Gentle Parents,
I have every confidence that you are sparing your children the stress of the daily news, especially these days. Thank you. There are different kinds of stress, some of which help us grow, like meeting a deadline or learning a challenging new skill. The kind of stress that goes on and on (remind you of any viruses you know?) is toxic - damaging to the physical health as well as normal brain development - and we should all be protecting ourselves from it.
That said, I have been watching LOTS of TV! No kids here! And I learn about all the cool things people are doing to entertain themselves and others during the stay-at-home order, celebrities included. Andy, the cynic, says it is just so all these stars can remain relevant while the theaters, concert halls and comedy clubs are shut down, but I choose to believe that it is done in the spirit of solidarity. We are all home!
So, after the kids are in bed and you are snuggling with your phones, you might do the following Youtube searches - "Tic Toc Doc" (this doctor teaches his hospital colleagues to do little dances and they post them. Turns out this guy is from our own OHSU!) Search for "dancing nurses," "family parodies One Day More," "Toronto Symphony Appalachian Spring" (from their various homes, the musicians played this in support of Americans), "James Corden Homefest" (like Carpool Karaoke with celebs, but from home, I think), "The Show Must Go On" You Tube channel is premiering a Broadway show every Friday night and then it's available for the weekend. The free HBO app (available during this difficult time) offers The Sopranos, VEEP and other favorites which I haven't seen. Lastly, search YouTube for "CBS Our Country" to see stripped-down performances by today's country stars performing while isolating at home who were supposed to appear at the Academy of Country Music Awards last Sunday, April 5. It was somehow comforting to see sweethearts, bandmates, families with little kids using their cell phones and laptops to share their songs and homes with us.
Today, I heard about an app called Seek by i-Naturalist. This allows you to take pics of flora - flowers and leaves, at least - and it identifies them for you and keeps track of all your sightings. I think that sounds like a lot of fun and I always wish I knew more names of plants! Now, perhaps you, Gentle Parents, who are so much more hip and happening than Yours Truly, already know about all of these entertainments. Forgive an elder for prattling on. I do it for Andy on the daily!
Tune in tomorrow as I respond to some parents inquiring about geography studies at home.
Appreciate this beautiful day, Gentle Parents, and please encourage all of those in your sphere to continue to Stay Home-Save Lives. It is working in Oregon! Feeling so fortunate to live exactly here, I remain,
Your Guide,
Doni
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