Happy Monday, friends! How have you been? Things are good here. I thought I had this quarantine life figured out, but June was a little tough! I think I finally realized things won’t be back to normal soon, even though it appears to be an American past time to pretend that the virus doesn’t exist. I thought I was going back to work next month at the office, but no word on that. I canceled my salon appointment for this week because I couldn’t justify the risk. Husband is going to cut my hair though. I can’t stand it and I’m roughly two days from just taking a pair of scissors to the braid I’ve been rocking and SNIP.
I think it’s important to find a network of people who support you when you are feeling down and don’t shame you for how you’re feeling. Husband and my tight-knit group of Texas friends have been coming through on that front! I feel better knowing that if I can’t go out and *do* anything, I can still find projects to complete here. I need something tangible that gives me a sense of purpose, so that this year isn’t an entire void when I look back on it. I have some fun projects planned with my friends for the next several weeks that I might share here (depending on how they turn out. HAH). I’m also taking some time off from work starting this week. I’m pretty burned out, so I’m really excited to wake up and just work on some projects for a couple of days.
What else has been going on? I finally finished The Witches. I didn’t consider it a great read. It was so slow. I’m happy to put that book into my donate pile. Husband and I watched Crazy Rich Asians this weekend, which we really enjoyed! (And filled me with a desire to learn how to make dumplings!) We also watched Kiki’s Delivery Service. I have to say, it was my first Miyazaki film and it didn’t disappoint. It was such a sweet movie.
On the crafty side, I’ve been trying to finish long-neglected Little Boxes of Crochet. I just finished the Seaside Bunting box from May 2019 by Coastal Crochet!
This is where I would post a photo of the box to see what you get inside, but I received this box right before I moved last year, soooooo. Let’s pretend there’s a picture of the box here, stuffed with yarn, a crochet hook, a needle, a stitch marker, and some pretty earrings as a goody.
This was the perfect project for distracted crafting. It didn’t require a ton of counting, and I was able to work on it during episodes of Ozark or Zoom calls with friends.
I can’t say that I *love* my work on every piece of the bunting. The middle one is sewed clumsily and the seagulls look like impressionistic bits of yarn shoved into the bunting BUT overall, I do think it came out nicely.
I have to say – Apollo thought that this bunting was made especially for him. He started watching me with interest as I began staging my work in his little play area, which has the best amount of natural light in the house.
Approximately 30 seconds after this photo was taken, Apollo decided to run off with the bunting to his little bed. I decided to make him part of the photo shoot, and thanks to the power of bribery and marshmallows, I was able to make that happen.
He decided to lay his head down on the bunting, unprompted. I think it was resignation that he was never getting any marshmallows ever.
I am happy to say that this pupper was compensated fairly for his work with marshmallows.
I better get to work – have a great week, friends!
Jennifer Stark 
Apollo! You silly little fella! Who could ever say ‘no marshmallows’ to those big puppy eyes!!
Jenny, I have been reading about states like Texas, and I am sorry your progress in returning to normal has been stalled. Personally, I would feel better erring on the side of caution. I have been braiding my hair (which is past my shoulder blades now). I wish I could do a french braid. Maybe by the time this is all over I will have it down. Take it easy and be careful.
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Thanks Regina ❤ Oh, I wish I learned how to do a proper French braid as well! I never had the patience for doing much with my hair 🙂
Thank you ❤ Family and friends in Texas are well. I did have someone close to me get the virus but fortunately that person recovered without having to go to the hospital. Things in Indiana are actually promising (I believe our cases are dropping). We were supposed to move into the next phase on July 4th, but our governor is doing a pretty good job and is holding on to some restrictions so we don't see a surge like Texas is experiencing. I worry we will see an increase with 4th of July celebrations. My neighborhood has already had a buffet night and is planning a huge party for the 4th with food, fireworks, etc. I feel like a grinch because while I want people to have fun and live their lives, I also just want for us to nip this in the bud for good! And I think we're way past that, unfortunately, and are going to have to deal with these waves until a vaccine and/or treatment is found.
Sorry for the word vomit! It looks like NY is doing better as well, I hope that your trends stay positive. Big big hugs and hope you and your family are keeping safe and sane in these crazy times.
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Well, in one larger county outside the city, a bunch of kids went to large graduation parties without being masked. The host was actually feeling ill at the time. It has now spread to students from other schools and towns. They refused to speak to tracers so they were served with subpoenas and a $2,000/day fine. Now they are talking. Privileged wealthy N.Y. youth. Oh, but Bill Clinton gave their commencement speech. Makes me angry.
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Oh my goodness…that is infuriating. <:(
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It is now considered a ‘hot spot’ and authorities are looking to make masks mandatory in that area. Unless people change their hearts about this, they will not succeed. The part that troubles me is that these are young people. The ones who supposedly “don’t get COVID.”
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OMG, those photos with Apollo are the best! I mean, the bunting is super cute too, but I’m partial to dogs. 🙂 I’m with you on being cautious, so no haircuts or fresh purple hair. My family is starting to do small, socially-distant outdoor birthday parties, but I’m not hugging, which sucks but is worth it in the long run. I’m glad you’re taking steps to focus on you and your mental health! Enjoy your time off work.
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Thank you! He is such a joy for my husband and me. It makes me feel so much better when I hear I’m not the only one still being cautious! I want to get back to normal so badly, but I know it will be a bit of time. I’m so glad to hear that you are at least able to see your family…it does suck not being able to hug anyone though 😦
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So cute!!! Bunting AND Apollo!!
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Thank you! I think he knows how cute he is, why else would he pose like that? 😀
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Of course you made the bunting for Apollo, why else?
Good that you’re taking care of your mental health as much as possible in these weird times!
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Haha yes, he is wondering the same thing! 🙂 Thank you! These are definitely some weird times.
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Aww look at those big brown eyes! I wouldn’t be able to resist giving him anything. Even pretty, pretty bunting.
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Thanks 4 the idea. I just learned how 2 do the small flowers & just started using leftover yarn 2 make the, but didn’t know what 2 do with them…
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You’re welcome! Hope it is a fun project 🙂
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