While you’re in: Become a tree-hugger or learn to draw
Hug a tree: Last week’s column featured a video about hugging yourself. If you’re sheltering in place solo, whom else are you going to hug? Well, there’s at least one more answer: You can hug a tree. It’s a living thing, after all, and while some might scoff at this idea, the Icelandic Forestry Service recommends it. The advice is detailed in an April 10 article in the Iceland Review. Ranger Þór Þorfinnsson recommends a 5-minute hug each day — and he does advise that visitors don’t all hug the same tree. The article includes pictures of folks with the flora they’ve befriended, and you can check out more photos of Icelandic tree huggers (including some amusingly enthusiastic ones) on the forestry service’s website. If you already love trees — or want to be convinced — check out Port Townsend filmmaker Ward Serrill’s “TreeStory” series.
Practice safe sex: In the pandemic, “safe sex” has taken on a new and broader meaning, because avoiding traditional sexually transmitted diseases is only one worry (and arguably not even the most important one, since AIDS is no longer a death sentence). The New York City Health Department has issued what must be its most talked-about memo ever, describing in graphic detail how to get sexy without spreading coronavirus. One of the tamer tips: “You are your safest sex partner.” (But be sure to wash your hands afterwards, the department advises.) On the other (freshly washed) hand, if you’re sheltering in place with a sex partner, this might be a good time to practice. It’s probably one of the more fun things you can do at home, right? If you’re looking for ideas to spice things up, check out the quiz at mojoupgrade.com to see what new boudoir activities are of interest to both of you.
See some “Underpants”: Kids who are stuck at home might want to get into a little mischief of their own — or at least meet someone who’s an expert in it. “Captain Underpants” creator Dav Pilkey is giving online drawing lessons and reading from his work. There’s content available through the Library of Congress and on the Scholastic website. If your kids’ tastes run more to cute than crass, illustrator Mo Willems recently released a series of drawing lessons, too; check them out through The Kennedy Center.
This story was originally published April 15, 2020 at 5:45 AM.