Hey Y’all,
Is today Friday? Please tell me it is, because the days are starting to run together. No doubt about it, these are the most challenging times we’ve ever faced, but I’m here to say, there are silver linings, so hang in there.
Are you shaking your heads & wondering “What silver linings?” Believe me, I hear ya! Since Bill & I are high risk due to our age and my respiratory issues, we began self isolating almost 3 weeks ago.
I truly believed this “new normal” would only last 2-3 weeks max! Those first 2 weeks were challenging, but I kept thinking…just a few more days. But, now I realize this could go on for a few more weeks, probably months!
I haven’t hugged my g’kiddos in almost 3 weeks! I haven’t hugged Billy, Ashley, Xavier, Kristin & John. I miss them so much! One day, Ashley, Grey’s mom, texted & asked me to go to our front door. I couldn’t believe my eyes…she was standing there with Grey in her arms, waving at me! Tears of JOY welled up! Mimi needed that virtual wave & hug!
Bill & I are surrounded by family & friends; maybe not physically, but definitely emotionally & spiritually. That’s HUGE!
So, those silver linings I mentioned?
Below are just a few:
1. ZOOMING! Learning how to ZOOM with family & friends has been awesome! Bill & I got the biggest kick out of a recent family ZOOM session, especially when John popped up in the “Gallery View” with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. We couldn’t stop laughing! John’s background changed to hiking in the Alps & other awesome destinations. It was the BEST!
Marco, Keira & I talk about all kinds of things from online schooling, life, sports, books, art projects & much more.
I show the kids old pics of Mimi & Poppy, their parents & other relatives and ask who they recognize. Most of the time, they’re right, except pics of Mimi & Poppy in the 70’s!
One recent “ZOOM” was with 3 girls I grew up with from 5 years old! The 4 of us spent over an hour catching up & vowed to make ZOOM a regular date. Church Zooming is wonderful & so special to “see” our church family.
2. CONNECTING: Y’all have probably found time to call people you’ve been wanting to catch up with. I love my family & friends, so it means the world to me to hear their voices, especially during self isolation.
3. SPRING CLEANING & MORE: It is officially Spring, so I’m finding time to do some cleaning as well as tend to things that have been on the back burner for too long. I know some of you are doing the same thing.
I always enjoy working on new recipes & getting my aprons dirty. Some are turning out well & others…hmmm. Bill is still willing to be my main taste tester, so All’s Good.
There’s more, but I don’t want to put you to sleep! Did I hear, “too late”?
Please share the silver linings you’re discovering & what you’re doing to make this “sheltering-in” time fun & rewarding. I love hearing from y’all, so please email me at conniestrufflehouse@gmail.com
Michael Conway, CTH videographer, and I are looking forward to making another video together when we’re allowed to be in the same room! LOL I can’t wait!
I’ll leave you with a quote from Corrie Ten Boom. (BTW, if you haven’t read The Hiding Place, I highly recommend it).
“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength. Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”
Amen!
Love y’all!
connie
Patrice Ramsbottom
April 3, 2020 at 12:59 pmAnother Corrie Ten Boom quote I love
“Faith like radar sees through the fog”.
Patrice
Kelly Mebane
April 3, 2020 at 3:37 pmI just LOVE This Connie! What an amazing list of silver linings and ideas that I will use to stay thankful each day!! Thank you sweet friend, you are a treasure!
Peggy Kocian
April 3, 2020 at 9:35 pmThis is such a fun post Connie! I’m hooked on dark chocolate salted caramels! But I power walked 8 miles today so I deserve a couple! Haha! I’m so grateful that we’re connected in joy through our many years of friendship. I still have your Christmas pic riding the camels in Cairo! Love y’all! XOXOXO
Pat Fisher
April 4, 2020 at 12:01 amI have an idea for you that you might like to try with chocolate chip cookies.. I will e-mail it later. Hang tough. I loved your Corrie quote.