Greetings and salutations! I hope and pray everyone is getting through this as well as possible. I, for one, have had enough of the toilet paper and hand sanitizer discussion. Yesterday, while wiping down doorknobs and light switches, and cleaning money — as if I committed murder and must erase all fingerprints and DNA from the scene of the crime — I stopped mid-spray and thought: this is madness.

So, I am turning to other things. It’s officially spring, time to start growing things getting outdoors and getting out of our heads.

I’m looking out onto a morning mist — it softens the landscape. I will walk today. I took a walk yesterday and after stopped at a Walmart. I ran into a few people I know and some of the folks who work there — let’s hear it for all those who work in supermarkets, large box stores, etc. who do it for minimum wage and at risk. All had smiles and we wished each other well (at the specified distance). As it should be.

As I walked home a police car came down the eerily quiet road. He slowed down and asked me how I was doing. We exchanged brief pleasantries and departed. How lovely and sweet those moments were! The people who care for us — God Bless them.

I can’t offer any advice that doesn’t sound trite, so I will remind. Get outside into open spaces and take in the sun (if it’s out) and fresh air and move your body. Read! Books! Non-electronically! Here’s a wonderful opportunity to travel and time travel – fill some of those gaps! Watch movies — obscure ones. Create an art house film festival for your family. Don’t your pets seem to be over the moon to have everyone home? Enjoy this time with them – they are wiser than we.

And for God’s sake help one another! Small or large the gesture: do it. You’ll feel better and so will the recipients. Don’t fret over whether it is returned. Let’s realign ourselves with God, the universe, nature — whatever is your thing and what is bigger than you.

If I hear the term the new normal again I am going to hurl. What is that anyway? When were things ever normal. It’s a new morning — time for some serious reflection on the upside of times that shake us to the core. Let’s reexamine our lives — who do we want to be, what do we really want to do with our time here on earth? Surely this cataclysm is pointing out the areas in our lives where we live so superficially.

There is always something to learn in a seemingly impossible situation. It is when ingenuity blossoms. Set up a new business model if that is your thing — this is oddly a time of freedom.

I will close. Much too long I went. This is as much an exhortation to myself than anyone who may read my words. To be sure there are assholes out there with carts and cars full of water, toilet paper and pasta (wtf?). Walk away.

We will get through this somehow. I do think universal love is a greater part of the solution.

Clare

Check back soon. I will post books, movies, recipes, etc. to entertain and amuse. At least that is my hope.

Photos by VenetiaJane’s Garden @VenetiaJane