The news has changed. Sure, we are overwhelmed by statistics, infection rates, death counts, and updated stay-at-home orders. And there are still the non-rush hour, rush hour traffic reports followed by the weather forecast. But the tone and focus of the remaining newscasts have a subtle difference. There is more banter between the on-set anchors and those working from their home offices. The viewers have been granted glimpses of children’s toys strewn under their desks, camera stealing felines and the unexpected normal interruptions of home life.

Broadcasts have featured Rockhopper penguins touring the shuttered Shedd Aquarium to visit the exhibits and sharing their explorations on Facebook. They have treated us to Batesburg-Leesville S.C. police officers live-streaming as they read books to kids. At the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, orthopedic Drs. Elvis L. Francois and William Robinson sing and play piano, respectively, after the completion of their shifts. Their most recent rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” has gone viral.

Meanwhile, Patrick Stewart, who has logged over 60 appearances with the Royal Shakespeare Company, is performing a daily recital of Shakespeare’s sonnets on his Twitter account. DJs, singers, bands, and others are hosting live-streaming “virtual parties” and “virtual concerts” on various platforms. Inspired by Italians singing from balconies and open windows, similar serenades have happened in Edmonton, Chicago, Dallas, and other cities.

Every one of these events, each modest gesture, is a shining beacon of hope. For every light that gains national and world attention, countless others are touching one person or a small group of total strangers. Even when we defeat the virus, my hope is we remember these acts and continue to connect with each other. Maybe, finally, the world will be as one.

How will you let your light shine today?

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

I have a set schedule. I write at nine every day.  Rain, shine, I commit to two hours of writing and deliver a finished piece. From sourcing and creating an image to the first draft, through multiple edits, a title, proof-reading, and scheduling a post, my timeline does not change. I find working with a rigid outline forces me into preconceived conclusions. But working without direction or a destination is a recipe for disaster. There is a delicate balance to writing without limits and writing with purpose.

Given too many choices, and no expectations, I can’t decide, and my story goes nowhere. I need rules, constraints, guidelines, a theme, and a challenge. Restrictions like word counts, time limits, and themes, create a puzzle to occupy my critical mind. Specific benchmarks quiet my inner censor which allows my subconscious brain room to play.

The hardest part is getting started. I stutter and fumble with the first sentence as I sift through possibilities and eliminate the pieces that don’t belong to the story I am telling. As my fingers type, I settle into a rhythm. Words sing, my thoughts coalesce, and surprises happen. I relax, I let go of self-consciousness, and the tale emerges.

The finished piece needn’t be “good,” whatever that is. Sometimes I get lucky, and readers connect with the concepts. Those two sacred hours are the best part of my day. My practice keeps me sane and makes me happy. I won’t be giving it up anytime soon.

What is your writing process?

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

The novelty of being home is wearing thin. I know, because I’m hearing complaints of “I’m bored.” Nothing annoys me more. I have zero patience with boredom, even when I have nothing to do. Boredom is a sign you lack a good idea. At the first hint of trouble, I strap on my thinking cap and get creative. If you’re bored, you aren’t trying. There are plenty of options, many of which don’t require shopping. Besides, it’s more fun to do what you can, with the supplies you have, where you are. There are no excuses.

Some ideas include virtual check-ins with friends or relatives you’ve not seen in a while. Give yourself a manicure, a pedicure, and treat yourself to an in-home spa day complete with bubbles. Get active, try yoga or any of the new YouTube at-home exercise videos. Embrace deep spring cleaning and organize a full-blown closet purge.

Start a garden. A tiny kitchen nursery can provide entertainment with tasty results. Speaking of food, bake, explore different recipes, plan home-cooked meals, followed by your favorite cocktail. Make kiddie-cocktails for the wee ones. Doodle, color, or draw, write a poem, or journal to record your coronavirus quarantine. Produce a movie. Update your resume, you might be needing it. Clean up your emails.

In the last week, I joined four online classes with twice-weekly assignments and discovered interesting podcasts. And I am writing.

How will you fill your day?

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer