I Hope You Are Okay

Hawk in his Arq outfit

I am okay, everyone I know is okay, I hope the same for you.

I can’t believe how much has changed in only a week.  Friday was the last time I left the house, and I’m beginning to wonder if that was a good idea? I got my haircut early in the morning, and at that time, we thought (or I thought anyway) that the virus could really only be spread by someone who is visibly sick (coughing, etc), so I thought I was okay if I didn’t interact with anyone who seemed sick.  I didn’t get too close to anyone anyway, but now given what we know about how long the virus can live on surfaces, and that it can be spread by people who are asymptomatic, I am a little worried I made a mistake by going out.

That’s neither here nor there at this point; it is what it is.  I’m not afraid exactly, but I am anxious.  I find myself spiraling frequently, and getting lost in thoughts of what if, and what happens next.

I worry about the healthcare workers who are dealing with this on the front lines.  I worry about small businesses (of which I am one) and people who work in retail and services.  How will we survive this shutdown financially? I will survive, because I am lucky to have my husband’s more stable income, but others don’t.  I follow a lot of small businesses/designers who employ a few people, have had to shut down storefronts and are now concerned about paying employees and staying afloat.

Are people shopping for expensive (let’s be honest), independently designed clothing now? I am trying to, but haven’t checked out.  I have a budget for summer clothes (which I desperately need), but I’m having a hard time buying.   Part of that is choosing who to support.  Where do I want my money to go right now? Also, it feels bad somehow, to spend money on clothes.

Of course it’s not*.  Keeping money in the economy is a good thing right now, for everyone.  Supporting small designers who have just launched their spring/summer lines is important right now.  Many small designers and the stores who sell them are offering discounts to stimulate purchasing now, and not later; continuing to buy now gives everyone involved a sense of security we desperately need.  Now.

I’m looking at Black Crane right now (they’re offering free shipping with code STAYSAFE), Jungmaven, and Ace & Jig. What are you looking at?

How are you feeling? How are you doing?

A quick Hawk update: He is seven months now, crawling (!) and in general doing very well. We had to buy an “enclosure” that we call jail LOL since he’s so active lately.  Gone are the days when I can just sit or lay him down and use the bathroom or turn my back quickly and still find him in the same place I left him.

And I’m still managing to keep Slowre open and running.  I’ve slowed down quite a bit and am not taking as many consignment items as I used to, but still have shipments trickle in.  Of course, I could use your support if you’re buying clothes or shoes right now and anything has caught your eye.

Thank you , thank you , thank you.

Please let me know how you’re doing, I miss you!!

*I hope it goes without saying that those of us with means should also support food banks, etc in addition to independent designers.  AND advocate for better benefits for part time and service workers.  Another good idea is to buy gift certificates now for small businesses or services; they get the money now and you can use it later when we’re venturing out again.