Jenn Howe

Well, this is the new reality.

Face masks, fear, and a government that has failed us. Lost paychecks and paranoia. Anxiety and questions about the future.

What’s already horrific in the world at large is even worse here in our country. At this point, most Americans just hope to survive this pandemic. Our idiot “leader” — I can’t even bring myself to say his name…rhymes with CHUMP — took too long to react and didn’t take the threat of Covid-19 seriously.

And boy, look at us now.

As of today, the U.S. has had over 1.5 million cases of Coronavirus, and over 90,000 deaths.

Some cities and states did shut down, but too late.

Others did NOT…or else they didn’t shut down ENOUGH of their businesses, meetings, and group activities.

And then there are people like myself, who are forced to keep working no matter what, because we are considered “essential employees” (although I think members of government and the corporate world actually mean “expendable employees”).

I’ve been at the job every single normally scheduled workday, 12 hours per day…plus many days of overtime. Is it good to still have a source of income? Sure. But am I in danger? Yep. Absolutely.

Honestly, it’s probably only a matter of time before I contract this illness — we just had our first confirmed case of Covid-19 inside my work building, and the rest of us are continuing to work as usual. I can only hope I’m one of the lucky ones who has lighter symptoms and a quick recovery, but who knows? This virus affects every person in a completely different and unpredictable manner…whether the patient is old OR young. It really is like a roll of the dice.

Right now, my only options are:

1) be grateful for everything I have and each day that I still feel healthy.

2) boost my immune system as much as possible…with healthy/natural foods, vitamins, plenty of water, enough sleep, meditation, keeping my mood as positive as I can, herbal teas, yoga (and other physical exercise), sunlight, time in nature, and many other natural/holistic treatments that I believe in.

3) continue to self-isolate (when I’m not at work), socially distance myself from others at all times, wear a mask, and wash my hands often. I mean DUH, RIGHT? EVERYONE SHOULD BE DOING THESE FOUR THINGS…

…but unbelievably, many people are NOT following these four basic safety measures/preventative steps.

As actor/comedian/animal rights activist Ricky Gervais recently stated: “There are two kinds of people, and one of them is going to get both of them killed.”

UGH.

But, as I’ve said before, I can only control my OWN actions, and do the best I can for myself, other living beings, and the planet.

And if there’s one thing this illness has made clear, it’s that we have been doing all the WRONG things to ourselves, other living beings, and the planet.

I always try to reduce waste, reuse or buy vintage/used when possible, and cut back on anything that is unnecessary in my life or harmful to nature.

Just a few of the things I do:

–I don’t drive a car. In the last year or so, I have only driven (or been a passenger in) a car a total of…five times, maybe? I walk or ride a bicycle everywhere — in the rain, in sweltering heat, even when it’s 17 degrees Fahrenheit outside (-8.333 Celsius). I’ve never seen anyone freak out about the weather the way southerners do. Good grief. It’s just weather. If you plan and dress appropriately, anything is possible.

–I dry my clothes on a clothesline, and I don’t own a dryer or use many of the modern appliances that most Americans use. Hell, I don’t even have cable, and I got rid of my television set years ago. I don’t miss it. Fewer unnecessary “things” and less waste of energy OR money –> this is always the goal.

–I don’t eat animals. I’m passionate about this because I love animals and don’t want to contribute to their suffering. I don’t judge others for their food choices, but even if you’re one of the people who insists on eating them, it’s a fact that factory farming and the way we’ve been raising/slaughtering animals the last few decades is rapidly destroying not only the humans who consume them, but the planet as well. And yes, there is a direct correlation between eating factory-farmed animals and new VIRUSES being introduced to humans. A must-see, eye-opening movie about how almost all meat gets to your table and what modern farming practices are doing to humans and the environment: “Eating Animals” (narrated by actress Natalie Portman). You can find and rent it on YouTube.

–I hardly ever travel by airplane. Maybe it was a good thing that I was always poor, because it stopped me from hopping on a plane way too often. In all my zeal for travel, I probably would have done so every five minutes without thinking about the consequences for the planet. But now, I HAVE been made aware how bad it is for the environment, and I have to make responsible choices — even if I should magically become a millionaire tomorrow. Experiencing new places is a great passion of mine, and I wish I could see almost every part of the earth…but my own selfish desires aren’t as important as doing what’s RIGHT. Obviously, I’m not flying to Denmark for vacation right now (or anytime soon) because there’s a pandemic raging. I’m not going to be reckless and risk exposing others (or myself) to dangerous germs. But even if the illness disappeared, I would still have to give serious thought to whether or not I should fly again, and how many times. Should I maybe see Denmark (or some other country) one more time, then never again? Should I only take a few more flights for the rest of my life? Or should I resolve to never fly again, unless it’s absolutely necessary. I realize now: THESE CHOICES MATTER.

I’ve tried to be careful about my life choices and how they affect everyone and everything around me, but this virus has made me realize that I — and ALL of us — need to do SO MUCH MORE. We are killing the earth and ourselves with our greed, overproduction, and overconsumption. We are destroying the world — and our bodies — with processed/poisoned foods and unsafe farming/slaughterhouse practices. We have lost touch with nature and forgotten how to live in harmony with the creatures, weather, plants, and seasons of our planet. We traded quality for “quick” and “cheap” …rest and family time for “hustle” and “achievement” …health and happiness for “things”.

Will we wake up? Will enough people want CHANGE?

I’ve always craved a more “kind, simple, and natural” way of life, but this desire has only been heightened by what I’ve seen in light of this illness.

Don’t get me wrong — I’m not a complete nun, and I don’t wish to live 100% like an Amish woman (no offense to Amish people OR nuns). We all enjoy a purchase or a convenience every now and then, and that’s okay. I’m typing this blog on a smartphone, for goodness sake, and while I don’t have a t.v. or cable, you better BELIEVE I watched all of “Tiger King” via the internet on Netflix. 👏🏼🤣🐅👑 I’d also be lying if I said I wouldn’t love a small “luxury” or a nice gift once in a while, for an anniversary, birthday, or what have you (and holy hell, most of the men I’ve dated didn’t know how to give a decent gift to save their LIFE. It’s not about “expensive”, but come on…something beautiful, unique, or even just well-thought-out and fitting for my personality or interests would have been nice 🙄😐). But I digress.

The point is…

IT’S ABOUT BALANCE — sticking mostly to what you actually NEED, cutting back on waste of all kinds when possible, giving back to the earth, and just doing the best you can, each day.

No one could ever be “perfect” in their efforts to save the earth or prevent disease and suffering…but if each person did just a little, whatever they could…or if they kept trying to do just a bit MORE…imagine the amount of change possible.

In this time of isolation, I hope you are able to get to the heart of what really matters. I hope you can get back in touch with yourself, and be alright with who you are…no feeling of competition or something to prove to others, no need to “do” or “produce” MORE, MORE, MORE. I hope you become connected to nature and experience the peace of just BEING. 🧘🏻‍♀️

Vacation time during a pandemic: here’s what it looks like (in my world)

These are just a few moments from my first bit of vacation in 2020. A sweet week of quiet, solitude, nature, and simplicity…

Getting back to seeds, dirt, and the beginnings of life…

…and working to keep my already-existing plant family alive…

Appreciating every small thing and every small moment…

“Golden hour” is so lovely. 💜

How could anyone ever be “bored” in this world?! There’s a miracle around every corner — even in your own backyard.

This is where I spent a great deal of my time off…right here on my property, just appreciating the life all around me…

Eastern Box Turtle behind my house — what a cutie!

“Mister Grackle”. I see him every day…along with “Mr. Jay”…

So many sweetheart birds stop by to have a bite and sing for me.

I sat one morning watching the them in my backyard, and I suddenly realized that HOURS had gone by. I love to feed and observe them — these simple pleasures in life are enough to make me happy.

In just ONE morning, I saw at least one of each of the following types of bird at my feeders:

1. American Goldfinch

2. American Robin

3. American Tree Sparrow

4. Blue Jay

5. Brown Thrasher

6. Common Grackle

7. Eurasian Collared Dove

8. Gray Catbird

9. House Sparrow

10. Northern Cardinal

11. Red-bellied Woodpecker

12. Red-headed Woodpecker

13. White-breasted Nuthatch

I love all of my bird friends. 💕 🐦

I fermented some organic garlic — an ancient concoction for boosting the immune system:

I baked some fresh artisan bread from scratch — something I love to do, but don’t typically have time for:

I had my fresh bread with coffee — OBVIOUSLY. 👌🏼 ☕️ In this case (above), I used my gorgeous glass pour over brewer and my new coffee cup.

And just look at this handmade ceramic cup…recently crafted JUST FOR ME, and presented to me as a gift!…

⬆️ A stunning work of art that is also useful. 💜👏🏼 This is one of those times when a gift/material “thing” is definitely not “waste”. It was crafted with extreme skill and care, it was accepted (by me) with true gratitude and appreciation, and I will use it often…until it breaks from wear or I’m no longer around.

And you can believe the coffee consumption went on all week long. Coffee is a daily ritual for me.

⬆️ I’d like to thank RED LIGHT ROASTERY (Hot Springs, Arkansas) for providing constant coffee bean goodness via mail delivery. You guys have helped me get through these trying quarantine times…more than you’ll ever know. 🙏🏻 ☕️

I like to change it up. Coffee every kind of way. One day, Moka pot espresso…

Another day, maybe French press coffee…

I even learned how to make DALGONA COFFEE. You just whisk instant coffee, sugar, and water…and you get a fluffy, whipped coffee topping for milk (almond milk, for me). Oh my goodness…

I mean, REALLY y’all…

SOOOOOOO good. 💫 💯 🙌🏼

I spent a lot of quality time with my two honey-bunnies — my sweet kitties…

I put some furniture together.

Oy. Always a bit difficult for me, but…

I did some reading, writing, and painting. It’s been quite a few years since I tried to paint 🎨 …

I still did plenty of housework, of course. When I can’t hang my laundry outside to dry, I just hang it INSIDE the house. I told you I live a simple life…

Oh yeah…on the right, that’s my Christmas tree. 😆

Its been up for a solid…year and a half, I think? I refused to take it down, then it became some kind of running joke. I don’t know what’s going on anymore. 🤷🏻‍♀️😂

I only light it every once in a while, for some special ambience. 🤣

It will come as no surprise that I rode my bicycle often, and I headed to any secluded place in nature that I could find…

I’m so glad I was born during this time of year…when everything springs back to life, bright colors fill the landscape, and the perfume of flowers is everywhere. 🌱🌷🌳🌻🦋

⬆️ I recently altered a gorgeous antique piece of clothing so it might fit me. I’m QUITE short and tiny, for those who don’t know — around 100 pounds and only 5’2″ or so. Alterations are almost always necessary when you’re a shrimp. 🍤 😂

I LOVE this vintage dress, which I’m not only reusing/recycling…but I got it for a SONG. Deal of the century.

During my vacation, I finally had time to try it on…

Okay, so there are many theories as to exactly HOW old this dress is. I’ve had several people inspect it, and it’s hard to pinpoint an exact time period. 1970’s at the VERY latest, but several have confirmed that it’s likely much older than that, just by looking at the intricate lace patterns and how they were crafted. If anyone out there is a clothing expert and can tell me when this dress was made, please send me a message! Here are some close up shots…

Any information would be greatly appreciated. 😊

Let’s see…hmmm…what else did I do during my vacation? Oh, of course…

I watched “Tiger King”. 🐅🙌🏼👌🏼😆

So those are just a few snapshots of my time off during quarantine.

Isolation doesn’t have to be a bad thing. I miss my daughter, my sister, and a couple of other people, sure…and I’m excited about seeing them again. But am I LONELY? Never. I’m 100% at peace with who I am now, I’m comfortable in my skin, I’m happy, and I enjoy my own company. When these things are true for a person, “loneliness” isn’t a thing. Solitude is healthy sometimes, and it can really be a gift. Spend time with YOURSELF, love and heal yourself. Make the most of any time you have alone.

I’ll soon have ANOTHER round of scheduled vacation …for my birthday!

A few days after Memorial Day, I turn 45. 🥂 🎂 🎉 It’s a big one, and I’m excited! 😄

Maybe I’ll share a few pics of my still-sheltering-in-place birthday celebration. 🍾 😂

Until then,

Stay safe, stay isolated when possible, and stay hopeful…

Xo, Jenn