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Finding Beauty in Quarantine and Random Acts of Kindness

I had to think long and hard about what to write about today. I rise early in the morning and get on with the day with a positive outlook.  I admit I have had a few mornings where I wish it were only a bad dream. I refuse to take that attitude.  I feel we all need to do our part and inspire others to do the same.  We are entering Day Four of Shelter in Place here on the Central Coast. Let’s share how we are all dealing with this new normal. Today let’s talk about Finding Beauty in Quarantine and Random Acts of Kindness.

finding beauty in quarantine and random acts of kindness

“During times of stress, flowers can come to the rescue, heal our hearts and souls and bring beauty where there is none”.

david austin roses in redware vessel cindy hattersley

We will be unable to work during this time, so to keep our sanity, we plan to spend this time working on our garden. Thankfully we have had some much-needed rain.  

cindy hattersley's rose garden in full bloom

Practice Random Acts of Kindness

At a restaurant in Houston, a customer left a 9,000.00 tip and asked the owner to help his employees during unemployment.

Here is Little Summer reaching through the fence to pet the neighbor’s dog Mellow.

Little Girl Petting Dog

Are you following goodnews_movement on Instagram you should it will lift your spirits

Let’s keep Italy in our hearts and minds and do everything we can to prevent what’s happened there from happening here. I hope  (one of my reader’s from Italy doesn’t mind me quoting a recent email she sent to me

We have beautiful Spring weather here in Umbria, so lots to do outside and in. So sad, our beloved Italy is hit so hard. I cannot even imagine how this will impact Europe, but also the rest of the world. Our hearts go out to all the victims and their loved ones worldwide. Great gratitude to all the medical teams worldwide, such bravery, such devotion to mankind. Unchartered territory, who knows where this will lead. Compassion is key”.

Bergamo, Lombardy, and Italy love

John Legend did an Instaconcert in his home with his family for all to enjoy on Instagram  and challenged other artists to do the same

john legend and family

Support Your Local Merchants If You Can

This is a frightening time for all of us who are self-employed. If you have a favorite restaurant in your community that depended on eat-in meals, and they are now doing takeout support them. Many of us are in save not spend mode but if you have a small business that you love, and you have some things in mind give them your support. 

patria restaurant in Salinas

Many small businesses like one of my favorites Tancredi and Morgen have opened online stores to try and keep afloat.  Tancredi and Morgen have put together these darling care packages.  If you know someone who needs a lift, one of Marsha’s lavender-filled pillows, soap and hand cream might be just the ticket.

tancredi & morgen care package

What to do when you’re housebound?

Order those garden and design books that you haven’t had time to read

I have a list of my favorites on my shop page here

Ways to Help One Another

The New York Times has a great article on how we can help one another here

Finding Beauty in Quarrantine and Random Acts of Kindness

The Votivo Red Currant Candle has long been a favorite and is priced much more reasonably than many today. It is available on Amazon. Send one to a friend.

Paint that Room or Piece of Furniture you haven’t had time to do

If you have been thinking about painting. Home Depot and your local Hardware Stores are still open. Practice social distancing if you go out. If you are looking for a good neutral that works in almost any environment. Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan cut in half is a favorite.  It takes on the colors of the surroundings.

cindy hattersley guest bedroom

Are you worried about your pet getting Covid-19.  Healthy Paws has a good article on their blog about that here.

cindy hattersley's yellow lab beau laying on steps

Practice Positivity

Do you follow Lynne from French Bread and Family on Instagram? You might want to give her a follow. Her post today will brighten your spirits and your heart.

Amanda from the Dinner Party Guru said this “I find this a reflective time and also a time of worldwide unity.  I think we will all emerge on the other side slightly changed by our collective journey”

Thank you for doing your part to flatten the curve in a mindful giving way. We will all be forever grateful when we can gather with friends and share a meal or a glass of wine again.

fall tablescape with sunflowers

Let us be thankful for the simple things in life and do our best to protect ourselves and others. We can do this!!

Courage is taking the higher road

You read Finding Beauty in Quarantine and Random Acts of Kindness. Please follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for daily inspiration. Please share your thoughts and experiences with all of us.  Let’s make this a place for sharing how we are passing the time, and how we are coping. Let’s not forget to have hope, humor and practice random acts of kindness.  You all are a huge source of comfort to me during this uncharted territory we are navigating. You truly are the best.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. debra phillips says

    what an encouraging post Cindy! new to follow, books, and much inspiration. your garden is mesmerizing, out of a magazine good.

    oddly I am enjoying this for the moment. I loaded up on crafts & projects, lined up great books, ready to settle in to movies, cleaning….. that is until I got the puppy. we are bonding quite well 24/7 and all other options are out the window!

    stay well my friend

  2. Pamela says

    Lovely to be transported for a bit by the images and words. It is good to hear the ongoing stories of kind acts and be mindful of how gestures big and small matter right now.

  3. Robin says

    Cindy,
    This is a very dear and heartfelt post. You are a wonderful, inspirational example to all of us.
    I appreciate reading the comments regarding the efforts all are doing to contain this virus. We must do all we individually can.
    We are in this together. Compassion is key.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Robin
      Always good to hear from you. I think of you and your family as I am working in the garden. We live in the country as well. We have friends in Bergamo and think of them daily.

  4. holly says

    Thank you for this post. I swing from panic to serenity as my life “quiets”. My husband and I have noticed we hear no airplanes, helicopters, traffic, or sirens. We now hear birdsong and the hum of conversation on the other side of the fence. I am nesting as I cook, clean and craft. I am going into the garden for healing sunshine and fresh air. Oh, I ordered my nepeta seeds today! Be Safe. Be Well. ooxx-holly

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Holly
      Thank you for the nepeta seed tip! I have not planted anything from seed in years. Now is the perfect time. And yes you are right the garden is very healing!

  5. Cheryl Blanck says

    Cindy, thank you for such a lovely post. I just watched a video of a town in Germany singing Bella Ciao on their balconies in support of Italy. How beautiful! Here is the website connect:theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/21/germans-sing-from-rooftops-coronavirus-italy-video

  6. Marcia Rayne says

    Thank you for the uplifting words. I have been sheltering in place for 5 1/2 days . We are very serious at social distancing. Maybe some day it will stop raining and I can work in my garden. Sigh.
    Summer is a delight. I sure miss seeing my grandkids and my kids. I hope this virus will be a bad memory in a month. We try to act As if we have the disease. It does help the mind set. Beau is such a precious boy. Aren’t Labs the best? Take care and be safe and celebrate the time in your garden.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Marcia
      We are having much-needed rain here too. Thank you for the kind comments about Summer. We sure get a kick out of her. We all should act as if we are carriers. I heard Sanjay Gupta mention that the other day. The images of the kids on the Florida beaches on spring break, I am afraid may haunt us forever.

  7. Karen B. says

    Cindy,
    I enjoy all of your posts, especially during this time of crazy new rules. I am having fun getting drawers and closets organized. We’re expecting a couple of days without rain and I’m going to work in the garden.
    Thank you for always inspiring us.
    Karen

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Karen

      What would we do without our gardens during this time? It certainly is therapeutic. I wish I found cleaning as therapeutic, my home would be much cleaner and better organized!

  8. Annie says

    Cindy
    Thank you for this beautiful reminder. By living responsibly and ‘care’fully, we can gracefully bear this burden together.

  9. Lynne says

    Cindy.

    This post is beautiful. I have never before felt more honored in the world of blogging and Instagram than today when I found myself woven within your lovely words and sentiments . . . your story.

    You bring a special kind of magic to your readers and viewers, by showing us a way to elevate our lifestyles and our lives, sensibly, within our means.

    I firmly believe, with all my heart that every day we stay home, we save lives. And how many mornings do we wake up with the notion we saved a life?

    Wishing you and your beautiful family safety and good health during this unimaginable challenge.

    Best of Love,
    Lynne

  10. Dinnerpartyguru says

    Cindy
    This was such a caring and helpful post. As we all navigate this time I really appreciate a dose of helpful positivity. I was honored to be quoted in your post.

    Take care and stay healthy.

    Love and hearts,
    Amanda

  11. Heidi says

    Hi Cindy,
    I’ve been a reader for years but don’t know if I’ve ever commented here before. But today I just wanted to say thank you for this thoughtful post, and the lovely images that lifted my spirit on this first day of Spring!
    I’m taking advantage of all the time I suddenly have, to do the things I’m always saying I’m too busy for! Also reminding myself to take it slow and enjoy the process, to breathe deeply, and to appreciate small moments. Today the sun finally came out and the sunlight streaming in through the French doors left such a pretty pattern on the floor!
    On a “normal” day I might have missed that!
    Your garden is such an inspiration, I have used your photos as reference while planning our outdoor renovations! Ours won’t even come close, but a girl can dream!
    Take care, stay healthy, and enjoy your time in the garden!
    XO
    Heidi

  12. classic casual home says

    Hi Cindy,
    Such a worthwhile post. Howard bought the dinner for two take out down the street and gave them a 100% tip. He was so moved by how grateful they were for the support. (and it WAS delicious).
    I wish I had your garden to breathe in. Won’t we really appreciate our time together in person when this is all over?
    Take care…hugs to Steve and Beau.
    Mary Ann

    • Catherine says

      Yes to Howard’s 100% tip! I tipped the young woman $20 who brought me just a few bags of groceries and she was speechless with gratitude. A good reminder to take care of those that are staying open and working to keep us all sane in confinement.

  13. Judie Olivero says

    Thank you for today’s fabulous post! I feel most fortunate to have discovered several bloggers who consistently write interesting, informative, and stimulating blogs. You’ve brightened my day. Stay well.

  14. Jen says

    I love this. We’ve been sheltering in place in Canada for a week. My son has asthma and I don’t want to take any chances. I slip out for a quick grocery run every few days at the crack of dawn when it’s quite empty. Thankfully, I’ve been able to walk the dog and spend some time in the yard although we are getting another cold spell. I love your approach. Finding beauty where you can is the best way to get through this.

  15. Barbara patterson says

    Cindy, I discovered you as a result of following Une Femme (Susan B) and I will be eternally grateful to her for introducing us. Can’t tell you how much I enjoy your writing, and all the wonderful links you share. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
    Now, a question.. you state “Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan cut in half”. What do you cut it in half with? Water? White paint (and which one). Please explain. And, thank you in advance for doing so.
    I hope you & yours stay healthy and safe.

    • Kim says

      It means half strength in the pigments. The paint store knows what to do! Hope that helps!

  16. Lois says

    First of all, thank you for the time and care you put into your blogs. I love seeing a message saying I have one in my inbox. I am single, and in the high at risk group. I am in my 6th day of sheltering in place. I am finding joy through books, music, flowers, my dog and a good glass of wine at the end of the day. I enjoy cooking, so am spending some time in the kitchen, trying out a few new recipes. I also take a long walk each day, and I restrict the amount of news I am exposed to. I miss face to face contact, but am doing okay because friends reach out to me daily, and all of you who blog keep me connected to the outside world. Thank you again.

  17. KATHLEEN ASHCRAFT says

    Staying at home for a month…two months…however long it takes…is nothing compared to what our parents and grandparents went through in WWII! They had 5 years of this…never knowing what was going to happen to them as the war dragged on…now that’s STRESS. But the difference is that they could DO something…even if it was growing a Victory Garden…to help the war effort. I think that’s what we find so frustrating at this time…we can’t do anything except keep ourselves and our loved ones safe by staying home.
    So I’m remembering the saying I heard often as I grew up…never thinking it could or would apply to me…but I am saying it to myself most every day now…”MAKE DO OR GO WITHOUT!” It’s surprising me daily how many things I can do without when my life and my family’s life is at stake! I call it “The New Thoughtfulness.”

  18. Adele says

    Yes you’re very inspiring individual!!
    I like the gentle approach🙏🏻‼️I am in Wilmington North Carolina USA and I am a work out nut so today I turned my garage into my gym and listen to my girlfriends program online Going Fit she’s doing an live FB!
    I remain flexible as strong💜

  19. LA CONTESSA says

    LOVELY POST CINDY!!
    !ONE OF YOUR BEST!
    I’m too cold to go into THE GARDEN!!
    BUT will try as I am getting NOTHING DONE IN THE CASA between my phone and my computer!
    YOU KEEP ON BEING YOU!
    THANK YOU!
    XOXO

  20. Carolyn says

    What would we do without you and other bloggers? Look forward to reading you. Thank you for the lovely picture of your garden. It truly looks like a painting. Just lovely ……and peaceful. And the cute picture of little Summer. Smile.

  21. home before dark says

    We started our “retreat” from the world on March 6. I have been keeping a daily diary of my thoughts, the world as I see it, what we did and what we ate. My husband and our neighbor across the street had a shouting conversation with each on the edge of their driveways! We know people who still think this is a hoax. We know young people who don’t believe it and don’t care about making any changes that impinge on young being young—think going en masse to Florida for spring break kind of stupid. I am grateful we have enough space that we can be alone and still together. I am pleased that my almost 50 years of loving to cook can serve us well now. The ultimate complement is to be told that “you cook like a French grandmother.” It is my mantra: to make the best use of what we have and to use it all as best we can.

  22. Kathleen Hurder says

    After reading, my eyes filled with tears of gratitude for the love pouring out of people like you!
    God bless!

    PS In the beautiful photo of the house and walkway in the garden, is that lavender that is overflowing!?
    Sooooo gogeous!

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Kathleen

      It is nepeta faasenii. It is more blue than it appears in the picture. That picture was taken at the golden hour when everything appears more intense. It is a favorite plant. I have it planted all along the borders in the front and back.

  23. Judy says

    Cindy, thank you so much for your beautiful site. I always look forward to another post from you.
    We are living in some crazy times. I keep wondering when the panic is going to hit me, but it hasn’t yet. Don’t get me wrong…my heart breaks for all the individuals and their families who have come down with this virus. It breaks for all of those who have lost their jobs. It breaks for all the health care workers who are desperate for protective gear, who are working 24/7 to save peoples lives.
    I think the fact that all of you wonderful bloggers are still willing to take time out of your days to stay in touch, really helps.
    I am 70 years young and have lived through some other crazy times. We will make it through this.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Guys
      Hope all is well in the Midwest. We had planned a trip early Spring but that certainly is not going to happen now. I bet you are so thankful for Spring and the ability to get out in your beautiful garden. Miss you guys!

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