Hi Friends,

I wonder how many of you have been told by the government that you are nonessential? I understand and fully support  the reasons behind these decisions. My business has been closed for several weeks now with all my scheduled Spring and Graduation sessions canceled or waiting to reschedule.  Is there any point to booking Summer now? The future is so uncertain. While my expenses continue, my revenue has stopped. I understand the reasons , but I do believe I could operate my business within the social distancing guidelines. Apparently, I am not in control of these things. Obviously, I’m disappointed that I’m nonessential. I have friends and a spouse who are essential. I am thankful for those who continue to work. Especially for those who are braving infection each day they work on the front lines. I don’t know what that is like.  As I listen to their stressf_ul work situations I am grateful for them.  

While I in no way want to minimize what people who are essential are facing I also don’t think it’s fair to minimize what it feels like to be nonessential. Small business owners are scared that there won’t be business once we reopen. Finding a purpose each day is a challenge. I have found ways to be helpful here and there by doing my best to contribute anyway I can. I’m mostly told to stay home, and reminded daily, thanks to commercials, that I am saving lives by doing so. 

This is our 5th week staying home. For some of you your journey has been longer. For all of us it feels very long!  But we have come a long way. Surely, the end is near. 

What I’m Reading

A Long Petal Of The Sea by Isabel Allende

Last week I wrote that I was hooked halfway through this book. Then realized I really wasn’t. Last week I wrote that the list of characters is long and it was! There were times that I was confused as to who the main characters were. In the end that did sort itself out but there were a lot of rabbit trails followed as I journeyed through this book’s pages.  With a time period that spans from 1937 – to the early 1970s and geography from Spain to France to Chile and finally Argentina it keeps you on your toes. Overall, it was very political as these families lived through revolutions, WWII, and then another revolution while living in Chile. The families themselves are not political but they do get caught up in the politics of the times. With persecution, concentration camps, immigration and establishing new lives this book takes you on a long journey.

I had to stop and laugh when at one point in the book (page 222) there is a discussion about being able to get a hold of toilet paper which is more precious than gold!  4 stars.  

Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder

I didn’t realize this was a YA book when I picked it up. However, I was intrigued by the story. 9 orphans live on an idyllic island. Every year a pilot-less boat arrives with a new very young child who is deposited on the beach. Then the oldest child on the island gets in the boat and disappears into the mist. Why? Because it’s always been that way. The island life is full of fascinating and unique laws of nature and the “rules” are only now being questioned by Jinny the newest elder.  With 269 pages it is a very quick read but an interesting story. One I will keep on my shelves for nieces and grandchildren.  5 stars

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

In January I read The Kite Runner by this same author. You can read my review here https://shellyfryphotography.com/my-everyday/adventure-sessions-shelly-fry-photography

Shortly after reading that book I ordered A Thousand Splendid Suns. I find this author’s books engaging as they open up a world that is very foreign to me. Because I have just begun this book I will review it next week. 

What I’m Doing

• Fighting to maintain my enthusiasm. At first it was fairly easy for me to think of things to do that I had put off or ignored. It’s getting harder. Also, my enthusiasm for doing things around the house has hit a new low and, worst of all, the things I did at the beginning of this mess need doing again! Can you relate?
• Writing, reading, cleaning, cooking, organizing, laundry, walking the dog
• Praying
• Making a daily effort to stay positive and stop worryingl
• Ordering things on Amazon
• Taking advantage of Sue Bryce Education which is free this week!
• Wondering about future plans
• I’m super thankful for Jeff’s patience to help me sign up for the small business unemployment benefits. It was a miserable several hours with a system that kept kicking us out. 
• I made it two weeks without going to the grocery store and finally caved
• We continue to visit Grammy through the window. It’s getting harder to not give her a hug and just be able to sit down and share a meal with her.