By now, we’re all hip to the pandemic. We hole ourselves up, register the death toll, panic over our checkbooks, and take our temperatures. I sincerely hope every one of you is healthy, and that your loved ones are, too. Stay home, and take care of yourselves.
But, let me drop my usual blog persona and get real. I live alone, and I’ve been in social isolation for almost four weeks now. I've had a varied life, from waitress to congressional investigator, but today my living comes partly from writing and partly from being a shopgirl. Half of my income vanished with the pandemic, and the other half is on life support. I have my moments, and although I’m not at all a cryer, I’ve suffered a few bouts lately.
Yet, I feel lucky. I’m healthy. I enjoy my own company. I live well on a dime, and, better, I know how to appreciate the little things in life. Like perfume.
In fact, I’d go so far as to say that the pandemic has driven home how the little things are the big things. Friends, early morning bird song, clean sheets, a hot bath, a well poached egg: these things add up to an understanding of how our day-to-day interactions are the foundation of larger decisions. When we truly value day-to-day life, we work to sustain that goodness for others.
I know. We’re here for perfume, so let’s get down to it. Here’s how I’ve been making the most of perfume in these surreal times:
Social isolation means I can wear as much fragrance as I want. Plus, I’m feeling nuts enough to overdose on some of the heavy hitters I’d never wear more than a dab of in normal times, for instance, Yves Saint Laurent Opium. Not long ago, I splashed myself silly with vintage Opium Eau de Toilette and discovered how beautiful it was. It combined itself like a spicy-woody-labdanum-laden puzzle, and once that puzzle snapped together, it was finished. Later, I overdosed on Guerlain Shalimar — another fragrance that can be way too much in public — and appreciated layers I’d never experienced in “social” applications.
The shock of the pandemic reminded me that we’re mortal. So, I’ve been using the “special” perfumes, and using them big time, even though there’s no one else here but me to appreciate them. I’ve just about drained my beloved Rochas Mousseline Extrait by Edmond Roudnitska, and my decant of Lanvin Scandal Extrait is done. I’m not stinting on the Amouage or my Xerjoff Irisss. I’m enjoying every single drop.
I’ve also been leaning on the easy, comforting fragrances — the toast and butter of the perfume world. For instance, I just fumigated myself with Sylvaine Delacourte Florentina. The bottle feels good and heavy and round in the hand, and the fragrance is a cloud of powdery comfort tinged with my favorite note, iris. It’s my dream mother. Arquiste Anima Dulcis — another satisfying, round bottle full of drinkable notes — is draining rapidly, too.
These are my private pleasures that keep me balanced and happy. I supplement them with a 1920s kimono I rescued from a thrift store and mended and washed with a rinse of water tinged with Chanel Misia. I also cook elaborate recipes with simple (read “cheap”) ingredients. I watch free movies on archive.org. To pretend I have some control over life, I make daily task lists on index cards, and I’m catching up on my TBR list. I indulge in regular video conferences with friends.
I also fret that I’m not accomplishing enough and that my life won’t be changed enough by this rare time out. Shouldn't I have a spotless house? My next book should be finished. Plus, how about those five pounds I want to lose?
But, enough about me. Tell me about you! How are you coping with the pandemic? Does perfume play a role? Tell us!
Note: top image is TP7 Art in time of CV-19 [cropped] by FolsomNatural at flickr; some rights reserved.
I had missed your voice on here, so I’m glad to see your post!
I guess we are all facing our own individual problems, depending on our job, country, personal situation etc.
I too live on my own, and while most of the time I’m glad not to have to deal with the whims of house mates, it can get quite lonely as well. On the other hand, I try to count my blessings. I live in quite a nice rented house, I’m financially secure and all of my relatives and friends are healthy.
On a far more frivolous note: I finally gave in to temptation and got myself a bottle of l’Âme Perdue, on a sunny and carefree day in February. It seems like it happened in another decade.
I’m glad you’re doing well! I found I was good with social isolation–kind of enjoyed it, actually!–up to four weeks. Then I fell off the cliff and had to get serious about making sure I exercised, kept up with friends, etc.
How are you liking L’Ame Perdue? Isn’t it great?
I positively adore it. I had tried it in Paris last March, but decided not to buy it, same in September, but this January I tried it again at Liberty’s and was completely smitten.
With respects to social isolation; I was good for the first 2- 3 weeks, but this past week I had some issues at work, not everyone is great at sticking to new rules and I have a job interview coming up, which is stressful even under normal circumstances, but is harder to cope with now. Once that is out of the way I hope to get on terms with the social isolation again. Not that I have any choice, really.
The exercise bit is difficult. I tend to go for walks and in theory I still can, but it’s hard to find a time and place when it’s not too crowded. My country is very densely populated and that makes it hard to keep one’s distance.
I heard about a woman in France who is doing her isolation on top of a mountain in the French Alps, with her two small sons and a few other members of staff.
I may meet a friend in a couple of weeks time. She is a doctor as well so we will probably discuss the safety aspects first and then pick a date ?
I’m lucky to live in a mid-sized city in a residential neighborhood that makes walking relatively low risk. I hope things settle down soon for you!
I’m not really complaining, because on the up side: isn’t it great to even have the opportunity to get a job interview?
And I want to join She-Ra in wishing your normal work projects will resume soon!
Thank you!
Angela, everything you have said resonatedls with me. I think there’s an underlying reason for what’s happening now. Getting back to basics, appreciating the simple things in life, forgoing globalism and greed and supporting local mom and pop businesses, slowing down and seeking joy in what’s here, appreciating the fact that we are alive, etc, etc. Like you I am using all of my “good stuff” and literally spraying with reckless abandonment. No one knows what tomorrow may bring. Carpe diem.
Yes! For me, I really don’t think things will be the same after this. How my life will change exactly, I don’t know. But it won’t be the same.
Enjoy the good stuff for sure!
Yes! 100%. Our lives have certainly changed. I’m more than happy to slow down and enjoy yoga and an excellent book. I overdo it and need to reexamine what’s really important to me and the hubs.
That’s such a great thing to do. But I’ve always been impressed by your ability to make a good thing from a lousy situation!
I am most grateful to have this time with my nine month old baby, but in terms of perfume, I would have loved to not have to consider a little breastfeeder’s nose! I wear some most days and am in fact keeping a daily perfume log for this lockdown period (looks like at least five weeks in South Africa), but quite sparingly. So as I’m wearing only a little, I am delving into almost-drained samples and weird things I find lurking – like Demeter Strawberry Ice-Cream, which I can’t for the life of me recall acquiring. It is much nicer than I’d have thought – just like strawberry-flavour Rice Krispies!
Oh, how nice to be home with your baby! And that’s such an adorable age, too.
Strawberry Ice Cream–I would have been surprised, too, to see it show up in my samples! It sounds kind of soothing, though.
It’s actually a full-size spray!! Whence?! And yes, soothing is exactly it, after a harsh chemicaly opening.
That’s hilarious!
Oh!A fellow South African!
Well Hi!(in the voice of that Tik-Tok cat…lol)
I had a friend from South Africa and only learned one thing in Afrikaans, Baie Dankie(thank you)…my friend told me it’s pronounced, “buy a donkey” in English lol. So I remembered that one lol.
Haha!!!You are indeed spot-on with buy a donkey!How fun!!(Heel prettig,in Afrikaans)…hehe!
My smile of the day.✌??✌?
Haai daar 😉 I know of at least four South Africans who comment here.
Oh wow,that’s so cool!I only know Merlin from Jhb,but she’s not been around for a while!
Lovely to see other South Africans around.
How you keeping with the lockdown?
I love this post, Angela…especially this thought…”When we truly value day-to-day life, we work to sustain that goodness for others.”
I am trying to keep myself focused while working from home and my 6 year-old focused while schooling from home the better part of the week but I completely relate to this line as well…”I also fret that I’m not accomplishing enough and that my life won’t be changed enough by this rare time out.”
I feel like I should be somehow doing more or coming to life-altering revelations more quickly during this time…like I need to maximize my learning from these events…but while the ox is slow the Earth is patient…I hope. 🙂
I also have been spraying perfume with abandon too. I have been going hot and heavy w/ Solstice Scents for about 9 months now and we are still in the honeymoon phase where I don’t even really think about other houses…most days. 😉 I never really explored independent perfume houses that much previously but a kind NSTer introduced me to Kyse, another great house for gourmands, and this led me on the path to discover the beauty of Solstice Scents.
Please stay safe and healthy and hope your regular work/projects resume again soon.
It’s comforting to know I’m not the only person feeling these things! One thing that gives me comfort, too, is knowing that the back of my brain is likely chugging away, and the fruit of whatever this time brings will ripen for a long time after it ends.
Good luck with homeschooling and work! Crazy times!
Thanks for the reminder that we should be grateful for the little things…little pleasures…This perked me up after yesterdays’ doom and gloom mood….Stay safe Angela!
I need a Kimono.✌?
The little things ARE the big things, including beautiful kimonos!
Totally with you,I just needed a gentle nudge to remind me of that fact!
XO
I have been good with the iso super-lation lol. What’s life without some bad humor? Lol.
I was good for about three weeks, feeling super motivated but mostly stayed in my head. I haven’t gotten as nearly as much stuff done as I initially was plotting..now I am totally blah. I feel like I am in fading in and out of some weird David Lynch film lol. And wanting to tune out everything via watching movies and just simply daydreaming about whatever..and ebay lol. I just want to be distracted.
But that doesn’t get anything done. I know to tell myself..not to drift too far into the world of distractions but also, I don’t need to do everything in the world today. It’s balance, of which I always find hard to learn..though I try.
Perfume is playing less of a role, mainly cause it sometimes can make me a little sneezy which I normally don’t mind as a devout perfumista lol. But I figure it’s probably best to not wear it as much during this time because of that.
But after this epidemic passes..I plan to bathe myself in scent:)
I know what you mean about the conflict between wanting to get a lot done and beating yourself up for taking it easy a bit! The world is so crazy that–I remind myself–we can’t really expect to respond normally. I hope your world goes from David Lynch to some happy filmmaker soon!
Did someone say ebay? I’ve been spending a lot of time there. ? But I have the excuse of my broken arm to not be too productive just yet.
Take any excuse you require! No judgement here.
Great post Angela. This experience made me reflect more about my life and also appreciate little things. I am using all the perfumes i was keeping for later.
How did you use Misia to wash your Kimono ?
The kimonos is pretty old–maybe from the 1920s or 30s. Once I’d shored up its seams, I swished it in the bathtub with a little bit of Ivory soap. Then I kept changing the water and swishing and changing and swishing until the water ran clear. In one of those last rinses, I dumped in my decant of Misia. Heaven!
that’s perfectly genius! I adore old clothing, and like you I have washed a few delicate things in the bathtub. Next time I’m adding perfume to the rinse.
I hope it works out well for you!
thank you, i will try that. I have some vintage Kimonos too.
I hope it works for you, too!
Brilliant. You’ve got me thinking of other items to give the same treatment. Scarves, cashmere gloves when I launder them to put up for the winter…
It’s a great way to use up samples, too!
Angela,
thanks for your post. I’m reminded to a Kimono shop I went to in San Francisco’s Chinatown a couple of years (or maybe just 6 months ago with this time warp??). Nothing fancy, mostly cheap and cheerful, but I remember how fun the Kimonos were – and those made out of silk were beautiful as well. I hope you get lots of enjoyment out of it!
I don’t live alone, and until the end of the summer, I have a paycheck, and we live in a mid sized city so going out to walk is never a crowd problem (it’s also not that pretty here, which does help now), so self isolation is not that hard or lonely.
But come Fall, my paycheck, my job and perhaps my career will either be completely gone or greatly reduced, and eventually I’ll have to face up to that reality.
Thanks for sharing your perfume choices, too!
I guess life is all about dishing out the unexpected! I hope things go well for you this autumn. My fingers are crossed for you!
((Angela)) sending you virtual hugs. I’m glad I checked in to NST today, I miss seeing your posts! I’m very fortunate, and counting my blessings, the hubby and I both still have our jobs, my work allows me to stay at home. Maintaining some sanity by sticking to a work schedule, including regular waking hours, breaks, lunches and logging off the network at 5pm.
For self-care, I’ve found several free Youtube fitness videos, enjoying Miss. Fisher’s Murder Mystery Series, Sanditon, and Beecham House are favorites, and video cocktails with friends. Also found several tasty, healthy, and inexpensive recipes a favorite is here:
https://www.thekitchn.com/lentil-soup-recipe-23004361?utm_source=pocket-newtab
For perfume, I’ve been wearing a lot of Creed, Fleurs Bulgarie, it’s ambergris/musk is so comforting.
I’ve been spending a lot of social isolation time in reading recipes and trying to cook healthy things with limited ingredients. This lentil soup is going to be my dinner for tonight–with some necessary modifications due to lack of ingredients–so thank you very much! Strangely enough, lentils have become one of those very scarce commodities now in grocery stores, but I have some.
I’ve been doing a lot of cooking, too. Lentils are wonderful! I’m used to making daily or near-daily trips to the market, so planning ahead has been a challenge for me, but a good skill to learn.
Planning grocery runs is really challenging, especially with limited refrigerator & freezer space. I tend to shop the same way, and to go to 5 or 6 specialty shops to get all of the things we like to have on hand. We’re doing it all at 1 store to limit exposure.
I also have an impulse to cook all the things, but then I’ve still got the storage space issue to deal with… I suppose we’ll all get it down to a science eventually.
I wonder if we’ll end up like our grandparents with Great Depression habits that never quite go away? Not that that’s a bad thing.
You are a fount of great resources! I discovered that my local library has some free streaming movie services, so I’ve been indulging in that. I’ll definitely check out the recipes, too!
Angela, Hoopla is our friend! :grin:, I found several great video resources there also. And it’s free, which is the best!
If you have any particular recommendations, I’m all ears!
Angela, do you like yoga?
Fitness: Youtube Blogilates, JessicaSmithTV, and, PopSugar.
Nutrition: Abbey Sharp (Youtube) is a fantastic and informational Registered Dietitian.
Comedy: (youtube) Yidlife Crisis and HenriLeChatnoir.
Thank you for the suggestions! I do like yoga, but other than doing a plank challenge this month, I’ve been lazy. I’m going to check these out!
I love Hoopla and have been using it a LOT lately, plus my little library has added a ton of free reading, streaming and music that doesn’t count against your monthly borrows. Haven’t had time to explore it all.
I love the library! And I swear I’ve never met a librarian I wouldn’t happily have lunch with.
Thanks so much for the show recommendations…they all look good.
And the lentil soup recipe looks great…can’t wait to try!
People here always leave such good recommendations!
She-ra, For sparkle, I added a squirt of lemon that needed to be used. This is going to be a favorite for sure!
Greetings from Poland, Angela!
While my country is not in the lockdown state (yet?) our ability to be on the move and social interactions are destricted to minimum. Personally I continue to work in shifts, so that I work some days from home and some days I go to the laboratory. I think it’s a good compromise and I like my lab days.
As to things you’ve noticed. I think you are right… This time of isolation will help us understand we’re not unbreakable, so let’s enjoy our most treasured fragrances and let’s not let them turn bad. Small things and gestures really are appreciated these days.
Myself I’m using this time to look into my wardrobe. I lost 15 kgs in three months of 2020 and I need to get new clothes because what I have is now like a potato sack when I put it on. So I order clothes online and then try them at home. It’s fun.
Keep up good spirits.
Congratulations on your weight loss (I assume you wanted it)! That’s quite a lot. I’ve been dieting too with some success but not as much as you.
Dieting is not easy, especially in emotional times! If you’ve had any success at all, you deserve a lot of credit.
Thank you 🙂
It sounds like you’re in good spirits–and good health! It must be fun to shape up your wardrobe, too, and think about who you really are and how that shows in your clothing. Have fun!
I’m trying to!
Thank you 🙂 Another package is arriving today 😉
When I learned I would be working from home I planned to do it like you, Angela, and wear large amounts of dramatic perfumes because I know I won’t bother anyone. But I have been so anxious that big scents have made me feel a little ill, so I’ve been reaching more for easy-wearing casual scents, or bright citrus. As I’m growing used to things my anxiety is improving, so maybe I will be able to join you soon in the heavy hitters!
I can see that! There really is something nice about a calming fragrance when the air feels thick with worry and fear.
I hear you, Regina. This past fall was a very difficult period (little did I know it would lead into the current situation) and all I really wanted to wear were “companion” perfumes – the kind that don’t intrude or announce themselves, but are there humming in the background. For me, it was all about softness (Bois des Iles, Mona di Orio Musc, Shalimar, Miller Harris Fleur Oriental, and the like.)
I’ve been leaning on the Kenzo Fleur Oriental, too, which I’d been neglecting too long.
I have been using the online public library resources like ebooks and Kanopy for films.
I just downloaded your new book Angela (since the library didn’t have it available yet and I couldn’t wait).I am so excited to start reading it and highly recommend your writing,including your newsletter.
Your writing feels like a warm spot of normal life in these crazy days.Thank you!
Thank you so much! This comment really brightens my day. I hope you like Secret of the Blue Lily. There’s lots of perfume in it….
I recently discovered Kanopy through the library and love it.
I love the title, Secret of the Blue Lily and Dior or Die! I may have to look into these further:). I also love the photography on your website:).
Thank you! Someone described my books as Nancy Drew for adults, and I think it’s a pretty good description. The photographs are by the amazingly talented Holly Andres.
Oh wow, her work is amazing! Love her style. Does she need an assistant by any chance? Just kidding:).
One thing I did buy myself during lockdown was a new lighting kit, which I have wanted forever and got a great discount. So yay for that:).
She’s amazingly gifted, agreed! And super nice, too.
I can only join the others in saying that it is good to hear from you. You & my daughter are in the same position and I really do understand how difficult the social isolation can be when living alone.
I wish you luck and am sending you warm sunshine, pretty flowers and never ending birdsong.
Here’s to beautiful perfumes.
You and ltsg have inspired me to go try my Shalimar sample today (I was commando).
Really, how did I not love this stuff beforehand?
Brava! You smell lovely!
I second that!
Grazia cara!
Thank you! It’s good to be back, and it’s nice to know I’m not alone. And, oh you smell great!
Thank you. I DO don’t I?
how can one overdose on Shalimar? 😉
You know–the good kind of overdose!
Halloo from France!
We are just heading into week 5 of pretty strict lockdown. Macron spoke to tonight and announced that the restrictions will be in effect until at least 11 May, so another 4 weeks. While I know plenty of people who are not wild about him, I’m grateful to Macron for his measured and articulate words. He’s reassuring and calm and considered. People are, on the whole, respecting the restrictions and the measures seem to be working — the curve is going in the right direction.
A few little routines are making a big difference. First, I’ve switched from coffee to rooibos in an effort to insure decent sleep. I drink it with two small slices of my husbands (frankly sensational) potato bread, toasted, with a thin spreading of delicious all natural peanut butter. After that, my 18 year old son (back from university! an unexpected gift!) and I take our big shambly dog on our allotted 1 hour walk, sticking within the permitted 1 km radius of the house. Then, a few hours of sniffing the multitude of little flacons of raw materials from the course I’m enrolled in (to become a nez). The course will pick back up once the confinement is over, and I’m determined to keep my beak in good shape! Pilates and gut/butt workouts. And lots of healthy cooking. These are the things that are keeping me anchored. What a weird space we’re all in. The world over.
For perfume. Some days yes. Other days no. Depends, really, on what time I do my sniffing. But on yes days, I find I’m MUCH more particular about what I’m wearing and the perfumes I’m reaching for seem to carry a deep message. Comfort. Support. Tranquillity. Zen. I’m spraying a lot of Masque Milano Romanza, Heeley Cuir Pleine Fleur, Jovoy Pavillon Rouge, and a few others. As the weather shifts into warmer spring, I’m guessing my choices will shift, too, but perhaps not. We shall see.
Stay safe and thank you for your lovely, honest post!
Oh,another South African connection with Rooibos tea!I love that.
Stay safe!✌?
Oh! I can’t tell you how much I love Rooibos. I’m sure it sounds absurd, but it feels, these days, like it’s helping save my life. Or at least my sanity! Do you like it, too?
Heart. Stay safe!
I’m glad you are ebjoying a good cup of Rooibos frequently!I prefer to make an iced tea with honey and lemon with Rooibos,it is so good during Summer.
??
I like it, too, but drink it mostly in the evenings.
Mmm, I bet it’s pleasant in the evenings. Calming. It’s such a reassuring kind of tea.
I’m a big rooibos fan too! 🙂
It’s such a nice thing to drink, isn’t it? Somehow feels less aggressive than coffee (though I confess, under ordinary circumstances I love a good cup of coffee).
You have a good routine going there! (And any routine with Romanza in it is surely good!) You will have abs of steel and be well rested once this is over. Stay healthy!
I have to say, the routine really is helping! (I forgot to mention that I’m continuing to work (teach) as well, though a much reduced schedule, and entirely online — for an engineering school here in Bordeaux). Romanza is truly captivating, isn’t it? I can’t get enough of it during this spring season.
Abs of steel lol! Unlikely! But at least I won’t get too fluffy.
Take good care!
It’s nice to hear from you, and know that you are OK. I’m very lucky that I live with my partner of 20 years, and even more lucky that he and I get on well together.
I had thought about spraying heavily with my most potent perfumes, but then decided to work my way through my bottles and keep a list. So I wear something light in the morning and change at lunchtime. Then a third perfume for the evening.
I’ve got the Kindle version of The Secret of the Blue Lily ready for my bedtime reading tonight, I’m looking forward to a fabulous distraction in difficult times.
Thank you for your concern, and I’m so glad to know you’re sung and happy! I hope you enjoy Secret of the Blue Lily. I promise you that your brain will not be strained by reading it. (And now I’m ready to follow your lead and move on from the faint remains of Tabac Blond. Maybe Cuir Russie?)
It’s a quiet Monday afternoon and I’m still in my bathrobe, so that’s a plus for today. My spirits are lifted a bit after reading here. NST is a lifeline at times, especially as we keep to ourselves IRL.
Like a few others mentioned, I hit a bit of a low point after three weeks at home, felt very tired of this “new normal”. As soon as I was told to work from home I made elaborate plans and daily to do lists that were exhilirating but eventually exhausting.
So last week I cut back and decided some days can be minimum effort days, just do what’s necessary then go with the flow. As a result I went to the park for a spur of the moment bike ride last Friday, expecting not to see anyone there, and it was very empty. But I ran into my brother-in-law and niece and nephew there, they were also on bikes, so we had a lovely chat at twelve paces.
Another reason not to push things too far — I gave myself a bit of food poisoning on Saturday. I should have thrown away that two day old tossed salad but was trying to be frugal and make things last another day, an amateur mistake I hope nobody else falls for. It was just one evening of slight discomfort, so I can’t complain. I’m back to feeling fine, and feeling extra extra thankful for good health.
I’m enjoying more perfume simply because I have time at home to rummage and explore the perfume cupboard. I’m forever sifting and sorting and trying to get organized. But with no real goal to finish before say, the weekend is over? It’s become an indulgence and ongoing pleasure I do not regret. I found a mostly dried up decant of Prada Infusion d’Amande. Did I cry? No! I reveled in the syrupy goodness of what was left.
Thank you to everyone for sharing thoughts and feelings and ideas for movies (the public library! Kanopy!). As for food, can there ever be enough soup recipes? no way! And I think I’m going to join the craze for making sourdough bread starter. It’s been years since I baked a good boule. And my neighbor’s husband brought home a FIFTY pound bag of flour because “that’s all they had at Costco.” Feeling grateful for neighbors who like to share. 😀
Take good care, friends.
I can definitely relate to everything you say here–except, thank goodness, for the food poisoning, although I appreciate the warning! Have a wonderful time with the bread. Baking bread might be the best smell of all.
This was a lovely read.
Thank you! We are in such “interesting” times.
Hear, hear!
I haven’t stopped by here for a while, but I’m glad I did. This was a lovely read, Angela.
I too have been using all of my special perfumes, and taking the time to really enjoy them. I’ve emptied more perfume samples in the past few weeks than I have in the last year! And it’s been nice. A frivolity to be sure, but an uplifting one.
I bought cheap watercolor pencils on a whim, while I was at the grocery store getting essentials. They’re not high quality and are definitely for kids, and somehow that has helped me actually use them. In the past I’ve bought expensive supplies, and then felt intimidated and never used them. I’ve been trying to draw/paint a flower every day, just for fun. I’m a pretty bad artist, but for once I’m not bothered by that.
An unexpected positive thing for me has been the pandemic bringing me back into contact with many friends I hadn’t spoken to in a while. I’ve been video chatting and talking on the phone more, too.
I haven’t been able to focus much to read, and have had a steady diet of pretty trashy tv. I’m hoping to get out of this reading drought soon and at least find a new cozy mystery series to get lost in soon.
I love that you’re painting, and I completely know what you mean about being intimidated by nice materials. I have the same problem with beautiful notebooks. I can’t think of anything sufficiently worthy to write in them, so they go unused.
I am an introvert, so isolation is not affecting me much, in fact I like it. I am in New York City, (quite difficult) and I feel that whatever I do to protect myself and my very ill 80 year old mother, who lives with me is never enough. I am working from home, so I am insanely busy, as usual, but I am grateful for it. The one hour commute that I had before I spend it now sleeping. Heavenly! I take a 45 minute walk every other day during my lunchtime and then a 30 minute walk very late at night time every night. I live in a very quiet neighborhood, so it is never crowded and always safe for walking, especially under the new circumstances. I love very late night walks, because I love to listen to night insect sounds like cicadas, crickets, katydids, etc. Nature has become more alive and the singing and sighting of birds very early in the morning and during the day is very uplifting.
I am also spending more time cooking during the weekends and trying new recipes.
In terms of perfumes I can’t spray heavily these days. It is too overwhelming. I am mostly dabbing or having no more than 2 light sprays on my arms. I need comfort more than anything else. Due to stress I broke my no buy commitment 2 weeks ago and bought full bottles of CdG Kyoto, SSS Incense Pure and Gallivant Istanbul. I don’t regret it! Looking forward to better times where I can go outside without the fear of getting sick or making others sick. In the meantime patience hope and faith is what keeps me going on every day.
Take care, everyone!
It sounds like you know how to live well, no matter what the situation! I can now hear the buzz of nighttime insects and smell a hint of Kyoto. Thank you for describing your day.
Angela, I also relate to you taking joy in the simple pleasures in life. My husband, daughter (20), and I live in the suburbs with our dog, and fortunately we all love each other and get along well. We’ve each been holed away in our own favorite part of the house playing video games, surfing Facebook, puttering around doing small chores, watching tv shows, etc. to pass the time. I see-saw from productive days to lounging around days. Today I’m wearing a few dabs of vintage Diorissimo parfum (glorious stuff). Last week I wore some Mitsouko edt (non-vintage) just for the joy of it. Love green florals, and spring is the perfect time for them, so those have been my main focus. I also love iris (and galbanum) the most, so my ears perked up about SD Florentina. One I haven’t tried! Tonight I made tacos and raspberry margaritas for us – yum! I’ve been doing waaaay more cooking than I’d prefer, but if I have to do it, at least I’m gonna cook food I love. 🙂 Warmest wishes to you and all the others for better days ahead!
It sounds like you really know how to shelter in place! To me, Diorissimo is all spring–lovely. Enjoy those tacos and raspberry margaritas!
I am trying to count my blessings and tell myself that I am fortunate. I work in an industry deemed essential, so I still have my job, as do my coworkers, but because my job is one that does not have to be done at a specific location, I am working from home. Most of my coworkers are still having to go in to work. I work in a laboratory, and there is no way for them to analyze samples from their homes. I am very concerned about my coworkers’ well-being, as well as that of all the employees at the plant. Considering that there are hundreds of people in and out of there every day, the opportunities for the infection to spread are multitudinous.
The biggest difference to my daily routine is not having a 45 minute commute each way, and getting to do my job from my kitchen table. I am taking advantage of the shorter “commute” by sleeping a little later in the morning. I actually find that the relative normality of my day makes the whole thing seem a bit surreal. I have these moments of “If the whole world has just turned upside-down, why am I answering emails and doing laundry?”
Being an introvert, the isolation is not really a big deal, for the most part. My husband and I get more time together now, although he tries not to get in the way when I am working. Just getting to exchange a few words during the day is nice. Our three cats seem to love me being home all day. They get a lot more cuddles and attention when they want, and can go into another room if they are not in a sociable mood. Having them around has been such a big help. I can highly recommend petting cats as a way to counteract anxiety.
We were supposed to be going on vacation next week, but obviously that is not going to happen. I am planning to still take the vacation days, but use them to work on some projects around the house. There are so many things that need to be cleaned, sorted, and organized. I always thought that I just needed a week off where I had nothing else to distract me and I could get it done. I guess we’ll see!
It sounds like you’re doing pretty well, all things considered! I’m glad. (And happy for the cats, too, of course.) Isn’t it wonderful not to have to commute? Stay healthy! I hope you have better luck with house projects than I have had.
Hey Angela, I owe you an email and will get on it soon! The indefinite duration WFH for me started on March 16. Being an extrovert, I did nor know how I would survive past the 3rd straight day of WFH. I thought that without the 3 hour round trip commute, I would have 3 extra hours to do stuff. The best thing I did was to NOT plan out what I will do with all that extra time, As it turned out, I’ve used part of the 3 hours to sleep more (yay!), 1 hour per day of participating in a rosary brigade (and then a 5 minute chat with one of my sisters right after) and COVID-19 newsreading. Starting yesterday, I added a 20 minute no impact kick boxing which I will gradually up to 30 minutes if I can at least 4x a week. I will start reading again at some point. I am still working, usually 8-6 but that is flexible, usually a little bit longer. Anyway, the most stressful for me is going grocery shopping on Saturdays but I will eventually boil that down to a science as a way to thumb my nose at the stress.
Perfume-wise, I wear whatever I want, at least 8 sprays each (day). Wait until I locate vintage Opium…you will smell me where you are ?. Glad to see you!
I thought I would have more time to do stuff as well, with my 90 minute round trip commute taken out of the picture. I think I am spending most of that extra time sleeping, which is good, and any leftover is spent on cooking. It seems that planning a meal, cooking it, eating it, and cleaning up afterward takes more time than going out.
Getting enough sleep is better than taking vitamins. I hope your’e having sweet dreams!
It sounds like one of your coping mechanisms is to be productive. I hope you get lots done, but I hope you get to relax a bit, too! All this uncertainty and anxiety in the air can get to a person. And the kickboxing! What a great way to off-gas stress.
I have a fat bottle of vintage Opium Edt. Maybe we can work something out….
I’m sensing some push-back now against all the advice we are receiving to learn a language, plant a veggie garden, clean the oven, keep a diary for posterity etc etc. I feel that there are tremendous numbers of people telling us what to do and what not to do. I’m feeling defiant. I toyed with the idea of building a bonfire in my local park and inviting my neighbours to dance naked around it with me, each of us a safe 1.5m away from one another. Instead, and more productively, I grabbed a bucket and a brush and scrubbed the grime off my front door and entrance way. Felt good to be doing something no-one had told me to do.
Perfume-wise I’m shopping my collection. Today it was JM Lime Basil & Mandarin. We are having beautiful mild autumn weather and this may be the last airing of LB&M before winter sets in.
Adding: so I’m not going to take on a new language but I might use this opportunity to learn the ‘language’ of some perfumes I struggle with. Madame Rochas, for example. I should love it but there is a weird bright ‘glassy’ effect in it that is off-putting (to me). The thing to do will be to spray fearlessly and see where it takes me. Why not? 🙂
Do it! Bath oil is a great way to plumb the heart of a super aldehydic fragrance, too, if you’re lucky enough to stumble over some. The top sparkle is muted, and the floral bits really come out.
I don’t have the bath oil but your comment sent me poking around the collection I discovered I have a large mini of PDT and indeed, that is smoother at opening – less of that glassiness. The top notes are a bit damaged though.
I’ve just finished Lys Bleu by the way. Loved it! Stayed up late to finish it. 🙂
What is it about PdTs? So often they’re terrific interpretations of a scent. And it makes me so happy to know the Blue Lily was a happy diversion for you!!
Yes, there does seem to be quite a bit of advice in the media. 😉 “I’m feeling defiant.” Love this! Spray fearlessly indeed. 🙂
Maybe I’ll dig out one of the fragrances I struggle with, too, and give this a try today!
A pagan dancing circle smelling like Jo Malone! These are strange times indeed. I know what you mean about all the advice, though. It’s too much pressure! I already put enough pressure on myself. I’m supposed to clean and alphabetize the house, learn Arabic, and lose weight?
The reversing of course from DO ALL THE THINGS to kick back, sleep, and chill seems a good thing to me.
There’s also an underlying assumption that everyone in the world now has unlimited free time on their hands, which of course is not at all true – particularly for those with children.
Yes, I think that assumption is the thing that I find especially irritating. As if parents aren’t already loaded up with enough guilt. Now you have to feel bad because neither you nor your five year old are taking online French lessons.
So true! And I can tell you that even if you don’t have children, the days vanish shockingly quickly. I have no excuse for not having alphabetized and organized my house by now, but there you have it.
Being an introvert and retired for five years already, the lockdown has changed my daily life very little, except I’m doing my daily yoga classes online from home. Plus the weather is still bad here in Canada so not much desire to go outside, other than short dog walks.
When the coronavirus news finally got real, I had some deep moments of fear and took the time to meditate on facing my own death and the death of those I love. I feel much more at peace now and am enjoying the small moments each day. Not saving anything « for good » any more, use it up and enjoy it now! Who knows what tomorrow will bring.
That’s such a great attitude! I hope it sticks with us. And if you have to be on lockdown, having a dog or two with you is a great way to do it.
I only work 3 days a week. When everyone in my department leaves, I spray on a little bit of perfume. When I am at home, I wear whatever I want. My life has changed little with the shelter in place order.
I’m glad things haven’t been too crazy for you. Stay healthy and enjoy that extra spritz of perfume!
“the little things are the big things” — yes and amen!
I would say this has been something that has hit me as well. Life is a big rush and I’ve missed so much along the way but this slow down has forced me, thankfully(!), to pay attention and appreciate all I’ve got. Plus, when we can finally do the stuff we used to do there will be more of recognizing all the good in life.
Wishing you much success in your writing career and big enjoyment of all things fragrant!
Thank you! Simply recognizing we’re not alone in this is a huge gift. I hope you’re doing well!
It would seem we introverts have had an easier time weathering the stay-at-home orders. Count me among them. I also have chronic fatigue so staying at home is my normal. I’d also been attending a twice-monthly support group (for women not with CFS, but another debilitating medical condition we all share) for about a year. A recurring theme is how we deal with living a different life than we expected for ourselves, and how to cope with the limitations that have been foisted upon us. That’s kind of where everyone else is right now, so to some extent I suspect that I might be better prepared than some, emotionally- and spiritually-speaking.
The health and medical end of things are extremely worrying for me, though. I’ve tried to limit reading about and watching news but that is easier said than done (aka, virtually impossible if one wants to read a non-covid article in any major newspaper or magazine, or listen to a podcast, or shop online, etc etc etc.) We recently bought a chromecast and my plan is to sign up for one free-for-a-limited-time app at a time, watch everything I’m interested in, then cancel it and move on to the next.
I do think about others who are in living situations that are far from ideal. Living alone is surely better than living with someone one is not terribly fond of (or worse,) I’d think. I’m fortunate to live in what felt like an unnecessarily large apartment until about 4 weeks ago, with a yard and huge front porch that I’ve always appreciated, and with a spouse whose company I prefer over anyone else’s.
I seem to be one of the few here who’s weathering a financial hit, and I’ll say on behalf of those of us who need and are waiting for all of the promised help from the Feds: 1) Thank you. UI alone would otherwise not even pay all of our monthly bills. An additional $600/week will mean (fingers crossed) that at least we won’t be in the hole by the time all is said and done. But 2) the waiting game for all of this to come together is incredibly stressful, and the lack of clarity is anxiety-producing. This process needs to move much MUCH more quickly and be more transparent.
And Angela, anyone who’s suffered a reduction to income due to the current circumstances should be eligible for UI. But presumably you already know that and have gone through the application process.
I’m glad you already have skills in your toolkit for dealing with the pandemic. And a supportive spouse! We’ll make it, one way or another, and hopefully come out stronger and wiser in the end.
Yes, I’ve enrolled for UI, although the state is behind on getting everyone on the rolls, and I haven’t seen a check yet. I’ll be fine, though, in the end.
Hi Angela, thank you for sharing your story.
Greetings from the Netherlands ???
I am working from home and enjoy not needing to be considerate of co-workers when I put on perfume. ? Needless to say my fragrances comfort me greatly.
Luckily i enjoy the wonderful company of a great husband. We are doing great together.
And I dont mind keeping myself busy (reading, gaming, watching movies or drawing). I guess I am what some people consider an introvert.
But after 4 weeks even I do start to miss everyone…my family, friends, co-workers… i miss the small things, physical contact, having drinks in a cafe or bar, the casual conversations at the coffee machine at work. Also, visits to a perfume store, browsing books in the book shop..stuff like that.
But in the end, what makes this easy for me is knowing these regulations are for the best! For the safety of our elderly and those who are already sick, for our health care system and our health care workers…we need to flatten that curve.
And…we are still permitted to go outside for a walk, here in the Netherlands. I guess it makes it easier as well (instead of a total lockdown).
I am glad to hear you are managing by yourself. And you reminded me..i do need a kimono one day ?
I hope you can return to your writing projects/work quickly. Take care!
Thank you for the kind message! I can still go outside here, too, as long as I keep my distance from others–in fact, I just returned from a brisk hour-long walk. The exercise really helps!
I’m glad you’re weathering the pandemic well, and, you’re right, knowing that social distance is the best for everyone’s health is a real help.
Dear kind and lovely Angela, you are always giving! By sharing with us your present circumstances and frame of mind, a rainbow-colored flood of carings, farings, and wearings has ensued that’s been fun to read.
I loved hearing about the ways you are doing self-care & treating yourself beautifully. You are an amazing writer…I can taste that egg and smell that cloud of Shallie…
We’ll get through this. ????????
What a kind comment–and an amazing array of emojis! Thank you so much. I hope you are well and staying in good spirits. And, you’re right, we’ll get through this!
Hello Angela and thank you for your post!
I have followed this blog for many years and it is a rare time we are in, and our shares reflect that. This experience is isolating us and yet binding us together too! We will remember this time for years to come. And fragrance is so connected to memory.
Because we are lovers of perfume we are also inherently seekers of pleasure and comfort (and I do not mean this negatively).
Olfaction is one way to access spirit, and a way to rise above and/or elevate mood.
I have been drawn to Andy Tauer’s L’Air du Desert Maroccain
It reminds me that there are still open spaces, far and clear and full of Beauty. It reminds me that the earth is healing, that we have this rare opportunity to rest and cleanse ourselves and that simple things are again deeply satisfying.
When I discovered that with the virus one of the first symptoms is the loss of one’s sense of smell I was very alarmed…. I am so grateful to still have my sense of smell!
What a beautiful and thoughtful comment! Thank you. You’ve inspired me to set out Timbuktu to wear tomorrow, because it inspires the same feelings in me.
Stay healthy and in good spirits!
I broke my arm at the end of February, which gave me several days of panic attacks, but, now that the most uncomfortable weeks are past, almost seems lucky in some ways. It keeps me from being very eager to go out, and has served as a welcome distraction from the plague.
Like others, I’m enjoying reconnecting with old friends, and all the online classes. I especially appreciate meditation classes offered by the Insight Meditation Community of Washington (DC). I actually like the online format better than sitting in a class, where I’m mainly looking at the backs of other people’s heads, far from the teacher. Insight meditation is helpful now, and the teachers are skillful in addressing the current situation.
I’ve also been spending more time on NST, which I had gotten away from for a while, and finding this community really wonderful.
I finally got around to ordering from the reborn Sonoma Scent Studio. Yin & Ylang is my favorite scent these days.
Finally, Angela, I’m glad to have the chance to tell you how much I appreciated the March 22 edition of your newsletter. It was just right. (I’m still saving the latest one to savor). And I love this post and the comments it has generated. Thanks so much for all you do!
It sounds like you really know how to make the most of an awful situation! You’re an inspiration. I hope you like my latest newsletter, too. We’re all stumbling through this together. Stay healthy and in good spirits!
I always read your articles with relish. Thank you for coming back!
I look after dogs while their owners are on vacation so I get very busy with only two of them. I am dedicated to their care and write voluminous reports of their daily adventures so their parents know that their dogs are okay and can relax.
I don’t cook; my husband does that and is very good at it. I’m a cleaner and gardener. With the glorious weeks of sunny weather here on the West Coast of Canada, I’ve been able to get a lot done. Husband has been dealing with fixing up the lawns after the chafer beetles have been dug up by various wildlife. We are lucky to be mostly retired. As an only child I am perfectly happy being alone, but being an extrovert, I am also a social butterfly who misses dressing up for events and seeing my friends in person.
I have written my third article for the IPBA magazine and have assembled my bottles for photographing.
Have been using up my last bit of Too Much…C-E. So nice for spring!
It sounds like you’re having a nice confinement! I’m glad. Soon we’ll be able to dress up for events and see people–I hope! In the meantime, enjoy the dogs and the spring weather.
It sounds like you’re enjoying a nice confinement indeed! 😀
I’m an only child also, and believe it or not, a little shy – I could hole up for weeks and be perfectly a-OK with it, much to the dismay of my husband.
Our cat sitter takes loads of pictures of the cats when we go on vacation, it’s always nice to see updates. Which is mostly “everyone loves to cuddle Gino” and “see SmokeyToes hiss”.
Comical…
Thank you for a wonderful, reflective read Angela! I’ve found myself indulging in my stash of high mountain oolong for stress relief and it’s been a lovely new routine.
I’ve been drinking tea in the afternoon, too, which is unusual for me. I love the ritual!