The Little Things No. 9

The little things really do add up, which is why every Friday I want to end the week on a positive note with appreciation for the little things in my life that make up a greater sense of joy. I hope you join me today in appreciating the good, no matter how small.

Because this is about appreciation rather than perfection, I’m not only including my professional quality photos, but some cellphone snaps as well. You can expect to see a more candid look into my life every week with my The Little Things blog posts every Friday.

Dear Friends,

It has been a crazy week here in Connecticut. I don’t want to go on too long about the virus because I’m sure you’re hearing from it form every source imaginable at this time, but it has made an a big impact here. Less than an hour from NYC, our little town is finally bunkering down. Connecticut is the 4th most infected state with the numbers rapidly rising. My father had the virus and had a high fever and chest pain for seven days and he finally made a turn for the better and is rapidly recovering after a very long fight with the virus. I’m so thankful because I know so many people right now struggling through the illness or worrying about family members who are at risk. We’re all in this together.

Many of my wedding couples have had to postpone their weddings and I feel so badly for them. As much as I wanted to photograph their weddings this spring and summer I would much rather everyone be safe. Thankfully postponements are only temporary. Still, I’m a little sad that so many weddings I was looking forward to now have to wait. Like everyone else, I’m worried about what this will do to my business as well as impact my ability to market and book weddings for next year. I depend on fresh weddings every so often to keep my referral engine going and to add fresh new photo to my social media pages and portfolios. The best thing I can do is accept this for what it is and focus on finding simple joys in my every day. “Business as usual” will continue eventually, but there are more important things right now. Many of us are hurting from job loss, grief, or worry, so let’s focus on lifting one another right now.

I’m only working at the office a few days a week now and cramming in all my work into limited days has been exhausting, especially because I’m also doing a bunch of other tasks to help the rest of our office who is working form home. It’s a busy time, but I’m also feeling very useful and like I am doing my part to help. Today was non-stop, which is why I didn’t get to post this during the morning.

Yesterday I was home all day with our cat Madeleine. At first she was very pleased to have me home, but over the past week her attitude has taken a turn for the worst. I think she misses her alone time and she appears very aggravated that I’m home all day. Our aloof and quiet kitty has been swatting me when I walk by and she even bit my hand for no reason. Ouch! So yesterday I played a game with her favorite jellyfish toy and then turned on some bird videos on Youtube made especially for cats. She loved it. For two hours straight she was completely enamored with all the birds and squirrels popping up on the screen. She has been very happy and kind towards me ever since, even cuddling up to me this morning. So if you too have a grumpy kitty at home, a favorite game and some bird videos can make a world of difference and don’t forget to give your furry companion a treat every now and then. All family members bicker from time to time if they’re feeling stuck, so why wouldn’t our pets be any different?

I am also a proud new auntie of a nephew I haven’t been able to meet in-person yet, but am so in love with already; Phineas Thomas. This is a crazy time to be having a baby so I’m really amazed by the bravery these super moms have.

Other than trying to figure out the temporary new-normal, I’ve been spending a lot of time at home, doing my best to slow down the curve. I haven’t even been to the grocery store this week and I am putting off shopping for as long as possible. My last post was my ultimate grocery shopping list to help my readers shop once then stay home. I’m currently home all day long on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so if you ever want to chat, I’m always available on Instagram @LiveLovelyTravel.

The little things I am grateful for this week:

My #Quarenteam.

While being quarantined at home, I have my qurarenteam; Matthew and Madeleine. Matthew and I did Burt’s Bees facemarks the other night. We’re both just trying to stay healthy and happy.

My favorite market basket.

I haven’t used it since I last went grocery shopping, but its also pretty decoration in our tiny apartment.