|
"If you have the power to make someone happy, do it. The world needs more of that."
— Unknown
|
|
|
|
Teri sheltering in her cabin
|
|
|
I’ve been sheltering in place for five weeks. I’ve had such a range of emotions over that time—it’s felt a bit like a roller coaster. I wake up and do everything I can to make it the best day possible, but there is truthfully so much out of our control. You know that expression, “Stop the world, I wanna get off!” Well, let’s be careful what we wish for. The world has stopped, and I wish I could get back on. Everything feels so wobbly, but while it is so uncomfortable, it’s also a time for amazing personal growth. Every day, my mission is to find my footing, and some days are better than others.
|
|
|
|
Throwback of Teri, Zach, and the rest of the nocrumbsleft crew working together in Chicago
|
|
|
There are times I feel like I’m underwater. As a girl who wakes up and gives 175% every day, I pride myself on my productivity. So, for me, one of the most challenging parts of this time is feeling that I’m not doing enough. Slowly, I have moved to a place of realizing that giving 80% may be 100% of what I have, and I’m striving to learn that that’s ok.
|
|
|
|
We keep rolling no matter what
|
|
|
This week we're talking about positive quarantine stories. My mother believed in the inherent goodness of people, and she raised three strong women who embody that belief. I am seeing evidence of this goodness in people now, from all the people in New York who come to their windows and balconies to cheer on the front-line workers every day, to the employees at the local grocery store near my cabin who treat me with extraordinary kindness when I place my phone order for groceries--by calling me honey, dear, or doll, which honestly just tugs at my heartstrings. I see humankind rallying and people being extraordinarily kind and digging deep to ask, what can I do to make a difference?
|
|
|
|
Teri and her mom
|
|
|
My mom has been gone 20 years and I find myself missing her more than ever. At times I burst into tears because I miss her wisdom and her shelter. When I think about how we will look back on this time, I want to be proud of how I showed up. It’s important for us to give back to the community. We have been quietly making a difference for our community members by helping people in a desperate situation who need groceries. If you are in a dire situation and need help, please click here to learn more. If you are in a position to help others, click here to let us know how you want to help, or ask how to be paired with someone in need. No amount is too small.
|
|
|
|
Staying in touch
|
|
|
I heard a New York City chaplain speak, and she said: even though we can't be together, even though we can't grieve together, we are all sharing in this communal experience of longing. The ways in which we cry together in the middle of that is something profoundly holy. And her message has stayed with me and truly touched my heart.
|
|
|
Join me in my kitchen this Wednesday, April 29 at 7pm CST for an Instagram Live cook-a-long. Be sure to watch the Instagram stories on Monday morning to find out what recipe I'll be making. Then get your supplies and make yours before, during, or after! Hope to see you there!
|
|
|
Inspiration From This Week's Contributors
|
|
|
Compassion Through Passion
|
|
|
|
Julie Meulemans helping a child create art
|
|
|
Creating something from nothing defines what it means to be an artist. When you put a crayon or a paint brush into the hands of a child, magic happens! Last month when the world went insular, I decided to cultivate a virtual art show for kids of all ages via social media. The day I received a submission from India, I knew we had something special. We have featured everything from the sweet scribbles of toddlers to a thesis from a young woman at Parsons School of Design. There’s no greater gift than watching the pride of a young artist shine!
Julie Meulemans
@curlygirljules
www.juliemeulemans.squarespace.com
|
|
|
|
Chad Tallon with two of his theatre students
|
|
My job as an educator, in this moment, is to be a memory maker.
If we’re honest with ourselves, we know that students are NOT going to remember what they learned during this time in their lives. They will, however, remember the unique time spent with family and how the internet became our gateway to the rest of the world. It will be bookmarked in their brain forever. Through lip-sync competition tournaments on Facebook, virtual theatre performances presented on Zoom, and lessons focused on emotional health, not content, I strive to be a bright color on their bookmark.
Chad Tallon, Theatre Teacher, Thomas Metcalf School
@Mr_Tallon
www.ActingWithChad.com
|
|
|
|
Gina Dwyer's son watching one of his teacher's videos
|
|
My son's first grade teacher is making daily videos of the morning calendar routine, saying the pledge and talking about the weather. She has sent videos of herself reading books and poetry. On their online meetings, she looks heartbroken and near tears when she sees their faces. She chats with them face to face in these Zoom meetings about feelings, changes, and fears. When I sit with my son and watch all the kids interact with her, I cry--not in view, of course. You can see how much she loves and misses them. She is truly a wonderful person and a fabulous teacher.
Gina Dwyer
@thesecondtuesdayinjanuary
|
|
|
Bringing the Classroom Home
|
|
|
|
Zara watching Ms. Chao's video from home
|
|
My daughter's third grade teacher officially went on maternity leave this week, but she still managed to send students a video of their school year. It touched on what they had learned academically, the friendships they had fostered, and all the fun they have had. It was such a nice surprise to view the video, which brought back wonderful memories. She's also organizing and re-thinking lesson plans for remote learning, keeping kids engaged, making it positive--and always with a smile on her face. All this while getting ready to become a first-time mom! She's amazing. We love Ms. Chao.
Clarissa Dobek
@clarissd
|
|
|
|
Lauren McCall's snail mail
|
|
|
1. I got my love for cooking back! I’m not in a rush, just trying to get something on the table. Instead I am enjoying looking for new recipes and meals to try.
|
|
|
2. I’m also enjoying snail mail. I love receiving mail, and I’m sending loved ones simple cards or a funny memory weekly.
Lauren McCall
@laurenmccall25
|
|
|
Limited edition Robyn's Egg Blue and Cherry Blossom available now only through the VIP link below.
|
|
|
She's here and inspired by nature! We are so excited to announce the new limited edition collection in Robyn's Egg Blue and Cherry Blossom. It's currently available in Marinated Onion Bowls, Patty Bowls, Crum-bowls, and Pitchers. Patrick Bowls, Everything Bowls, Bigger Bowls, and Nesting Bowls will be added to the collection soon—stay tuned! This collection is not in the shop and only available to blog subscribers through this VIP link.
|
|
|
|
A food hamper Parkdale Food Centre put together this week showing the fresh vegetables they provide
|
|
|
Access to food is a basic human right, and I am so proud of the work we do in our community. I jumped at the chance to become the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Parkdale Food Centre, which feeds the homeless, families in shelters, and those with addictions. Our centre is one of the few in the area to provide a variety of fresh produce. We have had to pivot quickly to keep our centre safe. It has become even more critical to have our food centre at the hub of our neighbourhood.
Deb Abbott
@debabbottottawa
|
|
|
Joe’s Special is a revelation and if you haven't made it, it's a must-do. Click here for the recipe.
|
|
|
Have you entered the Made In Giveaway?
|
|
|
To enter, click here to yesterday's post, like it and leave a comment letting everyone know what you are going to make in your Made In Fry Pan. You must be a blog subscriber and following @madein & @nocrumbsleft on Instagram.
|
|
In February, I checked out the No Crumbs Left cookbook from the library (I’m on a budget, so I cannot buy it), and since the library is now closed, I can’t return it, so I’m enjoying it indefinitely! I love the book and have made so many delicious recipes and Magic Elixirs! At this point, I don’t want the library to reopen!
Lorraine Thomas
@lorraine_thomas_photography
|
|
|
This Week's Table Talks Podcast
Episode 15: Love, Loss and The School of Life
|
|
|
While the podcast is on hiatus, we're returning to some of our favorites. In this episode from Season 1, Teri talks with stylist and author Barri Leiner Grant @thememorycircle, sharing their take on keeping their moms’ memories alive through story telling, traditions, and spirited sightings. They dig into what it means to be brave and how to invent a career that blooms from The School of Life. Listen in and share with your friends!
Listen on:
  
|
|
|
This week we've teamed up with Spindrift to give away two 8-packs to a lucky follower! Click below to enter.
|
|
|
|
|
