Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Pandemic Advantages?


HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Here's the time where I would usually say: do you know Lisa Regan? She's a USA Today bestselling author, and then a whole bunch of other wonderful stuff. All of which would be totally true, and then I would transition gracefully into her essay.

But I love you, and I love Lisa, and seriously? There's no reason not to get right to her story. Oh, except for--get a tissue.

Pandemic Days

by Lisa Regan


My daughter is twelve years old now. She’s a “tween”. You know, the stage between being a child and becoming a teenager? It’s an unusual stop on the parenting journey that no one and nothing adequately prepares you for which also leaves you wondering how the heck your own parents survived it. My daughter and I used to do everything together. She loved hanging out with me.

We loved doing our nails together

We even had this ritual that I called our “Day of Fun” which was a day where we went out together, just the two of us, and did whatever she wanted to do. Some days we saw a movie. Some days we went to the park. Some days we got our nails done. It was quality bonding time. Whenever I put a Day of Fun on the schedule, my daughter would be brimming with excitement for days.



The giant slides were our favorite


Making snow angels

Then she turned ten and suddenly, the Day of Fun was no longer her idea of fun. I was crushed. I understand that this is a normal part of growing up. Now she’s more interested in her friends and her favorite activities: art, coding, video games, tennis. None of these involve mom. I’m here for rides and food.

 Don’t get me wrong: I want her to develop relationships with other people. I want her to learn valuable social skills and life lessons that are only possible if she’s out of our parental sphere. I want her to grow and spread her wings.

 I also know that at some point, when she’s a little older, mom will be cool again. So I wait. But it’s hard. Not just because her interest in me has waned but because talking to a tween is like trying to have a meaningful conversation while you’re on the downward freefall of a log flume.

If there was fun to be had, we'd find it!

Then came the pandemic. No more school. No more hanging with friends. No more art class or tennis. She was still more interested in keeping in touch with her peers virtually than me, which was fine. However, she needed exercise.

A few years ago, she underwent reconstructive skull surgery due to a rare condition called craniosynostosis. During her recovery, she developed osteoporosis which led to her breaking her femur. Then came even more recovery. Months in a body cast; months using a wheelchair and walker; months of physical therapy. All of it meant her osteoporosis would only grow worse. 

We did what we could to bring her bone density back up with diet and supplements, but the doctors were firm on one thing: at her age, the best thing we could do for her was make her exercise. A lot. So we did. Her bone density went back to normal, but the mom in me is always worried that any prolonged period of sedentary activity might cause her bone density to dip again. This pandemic has suddenly made sedentary activity the norm.

I told her I wanted her to walk the dog with me.

It was clear that she would have preferred to sketch or text her friends or stream a favorite show. However, it took only a mention of her experience with osteoporosis for her to jump off the couch and get walking. 

Since it was just us and no technology and lots of ground to cover, we talked. She asked me for funny stories from when I was in middle and high school and when I got my first job. 

After a few days, she started coming to me and asking, “Are you going to walk the dog today? I want to come.”

 After a couple of weeks of such uncharacteristic tween enthusiasm, I asked her, “Do you really want to go on these walks with me?” and she said, “Yeah! I love hearing your stories. It’s just the way you tell them. It’s so funny and entertaining. You make something that should be boring sound so awesome.”

Don’t worry. I acted cool. No grateful mom tears—not in front of her anyway. Finally, my penchant for storytelling came in handy with my tween! These walks are an unexpected gift as a result of the pandemic. I hope one day my daughter will look back fondly on her memories of our pandemic walks and all the “funny” and “awesome” stories she heard.


Have there been any unexpected advantages to this pandemic for you?

HANK: Aw...I am sure so. But right now I have to go get those tissues I suggested. Um, okay. Having breakfast with my dear husband every day. Reading the whole paper. I made pasta--because why not? We watch (and listen to) the birds and ducks. The stars are bright. We have a lettuce garden, and a lovely herb garden.   We have electricity, and I am very grateful for my freezer. I honestly pat it every day in gratitude. My hair is.... resting. 

And oh, Lisa, thank you.  And your wonderful daughter.

How about you, Reds and readers? Any pandemic..plusses?




“Strong and intuitive” Detective Josie Quinn races against time to find a missing newborn baby in this fast-paced thriller from a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author (Publishers Weekly).


When Detective Josie Quinn is called to a large house on the outskirts of the small town of Denton, she’s horrified by the viciousness of the attack: smashed glass, splintered furniture and blood are spattered across the floor. The owner, a single mother, is fighting for her life, and her newborn baby is missing.

A beautiful young woman caught fleeing the scene is Josie’s only lead, but when questioned it seems this mysterious girl doesn’t know who she is, where she’s from or why she’s so terrified . . . . Is she a witness, a suspect, or the next victim?

As Josie digs deeper, a letter found hidden in the house convinces her the attack, the missing child, and the nameless woman are linked to a spate of killings across the county, and she is faced with a heartbreaking decision: Should she risk the life of one child to save many others? Or can Josie find another way to stop this killer before any more innocent lives are taken?



Lisa Regan is the USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Detective Josie Quinn series as well as several other crime fiction titles. She has a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Education degree from Bloomsburg University. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, Crime Writers Association, and Mystery Writers of America. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband, daughter and Boston Terrier named Mr. Phillip.

80 comments:

  1. What a sweet story, Lisa . . . it’s lovely that and your daughter have found this connection . . . .

    I can’t say that I’ve found many plusses accompanying this pandemic . . . although I have to admit that having author interviews on Zoom or Facebook or whatever Internet thing it is that lets me listen in is a pretty awesome thing that’s come out of the loss of authors doing book tours. I’m not certain that that’s a plus, especially for all the authors with new books coming out, but I’ve really enjoyed having the opportunity to listen in . . . .

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    1. That is so true! Come to first chapter fun today on Facebook or Instagram at 11:30 AM! We are reading Tara Laskowski‘s book!

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    2. I know there aren't many advantages! Speaking of Zoom though, two of my best writer friends, Matty Dalrymple and Jane Kelly have helped me keep on track with my writing during this with Zoom. We now have a standing daily call at 2 p.m. where we write together in sprints. So we mute and write for 15 minutes and then discuss any issues we might be having and jump back in. I don't think I would have gotten any work done if it wasn't for this. Technology is quite helpful during this difficult time!

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  2. What a great story.

    I'm hearing other stories of families that are finding each other again. That is definitely an upside of the pandemic.

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    1. Yes, some of the videos online are wonderful, aren’t they? Dancing and singing?

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    2. I absolutely love all the dancing videos that families have been posting! They bring me joy!

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  3. Lisa, I'm so happy for you that you and your daughter are enjoying this re-connection. It mirrors my daughter and granddaughter's experience during this time. My granddaughter Izzy is ten and will be eleven this August. Before this pandemic hit us full force, my daughter was remarking to me how Izzy was changing to a tween, and she wasn't looking forward to that. Of course, even though my granddaughter has grown leaps and bounds physically and is certainly acting older, she is always perfect to me. Hahaha! Anyway, my daughter and son-in-law and granddaughter have always enjoyed going out in their boat and fishing and exploring the sandbars and islands in the river. Because Izzy does love the outdoors and doing all of that, I thought she would keep enjoying going, even though it was with her parents, but there loomed the possibility that she would insist on taking a friend in the near future. Well, now they have kept enjoying their time doing this and going to their cabin. And, daughter and granddaughter are working puzzles together and reading together and walking together. So, there has been a reprieve from the full-blown tween rising up.

    For me, the pandemic pluses are those that so many others seem to be enjoying, talking more to friends and family. With my mother-in-law's health being so precarious these days, the pandemic has allowed me the time to cook and bake more, and my MIL seems to enjoy the food I take her. In a relationship that has sometimes been strained over the years, we've become closer and there's been the unhurried time for that.

    Lisa, your book sounds thrilling, and I can't wait to read it!

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    1. That sounds lovely,Kathy! Step-by-step, and you never know what is going to make a difference. And such a formative time in a little girls life… So sweet. And you can help her with what to read, too!

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    2. Thank you, Kathy! I bet that years from now, Izzy will treasure the memories of this time she's getting to spend with your daughter and son-in-law! How wonderful. In some senses with the breakneck pace of daily life now screeching to a halt, being able to reconnect with loved ones--especially where relationships have been strained--truly is a gift! Sending your MIL healthy vibes and prayers!

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  4. Lovely story, Lisa, about reconnecting with your daughter.

    One noticeable pandemic plus is with the reduction in car/people traffic, you can really enjoy the quiet. And with the reduction in industry and transportation on the roads, the air quality and water quality have noticeably improved here in Ottawa and in cities all around the world.

    One good thing about being sick with COVID-19 for almost two months is that despite all the baking and home cooking I did, I lost all my winter (gained) weight and more. I so rarely lose weight when sick especially since I had not been exercising anywhere near my normal daily step count outdoors but a low-grade fever and lack of hunger worked wonders. Now the challenge is to make sure the weight does not come back!

    Pandemic pluses on the mystery fiction front include being able to attend plenty of virtual events. One week after flying back from the cancelled Left Coast Crime event in San Diego, I attended the MMC (Murder and Mayhem in Chicago) online on Crowdcast with over 900 others. So much fun and I hung out with my fave authors and friends for one day.

    Since then, I have gone to several Virtual Noir at the Bar events in Queens, D.C. and Boston in April and May. Often, the online conversations were as much fun as listening to the authors give their readings. And I would never have been able to attend these events in person.

    I have also been to several Facebook book launches for both new authors and friends, as well as author interviews. Tonight, I am signed up for an interview with Cara Black and Jacqueline Winspear c/o SOHO books.

    And of course, the First Chapter Fun readings by Hannah and our lovely Hank are a new recurring event in my schedule every Tuesday and Thursday morning.



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    1. Grace, I caught those pounds from you, alas, even way down here in New England!

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    2. Terrific, Grace! You have definitely found a brighter side. Plus, we hope, you now have some level of immunity. You have a nice full day of Author events, too! See you in a couple of hours at first chapter fun… And the event with Cara and Jacqueline sounds fabulous!

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    3. Hank, I also listened to your book chat with PP's Barbara Peters last night. So much fun!

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    4. Oh my goodness, Grace! I'm so glad you've recovered from COVID-19. That must have been so frightening. Losing the winter weight is most definitely a plus! I, too, signed on for the Murder and Mayhem in Chicago and it was great fun. It's kind of awesome being able to attend all these virtual events in different cities and hear from authors I might not otherwise have been introduced to all from the comfort of my home!

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  5. That is a blessing, Lisa. Lucky both of you!

    Right now I'm feeling the down side of the pandemic (no hugs except dragging them out of the hug-averse man I live with...) more than the blessings, but I agree with others about the much quieter and much cleaner world. Being part of author video events is fun, too, and it makes me pay attention to my appearance occasionally!

    Congratulations on your new book. It sounds thrilling - and scary. And it's going on my list.

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    1. I think we all have our better and worst days, don’t we? It’s just one step at a time, and we’ll see what today brings, that is enough to think about. you are writing like crazy, and such an inspiration!

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    2. Edith, thank you so much for being here. I know it's very tough right now. I think that's why we have to find community wherever we possibly can even if it's virtual. This site is a wonderful place for that!

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  6. Lisa, that is definitely a precious story of making memories with your daughter. And your book sounds exactly like the kind I like to read!

    The only positives I can see from this mess is cleaner air and water for everyone and hope that will last. I also hope that somehow that will wake up the people who have been denying there is any climate problem.

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    1. A friend in California actually Googled why the birds seemed to be singing louder. It was because of the loss of so much noise pollution in her busy city. They aren't louder, she can just hear them now!

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    2. Yes, one of the benefits I mentioned above was the quietness. You can certainly hear and see signs of nature more clearly, even in the most urban areas.

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    3. Judi, I think you're absolutely right. I hope that the environmental advantages to this will last as well!

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    4. Yes, it’s so quiet, but the birds are far more prominent! So fascinating!

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  7. Lisa, welcome to JRW. Your book is going straight onto my TBR list. It sounds like you and your daughter have made a lasting connection with the stories you are telling her of growing up. Your storytelling gift is a super blessing for both of you.

    I do wish that my mom had told us more stories. I remember the few she told me about growing up in NYC and being a young woman there. My dad was a wonderful storyteller and a bit of a bad-boy, although we all think he may have exaggerated some from time to time. He used to entertain the whole family with stories whenever and wherever. I can remember my cousins and me laughing at them until it hurt.

    I'm with Judi about the clean air and water. Unfortunately, I see the whole system of protections being dismantled while the country is paying attention to the pandemic. The clean air act, clean water act and many protections for vital areas and landmarks are quietly under attack right now. It is terrifying to think that 50+ years of policies to safeguard the environment and our beloved places are being rapidly stripped away.

    On the home front, we are doing fine and have really found everything we need. As for hugs, I miss the kids like crazy, but I do get hugs on demand here, so it's all good.

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    1. Judy, it is horrible that so many environmental protections are being scaled back in the USA and very few people are hearing about this.

      Although the oil/gas industry is important in Canada, the federal government has set up a task force to help develop a resilient recovery to our economy. Not going back to the status quo. It is interesting that many green initiatives are being considered and recommended. If even a fraction of these are implemented, the effects will be positive in the long-term, not just in Canada but in North America.

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    2. Judy, sadly I believe you are correct about the protections being scaled back.

      Your dad sounds like he was an absolute blast to be around! I think the stories that pass down from generation to generation in families are so important. I have always loved hearing my grandparents' and my parents' stories!

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    3. It shows you how difficult it is to keep all the plates spinning at the same time… Especially when the rug gets pulled out from under everyone.

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  8. Ah, the tween years. Leading to teens. I feel your pain. Once The Girl got into college, it became "cool" to hang out with Mom again (we rainchecked a Mother's Day lunch at one of our favorite places for when restaurants are open for eating in again). I am hopeful that now The Boy has graduated high school and is off to college he will follow suit.

    It's been nice having The Hubby home for the last few weeks, we get to eat lunch together and talk. But now that our county is slowly opening and he has to go back to the office, I suppose that will end.

    Your book sounds fabulously creepy Lisa. It must go on my TBR.

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    1. Liz, I have to say that I remember not really wanting anything to do with my mom between 12 and 22 but since then, she's been my best friend! I'm hopeful that like you said, one day it will be "cool" to hang out with mom again!

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    2. Yes, the transition is going to be on… Terrifying. Another new normal. ....

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  9. Many of the folks in our community are getting out and walking around a lot. It's good for me to be out walking as much as I can manage, and we stop and chat (from a distance!). Often there's very little substance but I treasure the small connections, and I'm trying to think of ways to continue and build on them when we start returning to more "normal" lives.

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    1. Jim, you're absolutely right about the substance thing--we run into neighbors and chit chat all the time (from a safe distance) but I love your idea of then trying to build deeper connections with people once this is over!

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    2. So agree it’s very different to see someone in real life, isn’t it?

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  10. Congratulations on your new release! I'm thankful every day my kids are grown and I'm not running a house with three teens during the pandemic.

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    1. Thank you! Haha, I would be grateful for that as well!

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    2. Oh, yes, I often think about that… How incredibly difficult it must be!

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  11. Lisa, thank you for this lovely essay. It's a hopeful sign that families might be strengthened by this madness, something I feel we truly needed.

    You are doing something truly vital for your daughter: making sweet memories. As someone who raised three daughters to adulthood, all of whom are great adults for a long time now, I can tell you that is a huge benefit to her life. Remembering and reminiscing, just the way you are doing now, will help her navigate her own life later. And will give your relationship more Super Glue than anything else. As Liz mentions, college seems to be the line of demarcation for the parent-child struggle. Adult children are the reward for raising them, in my opinion.

    For my family, we are stronger, too, we try to keep in touch more, and a lot of the petty issues each of us has had time to time don't seem important enough to hold onto any more. One teenager in our extended family was beginning to have some serious issues with sneaking out and doing some other stuff that was getting him into big trouble. Being stuck at home means it's darn boring to hole up in his room all the time, so he's been more a part of his family than he has for a long time.

    As for my own household, my husband and I are enjoying what is probably the most peaceful and fulfilling part of our long marriage. We are caring for one another in a way we had forgotten we used to do, before the madness of raising a family and striving for a livelihood took more precedence. Offers of a cup of tea, or to empty the dishwasher, or to fetch something for each other used to be common, and now it's getting more so again. We were always affectionate, but being together all day has made that kiss-and-hug connection much more of a treat. I think my husband will draw the line at foot rubs, but a girl can dream, right?

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    1. I so agree. Jonathan and I, and I can really tell, are being very respectful and careful with each other. We always have been, luckily for me, but there’s still a veneer of being careful, extra carefully loving and polite.

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    2. Karen: I absolutely agree about the Super Glue thing. I am hoping she gets something out of my stories that will serve her well later. I'm so glad to hear the teen in your family has become more a part of the family during this time. I, too, have experienced the same kind of reconnection with my own husband--although no foot rubs for me either!

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    3. Karen, we are also finding time for one another that is very sweet and the way you describe it is perfect. No foot rubs here, but there have been a couple of back rubs that've been pretty nice. Of course, the fact that I've immersed myself in cozies for the last month has also been very helpful. "Honey, are you still awake?"
      Oh, and Karen, thanks for all of the helpful hints about my zoom room yesterday. I'll try some repositioning of stuff before my next class.

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    4. You're welcome, Judy! I hope it makes a difference.

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  12. What a lovely story! You and your daughter are both fortunate. My mother told some stories but it was really my father who was the story teller and entertained us. He grew up in California and moved a lot but had great stories even of the grim times.
    My husband and I are retired so we see each other a lot usually but we are taking time to do more for each other. Another blessing is that I have reconnected virtually with classmates and sorority sisters that I had seen at my college reunion last fall. We Zoom every two weeks and it is a delight. It started with a small group and now each time more and more are joining. I really look forward to seeing them and it makes me happy that all those years ago when I was 18, I made some good choices in my friendships. These are still interesting women that I am happy to talk with.

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    1. It’s like a re-discovery of things we took for granted…

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    2. Your dad sounds like he had some great tales! I have found Zoom to be a godsend during all this. My husband and I have been reconnecting with friends via Zoom that we normally wouldn't even see this much so it's quite wonderful! It's so cool that you're still talking to those interesting women after all this time! My mom has a group of friends she's stayed in touch with since grade school and it's quite a connection!

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  13. I've been laid off since March 24th, the day the stay-at-home advisory went into effect in Massachusetts. I haven't had so much time off at once since I was 18 years old. And it looks like I might be off until at least June 1st. And I'm enjoying that aspect of things because let's face it, I don't see myself ever getting to retire and move to Florida to play golf, eat dinner at 4pm and die in a hurricane while yelling at kids to get off my lawn and wearing Bermuda shorts and black socks.

    I've been able to do a lot of reading. I've been doing a bunch of writing (reviews mainly) and watching TV/movies.

    I lucked out that I had no problems filing for unemployment and I got the payments started in a timely manner. And that brings me to the one real plus of the pandemic. Because I got the regular unemployment and that 600 extra payment added in as well, I've been able to pay off bills that I would probably have struggled to pay off without it. I've never been quite so on top of my monthly bills as I am right now. And though it isn't something noble like time with one's kid or anything, that's my main priority right now. The bills being paid is a huge plus for me.

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    1. There are victories for all of us! so glad it is working out for you, dear Jay.xxx

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    2. Bills being paid is SUCH a huge plus always but especially at a time like this when so many are struggling, especially after you were laid off. I'm so happy to hear this!

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  14. Lisa, welcome to Jungle Reds and Congratulations on your book! I love that "Mom is cool" again story. I love that your tween loves your stories. Walking is great exercise!

    Diana

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    1. I agree! We walk all the time! Carefully, of course.

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    2. Thank you so much! Yes, I think walking is so underrated! It really is great exercise!

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  15. Oh Lisa - I have 2 daughters and 12-16 was brutal. I love that she likes walking with you and listening! Pure gold. Congratulations on the new book!

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    1. Can you remember those days? When we were 12 to 16? Whoa. /-)

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    2. Thank you so much! It's always great to hear my experience with this brutal stage is not unique! Makes me feel less alone!

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    3. I do remember that age! I was actually saying to my daughter how we had landlines and that my best friend and I used to read book and call each other on the phone that was attached to the wall and talk about the books for hours!

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  16. Lisa, I loved this. I have just one daughter but in our case it was 12-18 that was brutal. I'm wondering if this time you and your daughter are having together will ease the teen drama a bit.

    Your book sounds terrific! Going to put it on my TBR list now!

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    1. Yes, I bet it will be a relationship you will treasure forever… And at some point, in the real world together, right? And then your daughter will have stories of her own.

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    2. Deborah: I truly hope so. To be honest, the drama was in full effect when schools were closed down so this quieter, drama-free time is really a blessing!

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  17. Lisa, that is a wonderful story and thank you for sharing your pandemic pluses. We are ok in this strange time, more fortunate than many, but I haven't found any pluses. Adding: two grown daughters here, with children of their own. And I do remember those tween/early teen years. Very hard. I remember their stressed out times when everything I said was wrong. I finally realized I could ask: "What do you need right now? Hugs, verbal support, advice, distraction?" The unhappy daughter would stop short, think and actually answer. It helped a lot.

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    1. Triss, that is absolutely invaluable advice because you're so right--nothing I say is right! I'm going to remember that and try it! Thank you!

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  18. I have not lost my job nor been required to work from home, so no change there and virtual office meetings are the pits. The lack of necessary essentials in stores is irritating. Why some become hoarders leaving others without seems so heartless. I have no children, no spouse and close family is in the next state so plusses are ... well, to be honest, I haven't found any yet. There is always one naysayer in the group and I guess that's my job today. I have purchased more books but keep missing all the virtual events. Okay, I'll stop. I will say that Grace has been so positive that I forget she has survived COVID. You amaze me, Grace.

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    1. You have purchased more books! So you have helped so many of us… Thank you! Plus, we get to see you here, and that is great! yes, we join you in the standing ovation for Grace. Xxx

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  19. Deanna: I think it would be unreasonable to expect everyone to find pluses in this situation! Your feelings are totally valid and I bet many, many, many people would agree with you. It's important to hear about peoples' experiences that are unlike you're own. Helps keeps things in perspective, I think. But I'm a silver-lining kind of person so I can't help but say that I'll be over here wishing that some positives come your way very soon!

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    1. Yes! Perfect. Sending all the jungle red good vibes!

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    2. Deana here, thank you for the words of encouragement every.

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  20. I’ve been enjoying the peace and quiet of my iwn home. And that is about to change again. Our 20 year old granddaughter is flying in from Ohio Sunday to resume culinary school. Texas is opening up but I’m afraid it’s too soon. Our son is due back from basic at Ft Sill on the 29th. So wham bam. Back to full house drama soon.

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  21. Congratulations, on your release, Lisa. I can't wait to read The Girl With No Name. My hooligans are 17 and 19. They were the best of friends from birth right until H2 joined H1 at high school and suddenly there was distance. It was painful to watch as they pushed away from each other. But the quarantine has brought them back together (I think it would have happened anyway in the twenties) and it's been such a joy to see them rediscover their best friend/brother bond. (sob)

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    1. Awwww....as long as they don't have to fight over the food, right?

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  22. YAAAAYYY JENN! Paris is Always a Good Idea had been named a top summer book by PopSugar! FABULOUS!

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  23. Such a heartwarming story. Thank you for sharing, Lisa! It gives me hope as my kids grow up.

    (Plus, congrats on your book!)

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    1. Agreed! Isn't it? Awww..... And you'll have your own stories, too!

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  24. What a great story! Kudos to you for patience and to your tween for seeing the value in mother/daughter time.

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  25. Beautiful, Lisa!

    As for me I am too far from family, my husband died about a year ago, and my friends can't visit due to the pandemic. But... I have my dog Fitbit and my cat She-She that Steve and I adopted when we moved into this house. The good in this little story of mine is that She-She, a feral kitty, rarely came out of her private spot in the closet until Steve died. She walked all around the house looking for him, into his office, and in front of his chair. She cried. Fitbit went to her, and walked with her to the kitchen where he showed her his water. Now they are good friends. They help each other, and they help me.

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  26. I love this so much! My husband and I were just talking this morning about how thankful we are that everyone in our house enjoys being together and gets along, and how nice it's been to be together. I miss our busy days, I miss going out and seeing friends, and I sure wish I could stop coughing (it's been 2 1/2 months, for crying out loud), but this thing has definitely had a few silver linings.

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    1. You are SO brave! And I am so happy you are getting better..and you WILL! Cannot wait to hug you. xoox

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  27. Comcast offered free fitness videos and Acorn previews for a while helped a little. Being retired, I'm OK financially and have plenty of food. I just really miss lunches with friends, church, library, etc.

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