Me, My TV, and…

…how quarantine is changing it.

I have always really liked TV and movies. Shows and movies allow me escape my world for awhile and wind down at the end of the day. They provide social connections to those around you and a way to find common ground with someone you have trouble connecting with.

Lately, with the self-quarantine there hasn’t been much else to do but watch tv (yes I read and I have more books on the way). That is slowly fundamentally changing my relationship with TV to something I am sort of trapped doing. Yes people found a million other ways to spend their time (maybe better ones) but I am having a hard time doing that. My apartment is clean, I workout almost every day, and I still work a bit. I am just out of things to do (insert shrug here). I don’t want TV and movies to morph into something I do because there is no other option but right now that is the case.

I can’t wait until my new books get here.

What has COVID changed in your life? Anything you used to enjoy and relax with that is now starting to change and grate on you?

Or am I just worried I am lazy and I am watching too much TV? Possible.

This is Halloween…

…and why it’s so important to me.

If you know me you know I love Halloween and it is probably my favorite holiday season. I always jokingly say “It’s a day based on candy and pretend so what’s not to love?” That is super true but I love it for a lot of reasons. It’s no secret I like to have a little magic and imagination in my life (thus my love of all things Harry Potter). I grew up in a house where is was not only okay to have some magic in your life but encouraged. I dressed up and played pretend and made up stories. Getting lost in a book was a great day when I got to visit another world. Halloween is all about having a little magic in your life (I am not so much into the super scary side but appreciate those who are). The movies, books, and characters I love all come to life in one way or another on Halloween. It’s so fun to see everyone so light and happy and excited just to have fun. There is no pressure of gifts or obligations like other holidays. It’s there simply for fun.

You really get to see people’s creativity shine as well. Costumes can be beautiful, horrifying, bloody, or punny and I LOVE them all. I enjoy people seeing people express their interests and sense of humor through their costume. It’s a great way to see a different side of people who you don’t know super well.

Even people who don’t like Halloween are great because they aren’t super vocal or a bummer about it; they just go on with their day like normal. No one says ‘don’t say Happy Halloween’ and you are encourage to politically incorrect.

It’s a day full of fun, magic, and healthy escapism. Simply put, I love Halloween. What is your favorite holiday?

These 70 Free Halloween Printables Are THE BEST! I love all the different designs you can choose from. These artists are so generous!

A Magical Escape…

…when life and setting my own p(e)ace isn’t working out.

If you follow me on Instagram, setmyownp.e.ace, you know that I went to the Harry Potter Symphony event last night. Beyond having a wonderful time in a beautiful setting with a slytherin I am taking a chance on, I wanted to share what the Harry Potter series means to me.

People tend to think that Harry Potter is a fun following (and it is) but it’s more then that to me. The Harry Potter books have allowed me a world to completely escape to when my real world has been falling apart. When I needed to run from my world and the exhaustion of keeping up with life, I would go to Hogwarts, hunt horcruxes, attend hte Yule Ball, or just hang out with the gang in the common room.

Identifying as a Hufflepuff is actually a really big part of my identity. I consider a huge chunk of my personality and a sort of moral compass. I try to live by the values of loyalty and hard work, offering acceptance to anyone who has ever felt left out. I am quite proud of making this a part of who I am on a daily basis and wearing my Hufflepuff gear proudly when the occasion allows.

I really don’t know what I would have done in those times without Harry Potter and his adventures. So when I get emotional at events like this it’s about more than just being a nerd. I got to share that with someone on Sunday and it was really nice so I wanted to share it with all of you!

What is your go to escape when setting your own p(e)ace is overwhelming?