Monday, June 1, 2020

How We Live When the World Goes Mad



LUCY BURDETTE: Gosh this has been a hard week in our country. It's hard to stay positive when the bad news and bad behavior keeps piling up from all directions. Rather than sink lower with our collective despair and worry this morning, I decided to try a different direction.

Several things have happened lately that have made me wonder about whether there’s anything positive to learn from this downtime during the pandemic. I’ve heard rumors that some people are using this enforced down time to figure out whether life has meaning as it stands, or whether the activities and priorities we used to have need reevaluation. While we were still in Key West I noticed this beautiful Volkswagen. It reminded me of how I had planned to travel everywhere in a VW van after high school. I spent a lot of time designing the inside of the van with built-ins, including a bed and a miniature kitchen. I never did own a VW van, and I really don’t want one now. But I am eager to get back to traveling. We had a wonderful trip to Paris and Ireland planned, and I’m just as excited as ever to reschedule (sometime!) I still want to see New Zealand (maybe more than ever) and some other places. And we will desperately miss our time with kids and grandkids, though we are doing a yeoman’s job of staying in close touch over Facetime.


Last week, our Key West minister (also my dear friend and character Steve Torrence) asked this question in his message a week ago: Is this crisis an opportunity to see what we’re really made of? And another similar thought, that might be either jarring or reassuring: “Look around, this is how you live when the world falls apart.“


And finally, Ali Beale, the yoga teacher whom I love and have been following online since the world’s been shut down, asked a similar question: Are there things you’ve learned you are happy to do without during the pandemic? Or maybe other activities or dedications to take up?


There you have it, questions for the day: Is this horrible crisis causing you to rethink your life? Appreciate exactly what you have? Plan major changes? Simply carry on? (IMHO, this has been a horribly difficult time so there are no wrong answers!)


JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: I think my brain has been working on this question subconsciously, Lucy. I had a half-awake dream a while back where I was given the chance to go back in time and re-do things. I woke up with four ideas of what I would have done: be more proactive about health (there was a lot in the dream about me yelling at Ross to wear sunscreen…) have better and more consistent writing habits, tackle the small needs-to-be-repaired issues in my old house before they became big issues, and save for retirement (Ross took care of that while he was alive, but now I have to carry on.) 


Then, of course, I realized these were all goals I can and should focus on right here and now. I knew that, but having them float up into my head from the bottom of my brain made it feel like a revelation. I suspect this pandemic is giving a lot of us time to work on our issues, whether we realize it or not.


RHYS BOWEN: Definitely appreciate my life and my husband. We hug each other and he says “I’m so glad I have you.”  He would never say things like that in a normal world! He’s British and not a great expresser of emotion. I also find that I can appreciate my situation, with enough space around me so we are not on top of each other, lovely views, enough to eat, not to have to worry about money… and realize how many people are desperate. I try to help where I can--food bank etc.


The thing I’m finding hardest is not being able to plan. Usually by this time we have our summer trip to Europe all lined up, a couple of conventions for the fall, my book tour in August...and now an empty calendar. I’m supposed to be co-guest of honor at Malice next year with Julia and who knows if that will happen? I am being very good at social distancing now but can I keep it up for six months? A year? Five years? These are things that haunt me at night. When will I crack and go into Macy’s? (if Macy’s still exists?)


Actually one thing I find I can do without is shopping. I open emails from Chicos and all the other places I have shopped in the past and I think “why bother. I have enough.”  Will that continue, I wonder, or will I go on an insane buying spree at the end of this--throwing out all my old clothes and buying an entirely new wardrobe. 


HALLIE EPHRON: So funny because the one thing I find I truly miss is shopping! We have a Marshall’s nearby and my escape when wit’s end is in sight, is to go see what’s new there. They have new merchandise daily. I rarely buy, but the diversion is welcome.


Like Rhys, I am so appreciating my husband and grateful that I’m home-bound with someone whose company I truly enjoy and who adores my cooking. It helps that he’s good at jigsaw puzzles. We’re on our 6th. 


At the end of the day, I’m surprised at how contented I am NOT to be traveling. My husband and I have traveled since we were first married, all through having babies and on to teenagers and after. I’ve been to the places I felt I *needed* to go, and being home is o-kay… for now. 


As I say, most of all I feel fortunate and grateful. It helps that I can look forward to my daughter Molly living in a rental nearby for the month of July. Plus a ton of ‘virtual’ events. And though I don’t think it will be soon, there’s a glimmer of an end in sight with treatment (first) and eventually a vaccine. In the meanwhile I look forward to becoming an expert ZOOMer.


DEBORAH CROMBIE: I'm definitely appreciating my life and my husband. I'm appreciating the fact that I can see my daughter and granddaughter over the fence--but I really really miss being able to hug them. That's the hardest thing for me. Otherwise, I have to admit I kind of like the peacefulness of not rushing around all the time. I've always had a hard time sticking to a schedule, so the fewer interruptions, the better, as far as my writing goes. And as I have a book due in a few months, I'm really seeing this lockdown as a blessing in disguise.


HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Debs, I am so envious.  I was truly off my game for about a month...staying up really late, and then waking up early. I kept thinking--save food, save food. I couldn’t read, and certainly couldn’t write. I was doing my reporter work from home, which is hurray, safer, but extremely complicated.  I’m better now, or on the way to being.  I have never worked this much, ever--with zooms and everything else, and I love love love that we can do it, but I have not had a day “off” for 78 days.


SO differences: I look at my clothes and shoes, suitable for a lifetime of on-air and in-person appearances, and have two thoughts. One--What did I need all those for? And two--I miss the fun of wearing them. Shopping? No. I don’t need one more thing, ever.  I wonder whether that change will stick. I hope I get the chance to find out. I looked at my book tour suitcases this morning, all in a closet. Don’t need those, either. And, I realize, I’m truly okay with that. 


Jonathan and I are in a fine place, with a back and front yard, and a lot of room, and we have a tiny herb and vegetable garden, now, besides all the flowers, and we take walks. We have always been very careful and respectful and caring of each other, but that, for both of us, is greatly increased. It’s very sweet, and we are both aware of it, but really don’t discuss it. He’s incredible about things like emptying the dishwasher, and vacuuming. Without a complaint or any martyrdom. He says he’s happy to be in “our safety bubble.”  (Which, like Rhys’s John, is not a typical Jonathan thing to say.) 


We have not set foot out of our yard. 


So I am trying to write now, and trust the future. I pretend my deadline is still my deadline. I pretend everything will get better. I do a lot of pretending. 

LUCY: Your turn now Reds...What have you learned while the world goes mad?

94 comments:

  1. I have learned that I really do need to be around people. A couple years ago, I was finally in a place where I didn't have to have roommates, and I was excited to be living alone for the first time in years. Now, I wish I had someone around the condo because it gets pretty lonely around here.

    I am thankful I have a job that takes up much of my time during the week. But I also wish I had a job that kept me busy without being super stressful. Never satisfied, am I?

    Of course, I really wish I had the time to just sit and read for days on end. That is not happening any time soon, unfortunately.

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    1. I think it would be very hard to be quarantined by yourself, so emphasize with you there. Maybe the only thing worse would be to be stuck with a person or people that you don’t like! And it sounds like you have a good idea about the direction for work and reading, so that’s good news!

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    2. Oh, we are here for you! And one day at a time..? xx

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  2. I think we’ve always been grateful for each other, but now we’re more aware of it, less willing to take it for granted.
    I don’t need to shop [books don’t count in that statement], but I miss being able to go, like Hallie, just to look and see.
    I am so appreciative of Zoom and texts and all that keeps me in touch with the girls and the grandbabies . . . another thing I tended to take for granted and now I’m really aware of how special it is to have that . . . I get virtual hugs, but I’m looking forward to the day I can get one in person . . . .

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    1. I talked to a friend yesterday Joan, who adores her grandchildren. She gets to see them in the yard but no hugging. Her granddaughter said to her, “but grandma just think about how long that first hug will be!”

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  3. Oooh, cool bus!

    What I've learned is that I have taken so, so much for granted for a long time. I don't, after all, as Alafair Burke pointed out on Facebook, have to feel as afraid when I look in my rearview mirror and see a police car as some people do. I have learned that white privilege comes with the responsibility of using my voice, and not allow it to be silenced.

    And I have learned how very unimportant my hair is. I do not give two figs how badly my hair needs attention; I'm listening to my own good common sense rather than some politician's opinion that it's okay now to get my hair cut. Bunk. If that were true the virus case numbers and deaths would not still be on the rise.

    I have been reminded that I am a very lucky woman in so many ways and I pray that's something I never forget.

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    1. All great points K! I go through phases with hair crises, but at this point I’m trying to let that go. And yes of course you are right about the privilege we don’t even fully realize we have because of our race. Here’s hoping enough of us raise our voices so that that can truly change.

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  4. For many months, before all the crazy broke out, I was feeling the stress of my job, and longing for a quieter pace, with time to be home, working on my projects. I wanted to retire, but I'm too young for that just yet, and still need that salary for a few more years. And yet, here I am now, working from home, with a somewhat reduced work load. Can't spend all day planning concerts when there are no concerts to plan, right?

    What I have discovered is that I was right. I really needed to decompress, destress, rest and take care of myself instead of putting the company and all my musicians ahead of everything else. I needed to eat better, and get more exercise. Still working on the exercise part, but everything is looking up on the other fronts.

    Have I completely put my house in order and finished all my works in progress? No. But I'm beginning to think of those things as stuff I want to do, rather than the burdens of more work when I'm already overworked. This time has been a blessing for me.

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    1. So glad to hear that GIgi! Will you think about returning to the same job when the opportunity comes for things to open up? Or are you thinking about possible changes? (You don’t have to answer, just wondering…)

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    2. I am a woman at the age that makes it difficult to get a new job, and I like the people I work with and the work I do. I'll probably stick with this job when/if we get to go back. I may, however, see if I can arrange some work-from-home days or a slightly different schedule.

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  5. During the past 2.5 months in self-isolation/lockdown mode, I learned that I do (like Mark) need the company of people. I have lived on my own since the age of 20, but really never felt lonely. I felt lonely and down while sick, especially in late March-April.


    But now that I am going out (yay!) to do essentials such as much daily walks and grocery shopping, I have perked up quite a bit. And as the lockdown slowly eases here in Ottawa, I have discovered that people and businesses are creative and ingenious in how they have adapted to allow us to interact with them. Still some hiccups, but we will get there since we are in this situation for the long-haul.

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    1. Grace, A scary thought to imagine being so sick and entirely alone and not be able to have anyone come in to help. We are all thrilled that you got through that and can start resuming a little bit of normal life. Hopefully your reading life is getting better too?

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    2. Thanks, Lucy. Sadly, my reading mojo is still not back to normal. I have several ARCs to read and review every week, and continue to miss about half of my deadlines.

      I do have an ARC of THE KEY LIME CRIME in my huge pile to read this summer. Looking forward to reading this one. And I noticed the publication date has been delayed, so that gives me a bit more time.

      I am having to accept that this reading decline may continue for a while.
      I only hope that future requests for ARCs will not be denied due to my delinquency.

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    3. It's a different kind of alone, that's for sure. And yes, people are so ingenious--it's really reassuring.

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  6. What have I learned while our world goes mad? Like Hallie, I'm content not to travel. Usually we would be planning our next trip, this one to the south of France in the fall. That's not happening now. I think it is harder on Julie than it is on me. Her favorite activity is trip planning, and oh does she ever do a great job of it

    When she first retired, she remarked that I never turned the TV on during the day. That is one big change now in our household. I have the news going as soon as I'm up, and we arrange our days around Governor Cuomo's daily press conferences. He is the one bright light in the darkness. If you've not heard him speak, you might want to give it some time. He is a statesman and an orator, and he deals in facts.

    And oh the binge watching we have done!

    We talked last night about the huge NYT book review this Sunday. We are both reading more but spending less money on books. I'm doing lots of rereading plus buying those dollar books on Bookbub. It was hard to concentrate at first, but it is getting easier. My reading time is from eight to eleven, in bed. I never read during the day unless I'm on a plane, and that's not happening anytime soon.

    And I have an announcement to make. Last week my friend Pam's miniature poodle had three puppies, two black and white females, and one little black boy. Yes, and we've already named him, Sgt. Pepper, goes with Penny Lane, our six year old Pomapoo. He is doing well, and he will be joining our household in late July. He won't replace our precious Toby who died in April. But he certainly will give us something to do this summer. And something to look forward to.

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    1. Very glad you were back to reading! We count on you Ann! And congratulations on the puppy! We can’t wait to meet him at least virtually. What a bright spot that will be!

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    2. So excited for you and Julie, Ann! A puppy sounds like a great way to mentally distance from all the craziness.

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    3. SO EXCITED for you and Julie, Ann!! And now we all we have puppy updates to look forward to, too!!!!

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    4. My oldest daughter and her family lost their 15 1/2-year old black Lab over a year ago, and the Bernese Mountain dog is now nine, which is very old for a Berner. They're getting a Berner puppy this week, and we are all so excited.

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    5. Happiness is a warm puppy

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    6. Congratulations on the puppy! I know you have missed sweet Toby so much! Brace yourselves, though. If you haven't had a puppy in a while, remember that they know nothing and have all kinds of energy. Learn to laugh about it, because you will have to laugh a lot. Hugs to you and Julie!

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    7. Ann, that's wonderful news. A new puppy after a beloved pet has died is like welcoming a new baby into the family after an old relative has passed away: it doesn't make you forget the one you're missing, but it's beautiful proof that life and love go on.

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    8. SO great! And what an adorable name..

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  7. I don't missing shopping at ALL. And not having to worry about packing and clothes for travel and conferences is kind of nice.

    Not hugging people? Jeez, it's killing me. I've started to see a few friends, sitting far apart and catching up in person, which is lovely, but I'd rather hug them, sit close, share food. I can't imagine going on like this for another year, even though I realize we might have to.

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    1. I know Edith, it’s very hard not to be able to be close to friends and family in the way we are used to. I hate for example thinking about making a pie or a cake and having no way to share it without worrying. We will just have to dig in and survive if it turns out to be a year or more.Probably one of the keys to that is not focusing on how far away that seems, but enjoying the moments right here in front of us to the best of our abilities.

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    2. You are so right about enjoying the moment. And truly, with the gorgeous weather and everything growing, there are lots of moments to enjoy right now.

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  8. I have learned that I can do without most of the news most of the time, though this past week I’ve paid more and closer attention. I have learned that I can work at home quite satisfyingly, though thinking about doing it for the next six or 12 months is a bit daunting; I do miss that separate professional space in my life. I have learned that I can reduce my life to just us in our little corner of our middle-class neighbourhood and I have been reminded (a) how lucky that makes me and (b) how limiting that is. Mostly, I miss the ability to go out somewhere — anywhere — just because, for no reason other than a change of scene. That freedom I would like back.

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    1. And I should add: Here in Manitoba, we are, today, in Phase II of opening up the province. Schools are open for teachers and a variety of businesses can open again, though with social distancing restrictions in place. So, even though we can now go more places, those social distancing rules make being out fraught: I did two errands yesterday, wearing a mask and being served by three cashiers both wearing masks -- and it just really freaks me out. There is not a lot of pleasure in those kind of outings under social distancing reality. And I used to love puttering around my favourite stores...

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    2. sheesh: three cashiers all wearing masks

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    3. WE are lucky, even though limited. That is a very good way to sum things up Amanda.

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    4. Good news, Amanda about Manitoba. We are still in Phase 1 in Ontario since we are still averaging about 400 new cases each day. But starting today, most provincial parks are open and in Ottawa, our world famous Rideau Canal is open for boats.

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    5. Amanda, are the cashiers also behind plexiglass like here in Quebec ? And do they ask to be paid by card ?
      Last week , a grocery's owner that I have known for years began to talk to me and then, recognized me. She says how difficult it is to recognize her customers with all the masks.

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    6. Grace, Manitoba has fared relatively well, with low numbers of cases from the beginnig of all this. We have only about one million people in the province, so maybe our low population has kept our numbers low? I am curious to see what happens with Phase II openings...

      Danielle, yes the cashiers are behind plexiglass and they operate the register with one hand while wielding hand sanitizer wipes with the other. I know the masks are good practice, but I agree with your grocery owner that recognizing people can be a challenge!

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    7. Amanda, yes Ontario has 14 million people but the number of new cases is not levelling off despite the closures and physical distancing. About 65% of all new cases are in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) but the province has decided to do a province-wide approach about reopening. So some areas of Ontario are not happy about this approach but we are all learning as we go.

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  9. Like Mark, I learned that I need to be around people as well. And thank goodness for technology. It does at time keep me sane.

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    1. Yes Dru, can you imagine all this without the internet??

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    2. Dru, it has been great "seeing" at the various virtual events. At least we can connect that way. Be well.

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    3. I have loved the few virtual events I have attended, either in real time or after the fact. Those online gatherings are definitely a sliver lining in all this...

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  11. Patience. We WILL get through this. The library is accepting new hold requests. The Cincinnati Ballet continues their daily FB Live classes. Bundesliga soccer games have returned, played in empty stadiums with piped in crowd noise, and Offenbach's cancan music after a goal. My kids are planting herb gardens.

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    1. It sure is going to continue to require patience. And the importance of all of us thinking about the greater common good.

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    2. Exactly. Ahh...and yes, Lucy, patience.

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  12. Silver linings are everywhere. Sometimes you just really have to look hard to find the glimmer.

    Last night my daughters and I had another Zoom session, with husbands, grandson (ever so briefly--he's getting so TALL!), and granddogs. My mother called while we were in the middle of it, so she got to "talk" to the girls, too. I woke up this morning thinking how grateful I am for this technology, and for the opportunity to make time to get together this way. They all have busy lives, and if not for the quarantine it would have been a stretch to get everyone on board at the same time. Laughing with, commiserating, admiring, encouraging, and just plain appreciating each other turns out to be the glue for our family. I feel so blessed to have this way of remembering that.

    Also, I tested negative for the virus. So am trying to figure out a way to safely see my mother soon. Still trying to figure out why I keep coughing, but with negative test results maybe I can see my doctor now.

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    1. Karen - good news about testing negative for the virus. My fingers are crossed for you that you can see your doctor about that cough.

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    2. Karen, we also had a Zoom call last night — a virtual graduation party for Meghan. Her graduation was only a drive by event, getting out of the car to be handed the certificate. I pointed out that at least she escaped those boring speeches about being yourself and aiming for the stars!

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    3. Karen, I promised I wouldn't diagnose. I am breaking that promise. From your texts, it seems the only life change you have made is environmental. Perhaps there is an allergen in the new home? Maybe a sensitivity to chemicals from new carpeting, for example. Allergies can appear at any time, including adult onset. Now taking off my 'rehabilitation' hat.

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    4. Coralee, I have not shared other symptoms that I've had recurrently. I've had allergies my entire life, and trust me, these are not consistent with environmental issues. But I appreciate your concern.

      Rhys, that is a silver lining! One of the members of our book club is a math teacher at the high school in our community, and she said she has a very strange tan line on her face from being outdoors, masked, yesterday while the seniors all drove by to get their diplomas. It's a new day, for sure.

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  13. We have put a lot of plans on hold. We were taking both kids and their families to Florida this fall to celebrate my birthday at Disney and Universal and we just postponed for a year (Fall 2021), although we are probably going to cancel in the end. We miss being with the kids and Skype is nice, but it isn't a hug.
    We are lucky, we know that. We have each other. We live in a convenient neighborhood. We have gone shopping wearing masks and gloves: groceries, wine, the bank, the pharmacy. We are both retired and over 70, so we are being careful, but Irwin is playing tennis and sees friends that way.
    We keep busy. He plays bridge on the internet. I have read and reread about 30 books since mid-March. I have only reviewed a few on Amazon, but could do more. Most of them have been books by JRW authors because: New Year's resolution! But I've also read some James Benn, James Ziskin and some of the authors featured here.
    I watch very little news. I watch very little tv and hardly any movies. I think that the books make me feel more secure and calm. Go figure. I have attended some author events on Zoom and that has been a treat. I have now heard Julia's voice, Hank's and Deb's. After being on JRW for a year, it has been fun to hear the voices behind the voices.
    Today is a gorgeous day, sunny and cool. I am going to Pottery Barn today;-) Stay safe everyone.

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    1. You stay safe too Judy! thank you for your New Year's resolutions. We are so glad to hear books are your comfort zone. Hugs are not the same as the computer, that's for sure. I hope your family gathering happens next year!!

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    2. It was such fun to see you on the Zoom book club event yesterday, Judy! And have fun at Pottery Barn! That is one of my very favorite browsing things, and I miss it!

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    3. Pottery Barn! I confess that is the ONE store I would happily browse in for hours, which I can't help but think is peak white woman. :-)

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    4. Aww...so sweet to hear! Yes, the age thing is keeping us within a tiny radius, too..and oh! Thank you for reviewing, if I may say. xoxo

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    5. 20 minutes into my meeting at Pottery Barn, all gloved and masked, they closed the Mall, anticipating problems, so I came home. But, I now have someone there to work with on my porch furniture project.
      Deb, that Zoom meeting was fun yesterday. It's so great that all of Juliana's book club got to meet you!

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  14. Oh, Margaret, I do hope you're right. This morning it does not feel as if anything is returning to normal. All the protests are a reminder that the meaning of 'normal' depends on who you are and where you live, and 'normal' doesn't necessarily mean safe and secure to go about your business. So much pain and uncertainty, and now even more.

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    1. Good point, Hallie. "Normal" has hardly any meaning any more, it is so dependent on the colour of our skin, our socio-economic status, our education and earning capacity, our health...

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    2. Right on the mark Hallie. It's truly horrifying and discouraging to watch what's going on in our country.

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    3. I agree and I am in horror over the incident that triggered the demonstrations.

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  15. I've lived alone for more than twenty years now but I realized since march how lucky I was to have family and friends to share precious moments with. I took them for granted but I know now that I have to cultivate relationships because human contacts are very important.
    Not being a big hugger type, I'm surprised to miss hugs so much. The first ones I'll be able to give won't be reluctant.

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  16. Mostly, I've learned I'm not as brave as I wish I was. I'm invited to three upcoming family celebrations, and as much as I long to be with them, I'm scared. I anticipate there won't be any social distancing or masks involved. I've already lost two nights of sleep fretting over it.

    I miss being excited about upcoming travel. I hate that I'm dreading a trip coming up in August and am preying the event will be canceled, taking the decision out of my hands.

    I've had some good days and weeks. I've learned that Target is deserted at 8AM and I can combine a trip there with an early morning curbside pickup at my grocery store to get everything I need without any panic attacks. Browsing through Target's empty aisles is relaxing. A small taste of normal.

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    1. I 'get' shopping therapy, too, Annette. Trying things on in a dressing room? That's a bridge too far. Will be for a while I'm afraid.

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    2. I would skip events with no masks, Annette!

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    3. I'm with Rhys, I would skip gatherings without masks and social distance too. It's just that nothing has scientifically changed with the virus, so the risks are too high.

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    4. Annette, I don't think it's not being brave, I think it's being smart and weighing the risks. You don't have to justify yourself -it's okay to say, "I'm not going to do this because I'm concerned for my health."

      Or even, as Miss Manners would counsel, "I'm sorry, I won't be able to make it."

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    5. You're not not-brave. You are smart.

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    6. Thanks, everyone. Julia, I've been thinking a simple "sorry, but I won't be able to attend" might be the best way out. And, Hallie, no way am I going into a dressing room. I have a whole spring/summer wardrobe with the tags on it, purchased before the pandemic. My shopping therapy is more along the lines of tidbits for the house since I'm stuck here.

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  17. Technology is saving us all. My husband and I Zoom with his family and with my family. It is sweet that my niece and nephew are so eager to see us and their other aunt and make sure that we are OK. They live in San Francisco and we saw them maybe once a year but now every week.
    I miss my friends and my volunteer time as a Docent at the High Museum here. I miss shopping in that I miss looking at things. I have bought two new cotton tops on line from Chicos because I am going through my tops and cotton does not last forever like wool can. It is already hot here, and not a dry heat either.
    I have been fortunate in my choice of 42 years. We agree on most things and have enough space to get away. We love listening to concerts and once the pre-recorded plays from the Globe and the National Theatre are done we will go to Acorn and Netflix. At the first I had not a panic attack but a slough of despond attack because most of this is on me. He is handicapped with post-polio so cannot cook, clean, or fetch. He has never cooked much. But I am better now although the light at the end of the tunnel is very small and dim. I depend as always on my reading so thank you Jungle Reds.

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    1. And we are glad you're here! That's so hard, to be in charge of most everything. We are all hoping the small, dim light gets brighter soon...

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    2. Atlanta, I know there are several people here, including me, who know what it's like to care for a spouse, a loved one or - in Ann's case, the cranky old next door neighbor. Don't ever be shy about reaching out for support and encouragement here.

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    3. The light is there, it is! And you are doing the very best you can, which is as brave as anyone could be. ox

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  18. “Look around, this is how you live when the world falls apart.“

    What I can't stop thinking about is how positive and supportive the whole world has become. I'm proud of how we are all supporting each other, caring for those who can't get out, and being thankful for everyone in medicine for being on the front lines fighting the pandemic. It's a war I never expected to see and I couldn't be prouder of my country or my planet.

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  19. What a wonderful group you all are. It is warming to 'sit' with y'all and hear truth being spoken.
    How do I live when the world is falling apart? Purposefully. I refused to give into fear, and used
    my research skills and medical back ground to keep safe. I decided to choose to cherish each day instead of planning for next month. In May, inspired by Grace, I began to walk out doors again. Oh so creaking this body. From walking around the block with many stops, to now walking in a park, with many stops.. I am feeling better. We have noticed an uptick in the wild animals that are moving through the neighborhood. A screech owl stayed in our maple one night. Today I saw a hawk while walking in the park. Nature abides, and so do I.

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    1. Yay for abiding Coralee! Glad you're feeling stronger. I'd love to hear the screech owl...

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    2. That is lovely, Coralee that you are walking outdoors and feeling better!

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  20. For those of you are missing grandkids, I read yesterday that researchers are beginning to think that the risk of child to adult transmission of Covid is very low. So while I'm not taking that as license to hug my granddaughter, it makes me feel less anxious about visiting with her from a few feet away.

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  21. Late to the party again! What have I learned? I started using Zoom. I started using Facetime. I have been reading more. Exercising more. Eating more healthy meals at home instead of eating out. Telling my family that I love them. Appreciating simple things more.

    Diana

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    1. Diana, if there's one phrase I think we'll all take away from the Covid crisis, it's "Appreciating simple things more." Well, that and "Wash your hands!"

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    2. Julia, thank you! I have been washing my hands. Using cloth to wipe my face instead of scratching my face. Trying to stay safe. Using my face mask. Using my hand sanitizer.

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  22. For the past 12-1/2 months, my daughter and her family have been staying with us. So, while it's not been perfect harmony (although it mostly has), these last couple of months have shown me that I am incredibly blessed to have been quarantined WITH them, rather than apart from them. My heart aches for all of you who are missing your children and grandchildren. There's been so much growth (physical, emotional, verbal) in this last year with our 3-1/2yo granddaughter. I'm grateful we were all together for it. When they move into their new home in a couple of weeks and we "get our home back," it's going to be bittersweet, for sure.

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    1. LC, I was thinking similar things last night, when we were all comfy together in the family room watching a movie. I'm so grateful to have my two girls and my "bonus boy" (Youngest's friend who is sheltering with us) in my house; that we have each other for company and that we genuinely enjoy each other.

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  23. It is so reassuring to read all of these, I have to tell you--such a little corner of sanity we have here, don't you think? I am so grateful for you all.

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  24. Well, heck. I had a lovely little paragraph written about my yard birds that my husband and I are watching, and my computer, as it too often does, blinked and lost my words. So, suffice it to say that husband and I are really appreciating the simplicity of our birds these days. And, my phoebe birds in the nest right outside my front doors are starting to venture forth from the nest some. So, like many others here, it's the appreciation for the simple things of life that has taken hold.

    I've seen my daughter and granddaughter several times, so realizing how precious every minute together is has grown. I haven't seen my son since Christmas, and although we talk on the phone, I really need a Kevin fix. He is coming in next week for his birthday, just overnight, and it's probably taking a risk for us to do this, but we are doing it. What I miss most is being able to get in the car and go see my children and friends when I want.

    I don't miss shopping, especially for clothes. Since my cooking and baking, I'm probably going to have to shop somewhere, online or other, for new clothes though. Hahaha! As long as I have access to shopping for books online, I'll be perfectly happy with that shopping only.

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  25. I went to Target and Boscov's today to use gift cards. I bought knee hi's and panties that I need, and a Soap Opera Digest, candy bars, and 3 tank tops that I don't really need. I'd have rather stayed home and done my Grokker exercises. I just don't enjoy shopping much except for food, books, and plants. Funny about the tan marks. Guess we will all have them if we have to wear masks all summer. Stay safe and healthy.

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  26. I could see you and John in that van, Roberta. In New Mexico, traveling to various hot springs.

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