Have I already mentioned that I’ve been wishing I could stay home for years? I’ve thought that if I didn’t have to run around nearly every day of the week that I could do a better job at living. Then it happened and I struggled to treat it like the gift of time that it was. Lockdown, quarantine, whatever you call it, it hasn’t felt like a gift. That might be because I never felt like I had a new treasury of free time handed to me, or maybe that all the new stresses exceeded the relief of not needing to be anywhere. Family life and work still occupy most of my waking minutes, but I am realizing that I have time to exhale if I just stop and do it. I’m still not very good at that.
I’ve mostly moved into a place of peace and acceptance regarding all the things that didn’t or won’t happen this year, and being thankful for what will. There are new and different good things happening that wouldn’t have were life to be as it was before. Rather than worry over missed opportunities, I am embracing new ones and encouraging my kids to try to think along those lines as well. I think it’s mostly working, though Gabe will still tell you that there hasn’t been a single silver lining. Maybe he’ll find one eventually.
When I realized that Larkspur likely wouldn’t be playing flute with the band this fall, I rented her a cello. She’s wanted to learn for years, but I have to place limits on the number of instruments a child can play. I thought there was a possibility that in-person orchestra might happen (mask wearing a possibility as opposed to band and all the blowing on instruments), and that would give Lark something to do outside the house this fall. As it turns out, there won’t be in-person band or orchestra this fall. But Larkspur is learning to play cello anyway via facetime lessons with my longtime dear friend Grace who lives in faraway Colorado. I would have never considered that a possibility were it not for all the online music lessons happening now. Every time I think about it I smile.
There are lots of little things… Beatrix has been wanting to learn French, and a friend just offered to teach a small French class. Keats won’t be able to play in an orchestra this fall, but a local violin shop is organizing chamber music groups, so he will at least be able to play in a quartet. I think it’s good for him to do something new. Both he and Gabe are playing baseball again as of a few weeks ago, mostly showcase tournaments with hopes for college scholarships.
And my little guys, they get to have me home all week. That means that I have more time to plan things with them and for them. It means I can be a more consistent homeschooler. Maybe we can actually take day trips as we used to years ago before the calendar filled up with activities and places to be.
Our public library finally started allowing us to place online holds for curbside pickup. We’ve started a new ritual of picking up our holds each week and then going for a treat at a nearby bakery with outdoor seating. I am alternating between taking Mabel and then Silas and Job, who choose to go together rather than each separately. It’s funny how exciting it is to be handed that bag of books each week. We miss browsing the shelves, but there is definitely something to be said for this whole curbside thing.
Mabel is a challenge to keep busy, so I am constantly brainstorming ideas for her. I need to be well prepared with activities to keep her busy before the older kids start schooling again later this month. She’s at a fun age and I am loving coming up with ideas for her. With our local thrift store closed for months, I’ve been wishing for vases, small ones for Mabel to arrange flowers in. The store finally reopened in late July and Beatrix and I visited on our date (I’m working in alone dates with Bea and Larkspur as well as the younger kids.) Now I have a small collection of vases for all the flowers. I can go outside and cut a bunch, then invite her to arrange them in the vases which she enjoys. That buys me about five minutes! Ha!
The other day Job found me making mushrooms and wanted to help. I put him to work stuffing them and he enjoyed it far more than I would have expected. He told me, “I could do this forever.” Wow, who knew? Mabel helped as well. We have a bowl full of adorable mushrooms that we will string for a fall garland and then maybe we will hang them on the Christmas tree this year as well.
Everything is a little messy here. The house, the yard, life in general. But we are making good things, having fun, and figuring things out.
This fall may be our best yet.
p.s. Seth is trying to steal my kitten. The kitten favored me at first, but Seth seems to be winning the battle for his affections. When he comes into my room and calls, the kitten comes running for him and hops in his lap. He abandons my lap for Seth’s. I’ve told Seth it may be time for him to move out. Just kidding. Anyway, I decided not to call the kitten “Possum.” I originally wanted to name him Giuseppe but Larkspur had a fit because I already named one of our gerbils Giuseppe. I caved to her insistence and considered calling him Alfredo as I mentioned. Then Seth started calling him Possum so I went with that. But, after spending more time with him I have concluded that his name is Giuseppe after all. I gave one of my children the same name as one of my cats, so why shouldn’t a cat share a name with a gerbil? Lark isn’t pleased, but I don’t see what the big deal is. That gerbil is three years old. He won’t live forever. Not that I am wishing for his death but just pointing out facts.
p.p.s The cards that Mabel is playing with are called Close Up art cards. We’ve had them for many years, and I think I originally bought them at an art museum, but I am not sure. I found some online here. I highly recommend these!
Situs slot says
Can you tell us more about this? I’d want to find out
more details.
Ann says
I wanted to respond yesterday but didn’t get to it especially to ” I’ve mostly moved into a place of peace and acceptance regarding all the things that didn’t or won’t happen this year, and being thankful for what will.” I actually shared the entire paragraph with an older friend. I know this is not forever but it’s still hard to experience the fear and loneliness around my mostly retired neighborhood. It’s interesting to see how a person’s basic temperament comes out during these difficult times. Thanks for sharing how one family is coping and making the best of it as it gives us al hope.
Elizabeth Clause says
My 2.5 & 4 year old boys really enjoy hammering wooden golf tees into the big sturdy boxes we get for free from our bulk grocery store (BJ’s, it’s like Costco). One of the boxes used to hold maybe 2 dozen of the 1 lb. bags of green beans, so it takes some time and effort to bang the golf tee through. Since we have toy hammers and the boxes are free, I just had to buy the golf tees. Maybe Mabel would enjoy this too.
Amy says
Thank you for the art card link. I’ve used your recommendations for years for lovely gifts for my children and friends. I love this post and it resonates with me so deeply. The bigger kids and the littles all going different directions and finding a happy middle for mother. 🙂 The mushrooms are just delightful and what a good idea for a garland in autumn. Bless you.
Catholic mom says
Hi Ginny,
I recommend the book Ceaseless Acts of Love found on the Children of Mary website for help attaining a peaceful spirit.
Bee says
Hi Ginny,
I love the rainbow pictures! A double rainbow – so beautiful.
I get it, by the way…this pandemic situation has been so crazy, it’s hard to enjoy staying home when literally every single thing about your family routine/personal routine changes! I’m glad that you’re finding ways to enjoy the changes now :).
The cat is adorable, and he definitely looks more like a Giuseppe than a Possum…
PS. I also love the picture of Beatrix looking all mature, listening to music and drinking “coffee” (I’m sure she’s drinking something else, but when I saw that photo that’s all I could think of 😉 ! )
Bianca says
I love to hear about all the projects your family is up to. And French and cello!! Two of my favorites. Good picks. I ordered a head scarf when your shop was open recently and I know it was sent out but my mailbox has been empty so far. I’m hoping it will come any day now. Enjoy the hubbub of your family and all the projects. Life does quiet down and then it just is too quiet. Be well.
Ginny says
Hi Bianca! I am watching the tracking on your order and am so sorry that it is delayed! A lot of shop owners are having trouble with usps lately. Thankfully, your order was insured, but hopefully it will arrive before too long!
Catherine ou la douce boheme says
Bonjour Ginny
Si vous l acceptez je pourrai correspondre avec Beatrix une fois par mois ….
Elle recevrait une jolie lettre de France avec un beau timbre . Je lui décrirai notre vie à la campagne avec nos poules beatrix ginny tasha paola…. ! Je vous embrasse catherine
Sophie says
Allô Catherine,
c’est drôle, j’ai aussi fait une offre à Beatrix.
La vôtre est encore plus intéressante!
C’est plaisant de lire des lecteurs francophones.
Votre vie à la campagne semble bien inspirante.
Je suis québécoise et non française.
Vous seriez peut-être aussi intéressée à Prudent homemaker https://theprudenthomemaker.com/blog/,
une dame frugale qui habite aux USA et qui aime apprendre la français.
Si vous écrivez vos commentaires en français, elle répondra aussi en français.
Portez-vous bien,
Sophie
EliseT says
I just love your blog posts. Your pictures are so so good and your texts sound so honest and close. Thank you for allowing us to follow along!
Anna says
Ginny, you can tell Keats that I enjoyed playing in a quartet (in highschool) even more than orchestra (although I loved that too). Please keep us updated! I really feel for teenagers and musicians during this time.
Martha says
Clicked through to your library story and had a good laugh. I’ve died a little inside many times at the library, and am so eternally grateful for the sweet and understanding librarians who have been so gracious to my sometimes unruly children many times! Also, I will have to look into those close up art cards, they look like a great tool. Thanks for sharing! I hope this is your best fall yet, too. I really appreciate your perspective on adjusting and finding the good in all the change.
Sophie says
Allô Beatrix,
on peut s’écrire en français ici si tu veux.
Je viens du Québec et ma langue maternelle est le français.
J’habite maintenant en Alberta, au Canada.
Sophie
Gayle Davis says
Oh Genny, it’s been a while since I have smiled so much reading a post online!! I wanted to comment on the double rainbow…I have seen several photos of them and think that God is reminding us that He is in control of His world and we just need to trust in Him!! Love your sweet family ?.
Samantha says
Hi Ginny, as always your posts fill me with a sense of Home, in all its spectacular mundaneness. I am blessed to read your posts and to feel like there’s a corner of the internet that is beautiful, honest, and gentle. I always exhale when I read your blog. Thank you.
Becky Barry says
Another great post with more beautiful pictures!
Theresa Boedeker says
I have dreamed for years of having nothing on my calendar. But I think in my version I wouldn’t still have all of life’s responsibilities. Or more responsibilities. Because it seems I now have more responsibilities and less time to get it all done. And then restrictions. But like everything else, there are good and bad things I all situations, so looking for and enjoying the good. Your mushrooms are adorable. I so love your chatty posts. It’s funny that animals have their own personalities and seem to fit certain names over others.
Ginny says
Theresa, I think the version in my head looked the same as yours and I have felt the same! I’m only just now starting to get things figured out, at least I hope I am!!!
Danielle says
Those art cards look wonderful! Would you mind sharing where you got them?
Danielle says
Ha. Stephanie beat me to the ask. Thanks for sharing!
Stephanie says
Beautiful and interesting post and love your photos, as always. What is the card matching game in your photos? Thanks!
Ginny says
Those are called Close Up art cards! and we love them I added a p.p.s. to the post with more information!
Pam says
I received my headscarves and soap this week and I’m absolutely thrilled with both. How you find the time and energy to accomplish all you do is amazing to me. I haven’t been able to see my grandchildren since February so it’s good to hear about your children’s antics. It’s wonderful how much you enjoy their presence in your life, Possum looks delightful even though I’m not a cat person. We have two dogs.
Marilyn says
It is so nice to read that your children are getting involved in numerous new projects. larkspur wishing you success with the Cello and Beatrix have fun learning French. Great post.
Marilyn
Joan says
Fall is my time to do a lot of projects. I have a list for when the weather turns Autumn like. Starting with the yard and then inside their are many projects.
Joan
Marion says
Ginny i love this post all about your family. Beatrix is getting so big. She is a beautiful young lady as is Larkspur.
Marion