Sunday Letter: 03.08.2020

Dear Sunday Letter friends,

Did you remember to spring forward this morning? Love it or hate it, Daylight Saving Time began at 2 a.m. When I worked at the bank, I despised losing that hour of much needed sleep. It’s truly amazing how one hour can mess with your mind for weeks to come.

But yay for extra daylight after supper!

Brace Yourself

What a rollercoaster week we’ve had with Super Tuesday voting in several states (including Arkansas) and the coronavirus continuing to spread across the globe. The stock market isn’t happy, that’s for sure. I don’t like to get political here on Grace Grits, nor do I want to add to the hysteria, but I will say this:

I hope you voted (or plan to vote if your state primary hasn’t happened yet);
I hope you ingest at least a bit of unbiased news from some source other than social media, Fox news, or CNN (personally I like the BBC); 
I hope you don’t believe the coronavirus is a hoax. (I also hope you don’t lose your mind over it.)

Fear sells, y’all. Certain media outlets tend to overblow things to the point of popping. It’s true. But I’ve read enough about the influenza pandemic of 1918 to believe that without proper attention and precautions and a little common sense, results can be devastating in ways we can’t completely imagine.

But we have to keep our heads about us. Know the facts. Don’t spread drama and fear. And don’t stockpile all the toilet paper. Other people need it too.

Consumer reaction can often make things worse.

What about the economy? Should we start burying money in the backyard?

Or maybe under the mattress?

I have an economics degree but I certainly can’t predict whether this is a correction or a full-fledged bear market. What I do know—1,000 point swings in the stock market from one day to the next isn’t a good thing; an emergency rate cut by the Federal Reserve feels a bit concerning (the Fed hasn’t called for an emergency rate cut since 2008);  and, the fact that the 10-year Treasury Bond Rate fell below 1% last week makes me swallow hard. But the last thing we need is panic. And bailing out of the stock market when it’s at a low point will certainly lock in your losses.

My immediate plan is to expect market volatility, be calm, and do a little gardening. And yes, I’ve started washing my hands more often.

So there you have it.

Get Outside

One positive this week—the fabulous weather! And what perfect timing. I finally reached the point with my book publishing that I could step away and enjoy the outdoors.

A porch swing will work wonders no matter what ails/worries you.

Thursday, I worked two hours in the native garden at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. This is a regular thing for me (part of my Master Naturalist duties). I also spent some time working in my own yard last week. (Charity begins at home, you know.)

Bottom line—It.Felt.Great!

Deadheading stems from last year’s flowers reminds me that everything has a season. Seeing tender new seedlings coming up through the soil reminds me of the miracle of life and the importance of caring for our planet. Raking away dried leaves to uncover a brilliant bloodroot blossom reminds me that life goes on even when we aren’t paying attention.

What activity brings you peace and comfort?

Found Object

I found this little treasure while walking Saturday morning.

A child’s miniature teacup saucer? A tiny shallow bowl? The markings remind me of the sun.

I saw the rim of it peeking from the soil in a residential lot that has undergone lots of construction, both house and landscaping. Heavy equipment may have uncovered it. The underside has no markings. The milk-white porcelain feels heavy and substantial in my palm.

Any guesses as to what it is/was?

Grilled Burgers

The icing on this spring-like week? John grilled burgers and veggies and chicken thighs. Seriously, there is nothing much better than a grilled burger!

Another sign of spring—the grocery store now has packages of garden cucumbers for sale—the small, crunchy ones that are so yummy with salt and a squeeze of lime, maybe a drizzle of balsamic.

So delicious.

Things Momma Says:

I should be writing for the movies.

***

Alrighty. I’m gonna wrap up this wordy Sunday Letter and get on with my week. And what a thrilling week it will be for me. With the launch of my second book finally a reality, I don’t think even politics can bring me down.

I hope to “see” you at my Virtual Book Launch Party TOMORROW! Click HERE to join in the fun.

Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

Yay! Gene, Everywhere is finally available to purchase on Amazon.