Quarantine Diaries, Vol. 1: Things that bring joy

“Life looks different right now” is probably the understatement of the decade.

There are so many big thoughts and feelings swirling around these days. Maybe I’ll be able to gather mine up and line them up and inspect them at some point, but that day is not today.

For now, I’m finding that keeping my eyes and heart peeled for little joys is making the hours and weeks bearable…dare I say, bright? For, truly, these quiet spring days that are so unlike anything I’ve ever experienced have had some very bright spots.

The Good News is this: joy can always be found—even in the greatest grief—because Jesus is alive and active and present and real, and He has already saved the day.

That’s what we’ll celebrate tomorrow. I really do love that we get to celebrate Easter in the middle of a pandemic. What a perfect, timely reminder that Jesus knows our suffering, knows our pain, and knows what it feels like to have the world come crashing down. For all the fury of creation crashed down on Him, in one single moment.

But because He rose again, and defeated death, we are able to say, “sin’s curse has lost its grip on me.”

And we can find deep, real, sparkly joy, even in pandemics, because He lives.

Keep an eye out for the joy, my friend! It’s there, because God is good.

Waving Neighbors
Now that everyone is stuck at home, our ENTIRE neighborhood goes on afternoon walks (and morning walks and evening walks) with incredible regularity. First of all, I love that. But the thing I love more is that everyone waves. And not the fake, two-finger wave. Quarantine has turned us all into comrades-in-arms and now we wave with our entire arms and biggest smiles and a cheery “HOW YA' DOIN’?!”
Zoom Dance Parties
Zoom Dance Parties are a step up from the regular Zoom chat for a lot of reasons, but mostly because last week me and my gals got to learn real live Phantom of the Opera choreo from from a Christine understudy herself (Hi, Jenna) from the comfort of our own living rooms and if that’s not #BwayDreams I’d like to know what is.
Related: I’m thankful that empty schedules mean more time for long chats and silly Zoom calls. It feels like all of humanity is collectively stretching out hands to grab hold of connectedness. I hope that realization of a need for community (which is always there, just maybe drowned out in regular times), leads us all to deeper relationships and intentional pursuit long after this whole hoo-ha is over.
Gin Rummy
The first thing I did when I heard a safe-at-home order was coming to Nashville was rush out to buy Bananagrams and Rummikub. Idk. It felt like a need. Then I bought a gin-themed deck of cards so we could teach ourselves to play gin rummy (again…IDK IT FELT LIKE A NEED). And can I be honest? I love gin rummy. It’s best when played with the Ocean’s 8 soundtrack on in the background and while drinking a Last Word.
Actual Sunshine
I know we all know about vitamin D already but Y’ALL the importance of sunny days while stuck at home cannot be overstated. There is never a good time for a global pandemic to shut the world down, but can you imagine if this was happening in January? YIKES. Truly, the gift of springtime has never been so sweet.
This Gâteau au Chocolat recipe from Lunch In Paris by Elizabeth Bard
This recipe is somehow nowhere to be found on the internet (food bloggers really letting me down)…so HERE IT IS. Make it, right now immediately. It is joy and gladness and the happiest you will ever be—all in one 5-ingredient cake.
You’ll need:
Butter and sugar for the mold
7.25 oz bittersweet chocolate (I use Ghirardelli)
2 tbs strong coffee (leftovers from the morning will work just great)
5 eggs, separated
1/2 cup sugar
A pinch of salt
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter and sugar a 10 inch tart mold. In the top of a double boiler or in the microwave (or in a glass bowl precariously balanced on a pot of boiling water), melt the chocolate with the coffee. Let it cool.
Separate the eggs – whites into a large mixing bowl, yolks into a medium mixing bowl. Whisk together the yolks and 1/2 cup sugar until it is a light lemon yellow.
Pour the melted chocolate into the egg yolks and quickly whisk to combine (it’ll be thick but carry on).
In the large bowl, beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until they hold a stiff peak. I’ve done this by hand and I’ve done it with a hand mixer—please save yourself and use a hand mixer.
Gently fold a third of the egg whites gradually into the yolk mixture. Then add the chocolate mixture back into the remaining egg whites and fold gently to combine.
Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 20 minutes. Touch t center—if it feels reasonably firm, you’re done. If not, give it another minute or two but no more!
Bon appetite!