Surviving the pandemic

My lockdown projects continue...I’m tackling one drawer at a time, organizing, donating, pitching. 
This week I turned to my closet. Voila; my growing donation bag of “I might wear that again someday.” 

I’ll spare you the “what kind of person would even think of donating this” pile. 
Then, it occurred to me, “Why am I reserving the good stuff for when this monster is over?” So, my new plan has included dressing for the day...well, most days. Nice casual and a touch of jewelry! And what a change in my outlook...perhaps a bit like making one’s bed each morning. My job is to live; not when we’re less than six feet away or maskless again, but right now, in the middle of hard. Live with purpose...live with kindness...live with beauty. 
This task has not been all work, though. 
I loved a summer blouse, but it was pretty scary on my body. I suppose a little bit of 70’s goes a long way, so I repurposed it into a scarf. And a denim dress is now ready for the fall as a fun duster. 

 

Each week, I’m asking God how He plans to repurpose my time alone...and then, trusting.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

Seems as if I have no one to talk to today but the blog. Getting desperate, I suppose. 

Progress report after almost four months:
Five puzzles
Seventeen jillion cotton masks (I’ve perfected the pattern!)
One toddler “mermaid princess” dress
One boho crossbody bag on the loom
Umpteen books (five unfinished)
Four decorated windows for the little quarantined preschooler across the street
Four birthday drive-by parties
One shut-in ministry up and running on its own (too many cards , phone calls and emails to count!)
Two dozen 70’s albums
Thirty plus online concerts
Dozens of virtual museum and biking tours
One Children’s Literature course
Three medical courses
One unfinished painting. 
and a constantly messy kitchen!

Things, I’ve discovered:
I adore bright colors and I’m over grey walls. (Too bad, non-negotiable!)
Living rooms can be multifunctional: art studio, library, dance floor...because windows to the neighborhood are essential. 
I’m totally in love with gemstones from New Mexico (But American Express, it’s still cheaper than a trip to The Land of Enchantment.)
My senior pass to our national parks sits idly with that little blue passport. Both are pouting. 
Senior hours are essential and entertaining. 
Sometimes, one must turn off the seriousness of a pandemic. 

Thanks, blog for listening to my pandemic drivel. Brace yourself for the next four months! This ain’t over yet.