Salutations to one and all!

These are trying times – but as a artist, re-enactor, historical martial arts practicer, small business owner, employer, homeowner – I find myself more than ever relying on my various communities.

Even before our governor declared a shut down I found my full time job had become figuring out what I could to keep my business, and my friend’s businesses and livelihoods intact while we weather this storm. I do have some ideas about some more creative, lighthearted,  inspirational posts – but I thought this was the most important to thing to get out first. This is a revisiting of some of the posts I have created for my company's site Revival Clothing. I am adding it here in effot to reach as many folks as as possible.

As the shutdown hit our state(I am based just outside Chicago in Illinois) my full time job pivoted from Medieval Clothing purveyor to navigator of government programs to help us weather the storm. With hours on hold, more scouring the web, tapping into our network of friends and other small business owners for any links/hints/help and expertise I quickly found myself becoming an informal clearing house for information as I discovered it. As lovers of medieval history, we’ve taken to calling this ‘the plague year’ around here.

A few suggestions in general;
Don’t neglect your emotional/physical well being. The first thing I did with the announcement of the shutdown was establish a daily workout program which includes a fairly rigorous yoga practice and meditation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=H9xuMZaiNJY

If you do yoga, or this is something oyu are curious about I recommend ‘Yoga with Adriane’ on youtube – she is so skilled and charming that although I miss going to class, I get just as much out of doing it in front of the tv. On the few days I skip this, I really notice. I have used the Headspace Meditation app for several years and it I can't recommend it enough. Say what  you will about overuse of our phones - it wasn't until I hit upon this app that I managed to become a pretty regular medidator. My other trick - I meditate first thing in the morning, just after I wake-up, while still in bed. It is the only time I can manage to be still and give over to mindfulness work.

I am also spoiling my dog with attention(it is scientifically proven to produce endorphins when you pet your dog) and the long walks all give me an increased sense of well being.

I keep joking that the crisis is a gift to the dogs of the world – we have so much time with them now they must be thinking ‘this is how it should always be’. And a few more dog photos - just because they make me happy. Life imitating art(you know I had to get something artsy in this post ;-):

The first pic is a painting by Andrew Wyeth called 'Master Bedroom' which represents a perfect sense of peace and home to me, te second in my bedroom, complete with dog.

OK, back to the practical stuff. This isn’t exactly a suggestion – but I typically a have very ‘glass half full’ attitude and since I have the luxury of at least at the moment, of not worrying about the health and well being of anyone in my closet circle – I am appreciating the slower feel of the days, when I can step away from the panic of the financial implications, there is something luxurious about it. Something I hope to take away from all this.

As I instituted these well-being practises, a few of my closest friends, who are also small business owners started informally meeting to exchange ideas and support each other. It's been really key - not to feel alone and to not be overwhelmed. Also, I famously hate being on video and am not all that fond of visiting on the phone but once a day or so I do a ‘well being’ check via text on a couple of friends. Keeps that sense of connection present.

CHANGE.ORG

This may not be your cup of tea – but I have been supporting a bunch of the petitions put forth by change.org in regards to crisis related issues – I believe they do great good in the world and I encourage you to support them.

A little advice about dealing with the powers that be

OK, so you will no doubt have various challenges that you are or will be seeking help with from various agencies and here some stuff I found great success with.
-When you are dealing with people on the phone, plan to be on hold for a very long time, put it on speaker and do other stuff while you wait. I have gotten a ridiculous amount done while sometimes on hold on two lines simultaneously in the last couple of weeks and it helps stem the feeling of helplessness that hours on hold can induce. When you do reach someone, if you don’t think you are getting the whole story, or accurate information ALWAYS asked speak to a supervisor. Explain your situation, get to know the person you are talking to a little bit, if nothing else we can all commiserate about the shock of it all and then nicely, but firmly ask to speak to whoever is above them – if they seem unsure. And here’s the truth if they aren’t unsure they probably should be because no one has all the answers at this early stage. I usually keep going until I get someone who isn’t just speaking from a script and seems to have some depth of understanding – and if a supervisor tells you they don’t have the answers yet – just plan on calling back. Sometimes you can get individual contact information – and ask to call them back directly.
-We’ve got a niche business that many I’ve had to talk to on the phone in last couple if weeks don’t really understand. So in order to answer their questions I hit upon the phrase ‘we supply to a niche of the entertainment industry’ to give them a way to understand why our business is hurting. Once I mention that – everyone gets it. Getting help from representatives and experts often involves bringing your world to them in a way they can understand.

Some other things I really like and found useful:

a PSA on Safe Grocery Shopping & Fast Food

https://youtu.be/sjDuwc9KBps

UPDATE: Prevailing opinions that produce should be rinsed in clean, running water – no soap.

Summary from a doctor at Johns Hopkins re: Covid19

I found this to be really concise and helped me think about the ‘VIRUS’ more clearly and logically:

The following was sent out by John Hopkins Hospital regarding COVID-19. Excellent article and recommendations:

* The virus is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (DNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code. (mutation) and convert them into aggressor and multiplier cells.

* Since the virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule, it is not killed, but decays on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.

* The virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat. That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy, because the foam CUTS the FAT (that is why you have to rub so much: for 20 seconds or more, to make a lot of foam).

By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own.

* HEAT melts fat; this is why it is so good to use water above 77 degrees Fahrenheit for washing hands, clothes and everything. In addition, hot water makes more foam and that makes it even more useful.

* Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ANY FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus.

* Any mix with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein, breaks it down from the inside.

* Oxygenated water helps long after soap, alcohol and chlorine, because peroxide dissolves the virus protein, but you have to use it pure and it hurts your skin.

* NO BACTERICIDE OR ANTIBIOTIC SERVES. The virus is not a living organism like bacteria; antibodies cannot kill what is not alive.

* NEVER shake used or unused clothing, sheets or cloth. While it is glued to a porous surface, it is very inert and disintegrates only
-between 3 hours (fabric and porous),
-4 hours (copper and wood)
-24 hours (cardboard),
– 42 hours (metal) and
-72 hours (plastic).

But if you shake it or use a feather duster, the virus molecules float in the air for up to 3 hours, and can lodge in your nose.

* The virus molecules remain very stable in external cold, or artificial as air conditioners in houses and cars.

They also need moisture to stay stable, and especially darkness. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade it faster.

* UV LIGHT on any object that may contain it breaks down the virus protein. For example, to disinfect and reuse a mask is perfect. Be careful, it also breaks down collagen (which is protein) in the skin.

* The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.

* Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.

* NO SPIRITS, NOR VODKA, serve. The strongest vodka is 40% alcohol, and you need 65%.

* LISTERINE IF IT SERVES! It is 65% alcohol.

* The more confined the space, the more concentration of the virus there can be. The more open or naturally ventilated, the less.

* You have to wash your hands before and after touching mucosa, food, locks, knobs, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers, desks, TV, etc. And when using the bathroom.

* You have to Moisturize dry hands from so much washing them, because the molecules can hide in the micro cracks. The thicker the moisturizer, the better.

* Also keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide there.

-JOHNS HOPKINS HOSPITAL

 

SMALL BIZ RELIEF INFORMATION

If you want more specifics about the research I've done regarding help that is being offered to small business owners and mortgage holders check out the forum I've added to Revival Clothing's site Revival’s Survival Notes.

I will be posting again as there is more to add, if you want to stay updated, subscribe below. Please share to anyone and everyone you think might benefit from this.

We are very much in this together!

         -The Chatelaine

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