#IWSG: Staying at Home

Happy Insecure Writers Support Group Day. IWSG is the brainchild of Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! Thanks, Alex, for starting this group and keeping it going. We are rockin' the neurotic writing world!

I'm pleased to join this month's awesome co-hosts: JH Moncrieff, Anna @ Emaginette, Karen @ Reprobate Typewriter, Erika Beebe, and Lisa Buie-Collard!

The IWSG’s focus is on our writers. Each month, from all over the globe, we are a united group sharing our insecurities, our troubles, and our pain. So, in this time when our world is in crisis with the covid-19 pandemic, our optional question this month is: how are things in your world?

Lonely. It would be lonelier, if I didn't have my husband. It's the rest of the family I miss. Since we're in that 65+ group with underlying health issues, at the very beginning, our kids decided to not visit or bring the grandkids around. Which we appreciate. We're making do with FaceTime. The twins shout "Hi, Nana!"; "Hi, Papa!" as they crawl on top of the kitchen counter to get closer to DIL's iPad. Then, they put their faces right next to the screen, and I get to see what they had for dinner. LOL Their almost-5-yr-old sister hides under a blanket or the table. Who knows why! The older grandkids tell us what they're studying at "school" and show off the chocolate chip cookies they just made. 

As much fun as all that is, it's not the same as being with them in person. That's what I miss. The hugs and kisses. And crawling into my lap along with "read me a story!" 

This whole thing has been a learning curve. I learned how to order groceries online for pick up. (That is really slick!) And I learned how to do a TeleVisit with my doctor. I found old movies (The Court Jester and Second Hand Lions, etc.) Mostly I've learned we are all in this together and complaining does no good. It could be worse. I (or family members) could be nurses/healthcare workers. We've self-isolated from the beginning. I was already confined to the recliner because of my broken foot. 

What I haven't done is work on my WIP. Since I've been stalled for so long, I don't feel too guilty writing something new. At least, I'm writing, even if it's very little. My mind keeps going off on tangents, and I can't concentrate. I remember feeling this way after 9-11.

I'm trying not to obsess over the pandemic. I'm doing what our governor mandated--staying home. I also try not to watch too much TV coverage. I'm proud of our governor (Michigan) who closed schools immediately, then closed restaurants and gathering places, followed by the stay-at-home order. She was well ahead of most states and the country as a whole trying to contain the pandemic. I'm scared that the orders may be rescinded too soon, and the virus returns stronger. I'm grateful Hubs and I are retired, and we aren't in the situation of so many whose jobs are either gone or on hold. 

So, I'm doing my part not to spread the virus and trying to stay optimistic that "this too shall pass." I pray that all of you and your families are safe.

Click here to find others on the Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop. Or go to IWSG on Facebook to see who’s blogging today.