In times of uncertainty, we learn.

Things feel shaky and uncertain and a bit scary.
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We have never been here before.
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We wait each day, each hour, each minute for updates.
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​We don't know how long it will last.
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We lose our daily routines, our "normal".
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But, what do we gain?
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We gain time at home; to be alone, to connect with each other, to learn how to just BE when the world stops around us.
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Even with the littles running around, we learn to create a new normal, a somewhat simpler life with no activities to run to or events to attend. We must learn to be with ourselves and our families around the clock. 
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We learn to appreciate. We appreciate the craziness of getting out the door in the morning and the simplicities like going to your local coffee shop or store with no worry, a simple hug.
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We gain wisdom. We are seeing how one drop can ripple out. We are learning.
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​We gain perspective. We see how our actions can directly impact others.
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​We gain love. We watch people around the world show love, from distancing musical flash mobs on balconies in Italy, to the mounds of support shown by local people and businesses to each other. We see humanity at it's finest.
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​We learn patience. We must or we can't move through. We will go stir crazy.
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​We learn to connect with nature since it is one of the only places we can still go and still be practicing this isolation. 
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We learn we have strength. It times of struggle, we must dig deep to care for ourselves and our loved ones.
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We hold our breath so we can all breathe better.
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​We learn that it's about the collective and not just "ME".
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​We learn hope. Hope for what is to come when it's over. Hope for a new beginning. Hope that so much more will come out of this that is bright and beautiful and shows that we are truly ONE.
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ONE WORLD. ONE LOVE. ONE HOPE.

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Guess what else?? We are literally reducing our carbon footprint right now. Satellite maps are showing NO pollution in certain areas with things shut down that are usually thick with it. How awesome is that?

I won't lie. I'm a little scared. I'm scared for my parents who have all three of the highest risk factors. I'm scared for all of the people who will end up with this virus and have to deal with the awfulness that we are seeing it is thanks to first hand accounts both young and old. I'm scared for our health care workers and first responders. And I'm scared for the financial hit we are all going to take that will take a bit to recoup from. I've found myself emotional at both happy and sad things. That's my go to. When nervous or confused or tired (is anyone else just TIRED right now?) or sad, I cry. But, I also have been working on staying grounded, setting up virtual coffee with friends and FaceTiming my nephew as much as possible. This is hard and it will continue to be. But we will all get through it. 

​ I wanted to share some resources for people, an announcement for something I hope to do each week and even a few recipes you may enjoy while you have time to cook/bake.

​First, resources! I've compiled some great things to do with kids at home and some for the adults as well! 

Download the Resources and Recipes HERE

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Small businesses will take a big hit, especially photographers and other service industries. We have no clue how long it will last but everything says, probably a couple of months minimum. So, how can you help support small businesses at this time? 
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• 👏Buy a gift certificate for yourself to use at a later time or to give to someone else. This applies to all of the businesses who offer them. 

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• 👏 Buy from their online shops if they have one so you don’t have to go out but can still support them. The Merry Lion and Mockingbird Baby & Kids, two of my faves for kids/babies and women (TML) offer online purchases! 

 

• 👏Order from restaurants that offer online ordering but also take necessary precautions like wearing some gloves and transferring the food to plates and disposing of packaging and sanitizing. 

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• 👏Check in on those you know who do have a small business and let them know you support them. 

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• 👏Give reviews of businesses you love on google, FB, etc. 

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• 👏Share your favorite local businesses on your social media and encourage others to support them as well in these ways.​

​For my business, here are ways I'd love your support in addition to the above. I recorded a video HERE, if you'd like to hear about  my current situation. Email me at nicole@Nicoleoneilphotography.com if you have interest in anything below.
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• For those who can't do a regular session and can't afford the investment that takes, I am offering a few special events later Spring/Summer that I can let you know about-a mommy  or daddy and me and branding photos at an incredible space in Newburyport as well as Beach and wildflower field sessions). You just pay the deposit now, but before the dates are announced as I want to be sure I know when it's business as usual again first. You'll have a signed contract guaranteeing your spot.
• Book a regular session for Summer or Fall. This is the best way if you were considering a regular session anyway with my full experience and products. Pay the session fee plus a product credit fee now ($500 which is a $250 session fee and a $250 product credit) See info on products HERE
• Order something you never got but wanted such as wall art or an album.
• I also have wall art for sale. It is already discounted but I'm giving an additional coupon for 15% off to use for the rest of this month. Use code: March2020 
• Anyone who wants the digital images they didn't get before, I have a special 50% off for the duration of Quarantine.
  
• ​If you don't need anything, please forward along to someone who you think may. :) 

Love to you all during this time and always. 

XO
Nicole