Risa’s Web-Based Bright Spots to get you through Quarantine
Our world has changed so drastically since this time last year and so many avenues of connection have been cut off or otherwise limited. Feeling confined, unable to travel even close distances without concerns, like all of us, I have found myself more online. Not only working or connecting with friends and family, but also seeing how this is affecting the arc of our lives and how others are coping with the pandemic.
If you’re also looking for bright spots in this strange time, check out these websites and Instagram users that have brought me a sense of normalcy and inspiration:
For some international beauty
One of the sites I go back to time and time again is WindowSwap, where people from all over the world are streaming videos of the view from their window. Views of what others are looking out upon during these global lockdowns. Seeing window views from all over, both urban and rural, natural or industrial, has made me feel less isolated and grown my sense of connectedness with strangers with whom we all find ourselves in the same situation.
For something tasty
I miss going to restaurants and travelling. At this point, I think I’d go anywhere! I’ve been following a fun site Paris is My Kitchen which is hosted by an American living in Europe – a self described ‘professional eater’ – covering the vibrant food and restaurant scenes in Paris and Venice, soon to expand to Barcelona and London. Not only is it fun to see all the delicious food but it has been absolutely inspiring to see all the ways that chefs and restaurant owners have been so innovative. From changing their restaurants to pick-up only to completely re-inventing themselves, their menus and their offerings, times like these remind us of how strong and inventive people are. I look forward to coninue supporting local restaurants which have been equally as creative and innovative..
For some outdoor magic
As I’ve often been confined to city life the last couple of months, I’ve been following a lot of gardening sites to take in nature any way possible. While I’m always a fan of the classic Martha Stewart snap where she highlights her glamorous gardens, I’ve also taken solace in more aspirational gardens as well. I’ve become a big fan of The Optimistic Gardener, mostly because it’s name gives me hope and I like the way they celebrate and post what others may consider more modest achievements with great vigor! As we all should in the midst of a pandemic.
Where are you finding inspiration these days? How do you stay connected to the outside world?