Reflecting on summer and what’s most important.
My kayak has been a saving grace this summer.
The days are getting shorter, the tempo of the island is slowing down, and somehow another season has passed.
It’s hard to believe that Labor Day has come and gone. This week marked the unofficial end of summer, and despite it being a summer like no other, in some ways it felt like more of the same. For people like me, a typical Vineyard summer means a lot of work and never enough beach days, and even in a pandemic those both held true.
To date I’ve given over 530 haircuts with Coast to Coast Cuts and have remained busy with Shored Up Digital work, which I am both eternally grateful for. At a time when unemployment has skyrocketed and many jobs hang in the balance, I have created two different revenue streams that allow me to do work I love for people that appreciate it. I get to be my own boss, make my own hours, and essentially do whatever I want. It’s a lot of responsibility but it’s empowering and now I see no other way. As Gavin said, we’re lucky to be industrious people making it work for us.
I recently came across this quote from MLK Jr on Labor Day. “No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” After a summer spent cutting hair, I’m reminded of the greater purpose my job has had - to make people feel safe, normal and good about themselves, at a time when very few things can deliver similar results. And I think about all of the people that have worked through the pandemic while catering to others, putting themselves at risk, while anxious and stressed, to help maintain some semblance of normalcy. I hope they’re taking as much pride in their positions and recognizing the importance in all that they do.
No matter what we do, now is the time to seriously look at the way we spend our time and decide what’s worth it. For me it’s doing work I like and spending time with those closest to me, in places that are meaningful or new. That also includes spending time with myself (preferably at the beach), appreciating, reflecting, resting. And while I didn’t get to entertain any friends or visitors on-Island this year I did get a couple Cape escapes that reminded of how special it is to be a product of the Cape & Islands, and what an honor it is to hold a piece of its magic.
As I took the Island Queen to Falmouth last week, I again basked in the beauty of this place and it’s uniqueness, and counted my lucky stars that I get to be a part of it. I was reminded of the ferry ride I took back over to the mainland after my honeymoon in 2014 where I pledged (between tears) to move here. I had been forever changed by Martha’s Vineyard and my connection to it. The ocean can do that to you.
Even amid a pandemic the ocean remains bigger, stronger, and more beautiful, making everything else seem less significant, less worrisome. Out on my kayak I feel free, more alive, comforted knowing I’ve made good decisions in life that have led me to relatively stress free days in a place that many yearn to be. While the chaos of the world transpires I can feel almost completely removed, even just temporarily, and that’s a powerful thing.
This piece of paradise is a place where you can feel present and content, it’s beauty inspires gratitude and appreciation. The classic Cape & Island summer hasn’t been overly compromised by social distancing and you can still enjoy the best things of the season while almost forgetting that COVID is still very much a thing.
At a time when many people are challenging their sense of place and considering the right place to live, I know I’ve found a safe space that allows me a pretty amazing life. Thank you Martha’s Vineyard.
This week’s headlines: How Colleges Became the New COVID Hot Spots; Democrats Worried That Beating Trump In November May Not Be Enough; As Wild Fires Burn Out of Control, the West Coast Faces the Unimaginable; Trump Campaign’s Indoor Nevada Rally Ignores Social Distancing Rules; The pandemic Has Parents Fleeing From Schools - Maybe Forever.
Some signs of the times: I received a COVID test as a tip from one of my clients, got my temperature checked before entering a business meeting, watched the first NFL football game with no fans in the stands, and took my first masked Uber ride (while hesitant to do so).
This week’s treat: I got to pick sunflowers at the Farm Institute on the last day of the season that they were offering it! The fields were picked over but being there was a treat in itself. Plus the El Gato Grande pop up “event.” It was so nice to mingle with familiar faces, while enjoying great food and trying to feel normal.
A bittersweet festivity: I attended my friend Juliana’s drive-by baby shower. It was so nice to lay eyes on her, but so hard to pretend like everything was OK while standing around with friends behind masks making sure not to stand too close, or step away to steal sips of coffee, and leaving with no hugs. Stupid COVID.
Something that made me feel good: Helping mom move into her new condo and creating a space for her where she can feel comfortable, independent and empowered in her new chapter.
Who I’m thinking about: All of my teacher friends attempting to return “back to school” and navigating what that even looks like. While colleges go on lock down, students are dismissed for gathering, and parents return just a couple weeks into the school year to bring their kids back home due to case surges, the likelihood of a "successful back-to-school season is not promising.
What I’m listening to: I just listened to an episode of The Daily podcast about homeless children in NYC and how they’re further impacted by COVID and the struggle to be an effective (online) student when they don’t have a place to call home. As if kids didn’t have it hard enough…
Something that made me happy: Bringing my sister on board at Shored Up Digital! Kristina is an amazing mother and prior to that she was an amazing employee. I’m so happy to be giving her some newfound purpose beyond motherhood that she can get excited about and get her back in the game! Plus I’ve always loved to boss her around ;)
What’s making me sad: THE DARKNESS! It’s setting in earlier and earlier each day and it seriously disturbs me. Plus I legitimately hate driving at night these days, I’m feeling all old and cranky about it. And then there’s the colder temperatures setting in which will bring us all inside more, and further away from curbing the virus. Sigh.
Something I’m looking forward to: Our staycation at the end of the month! Finally something to get excited about! I demanded months ago to Gavin that we take off a week in September so we can attempt to catch up and enjoy the Island together while the weather is still nice. Gavin has been working diligently on his boat and fingers crossed we have it in the water by the time we have the time to enjoy it. Bring on the boat times!