Every May in Holland, Michigan, tulips arrive and the city feels extra alive. There’s sweeping of the streets, endless rows of brightly colored flowers dancing in the wind, and delicious Dutch food to enjoy.

Things have been busy lately. I think that’s the overstatement of the century for most of us. Of course they have been busy, we are all regaining traction again when it comes to life, work, and ya know, leaving the house.

Spring this year feels really important. While life isn’t completely back to normal (PS-I think that post COVID life will be one of those new-normal situations anyway), there are remnants of normalcy that seem to be coming back each day.

When I’m available on Wednesday mornings, I make my way to Holland for some small biz love and fresh air with my pal Abby and (often) Otto. It’s become a welcome moment outside while spending time Downtown Holland which is always a delight.

While this election season has been anything but inspiring, I do find the ability to vote deeply meaningful. The chance for us as citizens to have such a direct say in our nation’s story is a right that many don’t have. Whenever I’m headed to the voting booth, I think about the people who paved the way for me to be able to drive up, walk in, and take my place. It’s humbling.

My friend Abby invited us over for a wine night out on her porch and it was just what the doctor ordered. More like, it was just what 2020 ordered. I think not being able to see people we love will continually be one of the hardest parts of quarantining and life afterwards. As humans, we crave and need connection with each other.

I have always found the words of It Is Well With My Soul to be extremely comforting. The phrase ‘peace like a river’ is such a rich visual of tranquility that only nature can bring. I thought of these lyrics when I was sitting at the lake the other night watching waves slowly crash into the sea wall.

“Where is this summer going? It’s just flying.” I feel like this is the official summer mantra. Michigan summers are truly magical. We often joke that it’s why we put up with the brutal winters. I often think of this when we are taking walks at 9 pm and it’s still light out. It’s like I’m trying to capture the warmth, smells, light to use on cold winter days that feel endless.

Between summer and still living in a world of Coronavirus, I find myself craving time outside. I have been working from home much more than normal and I am surprised at how different that feels vs. heading to a coffeeshop where there is noise/people/conversation around you. It has left me looking for ways to be around people in a responsible way and head outdoors.

Sigh. It’s been a couple days since Coronavirus really took foothold here in Michigan. While there aren’t that many confirmed cases yet, a lot of businesses are closing/school is cancelled…in many ways, life feels like it has pressed pause.