It just dawned on me that I let the entire month of April go by without a single post. Not one, itty bitty, rikiki (as the French say) petit post.
But c’mon, can you blame me?
- I spent the first weeks oscillating between denial and anger at lost opportunities and at this goshdarnit virus.
- I spent most of my (scarce) free time obsessing over news about the pandemic in the US, in France, and in Brazil, where I still have elderly family members.
- I tried, I really, really tried to maintain a sense of normalcy for my children. (Ha!)
- I thought I could successfully homeschool my kids, and spent too much time researching fun games and material to teach them something, ANYTHING, useful. (What was I thinking?)
Want to know what I learned from all of this?
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS NORMAL WHEN YOU ARE STUCK IN A PANDEMIC WITH YOUR KIDS.
So yeah, I had zero sanity left to write, plan, or even think about a blog. I’m sorry. I truly apologize. BUT…
I’m back! France is finally deconfined (sorta) and while we are still homeschooling the children my expectations have gone down, really, really down…as in…barely no expectations at all.
Anyway, before I wrap this up, let me share some of the things I did to keep my sanity.
I) I joined an online book club to read something I normally wouldn’t: Sci Fi. I wanted to be pushed outside my comfort zone, even if it meant reading a book about a world pandemic that recreated reality and forced people to migrate and fight for survival…or “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel. It was amazing.
I also read, and recommend, “The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women” by Kate Moore. Based on historical facts (which I personally love- I am a historian after all) it keeps you involved in the girls’ lives and struggles. Seriously, check it out.
Since reading is a family affair at my house, we also read children’s books, and here are my daughter’s top two picks for 4th graders and above:
- “Malala’s Magic Pencil” by Malala Yousafzai. This is the story we know of resilience and bravery, but told in a version that is adequate for younger readers. It is all about girl empowerment, education, and freedom.
- “Revolting Rhymes” by Roald Dahl. I don’t think I need to say much about Mr. Dahl- the guy is a genius. We enjoyed this as a family, and I got a kick out of his sarcasm and wit, even if the kids didn’t always get it. I recommend this as a classic for every family’s library.
As for my two younger boys, they really enjoyed:
- “The Class Election from the Black Lagoon” by Jared Lee. I must share with you that my middle child is a very picky reader. A reluctant reader, even a lazy reader. It is always a struggle to find something he is willing to read on his own, but the Black Lagoon books were a real hit. He enjoyed them, didn’t complain when I said it was reading time, laughed out loud at the jokes, and even snuck in a few minutes of reading without me having to remind him. SUCCESS!
- “Hubert’s Hair Raising Adventure” by Bill Peet. Another hit, especially with my youngest.
So, if you are still in the thick of social distancing, or if you are just a book fanatic like me, check these out.
You can click here and go straight to my online store where you can purchase these and L.O.Martins’ very own “Bo’s Bike”.
Ok, so, what else did I do?
II) I also drew, doodled, scribbled, whatever I needed to get my creative juices flowing…it is very therapeutic!
III) I jogged whenever I could (keeping a safe distance and within the legal permissions of French confinement rules)…and boy, it was great!
IV) I ate. A lot. More than I jogged (I’ll have to deal with that later).
How about you? How did you cope with (or are still dealing with) social distancing and confinement?
Anyway, just hang in there.
Stay strong.
Stay safe, and stay positive.
Cheers!
L.O.Martins
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