What a difference a week makes. The blog piece on real estate I had planned to send this month did not feel right with the new reality we’re living in so I’m going to speak briefly from my heart instead.

To all those who are suffering, my thoughts and prayers are with you. To those on the front lines, helping our world continue to function, deepest gratitude for what you do every day.

It’s been an interesting time. Many of us have anxiety because of the uncertainty out there. One thing I know is that we do not have any control over this and it will change. My choice is to be with what is; take this time to slow down, notice and be present! Notice my garden in bloom, bake way too many cookies and eat them, start a puzzle, make some art, have lengthy conversations with my family, call friends and clients, and write and send letters and notes on stationary.

What we can do is show up and be our best selves (virtually and virtuously). For me, that means supporting those who support us (house cleaners, gardners, trainers and gyms, etc.) and supporting our small business community that helps make living in our towns why we want to live here.

Now is the time for kindness, generosity and patience. Life goes on and it will get better. Stay healthy and positive!

Wishing you well,

Katrina

“I take the opportunities each day offers: if it is snowing, I work with snow, at leaf-fall it will be with leaves; a blown-over tree becomes a source of twigs and branches. I stop at a place or pick up a material because I feel that there is something to be discovered. Here is where I can learn.”

— Andy Goldsworthy

Things To Do While "Social Distancing"

1. Have a Game Night

31 Fun Games for Family Game Night

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10 Best Adult Party Games That'll Make Any Game Night

OR

Download fun game apps such as:

2. Get Ahead of Spring Cleaning

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Take this time to declutter and reorganize your home or apartment!

3. Cook Delicious Staples in Your Kitchen!

Joe Beddia's Homemade Pizza

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4. Have an At-Home Date Night

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5. Read a Book

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6. Start Spring Home Maintenance

7. Brainstorm Idea's for Home Improvement Projects

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8. Workout at Home

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9. Get Rest + Strengthen Your Immune System

Tips For Working From Home

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1. Location, Location, Location

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Try to find yourself a dedicated and comfortable spot to work that you can associate with your job and leave when you’re off the clock — that means get off the couch, and definitely out of bed.

Click here for more info.

2. Bring The Outdoors In

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If you do not have any greens in your designated work from home location, consider adding some indoor plants to create a more inviting and creative space. Plus, they make your home's air healthier!

Check out the link here for some ways to freshen up your home décor with a touch of green.

3. Repurpose your Commute

A major perk of working from home is ditching the commute. Use this time in the morning for a workout, self-renewal, or family time.

4. Show your face

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When possible, use video over the standard conference call to help create more interactions and avoid loneliness. Checkout video conferencing resources such as Zoom, BlueJeans, Skype, or Lifesize.

5. Create lists

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Every morning, create a list of what you will deliver by the end of the day. If it’s helpful, scribble these down the night before so you can dive straight into work in the morning.

If you don't have a physical notepad handy, I LOVE the "Google Keep" in G Suite. Keepoffers a variety of tools for taking notes, including text, lists, images, and audio.