The governor in my state, Virginia, has now issued a total stay at home order. We've gone from social distancing, travel advisements, and schools being shut down through the academic year to straight out "do not leave home unless absolutely necessary." The governor says to expect this through May. In one way the final order is good news. It's clarifying to have a leader who's not … [Read more...] about Coronavirus, Quarantine, and the Meaning of American Life
simplicity
Beauty In the Coronavirus Era
Keeping us all at home under a mood of "lockdown," and with no end date in sight, the coronavirus threat threatens to do much more — that is, turn us into pajama-wearing couch zombies with a permanent ring of Cheetos around our lips. Not so for Lady Virginia. Even if I wasn't a somewhat dressy type person, perfectly happy to never wear leggings or flip flops and never use icky … [Read more...] about Beauty In the Coronavirus Era
How Lady Virginia Weathers the Coronavirus Situation
The sun came up again today. The day is ahead of us. And so is the coronavirus pandemic. A Known Unknown Yesterday I was exchanging texts with my daughter, Anwyn, who lives in Paris and she asked me, "Is this what it was like during the AIDS crisis?" I had to admit that, no, what's happening for her is happening for me and my generation for the first time, too. We've never in our lifetimes … [Read more...] about How Lady Virginia Weathers the Coronavirus Situation
Welcome to the Salvage Economy, Full Stop
One of my earliest memories as a little girl, probably just three- or four-years-old, was finding a small patch of grass and clover growing through a crack in the sidewalk. I was immediately drawn down in to that plucky green and sassy red-tipped clover. It spoke to me and, the world being a steady wordless teacher, I didn't need to know about ideas like resilience or grit or that book A Tree … [Read more...] about Welcome to the Salvage Economy, Full Stop
New Name: Lady Virginia Vintage
Many of my long-time readers, friends, and supporters know that over the years I've combined my values for clean energy, conservation, and consumer re-use, and the many essays I've written about these topics, with also running both an online and bricks-and-mortar vintage shop. This is where I also share my broadsides, poster art, and fiber arts. Adding to the stew are my passions for history, … [Read more...] about New Name: Lady Virginia Vintage
Why I don’t Fly and Why You Shouldn’t Either
"Traveling makes men wiser, but less happy." Thus spake Thomas Jefferson, third American president, aka "most blessed of patriarchs," and the "American sphynx." I can hear you now. "Aw, what does that old guy know when there's Mayan ruins to see, the Himalayas to climb, cafes and intrigue in Bruges, and weekends that stay forever in Vegas?" But I confess, I'm with TJ, and not just … [Read more...] about Why I don’t Fly and Why You Shouldn’t Either
