I have begun to feel a bit like the famous Rapunzel locked up in her tower day after day. This is self quarantine day #10 for me and slowly, slowly I am adjusting… Kind of. As much as one can adjust.

Apple Blossoms has launched in the middle of a situation that has put our country – actually our world, into a bit of an uproar. As the coronavirus sweeps through and many panic; what are we looking towards? Is there Someone who is not surprised or frightened by this pandemic? Is there Someone in total, loving control? Thanks be to God, there is. If the coronavirus is in the hands of the One who didn’t spare His own Son but delivered Him over for us (and I can assure you, it is) then we don’t need to be afraid.

Psalm 46:1-2 says: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth shake and the mountains slip into the heart of the sea.” He is a very present help in trouble. His perfect love has cast out fear.

“Seven AM the usual morning lineup…”

If any of you have seen Disney’s Tangled you will recognize the song. I’ve certainly come to relate to Rapunzel these past ten days. No, I’m not literally locked in a tower, no I don’t have an evil kidnapper and certianly no I don’t have any dashing young man trying to rescue me. But still…

The question how to fill the hours is an exciting one! Also one that lost its flavor rather quickly. My answer to this:

I’ll read a book or maybe two or three, I’ll add a few new paintings to my gallery, I’ll play ukulele, embroider, crochet and basically quote favorite book characters all day (well, more than I usually do…). Then after lunch it’s puzzles and school and writing. Time with my sisters a lot of ballet and chess (if anyone in my family actually played it other than me ☹️). Poetry, rough sketching, walks and blogging. . . The song goes on but my itinerary does not.

So here you have a little glimpse inside my trying-not-to-go-crazy past ten days. In all honesty though, I am grateful for the time to spend with my family, we have gotten in some wonderful quality time! Also, my sister Suzannah and I have started a reading challenge! Eight books in three weeks… I am looking forward to seeing how it goes! Also, it means time to really dive into some of my favorite things: writing on my long worked for novel, painting/sketching, studying God’s word, stretching and putting on my pointe shoes and spending time with my two amazing sisters.

Sealing the envelope: a fancy way of saying: conclusion

So, let me end with a challenge to you! Put down your phone. Turn off your computer. Stop wasting your time by wondering what to do with it. Instead, pick up a book. Pick up a pen and start a journal. Pick up some highlighters and your Bible. Try to really truly enjoy this break from the craziness of life.

Coming Soon!!! A list of good books to get you through not only this but also the rest of life! For, I do indeed pity the person who hasn’t filled their life with good books.