Daily Life

STRANGE TIMES.

Life for everyone is getting a little bit weird, scary, and unsettling, but I’ve tried to remain as “calm” as I can. Job security for myself and others feels uncertain and I’m finding myself worrying about losing all that I’ve worked so hard for… which in full disclosure threw me into what felt like a panic attack today. All things considered.. I guess I’m doing pretty good if it didn’t hit until now?

My trip to the grocery store today did make me feel a bit sad as I watched people look at one another and me as if we’re all disease ridden walking plagues. To see the instant anxiety in someone’s eyes as they turned the corner to find another person within a range of them that was too close for comfort. That the simple exchange of handling money, debit cards, or grocery sacks was as if touching something dripping in toxic waste. My greatest fear is that our society will be changed into cold, unsocialized, fearful people. I guess more so than the normal amount.

Today I made sure to say hello, make light humor about the barren grocery store shelves, and ask people how they were doing to remind anyone that I came in contact with (or atleast an 8-10 foot distance) that we’re all still humans that crave basic connection with one another and that in dark times we can still be polite, positive, and humorous with one another.

Before all of this, I was aware that I hadn’t been writing or sharing as much because I had that feeling that no one cared/was listening/reading anymore and that I should just be more present in my own life instead of being worried about documenting every second. While remaining present is something I always try to do, I realize nearly half of the world is cooped up, worried, scared, and in need of some optimism (myself included). I know it feels like it’s almost in poor taste to have fun, feel happy, or enjoy any piece of our lives, but we absolutely have to TRY if we’re going to survive this mentally.

If my corner of the internet can provide relief or help of some kind to someone even for a few minutes, then it’s worth doing.  So with all that being said.. if you want a little something to brighten your day.. let me introduce you to my newest babies…

I’m raising my first farm animals! If you follow my personal or blog Instagram you’ve already seen sneak peeks of these adorable floof balls, but I thought I would introduce them officially here on the blog.

We’ll start with my two redheads..

Dolly is a Rhode Island Red who seems to be the sassiest of the bunch and has a bright red tipped beak. Named after the force of nature herself, Dolly Parton.

Kitty is her Rhode Island Red sister. She was the most skiddish of me at first, but now happily hops on my arm and perches there, also a little more strawberry blonde. Named after country star, Kitty Wells.

My next set of sisters are Black Asian chickens. Loretta has big raven-like wings with just a few spots of white on her body and a yellow belly. She’s quite comfortable with me picking her up, likes to perch on my arm, and is definitely the tallest out of all the hens. I keep waiting for the day I come home to find her out of the brooder and running around the house. Named after the legendary Loretta Lynn.

Then there’s Patsy. She’s all black with white tipped wings and white belly. She’s slowly coming around and perching on my arm or nestling into my hands. She’s of course named after one of my favorites, Patsy Cline.

 Now for my Ameraucanas. I was lucky to find this breed as they don’t normally get them in and when they do, they go fast. They’re famous for their light blue eggs.

First is Tammy. She’s my little blonde and has some of the fluffiest and prettiest feathers out of the whole flock. She’s very calm, let’s me pick her up, loves to rest on my arms and has one of the most beautiful chirps. She’s named after the blonde bombshell, Tammy Wynette, but also Tammy 1. If you’re a Parks & Rec fan you know that Tammy 1 is Ron Swanson’s “blonde chicken.”

And the best for last… my little runt! She’s also an Ameraucana and has remained the tiniest of the flock. After holding her and trying to put her down she often just falls asleep in my hands instead of jumping off. She has some unique markings that remind a bit of a bug so I named her June after June Carter and refer to her as my June Bug.

They bring me so much joy right now which is something that is much needed. I hope if you follow along they’re bringing you some joy as well. Also if you didn’t guess by all their names, I absolutely love Classic Country and the babes that made some of the best music for that genre.

I’m working on repairing the small barn that came with our property and converting part of it into a chicken coop and chicken run. Again if you’ve seen any of my Instagram stories then you know I have my work cut out for me! My dad will be trying to help me with a portion of it, but unfortunately we will have to work on opposite days since I work with the public and could put him at risk.

I hope everyone can find a bit of solace each day and can stay connected via the internet, FaceTime, phone calls, texts, etc. Human connection is always something we need, so try to seek it out in a safe way. Please reach out to me here on the blog if you’re needing help with finding recipes using what you have on hand, tips on being resourceful, and staying active during this period of isolation.

We’re resilient and resourceful people and can make it through this. <3