I found these things in Naomi’s bag the other day. There’s a metaphor for life somewhere in there. She’s 2, almost 3, and I feel like she is perhaps better prepared for surviving an apocalypse than I am. Naomi is always following and copying her big brother, Caleb, who has been packing his backpack for school for a while now. I’m not at all hurt by the fact that she apparently doesn’t even need a pencil, despite years of evidently failed stationery training. I mean, what good is a fountain pen when you’re being chased by the zombies of life? Keep your feet dry and your soy milk close.

I guess the real metaphor is how unprepared I was for all of this. All I needed were some extra books from the library to get us through three weeks of March Break instead of two, right? Good thing I had all those bottles of special edition inks hoarded in my drawers, instead of hand sanitizer, masks, spare funds to keep a stationery shop afloat, the fortitude to homeschool two feral children, hoisin sauce. Didn’t you used to be a teacher? Everyone asks. Well—yes.

I visited the library the other day. It’s been re-opened for some time now for in-branch browsing, along with picking up your holds. It was empty! Even the computers, usually a very popular if tense area at our local branch. It wasn’t the same, trying to browse through the books without touching them, admiring the spines longingly.

In any case, we are weathering our storm, clinging onto the mast as forty days of rain loom. There are some unpleasant forecasts for what the season ahead holds, the normal flu, kids inside classrooms, a retail Christmas season with a maximum of 5 people in the shop at a time and Canada Post hobbling along with delays ho ho ho, a studio shop that has yet to re-open, Amazon opening up two warehouses just outside of Toronto, really taking advantage of the way the wind is blowing. Stocking up on picture books for the kids, stationery for long letter writing nights, warm socks.

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September 13, 2020 — wonderpens

Comments

Anonymous

Anonymous said:

She is always full of surprises! How much I have to learn from her—-although usually it has to do with how to fend off scavenging snacks and disasters. Thanks so much for following along on our journey. :)

Anonymous

Anonymous said:

Thank you so much for your kind words and support! It’s been a wild time for introspection and wondering about life, family, all the pieces of what makes up a day. Things slowing down and speeding up at the same time.

I mean, I guess in a zombie apocalpyse someone has to be in charge of the laundry! Haha. :)

Anonymous

Anonymous said:

Yes, the library experience is different—-and I’m trying to remind myself that as with all life, everything is changing, evolving. Technology, self-checkouts, computers, programming. The library itself is keeping apace with the city and its people. We are all just doing the best we can! And we’re so grateful for your support. :)

Anon

Anon said:

So much is packed into this little story. Even with days stringing together, much like the other, you’ve said more than you may know. Watching your children’s reality, your shifts to homeschooling, and the inevitable flux of being a business owner. Your wit and humor is a lovely vehicle for the new and strange experiences we’re all having these days. Best wishes as holiday shopping season approaches and happy letter writing.

P.S. your kids seem totally prepared for a zombie apocalypse! I’ll be headed your way if they come for me! ?

Pat D

Pat D said:

Ohhh. Best of luck with back to school with the 2 little ones.

I also agree that the library experience is a tad different, but I’m also stocking up on holds :P

Your last bit reminds me of the ending of one of those children’s rhymes: “We’ll weather the weather, whatever the weather, whether we like it or not!”

Hoping the best for you, your family, & your business. (And will continue to splurge every once in a while on stationary :P )

Alison MJ Fooks

Alison MJ Fooks said:

I like that your daughter is actually armed with three unpaired socks in her ready bag! One can never be too prepared. Great blog. I really enjoyed reading it and I love that I have (finally) found your store. Keep it coming.

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