We walked today, my mother and I, on the Riverwalk downtown. It was only 34 F. degrees, a perfect temperature as far as I’m concerned. (I dislike Illinois humidity intensely.)
I put on the white coat from Eddie Bauer which my son bought me years ago, when he was in High School, and then I looked in shock at our two cars in the parking lot. They were so forlorn, when usually there is not a spot to be found.
But, I am finding a certain respite in this self-quarantine. The pace of living is quite lovely. Suddenly, we are forced to focus on the essential: family, good dinners, creating a beautiful environment, reading. I must admit that part of me is reluctant to return to a more frenetic lifestyle.
I’m reading This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald for the 1920 Club hosted by Kaggsy and Simon. I’m doing laundry and making cranberry scones. I’m taking walks, and I’m so grateful for every good thing we are finding out about ourselves, and our lives, in this unique season.
Be well, Meredith
Dolce Bellezza 
I, too, am appreciative of this slower season of life, although I miss spending time with my friends. I walk at least twice every day and am so thankful for my small gated community, which has numerous paths to lead me along the ocean bluff or deep into the wooded forest. We are spending more time together as a family of three, playing games, working on puzzles, watching movies, and eating probably more than necessary. I will start riding my bike once it gets just a little bit warmer and as these days of isolation lead into the coming weeks (and months?), I will carve out an hour in my day to sit quietly with my books. My mind has been to busy at night to settle into my reading and I’m missing the comfort that comes from a good novel. Thank you for the lovely photographs. Your hair color is so lovely, Meredith. Be well. xoxo
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The ordinary things become extraordinary.
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The slowness and the quietness is helping to make this more bearable, certainly – though I miss contact with my children who are 200 miles away. I think it will be hard to go back to the old ways when this is all over. Stay safe, and I’ll look forward to your 1920 thoughts!
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Those tulips are beautiful. No one I know well has slowed down at all; they’re frantically trying to stave off the possibility that we can’t bridge the gap until fall semester or even January 2021 with online offerings of college classes.
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you know i would like to respond with a peaceful comment that mirrors the imagery in your post but the thought that i can’t shake: I used to wear a scent called 1920 created by Eddie Bauer to pay tribute to the wife of the founder. I enjoyed it long enough to become a signature but they discontinued it 😦
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Just left a comment on Kaggsy’s newest blog post. I’m in and due to time issue, have chosen a short story collection (which I never heard of) by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Flappers and Philosophers. Downloaded it from Project Gutenberg and started reading already. Very interesting read, different from my previous FSF reading experience. Glad I came across your Tweet yesterday, Bellezza! 🙂
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Lovely pictures – the flowers are so cheerful. I’ve been walking a lot in our neighborhood and have been so grateful that we are in wildflower season here. Of course there was that snake I saw, but I guess there is the cheerful and the scary (it wasn’t a poisonous snake). My reading has not been normal at all, but I suspect it will become more like normal as time goes by. Or maybe not until life gets back to ‘the usual’. I’m wondering if ‘the usual’ will be changing – suspect it will be. Glad to hear that you are well. Take such good care and stay safe!
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Thank you, Meredith ❤
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I am embracing the slowness as much as I can while working from home. Work has not slowed but all of the many activities scheduled have. That shot of the tulips. Lovely. I hope you are well.
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One thing I’ve noticed in our neighbourhood is how friendly people have become. Strangers are stopping to talk to each other (keeping a safe distance of course) and people. in the queues at the supermarket just strike up a conversation. Quite lovely
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Although the present times are difficult, it has given us time to think more about our lives and what is all around us. I find that I discover more things in nature these days. It is so quiet everywhere, you hear birds and insects when you are out in nature, the air is so clear you seem to be able to see so far. You see more animals than usual. It is like we have been given a hint to stop and reflect. I think it is rather useful for all of us.
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