I had plans to talk about some exciting new things taking place in Boudoir, and focus on things you can do to prepare for your upcoming shoot.  But between thinking about it and writing about it, the wheels came off of everything we know; everything we are comfortable with. I don’t know about you, but I keep expecting to wake up and find everything back the way I remember.  

“Shelter in Place”.  That seems to be my new reality, how about you?  I am in California which, in general, means we usually start with the new rules, but all of the other states will soon follow suit I expect.  So here we find ourselves with time on our hands in a way we never had before. Our daily lives have typically been filled with work, activities, engaging with friends and family, and various other hobbies. But when all of that is turned on its head, what can you do to pass the time?  Most of your normal activities are shut off, and you are left with very little else. This is a chance, I suppose, to take up things we have never done before. We are able to try things we may never have thought about, or in retrospect, never had time to do, for example:

• Try calling or reaching out in other ways to five people each day.  Face-time them, let them know you are thinking about them in a special way.  Make sure everyone you know is safe and sound so you can put your mind and heart at rest.  “Just because you’re isolating doesn’t mean you’re isolated.”

• Go for a walk.  Take your dog, or be like me and take your cat!  That gets you a change of pace and a little bit of sunshine….hopefully.  It also gives you some well needed vitamin D which gives you endorphins. “Endorphins make you happy! Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands.”

• Reach out to the elderly in your family, or even in your neighborhood!  Those above the age of 65 are at a much higher risk, and we all need to do what we can to support those who need it the most. You can do something simple like picking them up a few groceries while you’re out doing your own shopping. Any little thing helps when we are all in this together!

• Brighten up your home! My personal favorite way is by means of flowers!  In my home, it’s practically a staple. But there are many other ways to achieve the same affect; it’s all just by personal taste!

If you live with other people, no matter how small your home is, make sure you get some well-needed “alone” time, each day preferably.  Grab a book, find a quiet corner, go in the other room and watch some TV, take a nice hot bath with a glass of wine to relax. Throughout all of this, make sure to take care of yourself.  Do something for yourself each day no matter how small. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.