Collecting Histories

Books, basketball, bicycle, laptop, and gardening gloves.

Running shoes, remote control, knitting, face mask, Cooke's coffee beans

In my time capsule, I would place a running shoe for my twice-daily neighbourhood social distancing walks; a remote control for the films and television shows that my partner and I watched each evening after our study and work from home days; a bit of knitting as I mastered the cable knit pattern during quarantine and made headbands for friends and family members to pass the time; a homemade face mask my Mom thoughtfully sewed for me; and coffee from a local business we enjoyed every morning as we did our best to support and buy local throughout the pandemic.

knitting, writing, candles, reading, playing

in my time capsule would be: knitting supplies (there's been many toques created and gifted so far), writing supplies (connecting the "old fashioned" way), candles (cozy home-cooked dinners, every night!), that book that hadn't been read yet, and games (lots of both board and card games!)

Pandemic Time Capsule

I've included a spray bottle of bleach solution, made in March at the start of the pandemic in Ontario. I normally use more gentle, eco-friendly cleaners, but to kill the COVID-19 virus stronger chemicals are recommended. One of my running shoes is included because I've been one of many who recently took up running to keep in shape. But I am really not a runner! I'm hoping the lake will warm up soon so I can swim. (And that there is access.) Next, I've opted to add my handmade face mask. Early on, it seemed to me that face masks were smart to wear when shopping, but I remember how strange it felt to wear my mask for the first time. Now I see people wearing handmade masks all over Kingston. I sewed a number of these, and it felt good to be doing SOMETHING to help. Tucked in behind the mask are four tickets to see Hamilton on April 25 in Toronto, a show my young-adult "kids" have wanted to see for several years. Of course, this event was cancelled along with all other entertainment and sporting venues; replaced in part by online offerings, such as the Stratford Festival's live streaming of plays on Thursday evenings. Sad, but necessary. Central to the capsule is a seed packet with okra seeds. Normally I buy a few seedlings in pots in the spring, but this year I planted seeds myself and watched them sprout in my window. I have never planted okra before, and it seems to be doing well. Seeds and getting out in nature represent hope, which is vital. This seed packet, donated from Loving Spoonful, a charity promoting food security, was delivered to my porch along with a 6-pack of Proper English Ale (contactless delivery) from Kingston's Skeleton Park Brewery. Supporting local businesses during this time seems especially important and porch deliveries are a new phenomenon that is quickly taking hold during these challenging times.

Cookbook, Seeds, Embroidery floss, Snail Mail, Happy Thoughts

In my time capsule I would include a cookbook of family recipes that we've been able to put a little more time into. An envelope of wildflower seeds since Spring is now here and giving us more hope for rebirth. Embroidery floss from my first embroidery project that is sparking a new obsession. A woodblock print mailed to me from a dear friend just because they wanted to connect. And finally, Happy Thoughts, in both a literal sense after having supported the local business, and figurative sense that we will get through this :)