Are you trying to protect yourself or someone you love who may be vulnerable to COVID-19? Make some new habits! |
| I'm a professional germophobe! Err, I mean, professional classical singer. We've been doing this stuff for years, since getting a cold is detrimental in our profession. I asked a few of my singer colleagues to help me out with this list. Help us make it even better! Once I have the complete list, I can email it out to everyone- so they can post it in public places! | DISCLAIMER: These practices are NOT in any way a guaranteed way to keep you from spreading viruses. These are just creative ways to think about how to be more careful than ever before, to make a better world. Stay Home, Save Lives. Only leave your home if absolutely necessary. Follow all CDC guidelines. My views are my own. |
Do you know someone that needs to understand why we are social distancing?
Feel free to show them the letter I wrote to my family and friends.
Also see: 7 Immunity Boosting Ideas for COVID-19, and a Warning about Elderberry
Let's get the basics out of the way:
WASH YOUR HANDS thoroughly for at least 20 seconds! Learn how to properly wash your hands
(many people are actually doing this uselessly when they do it, and not often enough!)
and NEVER TOUCH YOUR FACE! At least, try not to. When you do have to touch your face, wash your hands first.
The nasty little virus droplets enter in through your nose, mouth, and eyes. Please be a responsible global citizen. All ideas here are meant to be supplemental to the guidelines as outlined by The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, at www.cdc.gov.
HOW LONG CAN THE VIRUS LAST ON SURFACES?
"New research from the National Institutes of Health, Princeton University, and the University of California, Los Angeles, broke down how long the COVID-19 virus can survive on different surfaces. And while these results could be affected by temperature, humidity, UV light, and wind, it's a reminder of how easily the virus can spread. Luckily, the virus isn't airborne. But it can linger in droplets on particles in the air. The study found that viruses could last up to three hours in droplets in the air. Maintaining a distance of six feet from other people can help avoid particles spread through a cough or a sneeze.
On copper surfaces, like a drawer handle, the virus can last up to four hours.
While researchers found that the virus can survive on cardboard for up to 24 hours, the CDC believes packages or mail are unlikely to transmit the virus.
COVID-19 appears to last the longest on plastic and stainless steel, two to three days. That's longer than the flu can live on surfaces, according to the CDC. Nonporous surfaces seem to allow the virus to survive longer." (Like your phone!)
WASH YOUR HANDS thoroughly for at least 20 seconds! Learn how to properly wash your hands
(many people are actually doing this uselessly when they do it, and not often enough!)
and NEVER TOUCH YOUR FACE! At least, try not to. When you do have to touch your face, wash your hands first.
The nasty little virus droplets enter in through your nose, mouth, and eyes. Please be a responsible global citizen. All ideas here are meant to be supplemental to the guidelines as outlined by The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, at www.cdc.gov.
HOW LONG CAN THE VIRUS LAST ON SURFACES?
"New research from the National Institutes of Health, Princeton University, and the University of California, Los Angeles, broke down how long the COVID-19 virus can survive on different surfaces. And while these results could be affected by temperature, humidity, UV light, and wind, it's a reminder of how easily the virus can spread. Luckily, the virus isn't airborne. But it can linger in droplets on particles in the air. The study found that viruses could last up to three hours in droplets in the air. Maintaining a distance of six feet from other people can help avoid particles spread through a cough or a sneeze.
On copper surfaces, like a drawer handle, the virus can last up to four hours.
While researchers found that the virus can survive on cardboard for up to 24 hours, the CDC believes packages or mail are unlikely to transmit the virus.
COVID-19 appears to last the longest on plastic and stainless steel, two to three days. That's longer than the flu can live on surfaces, according to the CDC. Nonporous surfaces seem to allow the virus to survive longer." (Like your phone!)
Exercise #1: Ask yourself, "How often and why do I touch my face each day?"
Write down every scenario. (I would really encourage you to physically write it down, because that often helps us to really think it through, and remember it)
Like these:
Brushing your teeth, brushing your hair, Eating, rubbing eyes, rubbing/picking your nose (ick!), putting on any makeup, wiping sweat off your brow, biting your nails due to anxiety because -life (don't bite your nails!!!) ...when you're thinking, or 'staring off into the distance', or reading...when you have an itch or irritant.
Exercise #2: Likewise, "What do I touch a lot?" Make a list. Things like computer keyboards, PHONES, desk surfaces, handles, railings, for us musicians- the piano keys and music stand etc… these are the things that need regular cleanings.
Try “practicing” this by challenging yourself to move around your home for 5-10 mins at a time without touching anything with your hands. Use this skill when you have to go to an appointment or anything outside of your home. Walk into the rooms/places, without touching anything.
Exercise #3: You miiiiight have a bit more time right now to watch movies, TV, youtube or whatever else. ...With all that free time and binge-watching, do it with a purpose!
So while you are watching the next show - Watch it with a pen and paper beside you - And jot down every time that you see a person on the screen touch their face.
Write down every scenario. (I would really encourage you to physically write it down, because that often helps us to really think it through, and remember it)
Like these:
Brushing your teeth, brushing your hair, Eating, rubbing eyes, rubbing/picking your nose (ick!), putting on any makeup, wiping sweat off your brow, biting your nails due to anxiety because -life (don't bite your nails!!!) ...when you're thinking, or 'staring off into the distance', or reading...when you have an itch or irritant.
Exercise #2: Likewise, "What do I touch a lot?" Make a list. Things like computer keyboards, PHONES, desk surfaces, handles, railings, for us musicians- the piano keys and music stand etc… these are the things that need regular cleanings.
Try “practicing” this by challenging yourself to move around your home for 5-10 mins at a time without touching anything with your hands. Use this skill when you have to go to an appointment or anything outside of your home. Walk into the rooms/places, without touching anything.
Exercise #3: You miiiiight have a bit more time right now to watch movies, TV, youtube or whatever else. ...With all that free time and binge-watching, do it with a purpose!
So while you are watching the next show - Watch it with a pen and paper beside you - And jot down every time that you see a person on the screen touch their face.
- Plan your route, if you're going out, and make lists for what you need. Minimize your footprints (and HAND prints!) outside your home as much as possible
- Best advice: Don’t go around afraid of contracting the virus, just pretend like you already have it and you are trying to protect the vulnerable from getting it. If you DO have the virus, for heaven sake's don’t go anywhere unless it’s a medical reason.
- Have separate shoes for inside your home, and leave the “outside” shoes outside your door, if you have an entryway, alternatively, you can clean the soles of your shoes with some disinfectant. Some cultures use separate shoes for JUST their bathrooms, too. Makes sense.
- Don't shake hands.For now, stay at least 6 ft away from everyone.
- Don’t eat finger foods with your fingers. This is sandwiches, burgers, fries, chips, snacks, and the like …OR make sure that your hands are completely clean before doing so! Then, AFTER you eat, WASH THEM AGAIN! (you touched your mouth and you don't want to spread to others)
- Tissues (or a hankie/rag) to avoid skin to skin contact and if you feel a sneeze coming on. That’s the best practice. Secondarily – sneezing into your elbow. Make sure your elbow actually BLOCKS the sneeze.
- Regularly wash towels (every day!) from your bathroom and kitchen areas… have a separate towel for clean hands after washing hands, than the ones you shower with.
- Here's a detailed video on how to safely bring groceries or takeout items home.
- Wear a sweater, long sleeved shirt, or jacket, or gloves (not the medical grade kind! I mean like warm gloves) so that you can avoid pulling open doors or flipping light switches, or touching railings with your bare hand. Then if you had to use them with gloves - you should stick your gloves in their bag - and wash them... Washing your hands after handling them.
- Sanitize your phone multiple times per day. OR – while out of your home, put your phone in a wet bag (they make these designed for underwater use -designed for your phone), every time you go out, use and operate your phone from the wet bag, the idea is that the bag is easier to disinfect, and just remove your phone from the bag once you're home. Wet bags often come with a cord or something crossbody so you can wear it outside your clothes or pockets.
- Carry around your own pen for signing things like receipts, and keep a pencil inside a ziplock bag in your purse or pocket…. Use the pencil tip to touch any touch screens, ATMs, elevator buttons, and signing screens at checkouts, then after each use -sanitize the tip of your pencil (or don’t if you don’t have sanitizer) but return it to your ziplock bag…then, the zip lock bag needs to be swapped out! In a pinch, without a pencil- I use my pinkie to sign a screen (or to touch anything that can’t be touched by my elbow) and tuck my pinkie into my palm (in an uncomfortable way to remind me I can't un-clench it and touch anything else, until I have washed my hand.
- Sanitizer isn’t always the most optimal way to clean your hands – fyi, washing your hands for 20 seconds is always better than sanitizer. If you don’t have hand sanitizer there are plenty of DIY hand sanitizer tips out there.
- While we're talking about sanitizer, think about the top part of the sanitizer bottle that gets squeezed...yeah, it probably needs to be wiped too.
- Make a handwashing station in your vehicle - Put a large container of tap water (You could go all out, and buy big 5 gallon kind) ...and a good ol' bar of soap, it's not that difficult to put in the car, easy to give your hands a good rinsing on the go! (For after those gas pumps...!)
- Upon entering your home, immediately take off at least the outer layer of clothes or any particularly “affected” items, and bag them in a garbage sack to wash (if you’re being environmentally friendly, a large laundry sized wet bag would work even better!) and it all goes in the wash. Wash your hands after putting the clothes into the wash.
- To be over the top - Take a shower when you get home, and a nose rinse! I have a blog and video about that for toddlers and kiddos. Nasal rinsing is thought to provide some benefits to shortening the length of a cold. It also feels better!
- Obviously frequently clean all frequently touched items in your home such as: Door handles (on appliances too) Counters, sinks, the flusher on your toilet
- No toilet paper? Purchase a cheap attachable bidet for your toilet. You’d be surprised how easy this is, and it’s so much more hygienic. There are super fancy ones too, if you’d like to go all out. Much of the world has been doing this for ages. And a few of us here in the US are weirdos that love it. There are peri bottles that Squirt upwards and work great for when you're on the go - and they might need to be a more common place item than you would think for your purse, so that when someone has stolen all the toilet paper from the public restroom you're in - you're not going to have to drip dry.
- Definitely don’t touch a gas pump ever with bare hands if you can help it. AND furthermore- don't slather your hands with sanitizer after touching the pump, that just wipes that junk all around. Gross. Wash your hands. Or have an old pair of snow gloves (again, not wasting medical gloves here!) that you keep in your side door of your car, in a bag, just for gas pumps.
- If you can touch something with your elbow (or even knees), instead of your hand – DO it … it’s hard to get your elbow up to your face. …good example is pushing a door open that doesn’t have a handle…you can push it open with the side of your arm instead of your hand. I've done this since before I can remember.
- Thoroughly wash your fruits and veggies (soaking them in a vinegar bath is great or spraying them with veggie cleaner)
- Community laundry? Eek. Maybe figure out an alternative if you’re able to… DIY washer in your tub? Google it. It may be fine - the virus is killed by the detergent, BUT - your clean clothes coming out of the dryer may sweep across a virus-y surface...or someone might touch your stuff.
- FLOORS: This is why your shoe situation is SO important. When people sneeze/cough – those nasty virus droplets fall to the floor …and you walk through it. Don’t let kids play, crawl, or roll around on public floors. In your own home, clean your floors regularly, use natural/safe cleaners if you have little ones and pets.
- Be mindful of what TOUCHES the floor in a public place if it's a dirty one and COMES UP to counter and table top level- Water bottles, toys, backpacks, books, toys, etc
- Pets – Wash your hands before and after playing/touching/snuggling your pet…they can have all kinds of wonderful things on their fur/face/feet. Also, the verdict seems to still be out on whether this virus can be spread back to pets, or domestic animals, livestock, etc. Since the origin of the virus was probably from an animal. Regardless, your pet is a “surface” just like your hands or anything else.
- If you have littles that are crawling around…maybe re-think this…create a space/room or otherwise that is pet-free (think of pet’s paws and where they have been!) And/or damp-mop ceramic or hard wood floors with hot water and vinegar or other natural cleaners so that babies aren’t crawling in harsh chemicals (but all that was true before COVID-19!)
- The virus can last 2-3 DAYS on metal and plastic surfaces…. Metal/plastic playgrounds may not be a good idea for the littles. In fact – probably forego those altogether…find a field or a hill or something… climb trees? :)
- Packages or Mail from the outside – one strategy: put them in the same spot every time you bring in a package. Try to minimize the surface area of where you contact the package with your hands or fingers. Then, after opening the package, WASH YOUR HANDS! Another strategy, is to leave packages/mail alone in a dedicated/closed off space for the night, and open them after the virus can has had the appropriate amount of time to "die" off. See how long the virus lasts on surfaces here.
- If you have cuts or scratches on your hands -cover them with bandaids before leaving home.
- A few drops of lavender in your hand lotion will help to heal chapping or scratches on your hands to heal faster… calendula or coconut oil could help too.
- Disinfect your vehicle’s steering wheel and doors/handles and when you come home, your house's door handles
- If using public transportation…don’t touch ANYTHING. Agh.
- KIDS - Wiping your kids faces...wash your hands - wash THEIR hands...better yet just spray them off before coming back into your home with the hose and soap (kidding, not kidding).
- What else? #ThinkOutsideYourBox via social media (Instagram or Facebook) to complete this list, or comment in the add field below.
Also - this is a nice article detailing why everything I outlined above is not just "OCD behavior", but SUPER IMPORTANT AND VITAL behavior right now!
Do You Have More Ideas?
Do you know someone that needs to understand social distancing? Feel free to show them the letter I wrote to my family and friends. No politics, just good sources and positivity!
Or Go To: 7 Immunity Boosting Ideas for COVID-19, and a Warning about Elderberry
0 Comments
Here's the thing. There is SO much misinformation out there right now.
It's always been like that, and it is difficult to sift through. I sifted through it, to provide a narrative of what's most important, with solid sources and no politics.
It's always been like that, and it is difficult to sift through. I sifted through it, to provide a narrative of what's most important, with solid sources and no politics.
|
I have four main points: 1. Share what I have found to be most relevant related to COVID-19 2. Why it's dangerous to say "we should be more worried about the flu" or ignoring media coverage surrounding it 3. ACTION: How to be a responsible global citizen i.e. social distancing 4. Messages of hope, positivity, ideas for us to strengthen, and help each other. This is not a political post. My views are my own. |
Dear Friends and Family, Everyone is entirely capable of sifting through the news and current situation. It can be overwhelming though. This is meant to be a helpful narrative with good sources all in one spot. The reader should interactively click on sources as they go along. I have personally benefited when others share their perspectives, and so I wish to share mine - devoid of politics and debate, and with positive energy asserted into it. So thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts. With love, -Rach |
My personal perspective as of ONE WEEK AGO (Monday, March 9, 2020):
I was preoccupied with the business of life, and in the mindset of "Oh, this COVID-19 stuff is probably awful, but the media, as usual, is blowing everything way out of proportion" and I was turned off to it all. I expected this to be like every other epidemic that felt so far away, and largely didn't affect my daily routine.
I heard rumors surrounding the panicking and hoarding that began with all the toilet paper/hand sanitizer etc. and 'Black Friday' behaviors. I moved right along with life as normal. I thought I was informed on what I needed to be, and I was thinking "These crazies are over-reacting." I was also tired of all the politics mixed up in it, which was off-putting. And then, someone shared the interview below, I watched it- and I realized things were much different than I thought I knew. I scoured the best media sources to learn more. I knew I had to act. I immediately sent messages off to my daughter's preschool as quickly as I could, that I was withdrawing her from class (before schools closed)...and I detailed to them, (basically a shorter version of this blog post) providing reasons and sources as to why I was choosing to do what I was doing, and why I thought everyone else should too.
I teach nearly 20 hours of private voice, violin, and piano studio students in my home each week. If I don't teach them, I don't make that income. -I canceled all of them. And my husband was officially working from home by Thursday, once he got back from his business trip to DC (travel, I know! We are self-isolating now, just in case).
As if on cue, my three year old daughter started to cough on the same day of my realization. *( She coughed before my husband got home FYI, and a week later now, my daughter is still coughing, not a dry cough or fever....and otherwise fine - we will not get tested unless medically necessary as per the current guidelines of the CDC, and I notified my studio of students).
SO - Here we go!
Firstly, what's in a name?
I didn't initially realize there were so many names being thrown around, or why. So, FYI: the actual virus has a name, and the disease it causes has a name.
So when people call this "THE Coronavirus", that's actually not quite right. See clarification on that below. If you don't care about names - skip this section. :-)
In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ (meaning "crown" in Latin) ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as “2019 novel coronavirus” or “2019-nCoV”.
"Coronaviruses are actually large family of viruses. Some coronaviruses cause illnesses in people, but many of them do not. Most of the coronaviruses that make people sick usually only cause mild respiratory disease, similar to the common cold.
The new coronavirus that is causing alarm officially is named SARS-CoV-2, but it also is known as 2019 novel coronavirus. It is called novel because it hasn’t been seen in human beings before. It first was identified in Wuhan, a city in China, in December 2019. Because the virus is new, the investigation of it is evolving rapidly and being updated frequently. The disease the virus causes is known as coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19 for short. You may see the virus referred to as the COVID-19 virus. " (Excerpted from RUSH MEDICAL CENTER'S WEBPAGE, CHICAGO, IL)
1. They believe that it is possible to have the virus and also spread it to others while not experiencing any symptoms, whatsoever. This contributes significantly to it's ability to spread.
2. Since widespread testing is not available yet, you truly might be carrying it around and have no clue, RIGHT now. You may have even already had it...it can be mistaken easily for a cold or flu-like illness. However, it can develop into something much more serious, for the vulnerable portion of our population.
3. Thankfully, Little children seem to have such robust immune systems that this virus has little effect on them, and it mostly results in a mild illness. They can still spread it.
4. Without proper social distancing measures taken, this can spread exponentially from a small number of cases to the thousands in a matter of days. Why? It is a new strain, and no human is immune to this COVID-19 Virus until they have had it.
5. There's another myth floating around out there saying that once our hemisphere warms up, it will go away, which has been addressed by the CDC as up in the air, because the virus is so new, we don't really have an answer for that yet.
So here are a few of my favorite sources that simply cut to the chase, first and foremost, this graphic, explained in the source directly beneath it.
I was preoccupied with the business of life, and in the mindset of "Oh, this COVID-19 stuff is probably awful, but the media, as usual, is blowing everything way out of proportion" and I was turned off to it all. I expected this to be like every other epidemic that felt so far away, and largely didn't affect my daily routine.
I heard rumors surrounding the panicking and hoarding that began with all the toilet paper/hand sanitizer etc. and 'Black Friday' behaviors. I moved right along with life as normal. I thought I was informed on what I needed to be, and I was thinking "These crazies are over-reacting." I was also tired of all the politics mixed up in it, which was off-putting. And then, someone shared the interview below, I watched it- and I realized things were much different than I thought I knew. I scoured the best media sources to learn more. I knew I had to act. I immediately sent messages off to my daughter's preschool as quickly as I could, that I was withdrawing her from class (before schools closed)...and I detailed to them, (basically a shorter version of this blog post) providing reasons and sources as to why I was choosing to do what I was doing, and why I thought everyone else should too.
I teach nearly 20 hours of private voice, violin, and piano studio students in my home each week. If I don't teach them, I don't make that income. -I canceled all of them. And my husband was officially working from home by Thursday, once he got back from his business trip to DC (travel, I know! We are self-isolating now, just in case).
As if on cue, my three year old daughter started to cough on the same day of my realization. *( She coughed before my husband got home FYI, and a week later now, my daughter is still coughing, not a dry cough or fever....and otherwise fine - we will not get tested unless medically necessary as per the current guidelines of the CDC, and I notified my studio of students).
SO - Here we go!
Firstly, what's in a name?
I didn't initially realize there were so many names being thrown around, or why. So, FYI: the actual virus has a name, and the disease it causes has a name.
So when people call this "THE Coronavirus", that's actually not quite right. See clarification on that below. If you don't care about names - skip this section. :-)
In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ (meaning "crown" in Latin) ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as “2019 novel coronavirus” or “2019-nCoV”.
"Coronaviruses are actually large family of viruses. Some coronaviruses cause illnesses in people, but many of them do not. Most of the coronaviruses that make people sick usually only cause mild respiratory disease, similar to the common cold.
The new coronavirus that is causing alarm officially is named SARS-CoV-2, but it also is known as 2019 novel coronavirus. It is called novel because it hasn’t been seen in human beings before. It first was identified in Wuhan, a city in China, in December 2019. Because the virus is new, the investigation of it is evolving rapidly and being updated frequently. The disease the virus causes is known as coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19 for short. You may see the virus referred to as the COVID-19 virus. " (Excerpted from RUSH MEDICAL CENTER'S WEBPAGE, CHICAGO, IL)
1. They believe that it is possible to have the virus and also spread it to others while not experiencing any symptoms, whatsoever. This contributes significantly to it's ability to spread.
2. Since widespread testing is not available yet, you truly might be carrying it around and have no clue, RIGHT now. You may have even already had it...it can be mistaken easily for a cold or flu-like illness. However, it can develop into something much more serious, for the vulnerable portion of our population.
3. Thankfully, Little children seem to have such robust immune systems that this virus has little effect on them, and it mostly results in a mild illness. They can still spread it.
4. Without proper social distancing measures taken, this can spread exponentially from a small number of cases to the thousands in a matter of days. Why? It is a new strain, and no human is immune to this COVID-19 Virus until they have had it.
5. There's another myth floating around out there saying that once our hemisphere warms up, it will go away, which has been addressed by the CDC as up in the air, because the virus is so new, we don't really have an answer for that yet.
So here are a few of my favorite sources that simply cut to the chase, first and foremost, this graphic, explained in the source directly beneath it.
See this article - to fully understand the graphic above.
1. Flattening a Pandemics Curve - Why Staying Home Now Can Save Lives
Then glance through this, to see it in action:
2.SUPER COOL VISUAL Simulator that show how social distancing really works.
Understand what it's like at the hospital:
4. See inside an ICU Unit for COVID-19
5. Here's an infection tracker for confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. -Remember that due to lack of widespread testing at the time of this, these numbers are only the confirmed cases, which means there are potentially many more cases than this, and it spreads extremely well. So please, don't make the mistake of thinking "oh, it's just 3 people in my county" - it's not.
6. This interview with the CEO of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, is the one that changed my perspective on EVERYTHING. It's with Dr. Richard Hatchett, from March 6, 2020. I found his interview to be the most informative and clarifying.
He details:
-The potential of this virus and what could happen if we don't nip it in the bud (social distancing and avoiding community spread of the virus).
-Clarifies what the differences are between this virus and the flu. Including an explanation that it is at LEAST 10 times more deadly than the flu, for those who contract COVID-19.
-The difficulties to creating a vaccine. The earliest timeline turnaround for a vaccine would take at least 12-18 months, and how, when it is available, it will only be prioritized to the people that are most vulnerable. I highly recommend listening to him speak on this, (it's roughly 20 mins long).
What is our responsibility as Global Citizens?
Be informed. Encourage and pressure your peers to do the same.
And encourage them to stay put. See Cancel Everything.
Please read this address given in my Highland Park, IL community (Chicago suburb) by Dr. Mia Levy on Thursday, March 12, 2020 (She gave permission to share it, and anyone may use any verbiage from this to put the pressure on in their own communities and institutions and businesses to cancel everything):
- The link to her original post, "A Message of Hope" restated here:
My fellow parents, members of the board, and school administrators, I speak to you tonight, not with a message of fear, but with a message of hope.
My name is Mia Levy and I am the parent of two District 112 students. I am a physician and the director of the Rush University Cancer Center. My statements tonight are not made as an official representative of my healthcare organization, but as a fellow member of our beloved community, and out of a deep sense of obligation and hope.
This week, the Illinois governor declared a state of emergency related to COVID-19, and as of this afternoon, there have been 32 confirmed cases in the Chicago area. Analysis from the World Health Organization indicates that each person infected with COVID-19 transmits the disease to more people than for seasonal influenza, and the rate of severe and critical cases is also higher than for the seasonal flu. The elderly and immuno-compromised are at highest risk for severe or critical cases of COVID-19.
Now is not the time for complacency. It is time for decisive action. Our school district is faced with the need to make a timely decision to close our schools that could dramatically impact the health of our entire community. Your actions will save lives—maybe not yours or your kids’, but maybe your kids’ grandparents, your coworkers, and others in your communities, schools, and congregations.
In speaking with friends and family, many express a sense of defeat. They anticipate that each of us will inevitably get COVID-19, and that changing any of our regular routines would be pointless. I am here to tell you loudly and confidently that this does not need to be the destiny of our community.
There is strong evidence from past epidemics and lessons from COVID-19 so far, that early implementation of social distancing measures can significantly mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and save lives.
Social distancing limits the spread of disease by keeping people from congregating in large groups. This includes keeping people out of settings like schools, work, and shopping centers where they are together closely for an extended period of time. Another aim is to avoid mass gatherings like concerts, movies, religious services, and sporting events. When out in public, maintain a distance of about six feet apart from one other.
Evidence shows that the earlier social distancing measures are taken during an epidemic, the more lives can be saved. In the 1918 flu pandemic, Philadelphia waited 14 days to take broad social distancing measures, whereas St. Louis took immediate action. The death rates in Philadelphia peaked at 250 per 100,000 people overwhelming the capacity of their healthcare system. In contrast, St. Louis peaked at 50 per deaths per 100,000 people, significantly limiting the impact on their community.
Similarly, during this current COVID-19 outbreak, countries like Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong took early social distancing measures resulting in a significantly lower rate of transmission. Italy on the other hand took 16 days to take sweeping action at the cost of a rapidly rising rate of transmission throughout Europe.
Aggressive social distancing measures may seem extreme to some people. But human nature is often difficult to overcome. A Missouri father and his family were under self-quarantine after one of his children tested positive for COVID-19. He broke quarantine to attend a father-daughter dance with another one of his children, risking exposure to his entire community and resulting in the school’s closure. I can imagine the burden of this father’s decision, not wanting to disappoint his child who was not sick but instructed not to attend this very special event, breaking his previous commitment to her. Social distancing measures strive to help people by eliminating these day-to-day decisions, by canceling social events to prevent people from congregating in large groups.
Closing schools will have a major ripple effect on all other activities in our community. It is the strongest signal we can send to other organizations that now is the time to act broadly to implement social distancing measures in our community.
I encourage you to rise up and be part of the solution and this message of hope. Petition our schools to close earlier than later, postpone birthday parties and I dare say Mitzvah events, reach out to your children’s sporting event commissions and encourage them to cancel or postpone sports competitions, cancel work and personal travel including your spring break plans, implement work from home plans for you and your employees, encourage those over 60 and with medical conditions to stay home and check on them regularly.
As a physician leader whose is responsible for safeguarding the well-being of my vulnerable patient population and the healthcare professionals committed to caring for them, I believe the strongest message of hope I can give tonight for them is to encourage you to act now to be part of the solution. Close our schools.
- Mia Levy, MD, PhD
So, what else should we do?
It can be pretty easy to feel helpless. Empower yourself with knowledge.
If you have not already done so, please take the time to read and learn everything there is to know from the most comprehensively reputable resources that our government provides us with for EXACTLY times like these at:
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov (Nation-wide)
The World Health Organization at: www.who.int (World-wide)
Firstly, you need to understand what your personal risk factor (or anyone else that you live with or love!) of contracting aserious or critical illness with this virus. You might be surprised to learn what is there. Age, asthma, diabetes, weakened immune systems, smoking, and other underlying health issues all play a huge factor with this virus.
Secondly, you also need to know what to do if/when you or your family fall ill with the virus. DO NOT just walk in to any urgent care, or doctor's office. Call the hotlines, find out how to proceed - all of this is covered on the websites in depth.
Explore these sites. Learn how to properly wash your hands, (for real, though). Especially check out their myth-busting lists. There are some seriously shameful things out there circulating about this. Don't fan those flames.
LEARN FROM OTHERS- DON'T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKES
My heart hurts for the other countries experiencing the outbreak. Since Italy did not take Social Distancing measures soon enough, or seriously enough, it's been reported that they have had to experience something similar to a war-like atmosphere for those who are dying, because their healthcare system is overloaded and overflowing. It is horrific. Thinking about it is hard to imagine.
I am writing to you from Bergamo, Italy, at the heart of the coronavirus crisis. The news media in the US has not...
Posted by Cristina Higgins on Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Some may say - "Isn't it bad to share stories like this and thus incite panicking? ...My feeling is, NO. People need to hear and understand the gravity of the situation. I do not believe we should censor ANYTHING coming out of Italy, or anywhere else right now. We should be listening to them. We should pray for them, we should cry with them. And learn from it.
These kinds of stories, as sad as they are, are all around us, all the time - why is it - that as soon as they may DIRECTLY affect us (such as what's occurring now) we suddenly want to turn a blind eye? Perhaps it is a coping mechanism for our stress and anxiety. (see: RESOURCES TO DEAL WITH STRESS AND ANXIETY RELATED TO COVID-19 )
Here are the current numbers in Italy (as the above facebook post was a week ago)
Let's hear the latest from this Doctor in Lombardy, Italy:
Some may say - "Isn't it bad to share stories like this and thus incite panicking? ...My feeling is, NO. People need to hear and understand the gravity of the situation. I do not believe we should censor ANYTHING coming out of Italy, or anywhere else right now. We should be listening to them. We should pray for them, we should cry with them. And learn from it.
These kinds of stories, as sad as they are, are all around us, all the time - why is it - that as soon as they may DIRECTLY affect us (such as what's occurring now) we suddenly want to turn a blind eye? Perhaps it is a coping mechanism for our stress and anxiety. (see: RESOURCES TO DEAL WITH STRESS AND ANXIETY RELATED TO COVID-19 )
Here are the current numbers in Italy (as the above facebook post was a week ago)
Let's hear the latest from this Doctor in Lombardy, Italy:
STOP THE PANIC
It should go without saying, that everyone should stop participating in debating, finger pointing, blaming, panicking, and hoarding. And furthermore - we each should be responsible enough to not stoke those fires.
Be kind. Help and love those around you. We are all in this together and everyone has different stresses that are spiking all the time at different times.
My favorite viewpoint that has been shared all over now - is to go about your days, not as if you are afraid of getting the virus...but to go about your days as if you already have it, and you want to protect the vulnerable from catching it.
Our bodies know what to do with viruses, as long as your immune system is not overtired or stressed, if you stay hydrated, and do 'all the things' you should have an easier time fighting off the infection, when/if you get it. If you're worried about your loved ones - share information with them, empower them as well. (That is what prompted me to compile this!)
Here is a personal account from Dr. Braden Hexom in the Chicagoland area, on the front lines here fighting to take care of people. The most distressing part is that they are already feeling overwhelmed, and this is just the beginning. If we do our part now, to stay home - these professionals will be able to do their jobs.
This is my first Covid post. I wanted to be able to say something that might be helpful, and not simply a re-statement...
Posted by Braden Hexom on Friday, March 13, 2020
ACTION:
What else can we do?
- Wash Your Hands and establish new habits, for when you are out- on this list!
-Pass along local useful information to your families, assist anyone you know in the medical community and public service workers- do whatever you can for them, they are true heroes.
-Brainstorming, and acting on other ways to help your neighbors and communities.
-Socially pressure everyone around you to stop congregating and meeting together!
Silver Linings - Stay Positive and Hopeful
When someone you know starts to complain about cancellations, or becomes negative and discouraged, be positive and supporting. If someone thinks the whole thing is a conspiracy, big joke, or a hoax, please guide them to see the the bigger goal here- it is to flatten the curve and save lives. Negativity is always a waste of energy. Energy that you need to keep your immune system strong, and your soul well-nourished.
We all need to slow down. (Myself included!)Take this time to reset.
Last night, my 4.5 month old son belly laughed for the first time, and I caught it on video...It's "infectious" :) Have a good laugh.
What else can we do?
- Wash Your Hands and establish new habits, for when you are out- on this list!
-Pass along local useful information to your families, assist anyone you know in the medical community and public service workers- do whatever you can for them, they are true heroes.
-Brainstorming, and acting on other ways to help your neighbors and communities.
-Socially pressure everyone around you to stop congregating and meeting together!
Silver Linings - Stay Positive and Hopeful
When someone you know starts to complain about cancellations, or becomes negative and discouraged, be positive and supporting. If someone thinks the whole thing is a conspiracy, big joke, or a hoax, please guide them to see the the bigger goal here- it is to flatten the curve and save lives. Negativity is always a waste of energy. Energy that you need to keep your immune system strong, and your soul well-nourished.
We all need to slow down. (Myself included!)Take this time to reset.
Last night, my 4.5 month old son belly laughed for the first time, and I caught it on video...It's "infectious" :) Have a good laugh.
I will leave you with the most beautiful messages that I've come across, this one is nice: Use Coronavirus to Reset
And this musing as well:
"There is so much fear about COVID-19.
And, what if...
If we subscribe to the philosophy that life is always working out for us, that there is an intelligence far greater than humans at work...
That all is interconnected. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
What if...
the virus is here to help us? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
To reset.
To remember.
What is truly important.
Reconnecting with family and community.
Reducing travel so that the environment, the skies, the air, our lungs all get a break.
Parts of China are seeing blue sky and clouds for the first time in forever with the factories being shut down.
Working from home rather than commuting to work (less pollution, more personal time).
Reconnecting with family as there is more time at home.
An invitation to turn inwards -- a deep meditation -- rather than the usual extroverted going out to self-soothe.
To reconnect with self -- what is really important to me?
A reset economically. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The working poor. The lack of healthcare access for over 30 million in the US.
The need for paid sick leave. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
How hard does one need to work to be able to live, to have a life outside of work?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
And, washing our hands -- how did that become a "new" thing that we needed to remember. But, yes, we did. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The presence of Grace for all. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
There is a shift underway in our society -- what if it is one that is favorable for us?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
What if this virus is an ally in our evolution? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
In our remembrance of what it means to be connected, humane, living a simpler life, to be less impactful/ more kind to our environment. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
An offering from my heart this morning. Offered as another perspective. Another way of relating to this virus, this unfolding, this evolution. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It was time for a change, we all knew that.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
And, change has arrived. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
What if... "
-Gutpreet Gill
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Lastly, use this time to reflect on your beliefs, and what matters most to you
I am so grateful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Which of course has suspended all in-person meetings and activities worldwide)... this talk, given nearly ten years ago by an apostle of the Lord, President Uchtdorf, has a whole new meaning right now--- "Of Things That Matter Most".
He makes wonderful analogies of how Nature, and Laws of Physics can teach us some lessons in life about slowing down, and remembering what is most important. It is a message that relates well to ANYONE, no matter your beliefs, and I encourage you to watch it.
My testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is what anchors me through troubled, and turbulent times. Do whatever it is that you need to do in your life, to connect with God, Mother Nature, The Divine Energy or Intelligence, or the Universe, or whatever floats your boat and gets you centered and focused on the real things, like baby giggles, and less of the superficiality that our (dare I say previous?) culture promotes.
If you appreciate this post, feel free to share it with anyone who you feel may benefit from this. This is one small way I feel like I can make a tiny impact on my corner of the world during this pandemic.
To Share on social media, Please use: #ThinkOutsideYourBox
Be Kind,
Reflect, Reset, Reconnect, and Rest!
-Rachel Sparrow
To Share on social media, Please use: #ThinkOutsideYourBox
Be Kind,
Reflect, Reset, Reconnect, and Rest!
-Rachel Sparrow
-Want to know how to be super duper clean when you have to venture out?
Go to: Squeaky Clean for COVID-19: "Think" Outside Your Box
Go to: Squeaky Clean for COVID-19: "Think" Outside Your Box
This is HOW TO safely give your little one a saline nose rinse!
DISCLAIMER: AS ALWAYS.... Seek the advice of a medical professional. I don't claim to be any sort of expert! Just a Mama, sharing what works for me - and never pretending to "know it all", by any means.
I find it MUCH easier and more comfortable to do it for my child, when I thoroughly know how to do it for myself. This video explains the Benefits of Nasal Rinsing and How to do it properly.
DISCLAIMER: AS ALWAYS.... Seek the advice of a medical professional. I don't claim to be any sort of expert! Just a Mama, sharing what works for me - and never pretending to "know it all", by any means.
I find it MUCH easier and more comfortable to do it for my child, when I thoroughly know how to do it for myself. This video explains the Benefits of Nasal Rinsing and How to do it properly.
Fair Warning! This is NOT my most glamorous side. But I hope it helps some Mama's out there to give their littles better sleep by unclogging, and thinning out their mucous and soothing their nasal passages!
SYRINGE: You can use a normal (like for medicine) syringe found in any drugstore and cut off 90% of the tip, and then filing down the edges,(just use a nail file) so that your syringe can have a short tip, and thus, not hurt your baby's nose!
10 Tips (all are more thoroughly explained in the video starting at 3:35)
1. DO NOT USE TAP WATER
2. Use Distilled Water
3. Add appropriate dose of Saline - I like these packets. Read instructions on box!
SYRINGE: You can use a normal (like for medicine) syringe found in any drugstore and cut off 90% of the tip, and then filing down the edges,(just use a nail file) so that your syringe can have a short tip, and thus, not hurt your baby's nose!
10 Tips (all are more thoroughly explained in the video starting at 3:35)
1. DO NOT USE TAP WATER
2. Use Distilled Water
3. Add appropriate dose of Saline - I like these packets. Read instructions on box!
|
|
|
4. Syringe -I like this one from Amazon
5. Lukewarm Water Temperature! 6. Test on yourself before baby (use a different syringe for yourself) If it feels good/fine in your nasal passages, it will also be safe for baby. 8. Holding Baby/Positioning - wrap baby in a blanket/burrito style to keep arms down 9. Talk to your baby - Explain it! 10. Reward your baby! |
Here is someone else doing a nasal rinse that is perhaps gentler/shows a way to hold a smaller baby. (...But I will say that I would have liked to see her lean that little baby more forward when doing it!) However... it shows a different and perhaps gentler bulb/syringe thing... (and a smaller baby) .... So watch this one too if that sounds appealing!
I hope this helps you! Feel free to leave comments on the video, or on facebook or down below if it helps you! Pass it along!
I hope this helps you! Feel free to leave comments on the video, or on facebook or down below if it helps you! Pass it along!
This new ensemble called Stare At The Sun is incredible to sing in. What a joy! Listen to the concert HERE.
 |  |
At "work" tonight! We are grooving in Galvin Hall with the incredible Claire Chase (who does flute acrobatics you've never heard) and 8 all-star voices of NU Bienen school Alumni under direction of Grammy-Award winning one and only Dr. Awesomeness Donald Nally Donald Nally NU .... Richard Beaudoin's piece: "Another Woman of Another Kind" is unreal. Worth staying up late for. 10 pm. This Friday Night April 20 at Galvin Hall, NU -It's FREE. !
UPDATE EDIT:
What a fantastic experience this was! Richard Beaudoin was a joy to work with, what a cool composer, CHECK HIM OUT! Also. Claire Chase, Ladies and Gentlemen... And the infallible Donald Nally....
UPDATE EDIT:
What a fantastic experience this was! Richard Beaudoin was a joy to work with, what a cool composer, CHECK HIM OUT! Also. Claire Chase, Ladies and Gentlemen... And the infallible Donald Nally....
I had such a nice time dressing up like a Princess and having Tea with these Mommy's Grandmama's ...and daughters! :) So super fun to entertain in this way! I feel as if I got a taste of what it must be like to work at Disneyland and be a princess. These girls were just absolutely stunned and star struck, they LOVED the "singing princess" Rachel Sparrow. .... "My friend Cinderella let me borrow this dress and said that I could sing a few of her songs for you!" All the happy feelings! Thanks to the brilliant Andrew Blendermann on the keys again!
These are all fresh out of the recording oven.... just put these videos together for some auditions coming up that included video submissions. There are four contrasting styles of singing in these four videos. Special thanks to Andrew Blendermann on the keys. He's the best.
And special thanks to Liz Butler, my dear friend who helped at the camera, and in keeping my energy up. It was a very tricky recording day for me, I was beyond exhausted, bedraggled, and tired by that point in my day, as many things had not quite gone to plan- I will spare you all the details, but I was so very grateful for her support and help.
...Anyway -Wish me luck! And enjoy! Let me know if you have a favorite!
Translation: Una voce poco fa (The Barber of Seville):
A voice a while back
echoes here in my heart;
already my heart has been pierced
and Lindoro inflicted the wound.
Yes, Lindoro shall be mine;
I swear it, I will win.
My guardian will refuse me;
I shall sharpen all my wits.
In the end he will be calmed
and I shall rest content...
Yes, Lindoro shall be mine;
I swear it, I will win.
Yes, Lindoro shall be mine;
I swear it, yes.
~ ~ ~
I am docile, I'm respectful,
I'm obedient, gentle, loving;
I let myself be ruled, I let myself be ruled,
I let myself be guided, I let myself be guided.
But,
but if they touch me
on my weak spot,
I'll be a viper
and a hundred tricks
I'll play before I yield.
Kurt Weill: Denn wie mann sich bettet so liecht man - from The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny
---
Background: Jenny, a prostitute, has just been asked to put money forward to help Jim (who hires her regularly), since he can't pay for his bill at the pub, and he is about to be arrested for it. This is her response:
Vs 1. Gentlemen, my mother labeled onto me once, a nasty word. I would end up in a the show-house (morgue), or in an even worse place. Yes, such a word is easily spoken, But I tell you, out of that will come nothing. You can not do that to me! What will become of me, we will yet see! A person is not an animal (pet).
Chorus: Because how you make your bed, so you lie. Nobody tucks you in. And when somebody kicks, then that's me. And when someone gets kicked, then that's you.
Vs 2. Gentlemen, a fellow lover said on an occasion, while gazing into my face, "The greatest thing on earth is love, and don't worry about tomorrow" Yes love, that is easily spoken. But as one gets older every day, Love is requested less and less. You must use the short time you are given wisely. A person is not an animal (pet).
Chorus: Because how you make your bed, so you lie. Nobody tucks you in. And when somebody kicks, then that's me. And when someone gets kicked, then that's you.
I don't feel like 'Maybe This Time' needs an introduction...everyone knows this classic!
I Won't Mind by Jeff Blumenkrantz (1965 - ) was written for an unfinished musical, The Other Franklin. This character, after years of desperately wanting a child, and then ultimately miscarrying, has learned that she will never bear a child. She sings this song to her godson (her best friend's baby) in the nursery, while everyone else is in the next room celebrating the christening.
I am very honored to be a guest soloist this evening at my alma mater, Northwestern University... for quite possibly one of the most difficult and rewarding and vocally acrobatic pieces I think I've ever encountered.
Program starts at approximately
6 pm Central Time
The first piece on the program is about 11 mins long,
and then "Sparrows" is second, and it is about 19 mins long.
There will be a brief intermission, and then the final instrumental piece
on the program is around 30 mins long if you wish to
stay tuned to see Daniel's awesomeness on that piece!!
Be sure to hook the sound on your device up
to some nicer quality speakers,
if you can, for an enhanced experience!
HERE IS THE LIVE STREAM LINK:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak_uL4_kaH4
Congratulations and Thanks to Daniel Cook
on his wonderful recital program.
Download/See the program notes below, as well as a "preview video" from rehearsal and a shot of the musical score.
Here is a snippet from rehearsal the other day, in Galvin Hall.
Pictured below: One of the Trickiest pages of the score:
(Vocal line on top, instruments on each subsequent line below)
(Vocal line on top, instruments on each subsequent line below)
 I was 9 weeks along in this picture! |  Then here is my baby girl 9 months old! |
So blessed to have this angel girl in my life! She enriches my art everyday by filling my life with her light. And luckily, she lets me sing to her. :)
Thanks to: Liz Hansen at lizhansenphoto.com
Thanks to: Liz Hansen at lizhansenphoto.com
UPDATE!
WE ARE NOT actually MOVING AFTER ALL!
{I am leaving the original post below, simply for those who may be super confused by the previous newsletter that I wrote earlier this past week.}
UPDATE (8/27/17):
I can't believe I'm saying this. It feels like a bad joke.
Or, like canceling a wedding the night before.
We are NOT moving to Idaho after all!
My husband Trent began training for his new job this past Monday. And by Friday, he and I realized it was not what we had expected and that this was quite possibly the wrong decision. We also then came to realize that the entire move was not what we needed to do. There were other factors as well, but the main instigator was the fact that his new job opportunity was not what he had expected or hoped for. It was a very sad and heartbreaking realization for him, (and me as well, in many ways honestly), because we had looked forward to being closer to family, but it seems we will just need to make priorities to see them more often, in other ways.
Not jobless
We are so lucky and blessed that Trent's previous job will still employ him, and they were thrilled to welcome him back. (with the understanding of course that we won't be making a habit out of this.) Many of my students are thrilled that I will be staying, I will still have my full studio, but I have decided to cut back on my teaching hours significantly.
"But you sold your place, now what?"
In fact, now we are looking for a house/townhouse or larger condo now in the same area hopefully. While we LOVE where we were at, we still feel that it's fine for us to be displaced from our condo because we are outgrowing it anyway!
Perspective & Blessings
It's amazing what happens when you think you have to leave somewhere, and you have a change of perspective about what you will miss or what you want & need/etc. In my belief, in some cases "mistakes" are what God/Fate/Life needs you to do, in order to show you what is most important to you.
It's my belief that we had to "go through" all of this (we had just only moved our minivan out there so far, the actual move was to happen next weekend, it could have been SO much worse) to recognize that we needed to make some life changes, in order to continue getting the most out of where we live, no matter where that may be.
My heart is with my little family, and my little family could be in Antarctica, and all that would matter would be that we are together.
Happy to be staying in CHICAGO!!!
______________________________________________________________
ORIGINAL POST:
To my friends and artistic colleagues,
this seems like a very sudden, unthinkable, and bold move.
"But you're an artist, you need a big city! How will you do what you do?"
I LOVE Chicago. It has a vibrant artistic and cultural scene. It is insane to think for an instant that I "wanted" to leave it. BUT! -I am okay! And I will be back often!
"Why Boise?"
#1.
My husband Trent has been offered a position that sort of "popped" up, that will be a great growth opportunity for him, and there are several other benefits as well
(such as tuition reimbursement for his MBA, & relocation).
And we feel that this is the direction Life/God/Fate has chosen for our little family.
#2.
Idaho is where much of our family is located, so we will be moving nearer to them. We don't know Boise very well, but we do know Idaho.
I lived in Southeast Idaho for 6 years in my pre-Chicago life.
Trent is going back "home", and I have siblings there and also a dear Uncle and Aunt.
#3
I am (finally) confident and secure as a performing artist, and I don't say that lightly. Artists should be constantly improving and developing, and I certainly do not presume or believe that I have everything figured out. However, I feel that I have gained enough experience now within my artistic life, to not need to rely on where I live, in order to achieve fulfilling artistic experiences. The world is increasingly smaller, and I will be just a plane ride away from anywhere I want to be at any time.
#4
It's much more affordable to have a nice home, and as we grow our family it is an added perk. (stupid Illinois taxes). Having a lower cost of living frees up financial space for travel! (Also, having family nearby that can take the baby)
It also relieves the pressure I felt to teach so many hours per week.
I love teaching; but felt that SO many hours of teaching, while having a child, was unsustainable. It has drained my energy & time for other artistic projects.
I will now be able to afford to teach a little less, and perform a little more.
Optimistically speaking,
This makes the world my oyster!
Those who know that I have an
8-month-old daughter, may say:
"Are you moving because you're a Mom now?
Are you going to stop performing?"
...
I could not possibly answer more emphatically
with a "NO" to any question ever asked.
This makes the world my oyster!
Those who know that I have an
8-month-old daughter, may say:
"Are you moving because you're a Mom now?
Are you going to stop performing?"
...
I could not possibly answer more emphatically
with a "NO" to any question ever asked.
Clarity
Having a child does change your perspective. It changed mine in the best way possible.
I now look at every opportunity presented or pursued and ask myself:
Is this REALLY what I want to be doing as an artist?
Is this worth the time (or money/efforts) - away from my family?
...If there is any doubt - it's tossed out the window. I have never had more clarity on WHAT I want to be doing! It is as if I am wearing new glasses and suddenly seeing the individual leaves on distant trees, after the fuzzy blur before. After viewing each opportunity through this new lens, any performing/producing/directing/recording projects that I choose, MUST be a 'pearl' in the aforementioned oyster.
This SHOULD mean, a higher frequency of "pearls"
-the most fulfilling kind of ventures!
Fear
I hope to retain my artistic credibility, and continue creating on the highest level possible. I am a little worried that artistic entities will "write me off" or disregard my abilities simply because I no longer live "in town". They may think I don't wish to travel "so far" to do a contract or concert when housing isn't offered. But, as far as Chicago or NYC (or even Savannah, Georgia!) are concerned, my friends are amazing and have expressed that I can stay over anytime.
I plan to reach out to my esteemed connections, collaborators,
and any artistic "powers that be", to express this sentiment:
Yes, I DO WANT TO COME SING IN CHICAGO/NYC/SAVANNAH/ANYWHERE!
It is my sincere hope that they take me seriously.
Excitement
Boise has a vibrant artistic scene of it's own!
And it is a new side of the country to explore.
I look forward to new people and new projects!
Moving isn't permanent. (I hope never to move again--moving is horrible).
It always feels so final, but it doesn't have to be. It could be that down the road we move back, or elsewhere, etc. - who knows?
But for now, this is what we are doing and it's going to be an adventure for sure.
I am ready to grow. I am ready for change.
I can 'fly' anywhere; literally, figuratively, and artistically.
Excited to meet you, Boise.
I am ready to grow. I am ready for change.
I can 'fly' anywhere; literally, figuratively, and artistically.
Excited to meet you, Boise.
"Becoming a mother changed me. I have more love, passion, and fulfillment in life; which in turn, enriches my artistry. Please join me in normalizing motherhood within the performing artist's culture."
- Rachel Sparrow
- Rachel Sparrow
Author
Rachel Sparrow is a professional singer, musician,(violin, piano, ukulele) actor, teacher, arranger, writer, and most importantly: a wife and a mommy of two littles. She loves to help parents make everyday life musical with their kids as well as share backstage stories, and performance experiences here. She earned her Master's degree in Voice Performance from Northwestern University, and also holds two Bachelor's degrees in Voice, and Music Education (certified to teach k-12 vocal & instrumental music) from Idaho State University. She is also a certified Music Together Director (music class for birth-5 yrs). See about Rachel.
"Think Outside Your Box" means 3 things:
1. Be Selfless - think beyond your own "box". (and for singers, there's more to life than your voice box!) You're capable of helping and healing others.
2. Feel Empowered to bust out of the proverbial
"box" made of societally-induced-parameters.
3. Be Bold. Innovate. Stretch yourself. You can do anything if you set your mind to it.
"THINK
OUTSIDE
YOUR
BOX"
#ThinkOutsideYourBox
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