a covid-19 story of self quarantine

I think I’ve spent more time outside during this self-quarantine than I have in the past month. Enjoying the sunshine and warm winds of Spring are a definite perk to living in the country.

panic at the disco

One week ago I developed a cough, shortness of breath and a low fever. Fear set in. All I could think of was, “Oh My Gosh, I’ve got it.” Then, every single person I’d come in contact with the previous 2 weeks came flooding through. Visiting the Quilt Show and museums in Hampton, VA, visiting the quilt shop, museums and the Virginia Cliffe Inn in Richmond, VA, working the Quilt Show here in NC… thousands of people. The decision to self quarantine was a given.

So, the work of informing everyone I possibly could was underway. I made phone calls, sent emails and posted on my social media accounts that I had symptoms. I wrote a last minute grocery list and sent my poor husband to brave the crowded aisles alone. Being a combat vet and all around gruffy guy, this was no small task. As for me, I pulled on my favorite pajamas, climbed on the couch with my laptop and prepared for the long haul.

Luckily for everyone involved, my symptoms passed almost as quickly as they arrived and I haven’t seen hide nor hair of them since. To be on the safe side, my self quarantine continues. Only 7 more days to go.

as the world turns

When the world began to shut down, between my quarantine, events canceling and social distancing becoming our new ‘norm’, I honestly had a moment of panic. You see, my business relies at least 80 – 90% on my ability to travel. This is a travel blog after all. But, right now, no one is traveling. My online travel groups are now resorting to sharing our favorite photos of past trips and planning future travel once the world starts congregating again. Who knows how long that will be.

But this morning something changed. I was sitting on my back porch, drinking my first cup of coffee and working on my Irish Gaelic lessons when it suddenly occurred to me that maybe this whole outbreak thing is God’s way of telling us we need to refocus. Normally, I’m not one to discuss religion or politics on my blog but whomever you pray to, maybe it’s time we take another listen.

The past several months I’ve been hyper focused on what I need to be doing. What am I doing wrong? How am I compared to others in my field? Am I doing enough? Am I doing too much? In short, I was overthinking everything. Watching the sunrise this morning I realized, none of that matters.

Looking to the bright side of Covid-19

Even in the midst of a global pandemic, the world is still spinning. The sun is still rising and life is moving ahead. We will definitely come out of this over time but our reality’s will have changed. In some ways more drastically than others. Are we ready for that? Are we prepared for that? Because right now we’re all flying blind without a GPS.

As for me, as scary as it may be, I’ve decided that now is the time to let go of the wheel. I know that I will continue to travel because travel is in my soul. I know that I will continue to quilt as quilting and design are in my blood. But other than that, it’s a crapshoot. And I’m ok with that. I trust that the future will move ahead as it’s supposed to. I trust that what I need will be provided, in one form or another. And above all, I will attempt to see every day as a new opportunity. Not for what is known, but what is yet to be realized.

Yours in isolation and faith,

As always, Hoppy Quilting!

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