Wherever you are in this world, you have probably been hearing about coronavirus. I suspect you and your family have talked about whether you will self-isolate, or why people are anxious, or where you will find toilet paper. We've been thinking about these things, too. Andrew has decided to cut short his U.K. tour, and Professor Sidler and I have been working from home. Just in the last few days things seem to have gotten more serious, and so more people are making similar decisions.
Do you remember what Nia said after the Igiby three had their run-in with Slarb?
"Is it all right to go into town?"
Nia took her time flipping the eggs and bacon in the frying pan while they waited for an answer. "Not really, no. It's never safe for you to go into town, especially after what happened yesterday." Janner's shoulders slumped. "But we can't live in fear," Nia said. "We won't live in fear."
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, chapter 15
Your family may have decided that it's not safe to go into town right now, maybe for your own safety, or maybe to help keep others safe. All the same, in our homes or in town, let's not live in fear. Instead, let's think about ways to love people and stay creative and connected. I have a few ideas, and then maybe you have some to share. :-)
- We can write a story together. There's a group in the Flabbit Room doing that right now! They've been at it for a few months, actually. I don't think we can all comfortably fit in one thread, so if you like this idea, consider being a ringleader of a new story. You can also write stories with your family, no forum needed.
- We can restart Friday Night Fights, or start another game in the forum.
- You can also use the forum to start a new discussion: Talk about a hobby you enjoy, or the book you're currently reading. You can even start a book club!
- We have lots of activities in our book club kids. You can find them under "Book Club Kits," above.
- You can have virtual get-togethers with friends online. I like reading out loud over Skype or Facebook Live. Our family found some good games to play on Discord. Miss Linda likes playing online jigsaw puzzles. You can also find some free art classes online, and some museums are offering virtual tours. (Make sure you okay online activities with a parent.)
- If you have young kiddos to help occupy, what about a puppet show, talent show, or a play you write and put on together? What about making your own play-doh?
- If you are allowed to leave the house, you can check on an elderly family member or neighbor, to see if they need anything. Or you can start a neighborhood sing-a-long from your front porch, like some neighbors in Italy are doing!
What all are you guys doing to keep busy? What ideas can you think of to help love people right now?
Walking on Water: This week in the forum we're talking about chapter 8. See you there!