The New Binge #stayhomesavelives

As I mentioned last week, I’ve been isolating due to the pandemic. I’ve finished ALL the baking series. I’ve finished all the supernatural series that seem worth watching. I’ve seen all the comedy specials that looked hilarious. So now what?

Yay! Webinars!

Webinars

I know, right? But today alone I’ve watched several. One on writing, one on marketing, another on relationships, and still another on COVID-19. (That one was particularly informative.)

Given that many of us are isolating at home, companies are showcasing their wares through offering free opportunities to learn something, see something, or do something. Occasionally there’s a sales pitch involved but not always. And there is something for everyone.

I admit I often learn about them from a newsletter I subscribe to. But you can easily find them. A quick google search found a host of opportunities.

webinars for writers

webinars for librarians

webinars for artists

webinars for librarians

webinars for gardening

It’s a simple google search “Webinars for—” whatever. Try it and see. Oh—here’s a list of several about Earth Day. You’re welcome.

Webinars about/for Earth Day

I Bake, and I Blame Netflix

SCONES!

The Great British Baking Show. The Great British Baking Show Holidays. Sugar Rush. Sugar Rush Christmas. Zumbos Just Desserts.

I’ve watched every episode that Netflix has. Hour after hour of mostly delicious looking bread, cake, pastries, tarts, cookies, donuts, trifles. It was like a gateway binge, because it led me to Food Network.

Buddy vs Duff. Chopped: Sweets. Spring Baking Championship. Holiday Baking Championship. Kids Baking Championship.

I have never been a baker. Way too much science for me. Don’t get me wrong. I cook. My mom was a caterer so I learned from the best. I have an extensive repertoire that continues to grow. But baking? I’ve tried it. In the past I’ve made rolls and pies from scratch. Once, I recall, I even made a soufflé or two. But aside from the occasional batch of cookies, I hadn’t baked in years.

Until now.

Come on! Seeing all those yummy treats day after day made me crave them. Now that we’re in the apocalypse, I mean, the mandatory stay at home orders, if I wanted any I had to make them myself. Damn it.

Besides Cookies Galore, I’ve made biscuits, banana bread, cranberry orange bread, and waffles (from scratch). My next attempt will be scones. I can’t decide what kind—I have the ingredients for cranberry, cinnamon, lemon-cranberry, maple oat nut, and raisin. What should I make?

After I master scones, I’m off to the big time-I’m going to make bread—if I can find some yeast. Or maybe I’ll make my own. Damn you, Netflix!

Staying Home is the Greater Part of Valor: What are you doing with YOUR time?

Hi there. How’s your new normal going?

Cup of coffee sitting by a laptop. Credit: DepositPhotos

Much respect to the teachers who are battling it out, trying to teach online when many have never done so. Make no mistake, teaching an online class well is harder than teaching an on-ground class. Of course, if you aren’t diligent or don’t care, it could be a breeze, I suppose. But dedicated teachers want their students to learn, and want to bring them a little bit of normalcy in this difficult time.

As for me, I am staying at home as much as possible—the exceptions being going to the grocery store and the pharmacy. I’m in a high risk group, and so are people I love, so staying in is the better part of valor..

Always a bit of a loner, I’m surprisingly okay with this. I’m teaching myself how to use a graphic design program. I’m taking an online course in publishing. I’m coloring. Lots of coloring. (It’s a pretty addictive app.) I’m binge-watching Netflix and Amazon Prime offerings, like the Great British Baking Show, Black Lightening, Happy (LOVE Christopher Meloni), comedy specials, and a couple of really bad horror movies. Like Revenge of the Were Rooster.

Yeah. Don’t ask.

Then there are house projects. I reorganized my office and rearranged my living room. I’m also writing. In fact, April is Camp Nano, where I pledge to write at least 20,000 words this month.

But enough about me. If you are a first responder, medical personnel, nonprofit employees, or you work in a drug store or grocery or restaurant or deli…THANK YOU. One lesson many are learning and that I’ve always known is that YOU are the backbone of our society. Not the corporations, not the government. You. You have my unending gratitude.

How is everyone else doing? I’d love to hear how you’re spending the time. If you have a Netflix recommendation, I’d love to hear that too.

Be safe. Be well.

Hope and Cabin Fever

These are terrible times. We are seeing humanity at its dumbest (stay home, people!) and its cruelest (hoarding without regard for others). Our leaders are failing us and increasing the risk to our lives by putting corporate greed over the health and safety of their constituents. 

Yet, some businesses are taking it upon themselves to make sure their workers have sick leave pay. Stores are saving special times for their most vulnerable populations to shop. Our doctors and nurses and researchers are working around the clock to keep up with the carnage. Without the proper equipment, they do this at risk to themselves. Our restaurant, grocery store and pharmacy employees, never before recognized for how critical they are, are still going to work, every day, so we can find a way to carry on. 

This gives me hope.

Like you, I’m home, quietly doing all I can by staying home. This is no sacrifice; it is my responsibility. It is THE responsibility of the rest of us. The only other thing I can do, I do happily–Free books.

Just click on the picture for the opportunity to collect a bunch of stories offered for free. If you’re like me, the distraction will be welcome. 

#stayhomesavelives #washyourhands

A picture of spring flowers, with the words, Spring into Love.