I felt strong on my morning run, something i haven’t felt since this stay at home mandate started. The adrenaline is high when you first start off and commit yourself to something. A lot of that momentum exists in the mind and the challenge ends up being, how can I create that desire to be excited to exercise each day, every other day, whatever your schedule is, so that there is a connection of strength to what you are doing as opposed to just going through the motions. I felt that feeling again this morning and I hope I can continue to find it when I need it, in whatever I am doing.
It was a pretty good week, but still physically and emotionally taxing. Everyone has been getting plenty of rest, sometimes 10 hours a night of sleep, and keeping our minds occupied. Maybe it’s just that though, our bodies are settling in and the lethargic nature of each day is kind of the same. How can we mix it up? Be on our toes a little more? Create some variance as opposed to the methodical nature of what kind of feels like ground hog day. How can we be more spontaneous but still remain responsible?
Last week the girls baked a cake and made cupcakes. They were thrilled to get the batter out, mix all the ingredients, take a selfie or two. It was something different, and something different was good. At the same time, i decided we were going to get a car wash too. Now, going to the car wash isn’t that exciting, in fact, it’s kind of a pain, but when you live in a world where you need to come up with activities to raise some excitement, going to the car wash is pretty cool. 12 dollars for call it, 8 minutes of joy. Best money I spent all week. It was worth it as those big pieces of equipment, clothes, suds, washed over the car. It creates the illusion that you are being pulled through the tunnel, when in fact you car doesn’t move. Sylvie and Estella loved it and you can tell by their expressions below, their smiles speak the truth.
It was a bitter sweet goodbye (for now) to TIOH religious school as the final day was last Sunday over Zoom. TIOH has done an amazing job these past eight weeks by continuing to immerse us all in a strong sense of community. We look forward to Friday evening where we Zoom in for Shabbat Services and Candle Lighting, and on Sunday and Wednesday when the children go to Zoom classes. It has been pretty seamless this whole time and I tip my hat to TIOH. For now, we will miss Charlie’s voice, Sarah’s leadership and Rabbi Josie’s wisdom. Hanging out with them each week has brought us so much joy and connection.
The week was also filled with bike rides, May the Fourth, and drive by birthday celebrations. We look forward to these moments that mix up the week and provide us with a detour along the path. Personally though, I was thrilled to Zoom Leica’s Chat with one of my favorite photographers, Peter Turnley, who has been covering the epidemic in NYC through his project The Human Face of Covid 19. It’s a beautiful compilation of images filled with so much inspiration, humility, humanity and love celebrating people across all walks of life - those that need help and those that provide it. The images are breathtaking. They break your heart but at the same time show the human spirit as this unwavering guiding light that can’t be broken. Here is a link to his video of images.
Peter Turnley - The Human Face of Covid-19 - New York City
So back to the beginning. Let’s continue to look for strength, prop each other up, and look for that confidence. Let’s commit ourselves to making the world better and not forget that we are all going through this which makes us connected. Continue to share your stories, don’t be scared to ask for help and those that can, make sure to give it.
Be well all. Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay home. Until next week…
Sylvie & Estella pose for a selfie while making cupcakes 5/3/20.
The Final TIOH Religious School Zoom 5/3/20.
Going through the neighborhood car wash at Van Nuys & Magnolia Blvd 5/3/20.
Friends grabbing some juice at Juice Crafters on Ventura Blvd 5/4/20.
Three bikes practicing social distancing 5/4/20.
May The Fourth Be With You - Sylvie & Estella celebrate Star Wars Day 5/4/20.
Leica Zoom Chat with photographer Peter Turnley 5/5/20.
Jamie Angel Stark celebrates her birthday with a birthday caravan of close friends 5/5/20.