Coronovirus,

This is the topic that is governing our lives in every way. Social interactions are curtailed and groups are on hiatus. The State of Michigan has proven to be in the frontlines of care and protection of our citizens. I am so proud of the leadership our State Government has provided and continues to provide to those of us who live in this beautiful State. As of March 16, 2020 all schools and universities are closed. Bars and restaurants must cease inside service and seating as of 3pm today. Carryout, drive thru and delivery services are allowed. Casinos are closed. There are restrictions on access to hospitals, physicians offices, rehabilitation centers, skilled care facilities, memory care centers...even churches and temples are buttoned up tight. All large group (of 50 or more attendees) gatherings are prohibited. Grocery shopping occurs via online ordering and curbside delivery. There have been some predictable, short term shortages (fever reducers, OTC pain relievers, Kleenex, disinfectants and sanitizers (hand sanitizers in particular)...but the most unusual shortage has been toilet paper! I am a bit confounded by this run on TP...as Coronovirus is not an intestinal illness. I know it is necessary for us to practice social distancing and shelter in place protocols...but TP shortages????

How are we to cope? In our family, the biggest change has occurred in preschool and daycare closures and the need for our littles (age 2 and 4) to be with Nana and Poppa 5 days per week. As the Nana, I love this...and of course as a teacher and speech pathologist with decades of child development experience...I am planning all sots of activities. Board games, reading, coloring, crafting, outdoor play, chalk drawing, singing, marching, playing all sorts of musical instruments, baking, cooking, kite flying, swinging, syrup making and an occasional at the farm movie nights (complete with popcorn and juice pouches) are on the agenda.

As a grown up, I am relishing this mandated focus on our home, farm and family. Our DIL Katie is a State of Michigan employee, and as such has been sent home to do her work. I applaud our Governor for taking the lead on limiting all types of unhealthy/risky group activities, and this applies to work location challenges. Bravo Governor Whitman! It is a great comfort to me to know that Katie is home, safe and healthy, and off the road. Since Josh, Katie and the girls live only 5 miles away, I can luxuriate in my family, their happiness and their safety.

On a personal level, I am using my time to continue a deep dive focus on my harp playing...with work on technique, repertoire and confidence building. I am continuing to write music and arrange music via Musescore. I am setting up my technology grid to support opportunities for FaceTime harp lessons. I am using online ordering for groceries and household goods. I am cooking yummy meals, playing with my granddaughters and completing our taxes (hey, not everything can be lilacs and unicorns...right?). And, I work on my prayer journal and my bible/devotional studies.

Therapeutic musician activities are focused on skill development at home. There aren't opportunities to play out for others at this time, as all locations are are buttoned down tight...as they should be. There have been some back channel discussions that I am aware of...hinting that school closures lasting until the end of the traditional school year will occur.

I have managed to get 22 songs under my hands on my double strung harps...this is a huge accomplishment for me, and it is really joyful to play my harps each day. We are healthy and savoring this time of being set apart.
Love to all.