What strange times we are in. I have slight symptoms - might barely notice them were it not for the cough and a slight headache. In ordinary times, I wouldn't get as much as a nod of sympathy. Yet now, everyone is rallying round, checking that all is ok, offering to help. And here am I, wishing that I could go out and help those that really do need help.
Those who's businesses are falling apart. Those with loved ones in hospital or nursing homes. Those who have actually run out of essentials and, yes, toilet rolls, because of other people's selfishness in stockpiling; those who have 'underlying complications' and feel like they have been marked as unimportant; those who are lonely or full of worry.
Only I can't. So I can focus on being grateful for the things that I have. For the care people have been showing - as networks of support grow in the local community around me; for my fully stocked fridge, and the food delivery that arrived on Monday morning that I forgot to cancel, meaning that I have all the supplies that I need for this isolation; for the financial stability that I enjoy; for the fact that all of my family have finally arrived back to their own homes after travel and are currently well; and for the long list of things that I am longing to accomplish whilst in the house without any meetings or outings or shopping trips to go on.
Yes I am truly grateful. I can enjoy spring through photographs. I can enjoy music at my piano. I can dream of days sorting my unedited backlog of images and cataloguing the edited ones. I can read all of the books on my shelves. I can pray. Maybe, just maybe, when I have done all of that, I can learn to slow down just a little bit.
Right now, on day two, I am thinking that I am not going to have long enough in this privileged position.
So true, Helen. We should be grateful for all the things we have. And I’m grateful, but isolation makes other worries loom bigger. Oh well, I guess I was spoiled. Beautiful flowers, btw and fav for them and for your words
oh, helen, i share your thoughts. i'm really pissed that i have to "work at home". i started today as when i got to work this morning i was told everyone has to work from home. even the receptionist. yesterday restaurants and bars were ordered closed. only takeouts and deliveries. i feel bad for the serving staff that rely on the meager hourly wages and/or tips.
everything is slow, the bus, the train, the computer. the only good thing i could see from this work at home crap is that i am finally getting to the household stuff that needs my attention. i feel like i'm cheating the company though.
i love yellow crocus and i'm glad you found them. take care and hope your symptoms clear soon. drink lots of liquid, so i heard.
I really admire your attitude and perspective. Watch those symptoms to make sure they don't worsen. There has been success with fighting this by taking Vitamin C- so if you have it, double up on it. You will be in my thoughts and prayers! Beautiful crocus shot.
An emotional from the heart narrative, stay fit and well , the government seem to send mixed messages to us , contradicting themselves with advice, but let's not go there , lets just keep well
This is lovely, great POV. Great words of wisdom. I talked to an older woman in the shop today who at 87 got a taxi to the shops a day before her carer usually takes her shopping because she was scared of not getting the things she needs. She was piling her things on her walker and she was so slow that I went around the whole shop while she wasn't much further from where I first saw her. I offered to get a trolly and walk around with her and drive her home, but she was determined to do it herself. She bakes biscuits for her carer who comes once a week to take her shopping, such a sweet old lady who really shouldn't be out and about. I think this scare is opening our eyes to the needy and vulnerable and maybe this virus scare will leave us with a less selfish attitude. Yes people have been getting out of hand with fear of the unknown but it is also opening our eyes to what's important. I hope you feel better soon.
A very moving account of what life is like today, with your worrisome symptoms adding a poignancy to your observations as well. We are trying to maintain the same attitude at the moment, recognizing that despite the strange way we currently are living, we are not worried about food or lodging or, at this point, health care. So many are struggling and it's hard to see how and when all will be able to recover. Take good care of yourself. A world of photographers here are rooting for you.
Thank you for your beautiful words, Helen.
We can still apply ourselves to our photography by spotting the light and beauty around our home and garden.
a stunning capture with wonderful tones and dof. I very much like your narrative and so agree with it. hope your symptoms will soon be over and that you will have the weight taken off your shoulders.
thank you helen for your always-wise narratives over the past days. i very much fluctuate but your blessings-counting surely has to be the way to go, and i too hope that some good can come from all of this fear and suffering. i do hope your symptoms stay mild and wish you and yours all the very best :) oh, and that's a gorgeous little glimpse of spring as well
Your pov invites the viewer into the world of the beautiful flowers...absolutely lovely image! Your wonderful attitude toward the recent challenges is very inspiring. Viewing your project is always a bright spot in my day!
everything is slow, the bus, the train, the computer. the only good thing i could see from this work at home crap is that i am finally getting to the household stuff that needs my attention. i feel like i'm cheating the company though.
i love yellow crocus and i'm glad you found them. take care and hope your symptoms clear soon. drink lots of liquid, so i heard.
We can still apply ourselves to our photography by spotting the light and beauty around our home and garden.