So, what are you doing with your unexpected time at home? What about that novel, short story, or essay? That poem, painting or project? You know, those things that sit upon your heart because you haven’t had time for them? Where’s your excuse now?
Your art form — whatever makes your heart sing and lifts you outside of time — is your way through this. Poem or music making? Gardening or baking? Knitting or doodling? Tinkering or puttering? Birding or beach combing? Listen, your heart will remind you.
I see silver-linings in the words and actions of people everywhere as we enter this strange new time. This social distancing and staying at home time.
A local professional theatre had to disband the cast and close just as they’d put up a new show. So what did they do? The staff put their creative heads together and set up a “film studio” and streamed one of their past original shows for donations. Celebrities are singing from virtual platforms for free. Italians are serenading one another from windows and balconies. Breweries and a French perfume company are producing hand sanitizer. A small factory in Bangor, Maine is making toilet paper. The CEO of Best Buy is paying workers for full schedules while reducing hours of operation. Governors all over the US are thinking way outside the box to provide for their citizens. Neighbors are checking on one another and tending to the needs of elders and the lonely. Generosity outshines attempted price gouging.
I’m a writer. Extra time to write is a happy experience for me despite the scary reasons behind it. No appointments out in the world. And though I miss my outings for yoga and singing with Susie Burke and the gang, uninterrupted time is a blessing as I finish book number two.
I’m blogging, finishing This Other Way of Knowing, meditating and journaling. My mind is conjuring a new art quilt design. And as I write this, I’m reminded that I haven’t played my ukulele in a long while. I’ll have to build up those callouses again. But, hey, I have the time.
What are you doing with this gift of uninterrupted-in-the-usual-ways time? Share with us in comments. Inspire us to pull out those neglected gems and make the best of this. We may be distancing, but we’re virtually in this together.
Elizabeth Barrett says
Wonderfully inspiring, Mary Lou. Thanks.
Mary Lou Bagley says
I am always inspired by all of your work in the world. And, of course, Other Wise would not be the book it is without your editing skills and kind advice!
Nora Irvine says
Mary Lou, you had me at “those things that sit upon your heart because you haven’t had time for them.” I hadn’t realized that’s where they’ve been lurking heavily until those words vibrated like crazy. And I love the fabric collage of the neighborhood!
Mary Lou Bagley says
Thank you, Nora, for your lovely acknowledgement. We do all have some on our hearts, don’t we. (As to the fiber collage, a labor of love I created for a Habitat for Humanity auction a few years ago.)
Bob says
I’am reading the books you and other authors write. I know, I know it’s a tuff job but someone has to do it
Mary Lou Bagley says
This someone is grateful to have such a supportive “first reader” and encouraging presence around while I’m writing. 😉
Sally Hirshberg says
Bless you Mary Lou for the uplift of your words and art. Home alone I’ve set up solitaire Bananagrams on the dining room table, card making in the living room, much soup making, virtual meals with my sister and my 2 and 4 year old niece and nephew. Still ignoring the giant mess on my desk upstairs…procrastination still active. My 98 year old friend suggested one hour a day! Yoga and meditation, music as always (missing the Wednesday night group), too much movie watching. Submitted my poem for the Mangion poetry reading scheduled for May…may it take place!
Missing touch most of all!
Mary Lou Bagley says
Dear Sally, sounds like you are making the best possible use of this time.You inspire me. As to watching movies — not wasted time at all. Actors and musicians and directors and editors and film crews are all artists sending you their work to uplift, entertain, and make you laugh and cry (yes, we know crying is good). So enjoy them guilt-free!
We’ve all been gifted with time to slow down and rest, deeply rest. And thank goodness we have social media and virtual meeting platforms so we can see each other. Touch will return and when it does, we will be soooooo ready. And now I must go and look up solitaire Bananagrams. 😉