The plague is nothing new.......

The art of keeping ourselves entertained while quarantined dates back many centuries. In 1349, following a bubonic plague epidemic that killed more than half the population of his native Florence, Giovanni Boccaccio (1313–1375) wrote The Decameron— a binge-worthy collection of tales told by seven women and three men who've fled the city and confined themselves in an empty villa in the countryside. With time on their hands, they decide that, every evening, each of them will tell a story touching on a pre-established theme. Taking one day off a week for chores, and of course skipping the Sabbath, they tell one hundred stories about knights and ladies, tricksters and reprobates, star-crossed lovers, and randy monks and nuns.

Wow! Now that sounds like fun! It truly is worth diving into the whole article over here at the Public Domain Review. Fascinating!! (Beware, however, most of the stories are not for the prudish!)

SO, dear reader, what is it you have been doing to pass the time during this plague of ours? Is it going well? Could you ever have imagined such a thing happening in our modern world?! Does it at all resemble Boccaccio's?!

Mine, assuredly, does not. I am proud to say though, I actually have accomplished a few things that I had put off for ages, gotten down to some serious crafting (Paper bead making! Earrings earrings everywhere!), and also fabric mask making. This sewing ritual has become a soothing balm of sorts. Creative, with just the right amount of concentration, (not much) precision required, AND people NEED them!. Its a win-win! (seriously if you need one/some let me know).

Now, for a couple of other things which might get you in the creative spirit.

My friend and vintage paper and ephemera idol, Trina Lucido (aside from also making a TON of masks), has started a great series on you tube about making your own QuaranZine (click and it will take you to the you tube vid)! It's a combo journal, scrap/junk keepsake that will be like none other in the whole world. Start saving your scraps of paper, packaging, magazine pages, etc. and follow along with Trina! Also be sure to check out her cool web site with "paper, supplies, and other fun stuff". Tell her Amy sent you!

Another cool-as-all-get-out creative endeavor during this plague is my friends' Justin and Lauren's musical story time.

You guys!!!! Even if you don't know who Pete the Cat is, you should really check out their videos! Kids of any age will think it's a blast! Here's a link for ya:

I Love My White Shoes and Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons. Again, after watching, leave a note and tell them I sent ya!

That's all for now...I really do hope that you and yours are safe and well.

xo

~Amy