I was intending to put together a Mother’s Day gift guide for earlier in the week, but to be honest I just couldn’t focus on it. Things have been changing so rapidly that I can’t plan more than a few days ahead. I desperately wanted to see my mum today but it was neither possible nor advisable.
The irony is that just a few weeks ago I was wondering when I’d next get to see my mum as I had holidays booked for the Easter break as well as May’s half term. Now that Cyprus is cancelled (and most likely our trip to Madeira will be too) I have plenty of time to go – even more since schools are closed. In fact I have more time than ever to visit my mum, and yet I can’t. Now I’m wishing I’d had more time before to spend with her.
Living on the other side of the country (with her on dialysis machine three times a week) it was never going to be easy. I have no idea when I’ll next see her. And I know many, many people are in the same situation. A friend of mine whose mum has dementia and is in a care home has been told to stay away for 8-12 weeks. She’s distraught at the prospect of her mum forgetting who she is during a prolonged separation.
For those of us separated from loved ones we’ve got too much time yet not enough. So much time to fill, but not enough with the ones we need to be with. The truth is that however much time we spend with our loved ones, at times like this we always wish we had more time with them.
We’ll all have a lot of time to reflect upon our precarious situation over the coming weeks and months, but I feel we are running out of time to learn the lessons that will save us. I don’t want to fill you with doom and gloom; I am at heart an optimist and believe we can learn from this, and make positive changes to the way we live our lives, for good. Maybe this is Earth hitting the reset button and reminding us that we need to respect her, and each other – and by that I mean our non-human friends too. That is what I am holding on to right now.
Here in the UK we’re not in lockdown (yet) like some other countries. My Dad, who lives in France, has to take a document with him when he goes to the shops for groceries. But the government is introducing tighter measures incrementally, so it’s probably just a matter of time. And there it is again: Time – the theme of the day.
I’ve been drawing up a list in my head of things that will help us all get through this testing time. Even though I’m still working as and when required, I’m going to be spending a lot of (you guessed it!) time at home with Isobel. That in itself will require all my powers of creativity, and no doubt a good deal of patience too! The good news is I managed to find a replacement jigsaw for the one that my naughty cat peed on – yes he used the box as a litter tray…right in front of us, bold as brass! Doing a jigsaw is surprisingly therapeutic 🙂
I also intend to start playing the guitar again and hopefully teach Isobel to read music. Just before Christmas I started learning Portuguese with a couple of apps. I also began relearning all the French and Italian I’d forgotten…I’m addicted to it now! I’ve got loads of little projects on the backburner too, which I’ll be sharing here and on Instagram.
I’m very lucky to have a mini home gym consisting of a treadmill and weights. In fact I haven’t had a gym membership since I moved to Cheshire almost seven years ago. I enjoy running on my treadmill (I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea) while watching YouTube and doing BodyPump tracks – I make up my own routines too. When I lived in Nottingham and my freelance work dried up for a while I trained to be an exercise instructor and taught classes at a local leisure centre for a brief time. (And then I got a staff job at the BBC so I had to give it up). Maybe I’ll start a regular home fitness update…would that be of interest to you? It might finally make me get my arse in gear and revive my YouTube channel!
One thing that constantly keeps my spirits up is having fun with clothes. I will continue to post outfits – it cheers me up and I hope it puts a smile on your face too 🙂 I find pink both uplifting and soothing so I was naturally drawn to shades of fuchsia and candy floss for today’s outfit. Despite being sunny it’s still quite cold so my cashmere roll neck jumper kept me warm without being too bulky. As luck would have it, my jewelled beret matches it perfectly.
I’m wearing my new Nordgreen Infinity watch (kindly gifted). I love the classic design and minimalist face. I have a few watches but I didn’t have an all-silver one until now. I’ve been wearing it every day since it arrived. Nordgreen was founded by two friends who wanted to create stylish watches that reflect the Danish values of responsibility and sustainability.
“The Danish lifestyle is all about removing the complexities of modern living and appreciating the little things – about having less and enjoying more.”
The company has partnered with global NGOs to make positive changes in health, education, and environment via their Giving Back Program. Plus, with each vegan watch purchased you can choose which cause you would like to help. Supporting companies that give back is so important; I like to know that the money I spend is going to an ethical and morally responsible brand. Consumer power is everything.
I’ll end today’s post with a quote from Nordgreen which I think is quite fitting: “Our watches don’t just tell the time: they remind you to treasure it.”
Jacket from Debenhams (old) | jeans from TKMaxx (old) | beret from Asos (old) | Damart jumper (old) | Marks & Spencer boots (old) | Nila bag (TKMaxx) | Nordgreen Infinity watch c/o
I hope you get to visit your mother soon!
xoxo
Bettye
Emma, festive colors do lift ones mood and your choice of bright pink is an excellent one. Life has indeed taken a turn. Of all things, it’s the separation from family that’s the most difficult aspect. I know that my husband and I would be frantic about our parents if they were still alive. Stay safe and be well.
Rena
https://www.finewhateverblog.com
I was thinking the same about the reset button. We are also not in lock down but I hope we will be. Last weekend there were so many people who went to the beach and parks. So stupid. But it is awful that we can’t visit family and friends. On a lighter note, I love this outfit, those boots are amazing! Stay safe my friend.
I’ve had a Norgreen watch for a couple of years and I love it. The straps don’t tarnish like some of the expensive brands. I’ve been in isolation since last Monday. I’ve done a whole week and only eleven more to go! Haha. I hope you and yours stay safe and well Emma xx
Thanks Laurie. Yes I’m really impressed with the quality. I think I’d go crazy if I couldn’t leave the house for 12 weeks! Thank goodness for the internet!
This…”Maybe this is Earth hitting the reset button and reminding us that we need to respect her, and each other – and by that I mean our non-human friends too.” I have been saying this from the beginning. We have been very cruel and disrespectful to this planet and everything on it and I really believe she did get angry and is trying to teach is something. But we are so stubborn, we can barely see that. I am so sorry that you can’t see your mum. That must be really difficult. New York State is on total lockdown so I am sure there are lots of people in similar situations here. It is very sad and very scary. But doing happy and positive things will certainly help the morale of all. I am loving your cheerful bright pink outfit! And I love that you are learning guitar and teaching Isobel to read music. We can still create really good memories even in this time of not so much goodness. Keep shining your light, Emma!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thanks Shelbee! You’re right, we have been cruel to the planet and now we’re realizing the consequences. I just hope we learn from it. Money has been worshipped above all else and it’s time to change that. Hope you and yours are well!
I definitely think earth is doing some resetting. The air and water is getting cleaner! I’m so sorry you can’t see your mom. Hopefully this all blows over soon.
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
Thanks Jennifer. One good thing is the massive reduction in pollution – it’s shown us that many jobs can be done from home when it’s really necessary!
Love this post! I think there is definitely a reset happening. We’re in lockdown so I’m concentrating on making the best of it <3 Hope you get to see our mom soon!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Thank you Lizzie! Stay safe xx
I’m sorry that you are not able to visit you mom! We have a stay at home order in our state. Hopefully things will be back to normal soon. Love the bright pinks! You look so chic!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thanks so much Jill! Fingers crossed this passes very soon!
Hi Emma
Sounds like we have some similar interests and things going on. I want to play guitar as well, and work on a few tunes. That is wonderful that you are teaching your daughter how to read music! I am so sorry you can’t see your mom. I have been calling my mom and trying to keep her calm.
Those boots are hot! Love the blazer and the whole look is fabulous! I am a big fan of blazers!
jess xx
take care,
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Thanks Jess! I’ve got my mum a new phone with Skype so we still see each other, kind of. She’s not great with tech – I’ve spent hours on the phone talking her through stuff. I bet there are lots of older people suddenly having to learn how to Sype and Facetime! Take care!
I’ll be curious to see how tight the restrictions get here in the states. Currently our state is under a stay at home order and we can go out for doctor, prescriptions, or food. I hope people comply and it doesn’t get worse! You look so cheery and lovely in your bright pink!
Thanks Laura! Yes it’s similar here although I don’t know how or if it’s being enforced. I’ve seen police stopping drivers in other parts of the country but that hasn’t happened here yet. It all feels very weird, I just hope it’s over soon. Take care!
I am so sorry you can’t visit you mum! That is really tough, but oh so necessary.
You and I must have both needed a pink pick me up. My outfit for this week includes shocking pink as well. You look fabulous as always, Emma. Pink is definitely a great for you.
I hope you feel better.
Michelle
http://mybijoulifeonline.com
Thank you so much Michelle! It’s tough on everyone but it will pass, we just have to take one day at a time and be careful. Thanks for stopping by, stay safe xx
Looking fabulous dear! It’s a trying time for everyone around the world, it’s like Mother Nature just reminded us of her powers and decided to give the world a restart. It’s sad and frustrating, but if there’s anything we can learn from history, humankind will learn to adopt. Stay safe dear!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com