We all need to hear about as many positive things as we can right now. Having said that, I’ll be adding a few extra items on my “Five Things I Love” lists for the indefinite future…
1. This fabulous article about how Gen-Xers are so freaking awesome, which we already knew because pretty much every article about Gen-Xers talks about how strong we are, how we can handle more than other generations, how we never complain, well, basically all the same stuff that Korin Miller wrote about here…
2. My sister-in-law’s floral masterpieces. My brother and sister-in-law are going to be opening up a floral shop supper club in Camas, WA. They were hoping to open up in the next few weeks but as you can imagine, things are tentatively on hold. In the meantime though, my SIL does what she usually does, and that is bring rays of sunshine to everyone around her.
Both my brother and sister-in-law have been trying to come up with ideas on how to make lemonade out of lemons. For example, they had a bunch of flower arrangements made up for event that was cancelled so instead they auctioned them off on their Facebook page and donated 100% of the proceeds to two separate charities.
Recently they procured a bunch of free flowers (one of the nearby flower markets was giving away their inventory – with all the cancellations of weddings and special events they have massive overstock and the flowers will just go to waste in their warehouses.) Anyway, my sister-in-law (with my brother as her assistant) created beautiful flower installation around Camas. Some of them were even bouquets that people could stop by and pick up. If you live near Seattle, ATV (after the virus) be sure to check out their place and follow them on Insta or Facebook. You can see many more of my SIL’s beautiful creations on their Insta and FB.
3. How to dial a telephone – this video is hilarious to watch now. For menopausal broads though it may also give you the warm & fuzzies…
4. Self-pampering – if you’re like me you may have a few (dozen) products that you bought, that are supposed to have miraculous effects, but haven’t had the time to use. Well, NOW we all have time! Besides trying out various sheet masks and serums and lotions and cleansers I have also started doing a guided meditation for 15 minutes every day. There are lots of guided meditation videos on YouTube. I recommend searching for guided meditation and the length of time (10, 15, 30 minutes). You may need to try out several before you find one that you like and that has a voice that you find soothing. I myself saved several into a playlist so that I gave vary it up a little.
5. Puzzles! The one I am currently working on is GORGEOUS, 1000 pieces, and the most challenging one I’ve ever tried to put together. Slow going but super satisfying!
6. (Bonus) This online course at Yale University which you can currently take FOR FREE – Dr. Laurie Santos is teaching people how to be happier with their lives! She recognized a need for the course when she saw that there was an increasing number of students being diagnosed with depression. I’ve already watched the videos and done the reading for the first week. It’s very manageable, maybe 30 to 60 minutes twice a week. The only real homework is practicing what you are learning! You can register here.
7, (Bonus) – this artist (Junior Fritz Jacquet) who created these wonderful squishy faces out of discarded toilet paper rolls. What with toilet paper being so precious right now you may, like me, hesitate momentarily to toss out those empty toilet paper rolls…
8. (Bonus) – Star War fans, if you haven’t watched this sped up time-lapse of the construction of the Death Star you must do so immediately. It’s only two minutes long!
9. (Bonus) – Last but definitely not least, this animated video explaining the Coronavirus Pandemic. Flatten the curve!
