This is hard. Really hard. But we can do hard things. This is the line that hit me like a brick while I was walking the dog for the umpteenth time and listening to Glennon Doyle’s new book,
Untamed
. I’m usually pretty perky during rough moments, always the one lifting everyone e
lse
up. But this last week has turned me into an anxious pile of crap that finally exploded on the sidewalk in a bucket of tears. WTF? I’ve spent the last few months laying low for various reasons and I was finally ready to explode out into the universe, reinvented once again and looking forward to a prosperous and fulfilling year. But nooooo! Sorry Charlie, not yet. Time to pivot. Again.
I know this is the case with so many of my friends, so I thought I would put out a much delayed newsletter on what we can do to get through whatever this is. For some, this is heaven on earth. Men, for instance. The only thing missing from their social-distancing comfortable chair is sports. Women, however, need each other. We need the connection and the reaffirmation that everything is going to be alright, and we are not ruining our children by letting them stay in their PJs and giggle to various videos for way past their screen time deadline. I kept looking at Instagram and sighing, “Everyone is doing it BETTER than we are,” while watching smiling families do their own Tik Tok videos. “Look, she’s cooking like Ina Garten and her freezer looks phenomenal!” Now I'm supposed to have a schedule for the tween to wake up before noon? And then something clicked after hearing so many of my trusted voices. There is no
right way
to do this.
Dr. Jennie Weiner
wrote about it in
The New York Times
, and
this article
really pinpointed what I’m feeling at the moment.
So, for now, a few of the things we love. And PLEASE, I really encourage you to send me whatever it is that is getting you through the day. And it is just that. One step at a time, one day at a time, because it’s hard. And I
know
we can do hard things together. Just stop looking at your “Corona nails” and wishing your hairdresser will magically appear at your front door to fix up those roots. THAT we can’t fix right now. xx Elizabeth
|
|
My parents have been a super source for music these days, noting this
live stream performance
of Beethoven’s 5th and 6th Symphony performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra. Conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, also known as the hot, new Music Director for New York’s Metropolitan Opera, it’s an uplifting performance that I put on the big TV for all to see
and
hear. Here's a
running list
of what's streaming for updates.
|
|
|
If you’re looking for more of a jam fest, my friend Jessica (aka DJ Jazzy Jess) put together this
Lively Up Your Lockdown playlist that features some great performances from our favorites likeELO’s “Mr. Blue Sky”, a remastered Stevie Nicks’ “If Anyone Falls” and, of course, Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds”. I highly recommend blasting it while toasting to the end of the day. You made it!
|
|
|
Brené Brown’s new “Unlocking Us” had me at hello. Check out the
first episode
about FFT (First F**N Time) as it truly pinpoints this anxious moment. I just downloaded the second episode with aforementioned Glennon Doyle for my afternoon run. Anticipatory bliss indeed.
|
|
|
Leave it to Reese Witherspoon to save us just in time.
Little Fires Everywhere has landed on Hulu where she gives new meaning to "responsible drinking” and over-scheduling your children (and sex with your husband). She and Kerry Washington are a superb duo and I can’t wait to see what they do with Celeste Ng’s beautiful book.
|
|
|
If you haven’t seen John Mulaney, now is the perfect time to bring him into your living room. The comedian is a favorite in our household, and his new Netflix special
“John Mulaney and the Sack Lunch Bunch” is the perfect family moment, which can also be said about many of his standup specials and You Tube video compilations. You'll never look at a road trip and a McDonald's drive through the same way again. Trust me.
|
|
|
For book nerds like myself, this is a golden time for geeking out. I usually turn to Ann Patchett for suggestions, and
her blog
singles out Louise Erdrich’s newest masterpiece
The Night Watchman
. Patchett says it’s “an epic tale of people who are determined to do the right thing and, against all odds, succeed. This is our March pick for
First Editions Club
and I’m putting my money on it to be a big winner this year.” Also I just love the photo of her dogs she posted this week.
|
|
|
I’m reading Erik Larson’s
The Splendid and The Vile
about Winston Churchill and his family during World War II. It’s eerily significant at the moment, and I find it almost a comforting reminder of how a nation can get through the worst of times together. Whatever you’re reading, let’s support our local bookstores! Asheville favorite
Malaprop’s
is offering free delivery for two or more books, and they will even leave it on your doorstep.
|
|
|
Things got real once my favorite workout spots
Joyryder
and
Scorch
had to close. These are my people, my therapy, the first thing I schedule every week. I have returned to running, thankfully, but I also found that
Peloton
is offering 90 days free (and they just added Dance Cardio, so I can channel my Alex classes from the ‘80s Body & Soul, Miami girls). I know there are so many yoga and pilates classes online, send me what you love. And if you don’t like any of them and you want to sit on your couch with a bowl of ice cream, that’s OK.
|
|
|
VIRTUAL COCKTAIL HOUR
We need to see each other, so scheduling online cocktails with friends has been saving me. My friend Heather turned me onto this app called
Houseparty which I love because it alerts you when your friends are “in the house” for last minute fun. You can also go in and invite your friends, play games, and connect when necessary. Of course, this adds another way for FOMO anxiety to creep in, so give it up. They're not all hanging out online without you, but text me and I will join you!
|
|
|
WHAT ALL THE KIDS ARE DOING
|
I read somewhere that airport rules now apply. You want a glass of bubbly at 9am? Go ahead. And for those of you with college kids at home, I thank you for giving me new apps to explore. My friend Jennifer’s son showed us
Beer With Me
which lets you tell your friends when it’s time to lift that glass together, whether beer, wine, cocktails, whatever. My user name is Eroth so find me and let's toast together anytime.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
