ALONG COMES MARY

So, it’s been a few weeks since my last post. When I hit “Publish” on my Springtime in Washington piece, little did I know that we would soon move into a worldwide pandemic and go into quarantine. While I’m fine and show no signs of the COVID-19 Coronavirus, it doesn’t mean that I’m not scared out of my mind. I take the media with a huge grain of salt, but when market shelves become empty, theme parks, national sporting events, even Cooachella is post poned, we’ve got a problem.

As you might be able to tell by now, I adore writing about travel. In fact, I have several trips I’m supposed to go on beginning in April in support of stories. I’ve had friends and followers alike ask me, “what are you going to do?” Or, “You’re Diabetic. Should you be traveling?”

The short answer is, I don’t know. Since I don’t have anywhere to be via plane for over a month, I am taking each day as it comes. I anticipate some of my questions will be answered for me in these coming weeks.

Until then, here are some questions and thoughts I’ve received about traveling and the Coronavirus. I’ve also decided what I’ll do as far as posting and creating content during this time. Read on and I hope you come along.

Are you going to Travel During the Coronavirus Epidemic?

Let me put it this way: If I had a flight this week, no. I don’t usually travel internationally, but the thought of being in a cramped airplane going anywhere and freaking out if someone coughs near me or my running the risk of being a carrier, it’s just not worth it.

That being said, my current itinerary begins at the end of April. I’m supposed to head to Frederick, Maryland and Loudon, Virginia. Following those press trips, I’m headed on a road trip through Pennsylvania and Delaware with my final destination New Jersey. Once there, I’d planned to spend a few days covering Manhattan before heading home to Los Angeles.

Following my Eastern adventures, I’m set to explore Flagstaff, Arizona, a few weeks after. These are all places that have long been on my bucket list, but all I can do is see what happens and know they’re not going anywhere if they’re postpone.

Are you Practicing Social Distancing?

We are as much as we can. We’ve tackled the crazy markets, and treated ourselves to a $3.14 pizza in honor of Pi Day. The grocery stores are at insanity levels I’ve never seen in my lifetime and I’m happily staying away as much as possible. While I understand people are taking precautions and stocking up in the event of mandated quarantine, seeing every single supermarket cleared out of basic essentials like water is a little frightening. Everyone is on edge, of course, and the hostility I’ve witnessed is sad.

I’ll be staying close to home, as will my husband, who just got word he’s to work remotely. In addition to my social media services (which is looking like I should do a heavy promotion on) and writing, I do have a day job to supplement my income. To not much surprise, it’s been put on hold and I am not working that right now. No excuses not to get articles written and ready for when we resume business as usual, am I right?

While I’m certainly avoiding crowded areas, I’ve discovered some beautiful walking trails local to me. It’s amazing what you can find in your own backyard when you stop and go off of the beaten path.

Will you still Write Articles and Create Content?

This has been the hardest question I’ve been asked, and keep asking myself. I strive to write fun, upbeat articles about weekend getaways, road trips, and where to find gluten-free foods. I certainly feel capable of writing more serious articles, but do I want to? And if I don’t, will I offend my community that I’m still creating content during this crisis?

I took to Instagram and created some polls. I was overwhelmed at the 89 percent who voted that I do keep creating, just be mindful. As of right now, that is my plan. In the coming weeks, I will be recalling some terrific excursions before everything changed. My hope is to still write intriguing content while promoting businesses I’ve worked with (who are going to need us more than ever when things begin to resolve).

With wine a common topic on Along Comes Mary, I feel our winemakers need our love right now, too. This is why you will continue to see new Wine Women Wednesday installments, as well as winery spotlights. Even if we cannot visit to wine taste, this is an ideal time to take advantage of ordering online. Maybe even try some new varietals and have your pwn wine flight at home.

And, as far as my health and autoimmune conditions: I’m taking care of myself. I’m watching my stress, eating well, staying hydrated, loading up on supplements, Vitamin C, oh yeah, and a lot of hand washing. Stay tuned as an article for immune-boosting tips may also pop up.

Until next time, please take care of yourself and loved ones. Let me know how you’re doing either in the comments or join me on Instagram. xo