PiCKLEBERRYPOP

We’re all experiencing a sort of quiet chaos lately. Stress, uncertainty, fear, worry, isolation…it’s all part of our lives and very close to the surface. Not only are we are having to deal the loss of work and income, but we’re also missing out on associations that are normally a big part of our lives.

Because of the pandemic & “social distancing” births, graduations, weddings, baby showers, birthdays and other events that normally are cause for happy gatherings for family and friends, will be impossible. Funerals are not being held in order to avoid large crowds. People won’t get to say goodbye. A trip to the grocery store is unnerving, as we walk along empty shelves. We can’t meet friends for dinner at our favorite restaurants…and the list goes on.

It’s easy to focus on the negative and the sad things about the current world condition…but if we look hard enough, we’ll find that even in this difficult time, there are good things happening. Here are just a few of my own observations:

1. Many of us are spending more time at home with family members. That means more opportunities for enjoying our meals together.
2. We’ve been forced to SLOW DOWN – this is proof that we don’t need every moment of every day scheduled.
3. We have more time to interact with our kids – time for games, crafts, learning new skills, or just relaxing together….and no “taxi service”!
4. We have time to step out into the yard and enjoy some SUN (but remember, do this AT HOME, and keep your distance from others!
5. With fewer people traveling, freeways and air traffic are less busy, which means less pollution. Our earth will thank us for that!
6. Difficult times bring out creativity and kindness in people. You’ll find all sorts of videos, pdfs and other shared files to help with homeschooling, entertaining kids, or just amazing concerts to help you enjoy a little downtime.

…and speaking of creativity, here are just a few of my favorite memes and a video that have been created as a result of the coronavirus. I think it’s important that we all take it seriously, but at the same time, enjoy a laugh to keep our spirits up!

Here’s one for all you animal lovers. Lol, here are some photos of what some people did with their fur babies. Maybe they have too much time on their hands?

..and for all the parents that are having to cook at home each night, and the kids that are having to eat those meals, here’s one for you 🙂 Make sure your speakers are turned up.

…and now, for your listening pleasure. Keep your speakers turned up 🙂

I don’t like the situation that we’re in, but I do believe that there will be good, not just bad, as a result of it. Here’s just one example:

We can be better people when the pandemic is behind us. We’ll have a new appreciation for the simple things we’re missing right now. So, let’s look out for each other. Call your neighbor. Leave a note, a little treat on their porch…just let them know that we’re in this together and that we care about them. Take special care to check on the elderly neighbors and members of your family…but remember, keep your distance and don’t put them at risk. We’ll get through this together…from a distance. Don’t be part of the problem. JUST STAY HOME 🙂