Yes, it’s true: I didn’t do a Hill Buzz this week. Frankly, after last week’s Hill Buzz — which you can read here– and with all the civil unrest going on, I realized I needed some time to do some #SelfCare, in the form of hanging out with my children (and nagging them, and making them go on walks and do chores). I realize that not everyone has the luxury to set their own internal clock right, and I am speaking from a place of privilege, but if you can take a break, do.
In the meantime, here is a fun list of things you can do this week/weekend/allotted and arbitrary amount of time dedicated to rest.
Our friends at the Miracle Theatre are streaming all manner of cool documentaries, which you can access here. Make it a special movie night and order some of their incredibly delicious popcorn and other assorted goodies through their online shop, and keep this gem going strong.
Do you want to use some of your spare time to lift up a young person who desperately needs it? Help Sasha Bruce Youthwork by sending a personalized letter of encouragement. This could be a whole household activity, no matter what your household looks like: Gather together and share of yourselves with a young person who is lonely or isolated, and send your love to them. You can email info@sashabruce.org for additional instructions or to send your letters.
Do you love the Capitol Hill Fourth of July Parade? YES YOU DO! Every year, this tradition celebrates our small town within the District with fanfare and homegrown loveliness. This year, the parade is going virtual but we need our neighbors to march more than ever! This weekend’s project? Record a video of your posse like so:
- 5-7 seconds
- horizontally (landscape, not portrait)
- dress up as if you were marching in the parade
- BE CREATIVE!
- keep social distancing rules (only your household/bubble in the video, please)
- send your masterpiece to CapHillParade@gmail.com by Wednesday, June 16!
This documentary on the lives of two under-recognized African American female artists sounds pretty cool and very timely. It screens tonight on WHUT and you can RSVP here.
Are you a trivia buff? Do you love to impress friends and acquaintances with useless knowledge? Atlas Obscura holds a trivia night every Friday as part of their “Wonder From Home” series. You can RSVP and get more information here.
Hey, getting tested is something to do, especially if you went to the protests. It was great to see so many people masked up and standing up for what’s right, but we’re still in a pandemic, folks. WTOP has a nice round-up of where to get tested, with an interactive map that features both government and private testing places.
You may have heard about Groupmuse here before. In pre-Covid times, they used to be chamber music concerts organized in people’s homes — an elegant way of enjoying excellent music and getting to know your neighbors. Groupmuse has thrived during these crazy times by offering online concerts via Zoom. Your entry fee goes to compensate the artists. Check out this Saturday’s Strings Massivemuse “Together, Apart” on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
In the past, we’ve been lucky to offer you tickets to Pop-Up Magazine‘s live shows, whenever they come to DC. Ever since the pandemic, Pop-Up Magazine has been sharing their delightful living articles on their YouTube Channel. This particular story about plants really touched me– partly because I enjoy gardening/whining about my garden. Pay a visit to Pop-Up Magazine online and enjoy the Spring issue.
Oh, and we have SlowStreets™ now– yay! You can add “walking around in the middle of the street” to your list of things to do. In Ward 6, our one slow street is 12th Street NE, between East Capitol and K Streets NE. Never mind that the ANC 6A commissioners requested different versions of more space, but at least it’s a start. Read more about Slow Streets here.
June is also Pride month. If you want to delve into the District’s LGBT history, spend some time looking at the Rainbow History Project. A special shoutout to fellow THIHer Robert Pohl, whose home is a LGBT landmark: The Furies Collective home!
Finally, if you need to entertain your children, the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop is doing online summer camp and your little ones (up to age 10) are invited. Camp starts June 22 and you can read more here.
Whatever you do, remember to be kind, listen and be good to yourself and to others. And yes, we’re still washing our hands and wearing masks.