Yep, we all gotta find ways to keep sane, right? In this week’s episode, I’m going to forgo carefully edited posts that I cry and sweat over as I share my heart (“Oh, all those other posts were carefully edited, huh?”) and just talk to ya.
The Storm
Remember that storm we’re all in, and how it’s the same storm but we are all in different boats? Well, Malaysia is still tryna catch a wave outta that storm. And remember back in 2019 when we all made plans for the coming year? We were all such innocent little newbs weren’t we? Everyone has a story. Anyhow, here on our island, a couple of periods of time in the past year-and-a-half we’ve had some freedoms to move about and do things, but mostly we’ve: gone to the grocery store, gone to the pharmacy, exercised in the park, walked on the beach, and worked from home. Sounds pretty relaxing right? And it is (nods and sighs) it is…but after 547.5 days of it…well, let’s just say the routine gets pretty…routine.
So in an effort to add some variety for my brain (my brain prefers to work at a coffee shop, or while looking forward to a fun outing, or simultaneously planning a trip, or while looking up a new restaurant on TripAdvisor, or on the way to…literally anywhere), I’ve taken up some projects. Something to peel my eyeballs off a computer screen and drag my body off the downstairs sofa (which is my new office space because I didn’t think about the fact that I’m an extrovert when I claimed the little nook tucked behind our cleverly placed wardrobe in the room upstairs…literally the farthest place away from the possibility of seeing another human being).
It All Started in Quarantine
It started back in the Fall of 2020 when we were in home quarantine. Quarantine over here means “No! You may not leave your house for any reason”. I suddenly got tired of all my spice bottles being crammed into a low cupboard that required me to sit on the kitchen floor to look for cinnamon. So, with only supplies I had on hand (remember how I couldn’t leave the house for any reason? Even to go to the store for spice cabinet supplies?) I made a spice rack. It was an adventure…and since adventures are one of my favorite things, and they are hard to find these days…I kind of got hooked.
So, even after our quarantine bands were cut off from our wrists, I used my down-time to do some projects. This has been a great way for me to enjoy a creative outlet which, in turn, has increased my joy when I actually do need to sit at the computer, or attend another Zoom meeting. It’s a coping mechanism for me I suppose. Coping mechanisms are OK, right?
Just for fun, I’m gonna show you all my projects. Because, unless I show you guys, only my husband and my dog are gonna see all this stuff I have now produced. OK, ready? You can click through the pictures like a slideshow. Here we go.
Here’s What I’ve Done With Sea Glass
I lived here for years without realizing how fun it is to walk along the beach and collect sea glass. At first, I collected enough to fill a jar, and that was fun. So I collected more, and got more jars, and displayed so many jars in my kitchen I had to hang them, and then store the overflow of jars on top of our fridge. Here’s some of the things I made with the sea glass:
Resin Projects
While looking up ideas on Pinterest, I discovered epoxy resin. Here’s what I made with this new discovery. And if you are interested, here is a video of my “river runs through it” project:
Other Stuff
And in between all those things, I made a few other things:
Masks, way back when they were hard to find. 
Jewelry display, because I’m not going out anywhere so I might as well hang them on the wall and enjoy looking at them. 
I found this cool window in a trash heap, so I cleaned it up and hung it in the kitchen. 
Our son graduated. Time to make him a t-shirt quilt. 
A work in progress…will eventually be a portable work table. 
I also built a house.
I’m kidding. I didn’t build a house. I just wanted to see if you were paying attention.
In Conclusion
As I look at all this, I find my answer to why I don’t have a fourth novel written. But I’m also filled with gratitude. For starters, I’m so thankful for creativity and the joy it brings. Second, as I scrolled through ALL my photos to find all of these “project” pictures, I realized, that wow, even though much of this last year did not go as planned, many good things happened. Even the hard days have been filled with the Lord’s grace. And so, though sometimes I scramble to “stay sane”, I am simultaneously very thankful.
I loved seeing all your projects! The soldering and the epoxy projects were especially impressive with the sea glass.
Looking forward to novel number 4. One day!🙂
Thanks Franci! Yes the soldering and epoxy were new to me so I learned a lot in the process. And I am now working on a book! Woohoo!
I loved seeing your “how to keep sane “ projects, and what you can do even when house-bound. These past months (1 1/2 years by my count) have forced us out of our comfortable routines and caused us to look around and do some new things. Keep writing. Remember Paul did some of his best stuff while stuck in his house under house quarantine (or house arrest).
Yes, I’ve thought that about Paul as well! If he can write while under house arrest, surely I can do it while in lockdown! 🙂
Cool stuff. Especially enjoyed the videoed river board. When do y’all move into the house you built?
That video sure does make it look easy, which it was NOT! lol That “house” is called “the haunted house” and is about an hour’s hike away. Once I talk Kris into carrying all our furniture up there, we shall move in. 🙂
Wow Jana!!! Great job on all your projects. Very impressed with the sea glass projects. Those creative juices are now making us smile and inspiring me. (After I finish yet another quilt)!!!
Keep writing and creating. You are a joy!
Thanks, Sharon! I had fun with each of them. Now it’s time to set them aside and get back to writing 🙂 And you keep quilting!
Thanks so much for sharing. This quarantine time has been the pits for all of us. Enjoyed seeing how you creatively used your “lockdown” time.
You are so welcome, and thank you for commenting! These projects were my version of making lemonade out of lemons!
I love all the crafts you made especially the painting!! I’ve always wanted to learn how to quilt like Grandma and the t-shirt quilt is a wonderful idea especially with Caleb who grows out of everything so fast! Being grateful even in the storm of things is so important.
Thank you so much,Rachael! A t-shirt quilt can be pretty simple to make. You should save some of Caleb’s favorite ones! It also makes for a soft/comfy quilt. Thanks so much for taking time to comment!
Thanks so very much for sharing with all of us. We appreciate all that God has led you to do with your lockdown time. Your creativity is an inspiration to all of us. We look forward to reading whatever the Lord leads you to write. Greetings to Kris.
What a treat to “see” you on the blog today! Thank you for your constant encouragement. You and Aunt Maxine are an inspiration to us.
Count me super impressed with your self-taught skills! I might have to commission a sea glass soldered bowl some day…
Haha! Only if you come over here and do it with me 🙂
Ahhhh, SO creative, friend! I love seeing these pictures…and that sea wave is amazing! Thanks for sharing the joy. 🙂
Thanks for sharing in it with me! Blessings to you!
To be content. That’s a tough one, ESPECIALLY through a pandemic AND empty nesting! I am proud of your determination. You continue to inspire me.
Awwww! Thanks for “stopping by”! Being content…that’s a tricky one!