All the love in the world.

Well, this is ….. wild.  WILD.   And if we’re all very lucky, we will look back on this and it won’t be that big a deal because we took this seriously and took all the necessary precautions.  I am hoping so much for that outcome.

So, following on from Ann’s post yesterday, let’s focus on what will get us through.  Y’all– no lie, are some of the funniest, smartest, most creative folks I know.  So let’s get some links going here.  Let’s get some lifelines going.

I have a recommendation for some reading, when you need to step away from your computer, because you should step away.  I got Luca Turin’s essays as a present this Christmas, and they’re pretty great.  Or, here’s a well-written article on stocking your pantry.

Scent-wise, this was a complete surprise: I bought Pacifica’s Breath Taking cardamom spray, and their Dream State lily spray, both at deep discount at Ulta, and they are calming and lovely separately and together.

Folks: we got this.  We can do this.  I have friends in labor right now with their long-desired baby.  They will be amazing parents.  But all their careful, best-laid plans are off the table– no family members can fly here, nobody else is with them, they are frightened, but our hearts are with them.  He and I just talked on the phone; they are isolated, he needs support.  You know what? We are all in this together.  Please, please, take a deep breath, find all the love you have in your heart, and then send it out into the universe.  We can do this.  Please come back on Friday for the SOTD.  Let’s keep all the connections going. Let’s get that mojo going.  Here’s a giveaway: my beautiful, comforting bottle of Fendi Theorema.  Please leave a comment if you want it.  We will get through this.

~ March

  • cinnamon says:

    Cool. I can comment from iPad though not from PC

  • cinnamon says:

    Wonderful post, March. It’s really hard not to panic and feel overwhelmed. But there are lots of good people trying their best to get through this kindly and as sanely as manageable.

  • Frances says:

    Thank you for the inspiring post. It’s important to take stock of what is important and remember how valuable our personal networks are during times like these. I was wearing Jasmin de Nuit today. This warm, spicy fragrance is always very comforting for me.

  • Ariel says:

    Getting through the best we can. Keeping calm with exercise, perfume, and as much tidiness as I can muster with my three year old home all day for the next 2+ months. Glad to be here, thanks for hosting.

  • Anna Egeria says:

    I live in a small town and I’m pretty sure that the local populace will get through this unscathed. Thank you for such a lovely giveaway.Theorema is a beautiful fragrance I’d cherish.

  • Brigitte says:

    Stay safe and well everyone. Take comfort in whatever you can.

  • Dina C. says:

    March, I totally agree that this is a time to keep up our human connections. Whatever community you belong to: perfume posse, your local clubs, church, temple, synagogue, book club, sports group — be in contact with those folks and reach out to them. We can only scroll through Facebook and watch Netflix so many hours per day. I’ve read Luca Turin’s essays, and they’re great. Loved them. I also really like the scent of cardamom. I’m wearing Miller et Bertaux No. 3 Green, Green, Green and…Green today which is full of cardamom.

  • Bastet says:

    What a beautiful picture, baby and dad. Also a very generous offer. Warm thoughts for you and everyone else out there in the world!

  • HeidiC says:

    All my love going out to y’all. Once nice side effect of this: the social network is actually a social net, people reaching out to each other. One nice side effect of working from home: I can wear all the perfume I like, even the room-clearers like Safari or vintage Miss Dior, without offending coworkers!

  • SamanthaL says:

    I was very worried about my elderly, unwell mother but she’s isolating at our family ranch house in a teeny, tiny Nevada town and I’m really hoping she gets through. I’m also worried about my best friend who is in food service…but I’m just taking it a day at a time and trying to be my least crazy self!! Love to all XOX

  • Patty says:

    You are giving away your Theorema!?!?!? I have no words. My niece is due in 12 days, they will induce no matter what, at 39 weeks. If everything goes to hell, she may not have a bed or backup formula in case breastfeeding goes bad or diapers. People are crazy right now. I feel like I’m living in some weird dream world.
    But it’s okay, and I sorta feel like this will somehow make us better. I hope it does. I hope we all value relationships more now and things less, life more and doing things less. I hope, I hope!

  • Michelle Little says:

    Thank you March for your lovely message and reminding us to stay connected with each other. And yes, to comfort ourselves with beautiful smells! I have always wanted to try Theorema, thank you for the giveaway.

  • Angel says:

    I love that you mentioned Pacifica’s Breath Taking. It’s one of my faves. My only criticism is that neither the oil rollerball nor the Spray last very long on my skin. But for the times it’s there, I swoon. I stumbled upon this after a never ending search for the smell of Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Breath Taking is heavier on the cardamom than the casino floor, but it’s very, very close. It’s a comforting scent for me and I haven’t worn it in some time. Thanks for the reminder!

  • Maggiecat says:

    I’ve been impressed by the neighborhood my husband and I moved into a few months ago: our neighborhood Facebook page is full of offers of shared supplies, other help, and good advice. Several of us are teachers and have offered to aid parents with students at home, in spite of the fact that we ‘re also busy creating our own online classes. It’s a germy world, but people rock – most of them anyway.
    And I personally am rocking Fragonard ‘s Grain de Soleil a comfort scent if ever there was one!

  • Ann says:

    Amen, dear, amen!! We have to stay loving, open and positive through this. Sending comforting hugs out to you and everyone!

  • VerbenaLuvvr says:

    I live in a rural area, so we are already very isolated here, and will now be working from home full-time. Even our church is closed. I have always checked on friends and family daily through social media and on the phone, so life will go on that way. I recently discovered Theorema (again, through a generous sample in a rolling box) and love it, it is truly a warm fragrant hug!

  • Musette says:

    People: as several people have already said below, Pick. Up. The. Phone. You don’t have to spend all day on there – just hop on there to let someone hear a friendly voice. And come on the Posse and HOLLA! at us – let’s stay connected to one another – and to the world. We really can – and will – get through this. xoxoxoxo

  • Neva says:

    Thanks for the recommendations and for giving me the feeling of togetherness. I work from my home office and live alone for a while now and I really depend on social contacts. This situation is rather challenging for me but I’m being reasonable and I’m not panicking, of course. I’m enjoying the moment, spraying perfume like there’s no tomorrow (haha), reading, learning, meditating…
    It’s a great test for humankind and humanity and I hope we’ll pass it.

  • matty1649 says:

    I’m in Uk. Things are looking very grim. I’m over 70 but I’ve got a good support network.

  • Beverly says:

    These are challenging times indeed. One way we can mitigate things is by reaching out to one another. Love travels a long way.

  • Greennote says:

    March, the perfume community is the best. These are crazy times that call for us to be caring and to keep things in perspective for each other, things this community seems to specialise in. I love that you didn’t mention the c-word once. I’ll be here doing books, podcasts, Netflix and maybe even work. And I’ll be making phonecalls to check up on people’s sanity. I mean, us introverts are set, but those extroverts are gonna be bouncing off the walls. Keep well, happy and relaxed Posse, we can do this.

  • Undina says:

    I hope we can get through that.
    I’m fine. I can work from home. If it were to come to that, I could not work at all for 2-3 weeks. But my heart goes to those who depend on the hourly paid work that is now taken away. And the total effect on the economy is hard to predict.
    Let’s try to share love with those that we can. Let’s try to help those we can – each of us can figure out the best way of doing it.

  • Portia says:

    Hey March,
    So perfectly put.
    Reaching out right now will keep connection. The smallest thing can change a life or lives.
    Timely reminder.
    Thank you.
    Portia xx

  • Jo says:

    March, great post! We CAN do this together, hard as it is.
    Try to stay calm, and try to make someone else’s day.
    Online we can reach out worldwide. But, today I made a promise to call and speak to my friends on the phone.
    A lot of them are over 65 years old and live in California (so are being required to stay home now). One phone call can make someone’s day. Now I’m going to go huff some vanilla based perfume. Stay well Posse people ??

  • Tara C says:

    I am having a lot of difficulty today. I’m a nervous traveler at the best of times, and I have to drive cross-country to get back home to Canada from California this week. I feel physically sick with anxiety. Frankly the only thing I think will get me through this is drugs. Thank G-d for anti-anxiety meds. I will try and get myself together as best I can.

    • Jo says:

      Dear Tara, thinking of you as you make your way back home.

    • Musette says:

      Hon, you can DO this! Remember, your forebears made it across the Atlantic! Then (possibly) across some really vicious and unforgiving terrain! I remember whining about the choice of rental car once (drive from LA to SF) and my then-DH silently pointed to a drawing of a buncho settlers pushing a wagon up to the top of the Continental Divide. You can DO this! Just breathe! xoxoxo

      • Tara C says:

        Thank you Musette, you are absolutely right, I am feeling more confident today. Stiff upper lip!

  • Filomena says:

    I am giving it my best even though it’s really tough when one has no partner and can’t even get together with friends due to what’s going on. My company has not shut down yet, so at least I have a job to go to. Yes we will get through it, but it is very difficult on all of us.

  • carol says:

    Mmm. We all need comfort however we can get it. We can’t visit friends, also in isolation.
    One friend can no longer have a daily visit with her husband of 55 years, who’s been in a care facility for over a year.
    Some of us (me) have jobs which require contact with people, either in their homes or providing transportation for them in my car. No work=no money.
    If you’ve got the magic calmer, I’d like to have some.

  • Ann says:

    March – wow! No one has ever implored me to find all the love in my heart and send it out into the universe. I’m going to take you seriously, and thank you for your mandate. ??

  • Pam says:

    Yes, we CAN do this! But frankly, I’m a little stir-crazy and it’s only been a month. What? Not a month? THREE DAYS??? I’ve already baked six loaves of bread, completed two quilt tops, and read a coupla books! Let me out!!! (pant, pant) We can do this!

    • March says:

      I know! I’m figuring out how to telework, and my friend is in this isolation situation, not what he was anticipating. And it’s okay. I’ve watched them try for years…. I can’t believe it’s happening. Finally happening. They can’t get anyone in, and I’m out here, so I’m throwing my handful of confetti up in joy.

  • Angelique says:

    United We Stand, Amongst Anything. Yesss.
    I’ve been BEAMING at the babies being born, elders now more lonely then ever …
    Thinking and Broadcasting in many directions, including now Perfume Posse.
    I’ll reorder wonders ASAP.
    I’d like to try this wonder fragrance.
    (Just so you know, the samples I try that are less than spectacular on me, I save and send to a friend.
    What she doesn’t like goes to another.
    Yes, our own individual contribution to The Beauty Connection. Thanks for being a carrier of THAT!
    It Overwhelms Any Darkness.)