Even though as I write this it’s a mere 8 weeks into 2021, apparently it is almost properly officially Spring. In some ways it feels like it should be about October and in others - how is it already March, a whole year since Covid arrived and our lives irrevocably and fundamentally changed? The passing of time has become so mercurial for me that I find it almost impossible to measure it anymore. The snow we had in February did give some shape to the year (most usually winter when that happens).
Flurries of snow are pretty exciting in many ways though I'm not sure the folks in Texas would agree just now….and sometimes I think that being a parent during lockdown feels like walking over that first snowfall. It can feel fresh, new and exciting. An untouched canvas of potential, where steps are yet to be taken. At other times, the reality is disappointing, a bit uncomfortable and leaves you feeling as if you’ve put your foot in the wrong place. Things do feel a bit emotionally seesaw-like right now, and although we are surviving, some days I feel like I’m cohabiting with living incendiary devices which are permanently at the point of detonation and potentially about to go nuclear. I'm thinking of building a shelter in the garden until all this is over...
RECOMMENDATIONS
Read
The book I'm recommending this month is Everyone Brave is Forgiven. This is such a superb read which I was lucky enough to be gifted last month. It arrived as part of a post-op recovery care package from a lovely friend (which also included gin and mini-eggs - score!). It is so beautifully written that I desperately tried to eke it out and ration myself, only reading a few chapters at a time. It is so deftly and carefully crafted in such a way that enables the reader to escape, and totally and utterly immerse themselves in the narrative - perfect for lockdown life! Available from Little Apple Bookshop - link in the title.
A snippet of the review from Goodreads.com below:
It’s 1939 and Mary, a young socialite, is determined to shock her blueblood political family by volunteering for the war effort. She is assigned as a teacher to children who were evacuated from London and have been rejected by the countryside because they are infirm, mentally disabled, or—like Mary’s favourite student, Zachary—have coloured skin.
Tom, an education administrator, is distraught when his best friend, Alastair, enlists. Alastair, an art restorer, has always seemed far removed from the violent life to which he has now condemned himself. But Tom finds distraction in Mary, first as her employer and then as their relationship quickly develops in the emotionally charged times. When Mary meets Alastair, the three are drawn into a tragic love triangle and—while war escalates and bombs begin falling around them—further into a new world unlike any they’ve ever known.
A sweeping epic with the kind of unforgettable characters, cultural insights, and indelible scenes that made Little Bee so incredible, Chris Cleave’s novel explores the disenfranchised, the bereaved, the elite, the embattled. Everyone Brave Is Forgiven is a heartbreakingly beautiful story of love, loss, and incredible courage.
Breathe magazine is the original mindfulness magazine. A body-and-soul guide to a happier, healthier life. There are 5 sections – wellbeing, living, mindfulness, creativity and escape and the aim of Breathe magazine is to help you “make more time for yourself”. Let's face it - couldn't we all do with that kind of self-help?! Each issue includes beautiful illustrations, craft projects, and inspiring features such as how to achieve relief from stress, increase resilience and find greater happiness.
The magazine also has younger sibling bi-monthly magazine Teen Breathe for young people aimed at young people aged 8-14. It's full of inspiring and thought provoking articles.
Buy available issues in print, subscribe for 6 issues delivered straight to your door, find a stockist near you, or check out their digital editions.
They recently published an article on their blog page about some of the difficulties young people are facing currently around the partial school closures:
Back to school – with a difference
After a long summer holiday – or even after a shorter break – it’s not uncommon to feel nervous about going back to school. There may be fears that friendships will have moved on, uncertainty about what new teachers and classroom dynamics will be like and even concerns over workload, lesson difficulty and group try-outs. Usually, the anxious feelings settle down within a week or two and routine is quickly re-established. Things are a little different at the moment, however. For one thing, this time away from school has been spent keeping up with lessons from home, rather than going away or hanging out with friends. Indeed, even spending time with friends – something that you would ordinarily do, both in term time and holidays – has been off limits.
Many students are feeling a range of emotions at the moment. Thanks to coronavirus (Covid-19), life has changed rapidly. Added to this is an air of uncertainty about when, how and whether things will return to being anything like they used to be....CLICK HERE TO READ MORE
Do
During half term, in order to try to temporarily diffuse the in-house weapons of mass disruption, we attempted an outdoors family activity. We've tried some of these before - often with limited success and resulting in a lot of strongly worded complaint letters from the recipients to the organising committee.
Ever the optimist and undeterred by past events we forged on, armed with a Treasure Trail, unassuaged determination and industrial strength coffee. Safe to say there was entrenched scepticism on all fronts and of course significant fallout before we even left. However - once we managed to all get dressed and out of the house just shy of midday (gold star I think!), it's safe to say the gargantuan organisational efforts involved were worth it! The trail was £10 well spent, really fun and genuinely suitable for all ages, plus helpfully led us past many establishments open for impromptu takeaway refreshment - win win win!
Do get in touch if you've had any successful (or not) experiences or adventures you'd like me to avoid, share or review and as always feel free to contact me via Instagram or Twitter with any contributions, thoughts, comments, or feedback.
Watch
Schitt's Creek
I've developed a serious affection for this series. Although a bit late to the party (given that all 6 seasons have already aired), I have been making up for it by spreading the Creek love far and wide and have decided that it really should be available nationwide on regular prescription.
Streaming on Netflix, the series follows the formerly wealthy Rose family's endless challenges after their business manager commits fraud and the family loses its fortune. They relocate to Schitt's Creek, a small town they once purchased as a joke. It is smart, funny and the short episodes are perfect for limited lockdown attention spans. I suspect you won't find find a more uplifting and well observed comedy series, and Catherine O’Hara's outfits alone make it worthwhile watching.
Over on BBC iPlayer you might want to make time to watch the glorious film Edie this month (you've got a couple of weeks left before it disappears from your screens). Starring the incredible Sheila Hancock it is described as 'both evocative and heartwarming'. The film follows the story of 83-year-old widow Edith Moore, who escapes to Scotland to fulfil a lifelong dream. It explores the relationships developed when help is begrudgingly accepted. I was so grateful to receive a recommendation to watch this - find a couple of hours and immerse yourself in the beautiful landscape of this film - it is absolutely superb. Trailer below - you're welcome!
Listen
An excellent, hugely informative podcast from Global Optimism which was founded by Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac after leaving the UNFCCC, having secured the historic, unanimous signing of the Paris Agreement by 195 countries. This podcast is in its third season and according to the founders is “about issues and politics [and] will inform you, inspire you and help you realize that this is the most exciting time in history to be alive".
This episode featuring Oliver Jeffers is a really thought-provoking listen. It’s all about how his belief that "changing our mindset from ‘me’ to ‘we’ is the only way to tackle our shared crises". Start at 22 minutes in to hear Oliver's interview, talking about the power of art to change the way we see our role in the world.
A panel game hosted by David Mitchell where comedians deliver short lectures on a variety of topics mainly made up of 'alternative truths' except for five hidden 'actual truths' that their opponents should try to identify. Very very funny and occasionally genuinely informative - this week I learned that horses can't vomit and St Valentine is the patron saint of Beekeepers and Plagues - who knew! It's oddly empty sounding at the moment due to Covid restrictions meaning it has to be recorded remotely - but no less amusing for that. This classic snippet from Richard Osman all about chocolate gives you a bit of a flavour of the show (all puns intended!)...
Visit (Virtually)
New from the BBC and recommended recently by a colleague comes a wellbeing website Headroom. Described as a Mental Health Toolkit filled with Mindful Tips; Mood Mixes; Personal Stories and Motivation, it truly is a treasure trove filled with podcasts, playlists videos, articles, links and self help guides. It feels like a virtual sat nav in a vehicle set to cruise control to help us go forth and continue to journey through the current choppy waters:
Whether it is everyday tips, sounds to relax your mind, strategies to cope with parenting right now or films to get you talking, we are here to help you look after yourself and your loved ones.
If like me you're surrounded by tiny eco-warriors who (quite rightly) worship the mighty Greta and constantly blame you for the state of the planet they're going to inherit,* then The Greening of Life is the website for you (and them).
A brand shiny new online space filled with environmentally friendly planet sustainable hints, tips and humour! Beautifully curated by a local GP and Eco Warrior, there is much to gleen plus a fun and informative weekly blog** to read - hurrah!
Eat
This section is inspired by the good doctor and author of the superb blog mentioned above! Each month she will share a top good for you (and the planet) food tip. This month she recommends Flora plant butter a 100% plant-based alternative to butter that has a better carbon footprint.
It can be used for baking, as a spread, and is even freezable. It is made from sustainable palm oil and even the packaging is paper rather than plastic. Uber green points and tastes great too! Available from all major supermarkets and probably some minor ones too.
Final thought from me and I'll leave you with this delightful discovery. Not that it's ever exciting having to get in touch with insurance companies, the good people at Aviva now allow you to choose your own hold music from a range of options! Hold. The. Phone - literally! That little thoughtful customer service addition improved my recent waiting time experience exponentially - it's the small things folks! During the wait I heard this Neil Diamond stunner which - in classic misheard lyrics fashion - I had always thought was called 'Reverend Blue Jeans' and was all about a funky vicar. Till next time, just keep doing Whatever It Takes...
Quote of the month
*And even if you're not!
** The more the merrier right? I mean what else are you doing with your time just now?