creatives, it feels imperative to find new way of working that don’t harm others and the earth.s
It’s so good to have you back. I was wondering what had happened to you and hoping that all was well with you and yours. I agree with you that even though we are living through a very serious time, we have been given the opportuniy to reasses how, as a society , we have been living. We are very spoiled and take so much for granted.
My hope is that we take this chance to help build a more equal and fare society for all . Not to be judged or give opportunities because of our possessions or wealth.
Stay healthy and I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you so much. I am happy to be back and to be once again in touch with all the wisdom so generously delivered by my readers.
That is the goal. I am thinking it starts small and local.
Humans with all their bullshit is what has brought us to this place! Maybe actually giving a crap about the planet, but noooo, lip service is all I hear…but go ahead, carry on cruelly slaughtering animals to eat and needing that leather handbag, ignore the suffering of animals and the planet… and how filthy must we be that a virus is knocking us off? We’ve done something wrong it didn’t just come out of no where! People are so gross! And even now people still can’t stop being selfish and well, human! Maybe we need to redefine what it means to be a human being because it’s not that swell as it stands these days! From where I’m observing it’s shameful, I am ashamed of humans! The air quality is actually better because of less people being out and about and animals are coming out too for the same reason, what else needs to happen to show everyone how vile they have been?
All you say is very true. This has made me completely re-examine everything I have been doing. I think many others have too. Yes, we got here for the reasons you suggest. People will need to have role models who can offer new and respectful ways of being in the world and information for decision-making. I will be thinking of how to creatively engage those who want to move forward in a different way. We need to engage right now and transform anger into social action.
No doubt mother nature is fighting back. We asked for it and the science has warned us for decades that our behaviors are unsustainable. So, the question is…where will we be once we get to the other side? The $64,000 question.
Yes, that is the question I want to keep asking.
Thank you for your post. A treat that warms my heart, worn and shredding, like so many of us.
Here in Seattle, hunkered down but grateful beyond words.
We take comfort, like you, from the good works of people pulling together (6 feet apart or more).
My heart is broken but I put the pieces in a trunk and send it out to Puget Sound, we have to carry on.
Lessons learned, over and over again: humility, compassion, kindness is everything.
Understand that some people cannot or will not respond to extreme situations with generosity, recognize that, move on.
Don’t become a hostage to the bitter, just focus on what you can do.
Pray. A formerly entrenched agnostic, who cares, pray anyway.
Everyone is terrified.
Breathe.
Wonderful advice. Not being derailed by negativity and selfishness absolutely key.
Thank you for reaching out again and in such a thoughtful and gracious way. I’ve been a subscriber for a while now and have gained a beautiful view of introspection from your posts. I’m a performing artist and full time educator – both of these realms significantly impacted by COVID-19. My teaching has gone online and my opening in Annie Baker’s THE ANTIPODES has gone on hold. I’m also a Co-founder and Co-artistic Director of FUSION, the only professional, producing acting company in the state of NM. Needless to say, FUSION is experiencing a seismic shift right now. To find solace, I have reached out to friends far and wide, I post a work of art by a female artist everyday on FB, I walk my dogs, I marvel at the younger generation in my neighborhood dawning creative and original beautifully made masks, I look up at the 10,000 foot Sandia Mountains from my backyard and sense mother nature’s call and tug of the collar to turn around and pay attention, I’ve started a podcast through which I’m finding what nourishes the creative souls of artists, I am grateful for my health, my work, my art…and yet, what next? Love in Health and Art, Laurie
New growth. You’ve given me so much inspiration today.
I, too, am inspired by your post and the actions you have initiated to build community and awareness of the arts. I am interested in online, interactive (like zoom) workshops in creative expression. If you know of anything, please share with me. Peace and Love.
I will, I am looking for lists wonderful things to put out weekly.
Thank you for your thoughtful and encouraging words. I have looked to you as a personal beacon over the last years because I too provide encouragement and confidence to others through personal style. Funny this letter comes today as I begin a video series of who knows for how many weeks – “Dressing for the Day you Want” conversely to the day you are given. Now more than ever I would very much like to know you and share your messages with my circle of relationships. Warmest Regards, Bobbie
Good Morning:
I was wondering if you were safe and well and missed your e-mails to us but alas your note this morning…..Bravo!
As I work in my art studio and listen to my Sunday morning classical music I’m too fortunate to be healthy.
But being a romantic (as I have been called by my peers) conceptual visual artist I’m also an introvert and loner.
So to be alone and with social distancing I have been able to and continue to work with vigour on my art and catch up on my art books and magazines and order my art supplies online.
People should heed the advice of our health care professionals and not listen to our politicians and applaud all our front line workers who go to battle each day against this virus.
On a personal note who look gorgeous this morning…..some colours I use with my art.
Please be safe and well also
Regards
JD
So good to get your email! Happy that you and your family are doing well. My family is also well but getting cabin fever. I too am hoping that this new humanity will stay.
During these times, I have looked into my closet and I see what a hog I have been. I too love orange! Of course being a blonde I also love yellow. But even though I have lost 20 pounds I have decided not to buy any more clothes. In times like these I need to cut back on my extravagant clothes shopping.
I.m going to do the same but will be exploring upcycling to give me more options.
Dear Lyn, Thank you for this thoughtful blog article. I’m glad you and your family are well at this scary time. You are so right that we are all appreciating acts of kindness and generosity. We are also cherishing our connections with family and friends over technology or in person at least six feet apart.
I am a gardener and photographer. At this time my gardens and nature are more important than ever. I find great comfort in the natural world. I have written about this recently in my article, “Nature Continues Despite the Virus” on my website, The Observant Gardener. I hope you will have a chance to enjoy it.
I am learning to truly live in the moment and appreciate each day fully in this time of uncertainty.
I will check this out I feel a very profound pull to re-connect with nature right now.
This is exactly what I needed to read this morning. You have captured the absolute essence of what’s happening among us all. It’s been my feeling as well that we’ve been given a collective time out by Mother Nature and frankly who could blame her? So, I guess it’s time to think about what we’ve done and what we can do better going forward. I truly appreciate your posts and I look forward to your book. It will happen one way or another and it’ll be exactly what we need to hear, as always.
Stay safe.
Yes and I hope it happens on the side of a more just and equitable world.
For me, this has been a huge shift. Currently, I feel that I am in a void, circling around with no anchor.
In my relationships, I have moved symbolically closer to the friends who are special to me and whom I can lean on for support during this pandemic and find inspiration. I have some truly incredible girlfriends! I struggle between the balance of giving my children the space to go through this experience in their own authentic manner and finding a way to connect with them without feeling like I’m overbearing or imparting the gloom that I feel on certain days. My boyfriend, who lives in the US (I am in Canada) is now separated from me by a closed border. Not being able to be within physical reach has been difficult, not to mention the fear that one of us may get sick. The paradigm shift in my relationships has been difficult to harness.
I sway between eating healthy and then swiftly switch over to gorging on junk food like a teenager. At times, I am so tired of trying to mould my body into a younger state but still I feel guilty for not using my extra time to exercise, yet only crave restorative yoga.
Although I am still working in my healthcare profession, I work from home 2-3 days a week and thus I seem to lose track of the days. And yes, it scares me to work in the eye of the storm. I am looking at my own mortality straight in the face and hope that I don’t die before my mother. Who would, then, be her primary support.
I am not yet at the point where I am able to make decisions about increasing the quality of my future years, how to live to the fullest. I think about family, love, faith, partnership, friendship, health, joy and bringing the best out of myself to share with others. I have, somehow, lost so much of myself in the last few years as I adjust to aging and my place in society. I am struggling with my meaning in life. It feels like I hit a juncture in the road where I will need to pave a new path. Having done this many times in my life, I know I have the enthusiasm and strength to do this but, most often, I have done this in the past out of choice. Now, change has been thrust upon me and I am swimming in darkness for the time being.
Better to swim in darkness than be impulsive right now. Many of the women who come to this site are also struggling with the “what now” question as am I. We will find solace, company and creative ideas here.
I am learning to reuse and reduce my wardrobe..painting, dying with bleach and doing simple stitch embtoidery to make” all things new again” when we come out of this..
Last fall I had an auto accident causing me to stay home and on oxygen so I have been a bit ahead of the curve with this “staying in” business.
I have endless “projects” that I have started as well as diving deep within to create the “woman I want to be now”..I’ve discovered who my friends are and moved some people over to accquaintences…friends call they don’t text! A voice on the phone goes a long way in this time of isolation…
Books, movies, magazines and discovering interesting people on the internet that I can learn from..what joy!
I can’t wait to read your new book!
I’m hoping! Not the best of economic times.
I could not have stated these facts any better. Yes, this is an incredibly sad and scary time for our dear country. We are see unprecedented crisis that has shaken all of us to the core. I’m seeing the most amazing acts of love and bravery from my fellow Americans, often at a high cost. That said…I also see our country reaching out to help each other like I have not seen in a long time. This is what America truly is. We are more United in this time, and it’s very ironic that it has taken such a shattering event to do this. My family and I are safe and well. My job is secure. Believe me, I’m incredibly grateful. I wish healing for everyone. I’m confident we will come out on the other side whole. Peace and rest for all, please be safe.
Yes crisis and opportunity.
Looking forward to the book
Fingers crossed, if not I’ll just do it on the blog!
During this time of “craziness” as a close family member of mine puts it, I realize who and what I take for granted and should really be more understanding of. My marriage and my talents are coming in handy now, but it’s the family members that I am distant from, that I should be thinking of.
Sharing warm thoughts of a brighter, more enlightened future for us all.
Beautiful and inspirational thoughts and observations to savor and ponder in these days of exile. Take this time as a gift to look around at the glorious spring that is unfolding, impervious to the scourge. Let your mind drift towards new beginnings.
What a beautiful tribute of love and kindness to our heroes who are helping others. I don’t know of anyone who could have said it better than you have done. During these times of social distancing it is also a time to say Be safe everyone and be kind to those around us..
I am so appreciating those who I took for granted before, our grocery store workers, delivery persons. I will never not see them clearly again!
Beautifully said!
During this quarantine. I’m working from home, spending time on learning new things, especially cooking. I’m trying to stay positive and calm attitude and hope for the best.
Hope you’re doing well. Pray for the whole world!
Much gratitude as I am well.
I love this! “….These are some hints as to my ideas about moving forward when it comes to clothing. Kandinsky describes orange as “Red brought closer to humanity by yellow“. So I wear it to stay close to all of you during this time of social distancing. ….” I hope you are safe and well.
you too
First and foremost I miss my family and their hugs. My husband and I are in our home and we don’t allow anyone who does not live here physically to come over. This is to protect my children, grandchild and friends from this pandemic. We are very fortunate with technology to still be in contact and see our family. I still read stories to my grandson through technology. For that I am grateful.
I am devastated with all this happening around the world since I have family in the United States, Canada and many countries in Europe. I pray for them all to be well and that this pandemic is over soon.
I have learned that all my things are just things and mean nothing anymore. Health and Family are way more important than these things.
I miss my church and my church family. My church and my church family have been part of my life forever and it really bothers me not to be able to go to church to hear the service and see my church family.
I have learned not to take anything for granted especially people. We always have gone to the grocery store and expected that the workers would be there for us.
I have learned not to take our health for granted because it could change at any moment.
My heart goes out to those who have no one, who are homeless, who are ill in hospitals and nursing homes.
I thank God for those who are in the medical field and putting their lives at risk taking care of all those who are afflicted with this virus.
I thank God for those who are first responders who are putting their lives at risk taking care of all those who are afflicted with this virus.
I hope that people will be kinder and help one another when this all ends.
May everyone be well and I pray that this all ends soon and we can go back to living our lives.
God Bless Us Everyone!
Yes with all the realizations we are having tucked into our fashionable bags!
Thank you. Everything you have said resonates deeply. We are realising what and who is important and our unsung heroes – nurses, doctors, supermarket workers etc. have far more value than overpaid footballers. This virus doesn’t discriminate and this is a time to show our humanity. Take care and keep safe.
You too!
Thank you for your post! It is great to connect and find out what others are doing in the face of this unprecedented crisis. I live in a small town in central Wisconsin, and we have, so far, two confirmed cases of COVID 19 in our county. Thankfully, my husband is a librarian who can work from home. I have been taking an online class to learn to use my DSLR camera so I can photograph birds. I have an affinity for them, and enjoy watching them in the tree branches right outside my home office window.
One thing I have been thinking about is the idea of settling in. With the ‘shelter in place’ mandate, I have a choice: I can go ‘stir crazy’ or I can settle in to this new – albeit temporary – existence. I’ve been musing about what that means: doing as many ‘normal’ activities as possible, establishing a regular routine, getting up and getting dressed in actual clothes each day, being intentional about staying in touch with friends and family (thanks, Zoom!).
I guess just knowing that my staying home might take the burden off our health care workers a little bit helps.
Thank you again for your thoughts and ideas.
And I love the sweater! 🙂
A very important point about taking the burden off the healthcare workers.
When you popped into my inbox, I realized it had been awhile. I realized how much I miss your prose, your insights, and your reflections. Once again you mention occasions and things that make you feel like a kindred spirit.
The other day I discovered a true definition to the word “essay.” It means to try. We are all trying. Trying to be better humans. As much as I wish these trying times would dissolve like a bad dream, I hope our new habits remain with us – like doing with less, being grateful more, love more.
And thank you for the Kandinsky quote. Orange. A favorite. A color of hope.
Love the breakdown of the definition of essay.
Here in the Isle of Man we are in a unique position, since we are bordered by a minimum of 30 miles of sea between ourselves and England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, depending on which way you are facing. We also have our own government, over 1,000 years old, and have made our own rules as to how the Coronavirus situation is managed, to keep the population of 85,000 safe. We have a developing community spirit emerging, and are mostly looking out for each other. I love the way that Kadinsky’s art developed and new patterns emerged. A new pattern is beginning to emerge in our Manx society, from the initial fear and chaos. Strange attractors are at work, and a new order is developing. I hope that it continues.
what kinds of structures can take us beyond hope to making sure it does? Suggestions?
Wonderful heartfelt message! I’m digging out my orange sweater to wear today! Stay well and safe…
Thanks you too
I appreciate the idea of re-imagining the ethics of care and I love the idea of caring through our clothing. I grow and share my lavender and other wedding flowers (celebrating love through flowers) on an online site but right now I’m in the greenhouse more growing food–and I often wonder if it’s not just the work but the gear I love–muddy shoes and outdoor clothes:) I also like considering that the uniform can be a cloak of love and that first responders and all of the helpers in and out of uniform need to be held in our thoughts and hearts while they are out and about. Much Love from Montana. xo
Many insights coming from your post about clothes and fashion.
I recently left the city for a nurse job in the country. I’m enjoying the change of scenery and slower pace. I never thought I would say that.
Your earrings are fabulous and make the outfit! I never thought of tying a scarf around my wrist as a fashion piece and watches are my weakness. I love the look!
I picked up a unique vintage bracelet a couple months ago and found myself scanning resale shops for vintage costume jewelry. I haven’t come across anything as fabulous as your earrings.
I’ll post a link soon.
Everything is good with me and my family and we accept all the changes in our live. I try to do my daily excercices and a little walk. We stay calm and try to make our home cosy and comfortable! I wish you and your family a good health and a peaceful time!
You too.
I’ve missed your writing and sometimes laughable pithy comments. I hope you will continue to check in here. This was a post I needed and felt close to my heart as you talked about your friends and close small businesses near you. Don’t we just love and feel that we want to hug them all.
I’m on it now.
You are correct. This is Mother Earth putting us in time out and it’s up to us to choose whether to rebel in fear or to take a breath and submit to the quiet peace of introspection. Once we all accept that each person on this earth is just as important as any other. That hoarding toilet paper and cleaning supplies is a symptom of in fear-based, “lack” mentality and hurts ourselves as much as it hurts others. Once we think about the “all” before we think about “me first”, it is then that we will be healed.
and see how resourceful and creative we are when there is scarcity far more than when there is too much.
Wow loved reading that and also all your great posts. Yes scary times now, what will happen eh. I’m in south England and we are in lock down, only allowed out for essentials, so my life has slowed right down, one hour walking my beautiful dog and the rest painting pictures and being in my garden that I’m really thankful for. Not seen my daughters or friends for 3 weeks now, although we talk lots on and video each other. Let’s hope some good actually comes out of this. Keep safe and well.
Lorna x
Let’s go beyond hope and think of the action.
It is wonderful to hear from you. I appreciate all your positive thoughts. On this beautiful sunny spring day here in Ruchmond VA I’m trying to stay upbeat, positive and happy while wondering “What Next? ” Hopefully the community spirit and kindness will live on long after this horrific humbling pandemic has subsided. Hopefully the lessons we are learning and the knowledge we, as a world, are gaining will never be forgotten.
Orange was the color of the anti gun rally a couple of years ago in Washington D.C. to represent safety. Good choice!
Thank you for your encouraging words. Stay Healthy!
How can we make sure they are not forgotten?
I hope we all come out of this with respect for our beautiful world and the creatures in it. We need to nurture the planet and those we love. I sit here thinking about ways to contribute to this care. My steps seem minute but if we all take minute steps they become big strides. Thank you for your lovely post – you are a thoughtful inspiration to us all.
Agreed bottom-up, top-down is not reliable.
Lyn, thank you for letting us know how you are. I see this pandemic as a refiner’s fire raging over humanity and its earth. It may burn us down to the essence of who we really are and into a higher consciousness. Hopefully we’ll become a gigantic collective Phoenix. What do we do now with those ashes? We create beautiful things. Beginning with a vaccine, then new collective food processing and distribution from that higher consciousness. Depends on what and if we’re willing to learn. We will celebrate the Resurrection on Easter Sunday from the virtual churches we’ve created. While processing my own devastating grief over losing precious people from the virus, I sat down at my sewing machine. A stunning red coat with a billowing fringe collar rose from the ashes. I will wear it in their honor, and yours, and the first responders. Doing something simple, until we can all be together again.
This is a function of clothing deeply personal statements of values. Not something we consume.
Good morning, Lyn,
First of all, the orange merino suits you beautifully!
For a few years, I have been pondering a Paradigm Shift and when it’s to come. On New Year’s Day, 2020, I asked my husband: “what’s to come this year? Something is going to change, I think.” And here we are. Each day I am advised to modify my behavior is some way, and I feel as if the world is changing very fast. I ponder where we will be as a species once we get to the other side of COVID-19. I vacillate between fear and hope it seems 20 times a day. But I keep holding hope that the change this planet desperately needs is here. I fear we will just go back to business as usual, and I hope this isn’t the case. Regarding the world economy, I believe this paradigm shift could vastly change our economic structure in how we do business, how we address inequality, how we treat our essential workers (the ones we take for granted) and hopefully, a push for more green energy. I also believe we will have to start talking to one another. For example, our neighbors. I have left notes on my neighbors’ doors informing them I am available to help them in the event they become ill or just need a friend. Each night at 7:00, we stand outside and clap our hands, whistle, bang pots and pans as our healthcare workers change shifts in Vancouver. And this daily habit is what’s helping me getting to know my neighbors.
Despite all the sadness and uncertainty, I am one of the lucky ones. I am still healthy and able to be a productive and creative human! As I am a seamstress, knitter, crafter and designer, I have been called by a local Emergency Response Makers team in Vancouver, Canada to make Personal Protective Equipment “PPE”, and my job is to make scrub hats– out of all things. My studio has suddenly turned into an essential business sewing for our heroes on the frontlines. I am privileged to have access to my art studio so as long as I maintain the social distancing guidelines and continue to work on the PPE. An outpour of generosity and help has come my way via my laser cutter friends at Maker Labs, Vancouver who are cutting my patterns in minutes, free of charge, versus the hours it would take me to cut them by hand. This is the banding and unity I am feeling right now. Can this love I am feeling please continue when we ‘get back to normal?’
May mother nature bless us all at this time of universal change, as we partake in a bewildering reset. I hope with it, a unification, and a large moment for mother earth to breathe.
In solidarity,
Liza Heider
This is a blueprint for moving forward and I thank you for your wise words. How can we bottle it all like a potion and take it out when we forget!
So nice to see a new post, and please post more pictures of your outfits .
I am still going out to work three days a week as I work for a pathology company, but on my days off I’ve been writing more and preparing a vegetable garden. Two of our three sons live with us (all in their 20s) and one girlfriend whose parents live abroad. Fortunately they have all kept their jobs so far. We are having family dinners every night, and playing the piano and games in the evenings. I miss being able to catch up with friends and sing in my choir, but I’m enjoying the slower pace and being together more as a family.
Blessings.
A pleasure to read your writing. So clear and thoughtful. Here in Oakland, we are coping as everyone else. Though cool, the weather has allowed me to start planting seeds that I had miraculously ordered in the dead of winter. It feels strange to work in the garden and not see neighbors and family members running in to chat and share news. We now have a compendium of Zoom moments like Gnocchi a la Cuarantina that family members are learning. We are staying connected in new and more meaningful ways. And yes, please continue with that luscious orange color. It’s full of vibrancy and joy.
Planting seeds is a wonderful metaphor for the work ahead.
So happy to hear your voice. I have loved seeing your images, but seeing both image and words is needed now in a world full of uncertainty. The best in humanity is shining and we must look at the shine, not the darkness. I have been very mindful about getting up in the morning and dressing for the day, even though the day is being confined to a home with my husband and dogs – for that I am ever grateful. Keep talking to us and showing your beauty. All the best and stay safe!
Image + words yes inspiration and action
Thank you, Professor Slater, for reminding us so beautifully to keep our hearts and heads in the right place. I just lost my 96-year old Dad on 21st March so your message is especially heartening. My father was a professor too. He sent his message to the world, and especially to the young children of India this way just a few weeks before he passed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRR9EPNUUJw&t=333s
I am so very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing his powerful message.
I hope you realise just how much you have been missed! I have a strange little story: I live in Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean and travelled to South Africa to celebrate my brother’s 88th birthday. The plan was to fly on to Mauritius for a 2-week ‘retreat’ holiday but after I had checked in for the flight, all hell broke lose and all air traffic ground to a halt. I’m ‘stuck’ back at my brother’s place in rural South Africa, waiting it out. Emirates hope to start flights again on 14 May – I have to fly via Dubai.
Meanwhile, my brother and his lovely wife are looking after me, and I after them – thank all the gods for technology!
And speaking of outfits… I packed for a beach holiday and am now back in autumn with all the shops closed! I feel and look a bit like an orphan or homeless person right now! Thank you for catching up – I resonate with all your sentiments.
Thankfully your interrupted travel included a close relative!
Great to hear from you Ms Slater. Your nod to orange, a favorite color of mine, is appreciated. Sending love and lift from Texas to you, New York, and all New Yorkers. Take good care.
You too
Your photo and words are always reassuring to me as an “authoritarian” source I need to hear. I’m glad you are here for us and your words of wisdom are always welcome. One thing you said I believe is so true, we have all been sent back to our rooms to rethink what we’ve done to this planet. It seems as if God has said “enough already” she’s on the ruin and you need to fix her (Earth that is). I believe those who are not staying at home and just living obliviously as usual will pay the price. BTW, I think this is one of your most beautiful photos and outfits@ You bring a smile to my face! Stay well and God bless.
Thank you, it will be a terrible waste of human life and the heroism of first responders if we do not learn from this.
I thoroughly enjoy your blog in Calgary and you photograph so well. We are all practising our distancing and spending more time with ourselves. It’s more lonely living by myself but am so glad my granddaughters are healthy. Can’t wish for more. Cheers!
Stay. safe.
I used to think I was a hermit. That I did not need many people in my life or, at least, not very often. However, this sheltering-in has an outstandingly curious effect on my sense of what I need spiritually and emotionally. Plus my time management skills are GONE! No more buses to run to meet, lunches to schedule, hikes to go on so there is really no reason for time crunches and deadlines to be had except to be at the computer during the weekday afternoon to work remotely. Everything else is happening at the oddest of times. But rather than thinking I am going nowhere, I am trying to stay in the moment and say I am here now – get it? I need to be productive in that space rather than in despair. I am 64 and I have never seen the world like this before I don’t think this will be the way it stays. We shall prevail.
Yes, time of renewal.
So happy to see you again..was thinking about you just the other day.
You look amazing in orang..one of my favourite colours…love ready your stories
Stay well in this crisis..stay home!
You too.
Two years ago I moved from Washington, DC to a small Pennsylvania city. When I was out walking on a Main Street, I stopped for a minute to think about something. A man suddenly shouted from his car, “Are you all right/” and I replied, “Just thinking.” Little moments and interactions with caring people reaffirm hope. Your presence, and this community do that also. Thanks for posting and tackling meaty topics, head on.
lovely moment.
I love that line about being naughty children. Glad to hear you & your family are all good over there. I live in New Zealand and our lovely PM has put our country in full lockdown for 4 weeks. We are on Day 11 and I have been enjoying the peacefulness in our city. We can still go for walks/runs but only in our suburbs. I know I’m going to be over cooking by the time this lockdown is over as our country has closed all restaurants, takeaways & cafes as they are not “essential services”. Take care everyone and enjoy this time of peacefulness & slower pace of life.
I love you, leader, I wish we could recruit her over here.
First of all, lovely outfit–orange is also a tone color I have incorporated to move off dark tones. I am also close by in the next big city up from NYC and have watched the numbers climbing, reminding me of several books I have read describing similar situations in NYC, especially Manhattan. I don’t have the access here to as many home delivery services but I have always had a well-stocked pantry, just leaving fresh items to get(produce and dairy). I am also glad you are staying put in the city (in a safe environment) and not doing the insane dash out of town with an RV as one social influencer did with her children and husband because their large apartment with patio space was “too confining” and they needed more outdoor space. Stay in touch, using technology with all your relatives and let tomorrow bring what may, we will survive this and continue on. Thanks for posting.
I know not just for me but for the safety of others.
I faced ‘what nowism’ about 6 years ago as I faced the transition of focusing on my children to being an empty nester. I had surrendered my legal career to deal with the special education system for a gifted child – which was a nightmarish, unpleasant experience! I got additional training so that I could build my own law firm. Now I’m busy representing families asserting their rights to payment for specialized private school tuition or make up services. I love my families and my work, but at this time, I fear from them greatly. So that gives me focus for ‘now.’ I’m also focusing on cleaning and connecting to religion through zoom. Btw, I love the scarf around the wrist idea! I don’t know if I could rock it, but I’m going to try! Thanks for the inspiration.
Wonderful work, I did some of that when I was working with law professors in our university’s law clinic. Yes, those families will be hard hit from this. Keep on!
So happy to see you again..was thinking about you just the other day.
You look amazing in orange…one of my favourite colours…love reading your stories
Stay well in this crisis..stay home!
I am being a good girl, not rebelling against this societal command!
I am brand-new to your website and blog. Your words are soothing.
I also am discovering new, simpler ways to run my business and spend time at home. I believe our new skills, as a society, will translate to our “new life” after this disaster. I am hopeful, maybe innocently, that our gig workers will be able to find their place again. I appreciate them like never before.
We need to get some safety nets under them.
As a stand-up comic working out of the Philly Region, I cannot wait to get back up onstage and see those smiling faces! As to what I want to see more of from you, my 2 favorite things to see and read about (other than your writing) are your outfits and your relationship with Calvin.
Ok it’s our anniversary. this month so I’ll oblige on the Calvin!
I just say your sweet add on Utube for; “ Go Daddy”, and I thought;
“ Oh, my! Have I missed your blog? “I cherish seeing your creativity and your blog. Then I opened my email to do a search, and there you appeared. Thank you for your blog. It adds a bit over artist joy to my day. God, surely is in charge here. I have been meditating more, and studying Vedic scripture. Blessings?Chandi
Thank you!
Super glad to read your wise words. And pandemic fashion notes! I believe we have to consider this crisis as an opportunity to disrupt the status quo that hasn’t been working for us. Attitudes toward climate and consumption. Systemic social injustice. And more. That’s what I’m focusing on…from my bed!!
Yes and yes and yes to it all.
You may not believe this, but just this morning I was putting on one of the eyeliners you recommended, not because I was going anywhere, of course, but just because I felt like “playing” with makeup (and then I washed all my hair and makeup brushes). And I thought, “I haven’t heard from the Accidental Icon for a while.” I opened up my email and there it was–a post from you! Serendipity. And happy serendipity, at that. How am I doing? Since I work from home as a writer, my routine isn’t that much different; what is different is that my husband and teenage son are now here all of the time, resulting in the loss of some privacy. I bought a white noise machine so that I can at least feel like I have some measure of privacy while I work or talk to my therapist. I’m trying to keep fear at bay, especially financial fear, as my client work (I’m a marketing writer) has dried up. BUT I was able to finish a major revision of my novel and send it off to my agent last week. So I am definitely in a state of “What now?”-ness. My best to you and your family, and I’m so happy to see you today.
Thank you. I can relate my influencer income will most likely try up for the upcoming future but writing feels like a balm.
Greetings from Downunder (Australia). I, like your other readers, was so glad to see you back. We are faring much better than you guys thanks to a very different leadership response. I must say, since your president was elected, the overwhelming feeling here was “What on earth were they were thinking?”. Can only hope for a better outcome this November. We are all anxiously awaiting a turnaround soon in the infection rate in the USA and looking forward to the positive changes you have predicted will emerge.
It seems today in NYC we are getting a bit of better news. I have been practicing social distancing from national leadership but our Gov. Cuoma has been inspiring.
There you are!
It felt like a little ray of sunshine to find this in my email this morning!
Your picture in orange made me feel happy!
I’ve been wondering how you’ve been in this wildly uncertain time we find ourselves in now. I’m glad you and yours are well!
This is a scary moment in time as we swirl around in the not knowingness of now. Sometimes it can feel a bit overwhelming. This will surely be the biggest crisis of my lifetime.
I’m humbled by the goodness and sacrifices of so many working to keep our basic needs met and to take care of the sick even at the possible expense of their own health.
As for me a few weeks before all this hit I don’t know why, but I found myself wanting to just stop all the external noise and go within. I’ve spent a lot more time alone with my dog and going to the park to be in nature. Phone turned off and taking in the sights, sounds and smells of spring beginning to bloom.
Now that we are under a stay at home order I’ve been spending hours weeding in my yard. There are so many weeds that they are choking out the healthy grass. This pulling out the weeds seems like an endless pursuit yet somehow is very satisfying at the same time.
The sounds of the wind chimes and the vast array of birds each serenading me with their own distinct song are the most lovely music to my ears.
The weeding seems a metaphor for my own life. To take the time to stop all the mindless chatter and distraction and weed out what’s blocking me to make way for healthy regrowth to take hold.
I’ve become so keenly aware of the absolute fragility of life itself and am figuring out what I want it to look like going forward.
I look forward to more of your though provoking posts and of course the inspiring outfits!
Stay safe all!
You articulate so much of what I and others have been feeling in such a beautiful way. Thank yu.
Thank you for your blog posting today. What a pleasant surprise! I am glad you wrote a book. I was wondering where you went. Mr Rogers said “Look for the helpers.” He said that his mother told him that when he was a little boy. When something tragic happens, look for the helpers. That is what I have been focusing on lately. All of the frontline medical workers, first responders, cooks, mask makers, people donating to food kitchens, and all of the ways that people are helping in the Coronavirus pandemic. I am grateful for the small blessings in my life right now. Sleep, food, exercise, family and their health and homes. We are very blessed. I got rid of my sewing machine, as I would have liked to sew facial masks for workers. I gave to several charities in need right now where people are in need and hurting in our present economy. I am thankful that I am able to do this. What now, indeed! I meditate each day. It helps relax me and reframe my thinking. All is well and all will be well. Look for the helpers…
Beautifully stated.
You write so beautifully and you express exactly how I feel about this unprecedented experience that all of humanity is facing. I believe that somewhere at the end of all this we will be a more United in Diversity world and I am already starting to see a shift in behavior in so many people and though I too have uncertainty and am worried for our world, I feel ok somehow and have hope. My heart bleeds for NY and I pray that this beautiful iconic city will very soon be back to its glory . Sending you all love from Melbourne, Australia. ♥
Yes we just have to keep on talking about it so it will not be forgotten.
On April 15, as a teacher in Melbourne, Australia, I will need to begin teaching my secondary students online. I would love some ideas on how to use colour in my clothing and surrounds to bring some joy and inspiration to my students. I would love to inspire them to do the same. Any ideas from you or your followers would be so very gratefully received.
Will do!
So glad to have our glamorous ICON back.
I have found myself back at my art, painting with paint and torn paper. Been away from it for almost two years, this is a different art path this time around. All family members well here. Glad to hear yours are well also❣️
I love how many people are re-finding their creative spirits.
A nice surprise to find your email. After a summer of scorching fires here in New South Wales, Australia. Not daring to go outside without a mask. We how move to a new level of reflection in what are honestly our needs. My garden hit stasis. And, now in autumn I have glorious roses that rival any summer blooming. Flowers are everywhere with the first frosts traditionally arriving soon. Thank you Kandinsky’s words on orange. And I can see how comfortable the merino rests on your frame. Nice to see you AI xo from Oz
Powerful we weren’t listening to what was already there.
Thank you for coming back to us. I just want to say that I learned a lesson from you before the Coronavirus struck. I decided to do something way out of the normal for me. I just turned 74 on April 1st. But I’m no fool. I decided to take a road trip that would cover more than 4,000 miles. I called it my “Farewell Tour”. I wanted to see friends I hadn’t seen in 40 or 50 years and likely will never see again. I stopped in a small town in Texas to visit a FB friend I’d never met in person. Next were Austin, TX, Atlanta, GA, Knoxvilled, TN, Washington, DC, another FB friend in Chillicothe, OH, and on to my last stop: my brother’s in Northville, MI. By that time I was anxious to get home to San Diego. What I learned on my ‘Tour’ was that Americans have not changed. I was treated wonderfully everywhere I went. The secret was not discussing politics and religion. Americans are good by nature and have worked hard to make this country successful. I thank you for inspiring me indifferent ways by sharing your thoughts with us. Now I feel in the ways you mentioned here towards this country and my community. Enough us will survive and we’ll have a far different attitude than before this crisis befell us. Love to you and yours.
What a fantastic journey, thank you for telling me about it.
Greetings from Australia and thank you for sharing your thoughts and reflections during these very difficult times. I am grateful to be socially isolating in the bush in regional Victoria, surrounded by gumtrees, visited by kangaroos, woken up by a chorus of birdsong and relaxing by the fire each evening. I am very lucky to have a place of refuge. I am lucky to have family and friends that I can connect with via the internet. I am lucky to be sharing this time with my loving husband. At the end of all this I hope to be a better person; a kinder person; a person who has more time and tolerance and appreciation. Thank you for this opportunity to connect with you and other readers as we watch and wait for better times.
if we all are wouldn’t that be wonderful>
Think of how things would be during this suddenly strange time without the technology and social media that we have taken for granted?! Thank goodness for the brains behind these forces of connection that are keeping us in touch around the world! We are all sharing an unprecedented experience globally: how incredible that is and to share our responses, thoughts and actions as we distance yet stay connected ! There are many ‘what nows?’ and our creativity will find us answers. Stay well and safe- everyone.
It can in fact be a very creative time. I think technology and social media have been put back in their place: human connection and sharing, activism, not to promote unachievable lifestyles and make people buy mindlessly.
I saw your email name come up in my list & was excited to open it first . You never disappoint, with your wisdom & advice .
I feel like an old friend has returned from her holiday with lots to share & inspire us with .
You look rested & vibrant , a lovely juxtaposition to the doom & gloom that surrounds us .
We’re bunkered down here in Australia like others from all points of the globe . We’re not allowed to travel or leave our homes unless it’s for a good reason .
One of our daughters & her family live just over 2 hours away & was in need of some medical masks to wear when she visits the supermarket for essentials . They’ve sold out everywhere & we still had a full box .
Yesterday we decided it was a reasonable reason to drive the 2 hours & drop of the masks & some more essentials & drive straight back home without coming in contact with others & @ all times staying within a 2 metre distance to our daughter .
It was a pleasant surprise for our daughter & 8 yo grandson when we spoke to them through their intercom @ their front gate .
To see their healthy faces was emotional for all of us , not being able to hug them was torturous but imperative .
It’s Easter next weekend ,so we had added Easter eggs for our grandson , this brought a beautiful smile of gratitude.
We drove home with such mixed emotions, even though my arms were left devoid of loving hugs , my heart was full of thanks ?? & ? love .
Then this morning , you returned to our lives , we have much to be thankful for !.
Love Gail .❤️
What a lovely narrative thank you so much for gracing us with it. It has been a holiday of sorts with many epiphanies and new discoveries.Thanks for letting me know how you are.
Thank you, for letting us know how you have been! As I am not on Instagram I could be a part of your conversation. I, personally have missed you and have wondered how you and yours were! My husband and I are doing well. I am not working but, am furloughed. In knowing this, I know that I still have my job, which helps both of us old fogies to supplement our lives. Thank goodness we don’t have any large bills to pay for a while! We live in Southwest Michigan. In our little county, my husband and I do not know of anyone that has this virus but, we do know that there ARE, at least, 54 people IN our county that are affected. I think about this every day! Children ride their bikes past my house. families walk by and, then, there is the occasional dog-walker. I live in a housing neighborhood so, that pretty much means together but separate! We don’t share heating ducts or water pipes. I am glad for that! Hang in there! We have ALWAYS been a hearty lot!!! Sorry, this is so long! I usually don’t have this much to say…
Thanks for the update. Gratitude for what we do have is another important part of this.
Since one never knows (and these things should be done anyway), I’ve put a real push on getting our affairs in order. It’s been something that I’ve been plodding on for a couple of years, but now I’ve got a head of steam on to wrap it up nice and tight. Time to make sure everybody is cared for
Yes!
WE ARE WELL…….THE ITALIAN BAKES BREAD AND I am creating FEASTS for dinner!
I am SO EXCITED ABOUT YOUR BOOK!”IT’s DONE!!!!
WHAT A GIFT that will be for MANY!
YOUR EARRINGS HIT ME SMACK IN THE FACE even before focusing on THE ORANGE!
VBRA?Sure look like it!
HAPPY to HEAR your family member recovered and People are checking in!
I’m trying to call SINGLE WOMEN each day who live alone!
They said that BLOGS would disappear……..I don’t think SO especially in this time WE CAN ALL SHARE.
Keep writing…………XX
Thank you so much. The book proposal is done so the book itself has a long way to go but thanks for the good wishes I will keep my fingers crossed as what happens with the economy will probably have an impact. What you are doing is lovely, take good care.
I am glad you are well. I enjoy your thoughts as well as I enjoyed your keynote at the AICI conference last year. I find I am being very creative and accounting for the positives in this situation. Glad you are back writing and being with us.
A return to resourcefulness.
Thank you for coming back- and so glad you are OK and connected! I’ve seen your commercial debut – you are awesome! So glad you are getting more recognition. As a native New Yorker and one that came of age in the mid-late seventies in Manhattan, I find myself looking back so often. I wish there was a time machine – I’d start in 1971 and go out every night (oh, to return to Max’s, not as a gawking teen but a knowing woman!). I smell what you’re cooking about the curated clothing – I’ve been feeling that way about ALL of my possessions. Getting rid of everything but the essentials; saving the ggod stuff for my kids. Having events and moments instead of shopping. I do not feel deprived: how can I be when I am still alive. ‘Rona makes us see what is real and what is really valuable.
Exactly!
wonderful read than you
Thank you.
Thank you so much for you kind, thoughtful words, particularly from a country that is doing so much worse than we are in Australia. Because of my age and chronic lung condition, I self-isolated as soon as I heard about the pandemic. As a former ICU nurse, if I were younger I would come out of retirement to work at my local hospital. Instead, my days have been filled with looking after a stray kitten whom I began to foster in February. We have both become so attached to each other that I am sure she would not bond with anyone else. So my “foster fail” is staying with me and my two other cats with whom she has also bonded. Having Kylie Kitten goes some way to compensate for not seeing my grand-children.
Best wishes, wherever you are, from Sydney – stay safe. xxx
Take care of yourself, I relate it’s been hard to not have a way to go out and be of service.
I love what you do, and I too am trying to really connect with an authentic part of me, and want be, look and feel visibly different over the next few months. I “play” in my wardrobe, and have made a discovery of late (one that I have known about, yet kept hidden from myself)….my wardrobe is geared towards a corporate life that I never wanted to be part of, and still don’t ….I feel stuffy, restricted, too much black…you see I long to be and look more creative, relaxed, casual yet polished and I just don’t know how to do it (yet!). So yes, this is my Now What? Please keep inspiring me, and I just feel that change so close, yet not quite materialised….With love Olimpia Mazza
A wonderful discovery opening up new creative opportunities/
Glad you’re well! I think the most difficult thing for me is being away from my family. My boys live near Boston (one is a nurse, the other works in a paint/design store). They’re both working of course, which really scares me. My oldest son is a nurse in Boston – I can’t even explain the fear. It does keep my praying daily. I can’t believe that we all woke up one day and THIS happened. It’s like a Stephen King novel… Stay safe in all you do.
Your children are modern-day heroes even more than they already were. I miss the physical hugs and kisses of family.
Glad to see you back, and happy to know you are well!
I am looking forward to your thoughts about style/fashion in the post-pandemic (will there really be a post- ?) reality… I am hoping your musings will consider the role of sustainability, as well as realistic priorities and aspirations as we humans seek to find “the pretty” in our lives that brings us joy and dignity.
Thank you for your blog, and stay safe, stay healthy <3
You are a mind reader stay tuned.
Thank you so much for your post. Your email could not have come at a better time. I too was wondering if you were ok. I’m such a creature of habit and this whole thing has got my stress level higher than I can manage sometimes but I’m working on it. I am incredibly blessed to be able to work from home and have necessary resources but it saddens me so much to see the fallout of this pandemic. The world has forced a paradigm shift that we all need to take seriously if we are going to come out the other side. On a positive note I read in the paper today that Wuhan China can now see blue sky and people can breathe fresh air. Mother Nature is kicking our collective asses but there is some comfort that maybe something good can result. Thank you again for your post. It gives me a glimmer of hope when I really need it.
We better take her at her word because if we don’t I can’t imagine what the next kick in the ass will be!
Yours is a timely and welcome post. What now is the question on everyone’s lips. It takes from 2 to 8 months to form a new habit (to the point where it becomes automatic). New habits that will serve us well in the future are appreciating what we have, using less of everything. It is freeing to let go. The world is changing at warp speed, and all around me I see people adapting to the new normal in positive and courageous ways. I love your orange outfit. It is comforting and hopeful all at once. Glad to hear that you and yours are safe and well. I’m fortunate that the people I love are also safe. May they stay that way.
A blueprint for future living.
Reading all the comments gives me such hope and grace and yearnings for the planetary shift that is happening. Keep spreading your positive outlook and wisdom.
KH
Yes if we have enough of these collective thoughts there will be change.
It was lovely to see your new blog post pop up. I found inspiration in your words, to reconnect with some creativity…so easy to get lost at the moment and forget now is still here. Especially when now doesn’t seem such a great place to be.
Love the nod to colour…realising yellow is mine and have nothing in it..
Thank you 🙂
We are all making do in ways that show we are heart resourceful and creative beings, our service economy has made us forget the joy of that.
It is great that you are back and to read your blog post again. Thank you. In my country Sweden we are also hit by the Corona virus. Some parts of the country more then others. In the countryside where I live it is not so bad yet and we can meet outdoors keeping up distances to each other. My University collegues and students are using Zoom and and some of our global business are manufacturing medical equipment insted of cars and trucks etc. Hopefully we will learn our lessons for the future and take better care of our resources and The environment. I wish you all a Happy Eastern and to be safe and in a good fighting spirit
Thanks for sharing this update. Despite us all coming from so many different countries I am seeing a common theme: goodness and kindness and response to need is alive and well.
It is good to see you back and recieve your inspiring and insightful article. I am in “lockdown” in a small coastal town on the south coast of England taking time to do some family research and finding that my grandmother (who I never knew) survived being taken from her home by the Nazis for forced labour, escaped from the camp in 1945 when the camp was bombed by the allies, and then walked for two years to Switzerland to seek asylum as she couldn’t go back to her home country.
Finding out about her at this time has made me realise, now more than ever, how precious life and love is. We can all find inspiration all around us. I woke up this morning, the sun is shining and the birds are singing. Life is good. Stay safe.
What heroism and resilience.
Your message is always well received! I am here in Morocco where we are under complete lock down, working on getting getting assistance out to the very poorest. It is especally humbling in a way you really underlined- taking those around us for granted before, waking up now to see everything anew and appreciate everyone around us, from vegetable vendors to garbagemen to bakers- what would my life be without any of them?. Thank you for that universal truth and allowing me to return, even for a few moments, back to a community of terrific women in my own country. Stay well all!
Thank you for taking the time to share your important reflections. I want to explore how we can keep these understandings alive and not forget them and go back to business as usual
It’s so nice to read you and good to understand someone has the same thoughts like me. Please, stay safe and healthy and stay in touch. With best wishes from Russia, Olesya
Stay safe as well and I look forward to writing things that invoke the wonderful comments my readers share.
Thank you very much for your words dear Lyn for your empathic and wise statement. I love reading your newsletter and thinking about your thoughts. you are older than me and I really hope doing it as well as you do in further times.
I wish you all the best. Verena from Germany.
I am well thank you. Being good about staying in and social distanceing.
Just discovered your blog (although I’ve seen your pictures so many times on the web) and totally fall in love with it.
Absolutely love your creative works and your style!!!
Would be sooo honored if we could collaborate together in the future!
You are just so inspirational!
Please stay safe during this crazy time!!
Thank you and please stay safe as well/
I’ve missed your writing here Lyn. You have inspired me for the last year. I noticed in the two years, I’ve found myself feeling envious of thick, white, shimmering hair on women. I think I always felt that way. The first time I noticed it was more than 20 years ago and I remember where I was and how I felt about the first time I really studied that woman. I was commuting from Mystic, CT to Yale Univ for work on the local CT train. Every day I schlepped myself driving, railroading, bussing, and then walking into the office building to pound out programming code. At 5p I’d walk, bus, and rail back to my car which was 25 minutes away from my house. It was an epic commute as one person told me. One day I looked up from my reading and saw this glorious head of hair, straight, shoulder length, thick, and stunning. I wanted so much to have an excuse to get up from my seat, walk in front of the women’s seat, turn around to look at her. I shook it off and giggled to my immature self… but oh, her hair was glorious. I didn’t get to commute in the same train car with her again. It was chance non-meeting. About a month went by and I found myself in the employee medical center waiting on seeing a Nurse Practitioner. The Nurse greets me and there she is… that just above the shoulder super white hair. I smiled and said, “It’s you! You commute by rail?” She looked puzzled.. oh so puzzling to her that I was asking a question about her personal commute. I told her that I noticed her above all the others in the train because of her beautiful hair… and she felt so good about that. I could not believe that her signature, to me … maybe others, was this glorious head of smooth shimmering hair. Loved it. I let mine grow out… starting right then and there. As time stretched into the future, however, I lost that spark of confidence and poured chemicals on my head to cover up the white. It is not until 20 years later that year, that I’m growing it out again… and can’t wait for the white to crown my head. I’m glad I started before the shut-in. By the time this is over, I’ll emerge with a healthier head of hair. Mostly white.
Our wisdom and memories will be helpful to society right now. Thank you for sharing this story and good for you on growing it out and having your crown.
Is that why I love orange so?
Welcome back!
I have truly missed you, also very happy to hear that you are back to blogging, I do so look forward to your posts.
I am way out here in South Africa and the virus has only for the past month and a bit become a reality for us. My biggest fear is not for myself, but those around me. I am doing my best to stick to social distancing. With me being a “touchy feely” person, it is extremely hard to adapt :-).
Perhaps that is also why I return to blogging, my readers always give me a human touch.
Beautifully said. I’m in Colorado and always love reading your words. I am an artist and designer and very much inspired by you.
Thanks for reaching out again. I’ve missed you.
Thank you and I am happy to be with all my readers again.
I love your writing! As I’m in the second day of a terrible migraine your writing gave me a sense of hope. I am a 60 year old first grade teacher who is trying to stumble my way through on-line teaching. The good news is that my husband and I are staying safe here at home in Ohio. Thank you for taking the time to write. I just adore your style!
Thanks for taking the time to comment even in the midst of a migraine!
I missed you! I saw you on a commercial on TV and then like a wish fulfilled,appeared your email.
Please keep your blog going.You are so filled with creativity, that it will
all flow in and out of you
like it always has.
Be well and we are all in this together.
You will be the light that we are all meant to share.
Much love,
Car0l
Thank you so much, I feel very encouraged to do so.
Actually, I was already wondering what you were up to. Good to hear that you were “digging” your brain to unmine a book proposal. Good luck with finding a publisher. Living in Interior Alaska, I am used to be sheltered. At 40 below and colder, you don’t leave the house after you had already taken your photo in a bikini in front of the temperature display at the university (did that in 2019). We are lucky in so far that there exists an online grocery shopping network due to the rural communities. You order online, pay by credit card, and s.o. drops the merchandise on your porch. No contact at all. Nevertheless, despite being used to being sheltered there is the feeling of whatnowness. The lockdown definitively will change and affect society. Well, and there are also some other reasons.
Yes and I hope those changes will be for the better.
Greetings! Loving the creamsicle pop orange nectar outfit!
What next for me? Have found myself volunteering my sewist abilities for the local hospital by helping retro fit the elastic on their supply of N95s. At same time have been brainstorming with my nurse sister in law on non medical grade mask construction. This has lead to several batches of masks from my stash of African wax print fabrics, which led to finding worthy recipients at my postal counter.
I take sewing for granted. What began as a little girl wanting clothes for her baby doll to a teenager investing her $5 babysitting money on fabric for a new outfit, has landes recently at a very different place.
I don’t take my craft for granted anymore. My mother sewed quilts for AIDS babies in the ’80s. I am sure there are countless other dire circumstances where this craft has figured prominently.
What a magical thing a sewing machine is though. Best of all it makes fashion, to keep us on the up beat.
Stay well all, stay fierce.
I have been thinking about that magical power and how moving forward it can be a force for good and social well-being as you are showing us. Can;t wait to continue this conversation.
It was so good to read your email today. Thank you. It’s such an uncertain time for all of us. Staying home, but missing my children and grandchildren. Learning to appreciate the little things in life. You are such an inspiration as I grow older. I can do this!
Ues making do with less and what does that mean about clothes? I’ve been pondering.
It is wonderful to hear from you. Yes, I have missed hearing from you too as I am sure many of us have. You look beautiful in your wonderful orange and happy clothes. A good image for these times. I am spending my time in my town of Yucaipa, CA reading new things in books that hold my interest, and I am also spending part of my time serving as a much- needed advocate for elders living in senior mobile home parks, one of the major sources for Elder Fraud, Elder Theft, and Elder Abuse. I have found out on my own that the existing resources to help us are virtually invisible and useless, so I am trying hard to get the National Institute of Justice Elder Fraud Hotline aware of that and to get them to locate more resources for us all that will actually do some good. My most recent degree was in Criminal Justice, and I had hoped to become a mentor/advocate for juvenile delinquents, but this is a more pressing matter I believe. I got cancer at the end of my time in the university, and I think that this is actually meant to be. So we will see what happens. It is keeping me occupied somewhat productively at least. So glad to hear about what you are doing/thinking about. Anne always
Great to hear from you. Yes right now it is time to pivot and that’s the good thing about remaining open and nimble. You have found a need to fill or should I say it has found you!
Thank you for bringing back your blog and your inspiring message. I missed you and happy to hear you are well! I look forward to a copy of What Now.
I’m optimistic about the future and sheltering in place with my husband in Colorado.
Yes we can take these lessons learned and make a better world. Looking forward to having that conversation with all of you.
Good to have you back! Looking forward to your book. I’m sheltering in place in Colorado with my husband and optimistic about the future.
I’m glad, it’s a time for new opportunities.
What a surprise and a pleasure to see you in this space again, Lyn! It has been so long that I gave up wondering what you were up to a while back. . . As one of your readers from the earliest days of the blog, I am truly delighted to see you writing here again. And I look forward to how the “What Now” will develop!
What a crazy time this has been–so terrible, yet allowing profound new discoveries personally and communally. Personally, my family and I are all staying safe so far in our various home environments in Arizona, Oregon, Washington state. Minnesota, Michigan and NYC. . . but there is always the awareness that this could change at the drop of a hat. I especially worry for my 86 year old father who lives in a memory care unit, where a temp worker turned out to have Covid-19 a week and a half ago. . .But so far he is still well.
Personally, I am using all this time at home to more fully take up the creative processes that I hoped to delve into when I retired almost a year ago. The spaciousness of time in these quiet days has been ideal for that. Luckily I had laid in a supply of upcycled clothing and embroidery floss for thread-painting a few weeks before the self-isolation started.
You have had so many responses by the time I have read this post and am responding. . .Later I will read through them myself, as I have found that your readers have such good things to say.
May you and all your readers stay safe and well. . .
So good to hear you are well. Thank you it feels good to be back and yes my readers do indeed leave thoughtful and inspiring comments. I feel this is truly time for a pondering of What Now as so much of what we have not done well is laid bare. Look forward to continuing our conversations.
You’re so right….it’s a time for reflection and for change xx
So nice to have you “back”! Sorry for the circumstances, and I’ll look for your new book. I’m excited about the creative shakeup I’m seeing. The forward looking plans, the choice to be a positive part of history. The Co I work in is Semi Essential. I Train & Support a “Clean room” factory. It was quickly realized that we trainers could do some good. I am part of a team that goes in to Train & Consult on Social Distancing. Talk about fly by the seat of your pants! We need to train the stuff As it becomes news, not once it is all over You Tube. Yes I was designing fashion Masks weeks ago!
The 2nd part of our mission is forcing people to stay in touch. Write letters and use the “snail mail” Im holding a couple of virtual FACs, 1 for retired friends & 1 for self proclaimed Introverts.
Challenge each other daily to be better/do better.
Thanks for the uplift & inspiration.
Ah it’s so nice to see you back here, I was starting to wonder where you’d gone.
Like you my thoughts are now “what next”….. I don’t believe we as a planet and mankind inhabiting it will ever return to what we knew as “normal “….and I think perhaps that’s a positive thing, the selfishness, cruelty and disregard for nature that was happening and accelerating at great speed had to stop. I hope that this may be an opportunity to us all to take a look hard look at ourselves and wake up to a new reality, a kinder, simpler reality where we recognise what IS important and what never really mattered anyway.
Stay safe xx
Yes, and I am interested in exploring what kinds of new economies won’t leave that to chance.
Hi Lyn,
Thanks for this lovely photo and post, and for your honesty and candor. From the huge number of responses, your post has generated it’s obvious that you’ve struck a chord. Your photo, in vibrant orange, radiates self-possession, even in these times of uncertainty and seclusion. I think that, going forward, I will be more appreciative of health, freedom, and beauty. I will treasure what I have more—family, a garden, beautiful clothing, and a passion for writing that keeps my glass full. You’re an inspiration and an icon, and that must come with some weight. You are wearing it well.
Thank you for your kind comments. I am blessed to have very thoughtful and creative readers who are also inspirational to me.
Amazing post, thanx for sharing this article. I am truly motivated by your post.
Thanx again!!!
Lovely orange sweater I’m learning to crochet during lockdown here in London. One day I hope to make a retro jumper, great to hear from you stay safe ?
Lovely orange sweater I’m learning to crochet during lockdown here in London…. stay safe xx
You too?
Wow – now that is alot of comments. Love your combo of style & wisdom.