Whether you call it isolation, lockdown, shelter in place, social distancing, stay at home, or self-quarantining, I’m proud of and inspired by how people are living it out…
“’Shelter in place.’…This morning, prompted by an amazing instant coffee drink Clara made for John and I, the girls and I did a 1/2 hour power clean of the inside of our house. The girls baked cookies and painted a birdhouse while I worked. Then, we took off to hike the Gaviota Wind Caves because getting outside is such a GIFT…We have gone, as a society I believe; from 1000 miles a minute to a steadfast stop. Just one hour at a time. Just one meal to the next. Just one moment of grace at a time. Just being…” – Anna Stump, Santa Barbara, California
“Life skills 101: How to build a fire. How to carve a stick. How to enjoy an evening in quarantine.”
“Scavenger hunt at Cascade Lake. Johnny found everything on the list and then some! We saw a river otter fishing!…Pretty exciting stuff for a quarantine.” – Mandy Randolph, Orcas Island
“Easy social distancing. April is even bleaching the chairs after each use at Clever Cow Creamery” – Mandy Randolph, Orcas Island
“Busted out of quarantine and went for a hike up Turtlehead. Gorgeous gorgeous day. Relaxed in the sun, read a couple of chapters of Goblet of Fire to my captivated young audience, had incredible eagle experiences, and didn’t take any photos because my phone was almost dead. 5 hours? 6? So good! Laine got a photo!” – Emily McGerty/Laine Pechacek, Orcas Island
“Amidst the closed borders, hard decisions and uncertainty of these days, the artisans of Sarobidy Creations came over yesterday bearing these beautiful gifts of thank you…all strangers to me and one another when they entered the maternity center 6+ years ago, are now a tight knit group of friends that do life together.” – Alissa Shattenberg, Mahajanga, Madagascar
“Had my first virtual ballet class with my kiddos. I’m not super tech savvy but, I did it! Totally out of my comfort zone…If you’re interested in joining in next time, please send me a PM with your email and I’ll send you more info.” – Stephanie Moss, Orcas Island
“Crafty kid in quarantine day 3: a springtime brooch for her signature hat.” – Mandy Troxel, Orcas Island
“By the time this ‘shut in’ is over I’m likely to be the size of a house. But I’ve got to do something with all these eggs the hens are laying. So today it’s zucchini quiche.” – Melissa Musgrove, Santa Barbara, California
“All I did was send the kids outside. On their own they built a fire, made dough from scratch, and I found them baking bread on a makeshift stone griddle. Even tastes good too! I’m glad I have these amazing humans to take care of me.” – Mindy Sonshine, Orcas Island
“Social distancing/ homeschooling/beach run breaks = we can do this, we can do this, we can do this.” – MaryJoyce Hannah, Santa Barbara, California
“Had to giggle as I’m packed up with my favs that get me through everything : dance & the ocean. Getting OUT while I can. To the studio solo to record some pre pointe/pointe exercises – help keep our girls on their toes at home! (Jazz warm up & routine later) Then feet at least sandy. Not sure the water is clean enough after all the rain but that’s ok…just ocean air while we can get out still….” – Daniella Eckert, Kauai
“Cooking lessons are a must for the Witzgall home school curriculum! Today: homemade pasta” – Deanna Witzgall, California
“Look at this! The girl is amazing… She’s learning embroidery! Go Kylie Price!” – Tania Price, California
plaster of paris hardening for a henna-painted hand (Ms. Q – cool idea!) 
From our social distancing to yours, may you have rest, peace, and unexpected joy in these new, uncharted waters.
Love you guys
We sure miss you.