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Emily A. Clark

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So, What Now?

March 18, 2020

I’m going to tell you, it’s taken me a minute to figure out what to do about blogging, social media, and working in general during this crazy time. As for now, our kids are out for two weeks, with some online instruction beginning next week. Realistically, I’m trying to mentally prepare for it to be much longer but this week, we’re just taking it easy, pretending we’re on some kind of weird vacation.

What-Now_COVID_Coping

It’s funny that I’ve often fantasized about being stuck at home, hidden from the outside world, with no carpools to run, endless time to read books, no time pressures and no reason to check my Google calendar, but I surely never saw it happening this way. And now that it’s here, it would be really easy for us all to get down in the dumps about the things we’re missing. (Because I do actually love a packed weekend running from game to game watching my kids play sports and going to church and being with my choir family.) But deep breaths and a gentle reminder that He is in control of all of this–and always has been.

So back to the subject of blogging. . . While some parts of what I do feel very trivial in the light of sickness and families losing jobs and paychecks, I do think there’s room for some positive distraction online. I have a few easy projects I’d like to work on around the house and of course, I’ll document. It seems like if there was ever a time to find simple ways to make our homes feel like happier places, it’s now.

What_Now_Thoughts_on_Covid_Coping

Also on my personal Covid-coping list:

  • Letting go of certain spaces while school is out. The playroom and now our dining room/office has been given over for their entertainment. My 7-year-old daughter has set up a “classroom” on her own accord and I’m just going with it.
  • No morning news shows. I eventually get (more than) enough throughout the day and could easily get overwhelmed.
  • Spend more time in my bible. Nothing is rushing my morning coffee time now.
  • Exercise. I literally joined the YMCA two weeks before this all hit–and now it’s closed. I’m still doing yoga online and trying to commit to walk outside every day.
  • Reading–obviously. I’m almost finished with The Dearly Beloved and have two more on my nightstand: American Heiress and Writers and Lovers. I also have a pretty long list of books I’ve recently finished and will work on that post for next week. (In the meantime, find more of my recommendations here.)
  • I would add showering every day to this list but I fear that you’ll think less of me for even having to write it. . .

So, tell me what you’re doing during this time.

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Filed Under: blogging, life Tagged With: blogging, life

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Bethany says

    March 18, 2020 at 10:01 am

    Thank you for the beautiful home decor positivity to look forward to. Stay safe and XOXO. Bethany

    Reply
  2. Sarah says

    March 18, 2020 at 10:31 am

    Thank you for this! I appreciate anything lighthearted right now–it’s easy enough to find the serious stuff.

    Reply
  3. Kathryn Wilkerson says

    March 18, 2020 at 10:36 am

    I also joined a gym (Panet Fitness) right before all this happened. Ha! Maybe it’s a sign I was meant to be flabby. :)
    Kathryn

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      March 18, 2020 at 10:40 am

      Is that what that means?? 😂😂

      Reply
  4. Jennifer Reil says

    March 18, 2020 at 10:53 am

    I look forward to seeing the projects you finish! We moved into our home 5 months ago and I’m using this time to finally finish unpacking/organizing/decorating, hopefully transforming it from a house into our home :).

    Reply
  5. Whitney says

    March 18, 2020 at 11:55 am

    Things I’m doing?
    -Listening to books on tape (I have way too many Audible credits that need to be used. Just started The Handmaid’s Tale.)
    -Playing a lot of basketball on the driveway – everyone’s favorite “PE” lesson right now. I like to imagine I’m in Father of the Bride.
    -Letting my 11 year old bake whenever and whatever he wants to (planning skills! Fractions!) and eating the results.
    -playing the piano! I rarely take time to sit and play. Nothing but time now!

    Reply
  6. Marla says

    March 18, 2020 at 1:40 pm

    Showering while WFH is totally overrated. :) Thanks, Emily, for the distraction your lovely blog provides.

    Reply
  7. Courtney says

    March 18, 2020 at 2:20 pm

    The showering comment made me LOL! God is our anchor in these choppy seas. Peace of Christ be with you and your crew.

    Reply
  8. Kelly says

    March 18, 2020 at 2:48 pm

    Thank you for being real. For being one of us. For pictures of messy craft tables and imperfections that are actually perfect. Your blog is such a safe place and so uplifting and encouraging. Exactly what the world needs more of right now!!

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      March 18, 2020 at 5:52 pm

      Thank you, Kelly ❤️

      Reply
    • Tiffany says

      March 20, 2020 at 10:19 am

      I couldn’t agree more! Emily, know that if you can’t get around to posting, we will understand; if you do, though, we will be so grateful!

      Reply
  9. Lynda says

    March 18, 2020 at 2:54 pm

    I welcome your project posts. Serves the dual purposes of a distraction, as well as motivation to get busy with my own projects. Your daughter’s “classroom” is so cute!

    Reply
  10. kelly says

    March 18, 2020 at 3:46 pm

    Thanks Emily appreciate this post and I will be reading your blog for inspiration and much needed distraction through this stressful time. BTW – speaking of inspiration– curious where the white table is from where your kids are working? Looking for a new table for my kids for projects and puzzles and games etc. :-)

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      March 18, 2020 at 5:55 pm

      Hi Kelly–It’s the Doksta table from IKEA. And here’s a lookalike from Wayfair.

      Reply
  11. Elizabeth Scruggs says

    March 18, 2020 at 4:25 pm

    Blog posts, especially yours, are going to be a highlight and nice distraction during this super weird time. While our work has not slowed down (yet), it’s really hard to run a construction/ interior design business as usual with my 3 kiddos at home.
    These times are scary, and as you said above, I think spending as much time in the bible will be some of the best use of this unintended time away from our “normal.”
    Thank you for always filling my inbox with beauty.

    Reply
  12. Kristal R says

    March 18, 2020 at 4:53 pm

    I just love your blog and posts. I’ll be looking forward to the projects you document and your book recommendations. Thanks lady!

    Reply
  13. Rikki says

    March 18, 2020 at 5:32 pm

    Always look forward to the Saturday 6! It is pure escape for me! Thank you.

    Reply
  14. kathie says

    March 18, 2020 at 5:33 pm

    I’ve loved your blog for a long, long time. Have enjoyed watching your family g r o w ! Made me laugh out loud to read your showering comment – love the way you keep it real!

    Reply
  15. Donna T says

    March 18, 2020 at 5:39 pm

    I’m doing some spring cleaning. No excuse not to. I never feel I have time to read a novel and have a stack – if I can stop watching news on TV. It is addicting to know every new thing. It can wait. Thanks for your down to earth attitude.

    Reply
  16. Susan says

    March 18, 2020 at 6:57 pm

    I so enjoy your blog. I am doing my taxes, housework, and catching up on reading. I am trying to stay positive.

    Reply
  17. Jen says

    March 18, 2020 at 7:16 pm

    Thanks for posting. The distraction was nice

    Reply
  18. Brenda Murphy says

    March 18, 2020 at 7:33 pm

    Greetings from Canada! As a yoga master and meditation teacher I have created a live online event starting tomorrow. Thursday. I feel the need to help people manage their anxiety and fears, while developing a sense of fortitude, love and peace. I Am encouraging parents to participate with their children. We all need to feel secure, connected and loved. Ps. I’m glad that you are still practicing yoga at home and it’s great for your kids to see this act of self care too! Xob

    Reply
  19. Betsy Heady says

    March 18, 2020 at 7:41 pm

    Thank you, Emily! Please continue to blog and keep us inspired….what better time than to do a home project! I cleaned out drawers and my pantry today (since my husband keeps going to the store) to make room for all the things we need to stock up on!
    I don’t have young children at home, so I am taking advantage of the freed up calendar to read as well! Can’t wait to read some of your recommendations! I am currently reading Mrs. Oswald Chambers…wonderful!
    God bless!

    Reply
  20. Leanne says

    March 18, 2020 at 8:27 pm

    Thank you, Emily, for continuing your blog posts. They are always uplifting which is needed at a time like this. Yes, He is in control and we have to keep that in mind.
    I’m reading, doing some extra cleaning jobs, baking, walking daily and taking some time just for me.

    Reply
  21. Tara G. says

    March 18, 2020 at 8:57 pm

    We are going on with the usual home schooling routine, but we are without the extra music, sports, & church activities.

    Reply
  22. Donna Good says

    March 18, 2020 at 9:07 pm

    Love how down to earth you are! And not afraid to share your
    faith…good for you.

    Reply
  23. Melissa says

    March 18, 2020 at 10:49 pm

    Oh how I feel for all you mommas with little ones at home. Sounds like you have a good grip on things though. It’s just the husband and I at home but it’s still been an adjustment with him working from home in our small house. I try to stay outside as much as possible and am so grateful the weather has been nice here in Alabama. I had quite the paint sample collection (why is paint selection so hard!) so I mixed them all them leftover paint and painted my garage. The samples were all pale blues, grays and whites and it looks great. I’m trying to stay busy and away from the news. I’ve helped neighbors, take long walks and worked a lot in my garden. I think I will appreciate my vegetable garden even more this year. I think painting the back door is next. I so wish I could relax into a good book! Keep the faith

    Reply
  24. Lyn says

    March 19, 2020 at 12:08 am

    I love your blog and I absolutely love how authentic you are. I always enjoy whatever you have to say. I am a much “older person” with major lung issues and the “c-virus” is aiming squarely at my chest. However, I appreciate the normal-ness and the loveliness of thoughtful ‘everyday’ content you provide, which is so difficult to provide, yet so extremely necessary in today’s world. What a gift! Thank you and I hope you knows how many of us so appreciate you!!!!!

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      March 20, 2020 at 12:46 pm

      Thank you ❤️ Hope you stay well!!

      Reply
  25. Elizabeth says

    March 20, 2020 at 12:14 pm

    You are always so refreshing! And I’m with you on letting go of certain spaces, my dining room has turned into an activity center, books, (we thankfully stocked up before the libraries closed) coloring books, activity books, puzzles, etc. thankfully none of my kids have said they were bored yet, but when they do….
    Also, 100% on the showering thing 😉.

    Reply

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