Hello!
As we close week three of shelter in place here in California, let me offer up a few rambling thoughts and observations from the comfort of my home.
Movement is vital, comic relief is necessary, and connection is critical. Creative cooking, interesting books, and (ath)leisure suits are life. Demanding a schedule, declaring dishwasher wars, and not getting enough sleep will eat you alive and make you enemy number one in your own home. Trash TV, wine before 5 pm and indulging in naps are all ways to rest your body and ease your mind. Loosen the rules, lighten your expectations, and invite the unexpected. Some of these things are easy, and others are very, very difficult, but this time at home seems to be teaching us all sorts of unconscious lessons. The earth seems to have shifted its predictable rotation to shake us up a little more, sift us through larger holes and force us to be more aware of our surroundings, fears, constraints, limitations, judgments, and perceptions. Our collective experience and perspective are more limited yet more comprehensive than ever before. Our emotions are more explosive, visceral, and raw these days, yet never more controlled, precise, and focused. Everything seems entirely black and white these days, without much room for the gray matter in the world. Fear and hope. Sunshine and rain. Sorrow, stress, anguish, and uncertainly mirror hope, faith, dreams, and a brighter tomorrow. We don’t know how long this suspended state of world animation is going to last, so stay positive, learn something new, and try not to stress too much about who does or does not unload the dishwasher today.
It’s an Easter miracle! Outside of walking and playing tennis (which is currently forbidden), I have finally found some sort of physical fitness that speaks to me. More like sings to me. I’ve been watching everyone work out online and as I said last week, it was making me slightly anxious. And then a friend suggested Ryan Heffington. If you ever liked aerobics in the ’80s, this online dance party is for you! Combine the BEST music, (Madonna, Cher, Black Eyed Peas), with the BEST moves (can you say GRAPEVINE?!), led by world-famous dancer and choreographer, Ryan Heffington and you have yourself one hell of a mood booster and butt lifter. With his neon shorts, Village People mustache, sometimes hysterical moves, and words of encouragement, Ryan is SOLID GOLD! My kids already think I’m nuts, so “no harm, no foul” when I pull this out next week for “gym class”. If nothing else, they can laugh at me and I can get some exercise while blasting great tunes. Win, win, IMO. He’s dancing live on Instagram every day of the week except for Monday and Friday. Check him out here and grapevine your way across the living room like no one’s watching.
Last week marked the return of The Real Housewives of New York City. Another Easter miracle. Thank you, Bravo.
“WHATEVER IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL- DO THAT”. OK. Done.
What are you drinking this week? Around here, it’s Reeve Pinot Noir and Rosé. This small, family-owned winery in Healdsburg is a special place, making special wines. Their picturesque tasting room (appointment only) is not to be missed and should be at the top of your list for a visit once we are all free to roam about again. Until then, follow their beautiful Insta feed and order some wines to sample while at home.
It’s Spring Break, right? Since we can’t go anywhere exotic, or even walk a local beach, think spring by pulling some shorts out of the closet or shaking out that linen sundress. Virtual shopping ideas courtesy of my Pinterest board here. I love this from Matteau which you can find on Moda Operandi.
Think spring and hang in there!
Xo. klm
