Times are strange for sure. While Spring is trying it’s best to break through we are also struggling with what Covid -19 has brought us. Anxiety and isolation mostly.
Saint Patrick’s Day has been cancelled. We all have to have private parades and parties. We wash our hands and cross our fingers.
I’ve developed a nasty habit of remembering the worst headlines. Snatches of disaster taken from social media, from friends, from radio. Our country then decided to shut down schools, workplaces, pubs; advised us all to work from home. I’ve been working from home since 2008. I have a few tricks up my sleeve for “social distancing” as they are calling it.
I’ve been browsing through notes I kept all through my first years of setting up a home office. I was full of plans, dedication and discipline. I had daily routines, spider diagrams and lists created.
This time, I begin by grieving. It can’t be helped. It pours over me suddenly in the middle of the night. The mothering instinct is awakened and I jolt upright in the bed. Reminiscent of when my children were small, I want to see them, check them out, hug them.
By the following night I am reminding myself of their adult resilience. Of their strength and gentleness. All their lives have prepared them for this. But I miss them; my family and friends, all the hugs.
Then I notice the beauty underfoot. The earth turning towards the light. Spring earnestly trying to intervene. The gorse flowering in a blaze of gold. First dewey buds appearing and bumble bees buzzing the kitchen window.
It’s brighter, warmer, wilder.
It’s early morning, I’m trying to be positive. In truth I’m all at sea. No plans, no projects, no road to travel. Who was it said that our greatest human challenge is to sit in a room in silence? Seems all it leads to is contemplating worst case scenarios.
Meanwhile I WhatsApp friends and family, make nettle soup and hoover the house, even though it’s already hoovered.
I’m looking forward to when I can sink into the dream space again, and when all will be well.
Stay safe dear friends.
Mother Nature has a way of forcing us to change patterns of life…which have been going in the wrong direction for awhile now. Communing with nature, as shown in the beautiful photos you shared, is where we all need to go right now – reflecting on the paths that have been taken and where we need to be to heal this planet. This virus is a manifest of the disrespect with our environment and how the wild animals are ill from struggling to survive in this toxic environment, that we are creating for them (and they have no control over). Nature is fighting back and we need to listen!
That’s interesting Harvey, I’ve been thinking about how the pollution levels in China and in Northern Italy have virtually disappeared since the outbreak. It’s also going to help us reach our global emissions targets depending on how long flights are grounded. It’s hard not to see this as some kind of re-balancing alright. But still very hard going for some. Lucky to be asked to stay at home. Thinking of those on the frontline. Thanks for your thoughts today. Stay well!
I love your beautiful dewy photos! And I am with you on the mothering instinct coming out. My son works in a retail store in New York that’s been closed. The site to apply for unemployment keeps crashing. And there’s nothing I can do to make it all better. So I try to believe it will be okay soon. That people won’t lose their jobs permanently or lose their place to live. That we will come out of this changed for the better somehow. And making soup is a good coping mechanism. I made miso ginger soup with broccoli, Brussels sprouts and shiitake mushrooms last night. Comfort…
Aw Maery Rose it’s those middle of the night worries about them! I’m sure while we can’t make it better, we have given them plenty of resources so let’s hope they keep it together and use their heads and hearts. I like the sound of that soup! A real zinger. Hang in there dear xx
I think we are all at sea Catherine at the moment. But like any stroms that strike when at sea, we turn into the wind and face it head on. Its the only way, whatever the circumstances are. Stay well, and lovely piece in the N&S recently on your friendship with Glynis.
Thanks! I’ve never been at sea in a storm, so I’ll remember that Andrew, it’s quire an image!!! It’s all we can do I know, but I’m still hoping that the storm won’t be as bad as in Italy. Anyway stay safe and well, and also Deena and family.
Beautiful delicate images…
I don’t have children…but I do have a 93 year old mother in a nursing facility and I wake up in the middle of the night worried about what she is thinking. Not understanding. She had all these people surrounding her that loved her and now NOTHING. It’s unfortunate that nursing home care in the USA is not up to standards and that brings even more worry. But I just keep telling myself we will get through this…
O Robin, my heart goes out to you! I don’t know enough about your system, but with all of our problems in health care, it’s pretty good by comparison. My StepMum is also in a home aged 93. The whole place is in lockdown so we can’t visit her. I sometimes think we may not see her again. Strange and scary times. She is also living with dementia……no point in trying to explain anything. Hang in there Robin, much love Catherine xxxx
My daughter and son in law were supposed to come for a visit from France in April but of course thats a no go. Now they seem even further away than ever. But we must do what needs to be done and hope we come out on the other side healthy and better prepared for the next round. Nature is giving me the strength I need right now…the birds and wildlife are happy for the clean air and quiet skies and I agree with you about the pollution reduction but am fearful of all of the disposable items now being tossed. Be well…hugs from across the sea.
Dear Kerry, how lovely to hear from you and that nature is sustaining you too. So sorry to hear about your daughter and son in law’s visit. I think the need for closeness to our adult children and family is very raw right now. How I would love to hug one of mine!!! Not possible for now. This too shall pass. Hang in there, sending hugs to you too xx