Parenthood Goes Viral

Katherine: Today we welcome our fun and energetic friend Jacquline Kang. She and her husband have a joyful household with 3 kids and 2 nephews. You can imagine the energy level that takes. Yet she found time to author an exciting book The Club. A really great read with incredible characters, and wow the protagonist Ireland Jacobson! With her job and security on the line, she must make difficult choices, rely on people she has just met, and hurt those she has known for years in order to heal, forgive and find her own personal inner strength.

MJ: I'm so happy you invited Jackie. She's got such an aura. She's a good person who thinks good and does good. Welcome Jackie.

Jackie: Thank you for having me. I’m so delighted to be a part of your conversation. It’s such a nice distraction during these interesting times.

Katherine: My goodness Jackie, what is parenting like during stay at home orders? It must be thrilling to have this time together, but it also has its challenges, doesn't it?

Jackie: Yes! Thrilling and Challenging are two words perfect for describing our new scenario. The thrill comes from being able to see each of my children grow and learn in a homeschooling environment, but the challenge comes from wearing all the different hats that are required to do it successfully.

I’ve found for my youngest children, staying on a schedule helps keep us all grounded. We wake up every day at 7:30 am. We get dressed, make our beds, have breakfast and brush teeth all before starting our “school day” promptly at 9:00 am. 

Our typical school day is structured into three, one-hour blocks of learning, focusing on writing, math, and reading or inquiry. We sprinkle in lots of snacks, recess and virtual learning as well. We’ve had the chance to do a lot more home science projects as well. We’ve done egg geodes, home-made lava lamps and airplane flying contests.

 MJ: That's a full schedule. Do you also take time for yourself? Meditation is how I re-center. Do you meditate? Today my thought is - Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain. Are you and your family dancing in this viral storm?

Jackie: (Laughing) We do indeed dance. You should see our family dance parties! We love to open the back doors of the house, bring out a speaker and dance on the porch. Being cooped up in the house all day can be stressful whether you have a large family like mine or if you are just by yourself. I agree that meditation can be a great way to center your mind, but I also believe physical activity is just as important. That and getting outside.

Katherine: Jackie, you've spent time as a personal trainer and a spa manager. Do you have tips for other parents out there on how to take time for self-care during this unusual time in our lives? And what tips for kids?

Jackie: I do have some tips I’d love to share, but first I think the most important message to get across is we need to live during this time with more grace and forgiveness. We have never been faced with these circumstances before. None of us could have prepared for what we are going through now, so to have any expectations that we should be doing it “the right” way is absurd. We have to do what is right for our family and for ourselves first and worry about the rest of it after.

But, with that being said, I do believe there are ways to keep up mental and physical health during our times inside. Like I mentioned earlier, physical movement is important for both adults and children to keep healthy both physically and mentally. There is a wealth of pre-recorded and live streams video available right now on You Tube. One my kids like is P.E. with Joe and one I like is HIGH Fitness.

When the weather is nice, I do my best to get the family outside for a walk or just be in the driveway doing jumping jacks. I also feel it’s important to take some time, whether it’s 30 minutes or an hour, to just be by yourself. In my circumstance there are a lot of people in my house and it can get a bit crazy. That little bit of time allows me to reset and come back ready to move forward. I would say the opposite is equally true if you live by yourself, take an hour out of your day to reach out and talk with someone on the phone or by chat. Connecting with people is human nature and good for your soul.

Katherine: Those are all great ideas. Did you use some of your personal trainer and spa experience in writing your book, The Club? As it says - Welcome to the club, where bodies are shaped, and lives are transformed.

Jackie: You know, I did. But not in the way you might expect. There aren’t a lot of health or wellness tips prevalent in The Club, so in that respect I didn’t get to use my experience as much as I would have liked to. But I did use my experience to create the setting for The Club. Being an employee at these locations let me transfer my knowledge of the inside workings of a health club into the book. I was also able to use a few of my accounting skills from working in both environments to strengthen the story line. I might have thrown in a mention of Green Juice for good measure too.

MJ:   Green things, you know that Earth Day is almost here, on  April 22nd. Of course, as a Flower Child devotee I connect with the earth every day. How are you celebrating the earth with at home activities? What are you and your kids doing?

Jackie: Well the kids and I actually started a vegetable garden this year. Being at home has allowed us to give the garden all the love and care it needs to grow and thrive. It’s been so fun reviewing the growth cycle of plants with the kids. We planted the seeds in containers, watched them sprout and then transferred the sprouted plants to the garden. I’m looking forward to having fresh vegetables with the kids later this summer. It’s also given us the chance to talk about how important it is to keep our earth healthy just like we keep ourselves healthy. Just like we don’t want to pollute our bodies with junk food we don’t want to pollute the earth with trash. It’s a very simplistic explanation but it’s age appropriate for my kids.

Katherine: Jackie you know that we share a passion for purses. Can you tell us a little about your own personal collection? Does it include vintage and contemporary? And for the toughest question ever - which one is your favorite?

Jackie: Katherine, I do love a good purse! I have a pretty good collection going on. I tend to stick to contemporary, but I’d love to grow my vintage collection. Right now, I only have one vintage Louise Vuitton and I keep it in its dust bag and box. I have everything from Stella McCartney vegan leather to Chanel quilted calfskin to Yves Saint Laurent beaded evening bags. It’s hard to say what my favorite bag is but right now I’m loving my green Celie Nano crossbody.

Katherine: What is your favorite Mom purse?

Jackie: 100% my Louis Vuitton Neverfull -because like the name implies, it can hold everything!

Katherine:  What is your favorite purse for the grocery store?

Jackie: This one might surprise you because it’s not a big-name brand, but I love the new company called Hammit. They have a crossbody bag that is just the right size to hold a phone, wallet and some hand sanitizer. It’s perfect for the grocery store because it’s hands free and you don’t have to worry about leaving it in the cart and wandering off on accident.

Katherine: What is your favorite date night purse with your hubby?

Jackie: My husband bought me my first Chanel on our anniversary so that is the one I always wear when I’m out with him. It’s a classic and it holds memories for me.

Katherine: What is your daughter's first purse?

Jackie: (Laughs) Well my fashionista daughters are only five and seven years old so they don’t have anything that would go in a museum, but they do have a few kid purses they love playing dress up with. Their favorite is probably their matching kitty cat bags.

MJ: Now that's one cool cat.

Katherine: Oh I adore the kitty cat bag. Very chic! My Bayside purse line within K. Watson Designs has a cat logo, inspired by my stealthy pet Purrada

Thank you so much for joining us today Jackie. Once the stay home time is over, I look forward to seeing you at our Purse-onality Museum in Bayside WA, and in the meantime, you can read all about it, and our exciting mystery in our book Kat Out of the Bag

Jackie: Thank you so much for having me Katherine and MJ, it’s been a blast talking with you. I can’t wait to check out the museum and all the purses! Rest assured my own purse will have a copy of Kat Out of the Bag in it.

Best wishes to you Jackie in your many pursuits and with your exciting new book. Everyone can find out more on your website at jacqulinekang.com, 

And much happiness to you and your hubby, your lovely family, and to all you parents and caretakers out there who have been given an amazing adventure in parenting.

Spilling the news - It's Out!

Kat Out of the Bag

Today is Release Day

It's out of the bag

Praise from Laura Childs (author Tea Shop mysteries)

"A little bit cozy, a little bit thriller. Wendy Kendall knows how to develop great characters and an exciting plot, then wallop it home."

Hey Katherine, I haven't seen our author so excited in awhile.

You're right MJ. I guess I'm pretty excited myself. It's not every day that the adventures and intrigue of Bayside Washington are released to the public on the pages of Kat Out of the Bag available online on Amazon

Remember how it all started?

Oh for Heaven's sake MJ, can we skip that, not my best moment. I always argued with Wendy Kendall that chapter one should have started later.

No way, that's the beginning of it all  . . . .

Katherine Watson slumped in a heap, littering the side of the road, all branding for her prestigious purse and fashion company, K. Watson Designs International abandoned. She struggled to sit up in her muddied Kevan Hall designer gown, the strategically seductive slit up the left leg of her gown was now in tatters, and a hole was growing under her left arm. Her once upswept, auburn hair hung flat like the dense suede fringe on a poorly made Coach knock off.

A teenager walked by her, talking on his cell phone, "I'm not kidding. The mayor's dead. She was hanged."

And Katherine, when was it that you met Jason Holmes, he was on duty the night of the murder with his K-9 Hobbs.

I remember. I was lost in my own thoughts about Brenda, the mayor, at the time . . .

It was as if she'd killed Brenda herself. Bright flashing lights on top of yet another police car broke through her accusation. This car was speeding right toward Katherine on the curb. She barely had time to roll out of the way. After a stunned self-affirmation she was still alive, her head hung heavy as she moved to a sitting position again. The siren stopped as a loud, vicious barking from inside the car started. Katherine stared at a huge German shepherd jumping against the car's back window. A car door slammed.

A man kneeled next to her in the mud, leaning close. "Are you all right Miss? Are you okay? Do you think you can move?"

Katherine's first thought was that's a big gun, as she stared ahead at the sidearm in the holster hanging from his belt. 

You know Katherine, that Jason, he's got some issues.

MJ I'm telling you, at times he can be so aggravating, him and his dog Hobbs.

Right Kat, not at all like you and your cat Purrada . . . .

Katherine had been trudging around in her gown all night, through the heart break, the push by Russ, the speeding police car, those deep blue eyes. Jason. Then she remembered his lecture and that look in those eyes as he'd told her he'd keep the note as evidence. She slammed her broken clutch down hard on her desk disrupting the sleeping Purrada, who meowed in a loud complaint. The shiny black haired, sleek pet reclined on a fluffy cushion on the window seat next to the desk. Now that Purrada was startled and on the alert, Katherine could see the white fur patches scattered on her nose, chin, and along the front of her neck. The cat then feigned nonchalance and casually began licking the top of her front paw.

MJ that was the calm before the storm. I'll never forget my fear later that night on the phone with 911 . . . .

"There's an officer nearby. We'll alert him. Hold the line."

Katherine was worried by the operator's monotone. Did she understand the urgency? Katherine watched in disbelief as the shadow figure moved toward the she attached to the waterwheel. Too late, she thought to get a picture after the person disappeared inside the shed.

"Oh no," Katherine muttered. She spoke into the phone, "Hurry. I think it's the killer, maybe looking for something left behind? Hello?" Had the operator hung up?

"Yes, the officer is on the way. Please stay on the line." The operator's voice now sounded bored.

A sharp ray of light from inside the shed cut through the darkness. The light jumped around. Sweat collected on Katherine's upper lip as she imagined the killer looking through her things for something, maybe critical evidence. Dear gave way to irritation at the invasion. Irritation gave way to anger. Someone had to stop that killer from removing whatever incriminating thing was so critical it had driven a return to the scene of the crime. Katherine wanted to scream. Where were the police? Maybe MJ was right about them. She pressed against the French doors. The light in the shed went out. Her breath caught in her throat. The silhouette walked out of the shed toward the alley leading to the maze that burrowed throughout Bayside and beyond.

Katherine spoke gruffly and fast, "Hello. Where's your officer? The suspect is getting away."

"Ma'am, please stay calm and hang on the line. They're on the way."

Katherine unlocked the door to the yard and whispered to the 911 operator, "I'm in pursuit."

Well Katherine, at least you had my daily meditations to guide you. 

Yes MJ, as always they were vague but irritating.

Katherine, did you mean wise and insightful? What about the day, when you started your suspect board with your grandmother and me - I rose to the occasion . . . . 

MJ paused as if to gather herself. She stood up, arms reaching forward with her thumbs and forefingers touching. She took a deep breath. Katherine and her grandmother exchanged patient glances, and Pam leaned back in her chair again. There was only the sound of the kettle heating up and the eggs scrambling. In her own good time MJ announced, "The only normal people are the ones that you don't know very well."

Always so helpful, or something MJ. And don't get me started on your antics at the Bayside City Council meeting.

Oh yeah, protest is my thing. That's my kind of scene, man

MJ, you did make a scene that night. Good thing too, so I could sneak away on my first ever stake out. I learned a few things that night.

Oh man, that's when things really got crazy.

Happy launch day Kat Out of the Bag!

Purraise from Purrada!

Rx to Thank Pharmacists

Moonjava - Welcome to our blog. We have a very special guest - Catherine Brugger Brown, one of our treasured health care workers during this pandemic.

Katherine – An enthusiastic welcome from Katherine with a K to Catherine with a C. Thank you so much for all you do as a Pharmacist, one of the health care workers on the front lines at this dangerous time. We can never thank you and the other heroic health care workers enough. And in addition to your work, also helpful are the knowledgeable warnings and advice you've taken the time to share online.

Moonjava – Catherine, you and health care workers here and around the nation and the world inspired my meditation for today: Your greatness is not what you have, it's what you give.   Catherine, what you and the others in the medical field do and give shows what greatness really is.

Katherine - You're a Pharmacist at a hospital in Washington State. Can you please tell us a little about your experiences and responsibilities before, and after covid-19?

Catherine -

I normally split my time between researching new medications the hospital should carry and working in direct patient care, where I review medications that physicians have ordered for patients to make sure they are appropriate and then making sure that the orders are prepared correctly.

My job has changed because I am able to do some of my work remotely. That doesn't apply for everyone, because for some tasks you have to be at the hospital, including my direct patient care shifts. My colleagues and I are working hard to care for patients at a time when some of our colleagues are also getting sick. So we are staying flexible with shifts and tasks to accommodate that.

Since COVID-19, the biggest concern that hospital pharmacists have is that many of the drugs that we use in the ICU are now in critically short supply. We must come up with creative alternatives to keep patients safely and comfortably sedated while they are on a ventilator. We are also involved in procuring and preparing the treatments that are being tried in COVID-19 patients, like azithromycin, hydroxychloroquine, and remdesivir, among others.
And let me just note that my opinions are my own and don’t necessarily reflect my employer’s positions.

Moonjava - Keeping that in mind, what's your advice for people now, in Washington state and elsewhere?

Catherine -

Unless you’re an essential worker, stay safe at home, so that we can flatten the curve. The fewer people go out and spread this disease, the better chance we have of not overwhelming hospitals. We need to have enough beds, staff, medications, and ventilators to treat everyone who is sick enough to need them. If you do go out, stick to grocery stores and medical appointments. Wear a mask and wash your hands. Don’t touch your face. Sanitize whatever you bring into your home, including your phone.

Katherine - At this time I urge people when they must go out for essentials, to be careful where they put down their purse, or any bags they may be carrying, and to clean their purse when they get home. What is a cleaning method you have used?

Catherine -

I highly recommend not setting your purse down on any surface that might be contaminated. And don’t put your wallet or phone in your purse (or pocket) if you’ve touched it with dirty hands and haven’t sanitized it yet. I like to use sanitizing wipes or soap and water, depending on the surface I am cleaning. Some wipes, but not all, contain bleach, which aren’t appropriate for every surface. Check the ingredients. Depending on the fabrication of your purse, they may or may not be a good choice.

Katherine - Is there a type of purse you'd recommend carrying at this time if you must go out to go to work or other essential duty, and why? Whether a wristlet, shoulder bag, satchel, backpack, crossbody, or something else? Or will you shock me and say no purse? What are you carrying these days?

Catherine -

That’s an excellent question. I favor my cotton Vera Bradley wallets and purses these days, because they can be laundered in the washing machine with detergent when I return home. They are the perfect choice in a pandemic with a virus that is destroyed by soap.

Moonjava – With the stay at home, what essentials should you store handy, maybe in a purse or something else during this pandemic?

Catherine -

Hand sanitizer is my top pick. And a portable pack of wipes.

Katherine - I understand that you are also a stylist with Lilla Rose at Hair Charms by Catherine. Is it not just fashionable, but also important to keep hair off the face as well as hands off the face? These hair charms could be a good way. 

Catherine - I am an Independent Stylist with Lilla Rose, yes. Our Flexi Clips are perfect for pulling your hair back into a ponytail or an up-do and keep it out of your way. We sell seven sizes, so they fit all types of hair from baby fine, to long heavy hair. These clips are a creative way to secure your mask while out and about so it doesn't rub on your ears. The clips are also a fun way to decorate the handle of your tote or purse.

 

Katherine - Vera Bradley, is such a lovely, quilted choice. Besides the easy care, they are so pretty and also provide great organization. Often Vera Bradley purses offer matching accessories too. I love your charms. I've added these two to a favorite cotton purse a certain hippie mother gave me years ago. A cheerful blue denim color with embroidered flowers. Don't you think the Lilla Rose hair pins just accentuate the flowers well? The purse is a swagger style with two side sections that just snap shut for quick access, and then a securely zippered middle section.

Like so many Vera Bradley purses, this cotton fabric purse also came as a set including an organizing pouch/make up bag and the cutest little key chain coin purse.


And this is another cotton choice I have.
It looks so cheerful with it's Hawaiian flowers. This is a tote, so easy to carry over the shoulder. With it you see a menehune box. Hawaiian legend has it that many centuries ago, the Menehune were a mischievous group of people who lived hidden in the forests and valleys of the islands before the first settlers arrived from Polynesia. They were smart, extremely strong and excellent craftsmen. They were rarely seen by human eyes, and they are credited with mighty feats of engineering and overnight construction. They worked at night so as not to be seen by others, cutting, transporting and fitting stones for their projects in a long bucket brigade. If they were discovered, their work would be abandoned. I keep my Menehune box filled with notes on projects I'd love constructed, in the hopes that the Menehune will come back some nights ready to work.

Moonjava - You may get your wish Katherine. Even though the Menehune were said to be displaced when the first settlers arrived in Hawaii, some people still believe that the Menehune are roaming the islands, carrying out tricks on people, and some good deeds. An 1820 Census of Kauai listed 65 people as 'Menehune.' Keep wishing!

Now Catherine, your hair clips are groovy. I'm devoted to the lifestyle of the sixties flower children, and with these clips I can always have flowers in my hair, and other beautiful designs. In the little spare time of your very busy life I understand that you're a flash fiction writer, award winning short story writer, and that you're writing a novel. That blows my mind. I dig written words in a cool story. Will you tell us a little about your novel in progress?

Catherine –

I am writing a young adult fantasy novel called The Appearance of Power. It’s the story of a teen who is son of the late King, a tyrant mage who abused his magic. As a result, this young man hates magic and is forced to try and prove he doesn’t also have it. Then it begins to surface in his life. He must find a way be a better person than his father, even though magic is his part of his destiny after all.

Katherine - I can't wait to read that. It's obvious you have so many passionate interests in your life, Catherine. And you're avid about conservation and animal rescue too. We're so fortunate that we can rely on you and other dedicated people like you all the time, and especially at a time like this. What can we do for you health care workers?

Catherine -

If you can sew, make and donate masks. That’s such an appreciated gesture right now, and I know that there’s so many people like you, Katherine, out there that have those skills. Second and most important – stay home. If it helps you, and your mom, and your grandparents, stay out of the hospital, it takes the burden off your health care workers at the hospital caring for the sick. To keep up spirits, I like to distract myself with a favorite hobby, watching movies with family, or to connect with loved ones in other parts of the country online.

Katherine - Yes along with individuals, so many fashion designers too are jumping in and making masks or making donations. I'll get Katherine Watson Designs on that. No mystery, you don't have to be in the same room to help others. And as you say, connect from a distance to a neighbor, a small business, a family member, an animal, you get the idea, when you help others your world will feel brighter. And use time now to take steps in purse-suit of your own dreams.

Katherine and Moonjava – A most sincere Thank You! to you and your colleagues, Catherine Brugger Brown

And here's the link to Lilla Rose