Its hard to believe its been three years since I posted my thoughts and meditations, tea parties and activities to share with all of you. Because of all this time of weathering the COVID-19 (Corona Virus) I am inspired by the many acts of kindness in our neighborhood. town. county. region. state. country. world. Inspired to write again. Thanks for reading.
Shelter in Place -
In the 1st stage, "it" felt like blizzard-stay-in-the-house-do-whatever-you-want time for a few days. Watch movies all day, no dress code, meals whenever, who cares. 'This too shall pass.'
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| Winter 2020 |
Like many crafters, I've unearthed many projects I once planned to do and made great headway on them.
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| Upcycling project - our plastic wrappings made into a reuseable bag |
The 3rd stage was a vivid reminder of how the early days of retirement felt. Like oh-now-I-have-no-schedule-and-I-am-not-getting-anything-accomplished mode. I recall having all that time I once dreamed about having, and now it was upon me; and then, I bounced around between loving not having to get up and get ready for work, and being handed a 24/7 schedule.
The 4th stage, has brought me to where some of you were initially, its-spring-now-so-time-to-clean-out-the-cupboards-and-reorganize-the-storage-spaces mode. This cleaning spree would have been entirely enhanced by opening the windows and getting the fresh air billowing through, but it hasn't been warm enough yet.
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| Spring 2020 Lake Superior breezes - we're longing for fresh air! |
One day I was napping and awoke to a hockey game on TV. For a split split second (is there such a thing?) I rejoiced that "it" was all a nightmare and that life was back to 'normal'. As I touched the remote to question the details of the game, my split split moment of relief was jerked back to real life April 2020. "It" is real!
Stage 5 (maybe one for every week) has me experiencing real Cabin Fever. What can I do? Where can I go? I liken it to recovering from major surgery and staying home for 6 weeks - that means I have one more week of recovery to go (as I mentally try to adjust to "it.") Maybe it will be spring here and warm enough to spend more time outdoors in just another week. But who's counting?!
While some of you have posted that your refrigerator door is opening and closing more often, and many more dishes to do, some of us are following a Weight Watchers path and to be honest, I don't know which would be harder - realizing you're snacking more than you want to or restricting your food thoughts and eating.
We've had many little blessings from "it", from Sheltering in Place, as I'm sure you have. Small businesses and churches have offered food for others, especially for school-age kids who are not getting their meals in schools. Everyone now has time for everything that occurs within your household - having time to talk, cook and bake; and play games with your kids; and distance learning. We're finding many new ways to do ordinary things.
Across the Upper Peninsula, the U.P., residents are filling their windows with hearts of love and support as a way to communicate with our neighbors, friends and family, and to announce to the world our solidarity and strength as Yoopers. In my county, people who sew have made 10,000 plus face masks for medical and essential workers, and for many others who need them. At this time, it is suggested that everyone wear a mask to protect others. That means I am wearing my mask for you as you are wearing your mask to protect me. This alone is the Golden Rule.
We've had many little blessings from "it", from Sheltering in Place, as I'm sure you have. Small businesses and churches have offered food for others, especially for school-age kids who are not getting their meals in schools. Everyone now has time for everything that occurs within your household - having time to talk, cook and bake; and play games with your kids; and distance learning. We're finding many new ways to do ordinary things.
Across the Upper Peninsula, the U.P., residents are filling their windows with hearts of love and support as a way to communicate with our neighbors, friends and family, and to announce to the world our solidarity and strength as Yoopers. In my county, people who sew have made 10,000 plus face masks for medical and essential workers, and for many others who need them. At this time, it is suggested that everyone wear a mask to protect others. That means I am wearing my mask for you as you are wearing your mask to protect me. This alone is the Golden Rule.
For 36 or more days so far, God has been in my daily thoughts, not because of this crises, but because He is in my daily thoughts 365. The Psalms are a good source of support right now. And my mother's voice "This too shall pass." I'm still vacillating between all of these stages, and the "Some Day" goal list: learning French - so far I can say I am a girl, "je suis une fille". Learn some of the unused programs on my computer - I didn't know I could make my own videos with music!!
I also have 9 baby plants in my windows with seeds from my previous gardens. And I'm even making a little progress on this "Some Day" goal to update Serenitea-sb Blog and start writing again!
Many tag lines on advertising have shifted from the buy-my-product mode to "We're in this together. We're going to make it through this" and my favorite "Keep Calm and Yooper On."
(Click on the underlined and highlighted words to locate the links)!
The sun is shining today!
There is water dripping from the roof!
Today IS a new day - in a new way!
Queen Elizabeth's 94th Birthday!
Thank God for his many blessings!
Be thankful for: friendships renewed, projects done, family that's safe, time with spouse, and good health!
Take care of yourself.
Take a deep breath.
Move a little more,
Eat a little less.
Be blessed where ever you are! sb
