From Paris to Sydney, friends of RUSSH share how they’re spending time in isolation. Read on for their book lists, recipes, creative epiphanies and tips for keeping spirits high.
Actor
Naturally, I wake up and I put on my best diamond earrings. And of course, I drizzle myself in honey, lounge by the window under the sun, and let hummingbirds nibble it off.
I wear my hippopotamus pyjamas and I watch and re-watch my favourite movies.
I eat. Then I eat. I eat again. And last but not least ... I eat.
I’m writing a book about the best time of my life and I get nostalgic ...
Then I spend a very healthy amount of time on Instagram.
To keep my spirits high, I imagine how wildlife is acting while we’re in a cage. Rats and mice are taking over all the French restaurants. Seagulls are dancing on the beach. Birds, taking over theatres and operas, and creating masterpieces. Animals with fur, reuniting and having the best, cosy naps. Hopefully, the BBC will be filming all this in secret and we’ll get the chance to watch it one day on Netflix, with the voice of that perfect grandfather of my dreams: David Attenborough.
Of course, these are difficult times, I know, and things are challenging for all of us. But at least imagining these things makes me feel a little bit better. Please be safe and take care of yourself.
With love and care, my sweet quarantines ...
Joanne
Artist
I’m very good at social distancing, always have been. The artist’s life can be one of much solitude. All creatives and empaths can relate I'm sure. Unfortunately the country seems to have gone slightly mad since the pandemic hysteria began. Switching off completely from the mainstream news media is absolutely vital.
As well as delightful day to day jobs in the studio with my paint brush, I have found a lot of time for my garden lately, I feel very grateful to have a space in the middle of nature at this time and there is something extra beautiful about being in the garden whilst it feels the world is losing the plot and soil is incredibly healing and it's still Dahlia season!
Red wine is also an absolute necessity during hibernation! I couldn't believe the panic for toilet tissue and even dried pasta. Buy a couple of kilos of flour and a case of pinot noir and make your own.
Artist
I’m very good at social distancing, always have been. The artist’s life can be one of much solitude. All creatives and empaths can relate I'm sure. Unfortunately the country seems to have gone slightly mad since the pandemic hysteria began. Switching off completely from the mainstream news media is absolutely vital.
As well as delightful day to day jobs in the studio with my paint brush, I have found a lot of time for my garden lately, I feel very grateful to have a space in the middle of nature at this time and there is something extra beautiful about being in the garden whilst it feels the world is losing the plot and soil is incredibly healing and it's still Dahlia season!
Red wine is also an absolute necessity during hibernation! I couldn't believe the panic for toilet tissue and even dried pasta. Buy a couple of kilos of flour and a case of pinot noir and make your own.
Stylist
Having arrived back from L.A. on Saturday I’m really on lock down, relying on my sister and delivery services for groceries. Luckily we’re staying in a spacious apartment with big leafy trees outside which really lifts my mood. Also lifting my spirits is the eclectic outfits I’ve been wearing everyday (everyone should dress up for themselves).
The best part of being stuck at home is that I’m taking the time to cook three meals a day, something I usually don’t prioritise but is I think the best thing you can do for your wellbeing.
I’m still getting through a massive amount of admin but once that is done I’ll be delving into online French lessons and I have some friends lined up to practice with via Instagram DM. I’ve also just started reading Topics of Conversation by Miranda Popkey which is a fictional series of conversations between women. After that I have Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid ready to go.
But my proudest moment in isolation so far? I haven’t opened Netflix once this week!
Artist
Isolation day five: Been waking at roughly 6:30am everyday maybe even earlier. Always before the sun rises. I make this tonic that soothes the throat, tummy and mind: grate ginger in a large jar with lemon, sage, dandelion root, apple cider vinegar and turmeric. Think that I'm waking up early from all the extra energy I have consumed. Not complaining. I like to spend an hour in bed reading. Feedly is a really good app - it's like a feed of the articles from all the websites you like to consume. I've been trying to write every morning. I have an ongoing document called ‘morning notes’ and have also been editing / adding to my book called LIFE because ‘LIFE’ feels different now. Feels strange and hopeful I think. Been thinking a lot about how this pause is letting the earth breathe and that is comforting.
Kitchen experiments: trying not to eat all of our food in one go so have been creative with the rationing. Been making this chia seed dessert: soak chia seeds in coconut water for at least two hours. Add linseeds, cacao or whatever else you have laying around. When the chia is all gooey it's ready to roll. Top with maple syrup if you like things sweet, any fruit (I like mango) and shave some dark chocolate all on top. Mmmm.
Also been rolling up the carpet to do a mid day yoga session. This is the one I did yesterday. I like her because her classes are challenging and she doesn't talk too much. I play some ambient music in the background. NTS is great, they have a playlist going titled Music To Relax To. I have also been making mixes which I’ve decided to do weekly. You can check out my The virus has us but we can still win mix here.
Been painting a lot. Finishing off the big ones from my now postponed art show. Not being rushed to finish them makes the whole process more calming. Have started to go through all of my archives and have brought old forgotten unfinished artwork back from the dead. Scent is important: I’ve stocked up on incense and essential oils (big fan of rosemary). Brainstorming new projects, idea’s, goals, etc. Going to start writing in here again. Just you know, trying to keep my mind active. Trying to really take advantage of ALL THIS TIME.
So far that's most of it. Spirits are high cause my favourite direction is up.
Artist
Isolation day five: Been waking at roughly 6:30am everyday maybe even earlier. Always before the sun rises. I make this tonic that soothes the throat, tummy and mind: grate ginger in a large jar with lemon, sage, dandelion root, apple cider vinegar and turmeric. Think that I'm waking up early from all the extra energy I have consumed. Not complaining. I like to spend an hour in bed reading. Feedly is a really good app - it's like a feed of the articles from all the websites you like to consume. I've been trying to write every morning. I have an ongoing document called ‘morning notes’ and have also been editing / adding to my book called LIFE because ‘LIFE’ feels different now. Feels strange and hopeful I think. Been thinking a lot about how this pause is letting the earth breathe and that is comforting.
Kitchen experiments: trying not to eat all of our food in one go so have been creative with the rationing. Been making this chia seed dessert: soak chia seeds in coconut water for at least two hours. Add linseeds, cacao or whatever else you have laying around. When the chia is all gooey it's ready to roll. Top with maple syrup if you like things sweet, any fruit (I like mango) and shave some dark chocolate all on top. Mmmm.
Also been rolling up the carpet to do a mid day yoga session. This is the one I did yesterday. I like her because her classes are challenging and she doesn't talk too much. I play some ambient music in the background. NTS is great, they have a playlist going titled Music To Relax To. I have also been making mixes which I’ve decided to do weekly. You can check out my The virus has us but we can still win mix here.
Been painting a lot. Finishing off the big ones from my now postponed art show. Not being rushed to finish them makes the whole process more calming. Have started to go through all of my archives and have brought old forgotten unfinished artwork back from the dead. Scent is important: I’ve stocked up on incense and essential oils (big fan of rosemary). Brainstorming new projects, idea’s, goals, etc. Going to start writing in here again. Just you know, trying to keep my mind active. Trying to really take advantage of ALL THIS TIME.
So far that's most of it. Spirits are high cause my favourite direction is up.
