Mockingbird Hill Cottage

It’s a rainy Sunday morning, which is a relief. After lots of mowing yesterday that left us feeling very tired, we decided to take today off. It’s as if the universe is supporting that decision. Don mowed even longer than I did and I had to force him to stop. We still haven’t finished but we’ll get to the rest of it tomorrow or Tuesday.

Of course, I do have to work today as I have a Zoom session with the actor I’m coaching in the movie. But that’s only an hour or so and he’s delightful, so it will be fun.

And laundry. And dusting. And….

But still, no yard work!

It’s a quiet day. We’ve been talking a lot lately about our preference for Lockdown Mode. By that, I mean a bit more cut off from “the world” with a feeling of being snug and safe in our cottage. Turns out, we prefer it – at least for now. I guess I’m thinking about it a lot because I have to go out into the world for work in October, November, and December and that makes me uneasy. I would never turn down either opportunity, I’m grateful for them, and I will be masked in the rehearsal room for Anastasia, as well as on the movie set. The safety protocols for film are rigorous. But – I’ll be commuting around NYC, going to various locations, I’ll be around lots of people. After more than a year and a half of only working via Zoom, turns out I actually have to go out there to really do my job(s) and get paid. Who knew?

Also, of course, is the fact that world seems more insane by the moment. People are more insane. I’m so tired of it all and I know you are, too. There was a brief moment there, around the Inauguration, where I thought we might be relatively home free. Silly me. I’m tired of willful stupidity and ignorance. Tired of a barrage of misinformation. Tired of liars and cheats and those who want to overturn everything we hold dear. Tired of natural disasters. Tired of white men trying to tell women what we can or can’t do with our bodies, with the added bonus of putting a bounty on us. At times, I’m enraged.

Self care. That’s what we all need to do and that’s what I plan to do today and tomorrow. No news. N0 24 hour a day barrage of talking heads. Yesterday helped, as mowing the lawn, doing something physical, vacuuming, watering plants, etc., are all great ways to lose myself in the moment and shake off the world.

None of this is new, of course, It’s just what we’ve been confirming in the course of several conversations. Shutting the world out isn’t a bad thing.

Wanted to add that we’ve been watching a great French series on Netflix, Black Spot. It’s a mystery/police/detective series, set in a remote area of France, including a fair amount of magical realism. Beautifully captured on film, it’s full of wonderful actors and nifty plots. So far, there are two seasons. It definitely reminds me of Twin Peaks  in its humor, otherworldlyness (I think I made up that word) and dense forest setting full of mystery. We love it. And we’re due to finish it tonight and then I’ll be sad.

Stay safe.

Happy Sunday.