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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
Apples and honey for the new year....we just finished observing Rosh Hashana. And while it wasn't quite normal, it was far better than how we celebrated the holiday a year ago. Last year, we could only "zoom" for services, and it was just our immediate household for meals. We tried to make it festive, but it was hard. This year, we had the option if we were fully vaccinated and wore masks, to attend services inside. And we did! And it felt wonderful. Many, many people still chose to watch from home, so those of us who were there, were able to space ourselves in the sanctuary. And we had meals with friends and extended family -- outside in our yards. The weather cooperated. Not too hot and no rain. Beautiful blue skies to welcome in the new year. Every year I say to friends and family, best wishes for a good and healthy new year. This year, like last, I emphasize the word "healthy"....I say, may it be a healthier year for all (for everyone, everywhere)! There is nothing more important.
September 11, 2021
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Talk about what brings you happiness these days.
I'm so glad you asked this question. It's so important to try and stay focused on the positive where/when we can. Things that bring me happiness are sowing my garden, pickling the cucumbers I have grown, tending to my house plants, cuddling with my cat, talking with my son and daughter, playing guitar, zooming for my bi-weekly book club with my 12 year old niece, cooking, writing fiction, writing in my journal, and yoga! I Might add that this pandemic journal also brings me happiness. I love the idea that some day, somewhere someone will read our words and hear what we went through. It's not the pandemic itself that is the problem, I think. It is the human response to it--in particular the US government. But it's also a wider symptom of how bad humans are at sharing the planet with other species. We have the science. We know we need to increase biodiversity and protect habitat. But corporate and individual greed get in the way. Paradoxically, writing this last paragraph actually made me happy. Even though it's a depressing theme, I am happy it's going into a record somewhere!
August 10, 2020