The Art of Time Wasting
To describe the current state of things as “high weird” would be both an understatement and too flippant, but I don’t really know how else to explain it. This is a strange time everywhere for everyone, though I think we’re particularly thrown here in Nashville. I drove to my nearly-picked-clean local Kroger through my tornado-ravaged neighborhood the day after having my quarantine recommendation lifted following over a week of waiting for test results. Let me tell you, nothing makes it feel like the apocalypse quite like driving home after failing to buy sugar past buildings missing second stories and roofs with blown out windows while wearing a surgical mask (still have a cough so following doctor’s orders - promise I’m not hoarding medical supplies like an asshole).
I don’t want to be dire, but from what medical professionals and public health experts are saying, it’s most likely going to get worse before it gets better. The best thing most of us can do is try to stay home as much as possible. Many of us suddenly have way more free time on our hands and I can tell you how easy it is to fill that time with worry and speculation. But, seeing as I wound up living the quarantine life a bit earlier than much of America, I can share with you how I've filled/am filling my time and hopefully give you some inspiration for what to do with the lonely hours.
Read a good book: I’ve been devouring The World That Made New Orleans: From Spanish Silver to Congo Square by Ned Sublette. It’s a non-fiction, historical text but Sublette is an amazing writer and it’s a side of North American history that’s rarely told. The book also has a particular focus on the African roots of New Orleanian music and the political events that shaped it. I highly recommend this book to history-, music-, and NOLA-lovers alike. I’ve enjoyed it so much, I’m eyeing his other work, Cuba and Its Music: From the First Drums to the Mambo, for when I finish.
Plant something: I’m fortunate to have a backyard that came with mature fruit trees, berry bushes, and herbs. In desperate need of fresh air but not allowed to go for walks, I started finally paying some attention to the existing garden beds. I’ve weeded most of them, trimmed back my languishing sage and lavender shrubs, and even planted the beautiful organic seeds my boyfriend’s mother sent us Christmas. It’s one of the things that kept me from losing my mind during my 9-day wait.
Make art: I made a bunch of goofy cartoons about the current state of things while I was sick that I’ve been releasing on my Instagram. I’ve gotten really into digital painting and this gave me a chance to get to know my software with almost no pressure, something I think I’ll appreciate when I get down to business on the rest of my album art. It was nice to laugh at the absurdity of some of the situation, nice to share with folks and feel less isolated, and nice to keep myself busy. Whatever you make, have fun! (P.S.: I’ll be releasing the time lapses of the cartoons on my Patreon this week.)
Enjoy (and support) independent music via livestream: I’m lucky to have a day job where I can work from home; my partner is also a musician, but works almost entirely online. Neither of us are really feeling the squeeze just yet. Our peers, however - especially those who tour full time - are in dire straits. Many of them have begun streaming music online and that’s awesome for all us bored people stuck in our homes. You can enjoy great musicians from all over the country in the comfort of your own home on Facebook and Twitch right now. Most of the shows are free to watch, but please do tip if you’re able. The current relief bills in congress won’t provide support to self-employed musicians and there aren’t really many pre-existing support systems - if any - for folks in this industry to fall back on, so they’re going to be relying on people tipping and paying for entertainment.
Learn a new skill: Lots of folks I know are providing online music lessons right now; I’m exploring gardening and finally getting around to setting up my old sewing machine. This is a great time to pick up that hobby you didn’t have time for. Worried you’ll suck at it? Who cares! You’re not supposed to be hanging out with anyone anyway, so the only one who’ll know you tried and failed is you!
Shamelessly indulge in binge-watching: The boyfriend and I crushed The Circle on Netflix last week. It’s a reality show about a bunch of people trapped alone in studio apartments interacting solely through a fake social media network called The Circle; so basically our current reality but everyone’s hot. It’s delightful. I’ve explored a bunch of documentaries, watched some childhood faves, and cracked up to the UK version of Total Wipeout. Watch people make tiny things on Youtube (I’ve got that on in the background as I write this). If it helps you relax and brightens your day, I say turn it on!
Play games: I’m not sure that I’ve talked about this anywhere, but I really like playing The Sims. I’ve played the various iterations of the game since it game out 20 years ago and it still brings me joy today. It’s been an awesome escape from it all while sick and it’s currently on sale if you’re interested in playing it. There are versions of classic console games like Final Fantasy VII, Castlevania, and more for just a few dollars on your mobile device. There’s a free version of old school Runescape (multiplayer and all) available for iPhone and iPad. There are even board game emulators that allow you to play classic games with friends and family regardless of distance. You’re helping the world by staying inside; you may as well have fun doing it.
Bake some stuff: I’ve done a lot of cooking and baking this last week. Unfortunately, my dog has done a lot of stealing of food, so some of it has been for nought. If you’ve got food and supplies, this is a great time to bake or cook something. I personally keep a recipe journal that I update with magazine clippings and successful experiments in addition to a collection of cookbooks. If you’ve got a copy of The Joy of Cooking or something similar, there’s almost guaranteed to be something in there you can make with whatever you’ve got in your house.
Listen to new music: I know many label-supported artists are continuing to release music despite having to cancel shows and indie artists are doing the same. The Slow Drag just released a new song on Spotify this week (That Butt is one of my new faves). I’m trying to figure out if I should release my album early on Patreon, because touring is far from my mind at the moment. Add some new songs to a playlist of music that makes you feel less like the world is ending - or just lean into the apocalypse vibes like I am.
Participate in internet spirituality: My UU church and church choir have moved online; this Thursday, I’ll participate in a Zoom choir rehearsal. Last Wednesday, I joined in an online healing ritual led by one of my favorite tarot practitioners. Whatever your spiritual path, this is a great time to deepen your journey, whether you do it solo or find an online community to be more active in.
Whatever you do, take care of yourselves. Take care of those near you as you’re able and take care of your community by doing what you can to reduce spread. Think of your immunocompromised and high-risk neighbors and practice social distancing. Get info from good sources (i.e.: not Facebook). Spread love, not coronavirus.
Blessed be,
Melanie