AN UNEXPECTED BREAK #100DAYSOFPRACTICE
3 weeks ago, I fell and broke a bone in my left hand. It’s a hairline fracture of the 5th metacarpal, and I’ve been seen by the best available specialists and know I’m being very well cared for. I anticipate my recovery to take some time, of course, but it’s going well so far. The specialist’s recommendation was NOT to cast me to minimize atrophy and stiffness, so mostly I hang around in buddy tape or occasionally in a half splint that I use for anything “high risk” (like walking on ice, etc). I know I’ll be okay, I’m feeling positive.
I had half-planned a vacation to Belize before my fall, but once I knew my situation was stable enough, I decided it was the best possible thing to do. Soaking in the ocean and in the sun is definitely healing, and I feel all the better for going. It’s always a challenge for me to sit still, but I really managed it and benefited greatly. Iposted many photos on my instagram stories; sorry if they were annoying! 😉
I’m grateful to my fiancé Brandon and two dear friends in particular who took good care of me in the early days of pain and panic. I have felt the tremendous support of my colleagues and friends, and was met with so much understanding and concern for my wellbeing when cancelling performances.
And now there’s this virus. Now more of us are off work. And it’s likely just starting. I know a lot of my freelance friends are gutted, wondering what to do with months of free time (and lack of paycheques). I’m feeling very grateful to have a job where I’m taken care of during this time, a luxury that many I know do not have. So, let’s talk on the phone? Dream up projects? Catch up? And if I can help in some concrete way, like with food, company, support, I’m in. Just message me.
I’m loving watching the ingenuity of my friends, live streaming, teaching over Skype, creating playlists, suggesting each other’s albums – all of that. I wish I could participate more! I still have plenty of projects to work on (and/or salvage!): Ritornello, Classical Unbound, recording projects, grants...
Of course I’m thinking ahead to performing again in the summer... so how to start? I mean, there’s no shortage of things to do on the eternal list of being an adult. But I’d like to focus my next few months on productive but actually enjoyable things, mental and physical health at the forefront:
* I’m going to paint 🎨
* Apartment Purge 2020
* Wedding plan 🌱
* Stretching, exercise, cooking 💪🏼
* #100daysofpractice 🎻
I’m going to resume practicing soon, and I thought that documenting my time might be valuable to me to help motivate me and to see actual progress when I’m feeling frustrated. I’ll try to use this unplanned break (pun acknowledged) to really dig in to fundamentals, things I’ve neglected, things I’ve always wanted to learn, etc. It’ll be on my Instagram feed and stories: follow @cklopoushak. Feel free to ignore them - I won’t be offended!
It’s mostly for me, with the added accountability of having to post something. I’ve been recently been very inspired by my friend and colleague Karen Donnelly, who also helped encourage me to do this. Check out her instagram account (@donnellykarena) for a daily dose of beautiful artistry and humility. (I may also post about the painting)
If you made it this far, you must in fact be practicing #socialdistancing very well. Congratulations. And thank you. I’m a big fan of phone calls, so feel free!
Love and big virtual hugs,
Carissa
