Last year in May my daughters and I went to Montreal and treated ourselves to salon nail gels.
So, we thought as we’re in Lockdown why not do it this at home instead? We clubbed together to buy a gel nail set from Amazon complete with nail gel polish, base, and top coat.
Saturday 4th April we cheered ourselves up, by painting our nails.
It wasn’t quite salon luxury – I donned the necessary hygiene accessories: gloves, disinfectant wipes to clean, a fresh sheet of newspaper for each person, etc, and we were ready to go. (Don’t do this at home if anyone is ill – i.e. has a cough, sore throat or any symptoms of Coronavirus, or if you are at high risk of getting the virus, or have serious underlying health conditions.)
I pretended I was a professional! And we had a good laugh. We even joked with my hubby that he could have a go to but he declined.
When it came to my turn I chose a neon colour, I love jazzy nail shades. Inadvertently, I chose the same brightness of colour I had last year in Montreal, though the shade this time is more pink/red than pink/purple! My eldest daughter went for red and my youngest for a pink, plus she decided to paint one nail on each hand in glitter purple.
They turned out really well and took ages to do, so it’s a great way to spend time!
Poor hubby felt a bit left out. He disappeared in the garden with earphones to listen to music but when he saw our nails he said he thought they were very nice. And, he even said my longer hair, (which I normally get cut every 6 weeks,) suited me.
Later on I skyped mum and dad which really cheered me up too. My dad always says the nicest things – I think he thinks I’m perfect! Lol, so if I ever need a boost to my ego all I need is a five minute chat with him. Mum and dad are both staying fairly cheerful considering everything. Bless them.
Then…
A Frightening Dream
Last night I had the most frightening dream. I was on campus somewhere, (a mature student!) and these three young lads terrorised me, (one was only fifteen,) as I walked home one night, They taunted me with sexual innuendos and followed me all the way to my bus stop. Then they sat near me on the bus home. I was terrified that they were planning to get off at the same stop as me. By chance a friend of mine joined me on the bus, and they started chatting to her as if everything was normal. I asked her to move with me to the back of the bus, so I could tell her what happened without them hearing. She seemed a bit surprised by my request but did as I asked. As soon as we were seated I explained what had happened – how they had been suggestive, threatening and lewd. She was shocked to hear that. We were so relieved when they got off the bus before us.
If I was analysing this dream I’d say it shows the depth of my anxiety and uncertainty about life at the moment. We have no idea how long Lockdown will continue, how many people will become infected, or how many will die. It is so unsettling, upsetting and disturbing.
So, it’s even more important to focus on those things that will lift your mood and take your mind off the situation. Whatever makes you happy – whether it is pottering in the garden, drawing and painting, watching TV, reading a book, keeping fit, caring for your house plants, meditating, or painting your nails! Everything that makes you happy is so important right now.
Here are my Montreal inspired posts:
https://mjmallon.com/2019/05/26/grafitti-murals-montreal-canada/
https://mjmallon.com/2019/06/06/notre-dame-basilica-montreal-canada-travel-holiday/
Some links from my blogging and author friends:
A scam to be aware of via Hugh: https://hughsviewsandnews.com/2020/04/02/warning-covid-19-scam/
From my friend Ritu –
From Charli Mills at Carrot Ranch: https://keweenawnow.blogspot.com/2020/04/guest-article-keweenaw-joins-grassroots.html/
An article featuring a couple of bloggers/authors I follow: Darlene Foster, Debby Harris:Views of COVID 19 – Thailand, Mexico, Spain and Australia – https://traveltalesoflife.com/views-of-covid-19-thailand-mexico-spain-and-australia/
From Richard Dees who is in self isolation in Devon – all his daughters are in the nursing profession – one daughter is a midwife, another one is a nurse in ITU, (her husband is a consultant,) and daughter three is in her third year nursing training. Do pop over to his blog to say hello. He has some books on sale: https:///another-week-has-passed/
Natalie Ducey is offering a free download of her poetry: https://natalieducey.com/2020/04/04/the-hearts-lullaby-poetry-collection/
Last day of Anne Allen’s promo #booklovers Bargain! The Guernsey Novels Books 1-3 boxset only 99p/99c until 5/4/20 drama/love/mystery on a beautiful island https://books2read.com/TheGuernseyNovels1-3 @AnneAllen21 #guernseynovels
Stay safe, stay well, stay in!
Available for free on kindle unlimited and to buy in kindle and paperback: http://mybook.to/MrSagittarius
What fun!!!
Yes it was Ritu. Just what my youngest needed. She is finding Lockdown so hard – separated from her boyfriend and friends. I knew it would be hardest for her.
It us such a tough time, but they are lucky the technology they have, to stay in touch… 💜💜💜
Yes just as well we have that. Just added your link to this post for your sale. x
You are an angel. Thank you 💜💜💜
You’re welcome. x
I always do my own nails and have continued even though no one will see them! A great thing to do together. Thanks so much for sharing the post on dealing with the crisis around the world. Hang in there and stay safe. xo
PS I´ve been having weird dreams too. Scary times but the fact a friend showed up in the dream means you know you are not alone.
Ah, thank you Darlene and thank you for the friend analysis part of the dream. That is interesting and true. I am very lucky to be with my family and keep in touch with so many friends virtually throughout the world. xx
Big virtual hugs back at you!
Thank you and to you and yours. x
A fun idea, Marje. I have been making Easter characters out of Easter egg. We are also trying to keep ourselves occupied and entertained.
What a fun post, hard times but so glad you are all together 💜.
Yes so glad I have my girls and hubby. Xxxx
Be safe 💜
And you too Willow. How are you all coping? x
We are okay 💜🌈
Great post 😁
Thank you. 🙂
A lovely pick me up Marje 🙂 x
Thank you. That’s my intention trying to do my best to lift spirits at this horrendous time. Take care. Marje x
Sounds like a great idea and fun. I think at the moment it is great to complete tasks and see the results like all your lovely nails. It gives us some control when it seems the world around us is going crazy. And it is a moment you will all remember for a long time.. ♥
Yes, I agree Sally. It’s the little things that matter, small moments of time. Life is so crazy at the moment and it would be so easy to get low and down. Got to try and look at the positives. Take care, Marje x