Dorian in NYC writes:

Throughout these difficult times, there are two things that I try to keep in mind to maintain my sanity: solidarity and structure. I focus on solidarity as a positive aspect during such a chaotic time. I constantly reach out to friends and family to remind myself of the feeling of community. Something that I definitely took for granted, was the feeling of being surrounded by loved ones every day… I optimistically believe that this pandemic has brought many people closer together, realizing that everyone–no matter who you are–has been impacted.

Structure is another aspect of “normal” life that I have taken for granted before this era of social distancing. Keeping simple things in my life such as a regular time to wake up or designated times to do homework, study, relax, and spend time with my roommates have been crucial to feeling “normal” during the stress and uncertainty.

Joel writes:

I have been a Strokes fan since I was 11 years old. They recently released their new LP “The New Abnormal,” and it could not have come in a more timely manner. It blends the essence that made them famous about two decades ago with the newer stylings of front-man Julian Casablancas’ solo work and side project, The Voidz.

I can’t get enough of it, Julian’s falsetto, his runs, the quirky simplicity of the instrumentals… I’ve been listening to it nonstop. In these very melancholy times, the bittersweet melodies, themes of changes, and clever naming of this album make the LP accessible and perhaps necessary for many seeking solace.

Professor Sledge sends these cheery blooms, and a haiku:

“A defiant spring:
coronavirus and sleet
versus Daffodils.”