At the Mielke household in Sylvan Lake, it is difficult to tell what season it really is.
It is like the habitants of the household are somewhat confused.
Outside our Christmas lights ablaze, a most cheery welcome to the season of peace and goodwill towards our fellowmen.
Inside, there are dollar store decorations splashed all over to signify the season of spring.
I have hung strings of brightly coloured flowers on my windows.
I have a huge bouquet of brightly coloured blossoms by my fireplace. A beautiful huge orchid my husband gave me for Valentine’s Day adds very real beauty and a plastic palm tree contributes to a bit of tacky splendor.
My efforts at decorating were partly to bring in spring and to help me visualize my holiday that never was in Palm Springs.
We are safe here. It is good. It is peaceful and it was the right thing to do.
It was better not to go for sure. We could have been trapped there for a very long time if we had ignored safety risks and traveled.
Sigh.
I know all that, but even the coronavirus cannot keep my imagination safe in the confines of four walls.
No one or thing can do that. Thank goodness.
The coronavirus has descended with an unprecedented fury.
I found it most interesting to read a post by historian Michael Dawe about the Spanish Flu of 1918. That reminded me very much of the front pages of our newspapers today. Many businesses were closed. People were encouraged to stay inside and life, as people knew it, had come to an abrupt change.
Fast forward to 2020.
It is, no doubt, a frightening time for all of us.
The other day I decided I would forego store bought bread and make my own.
But, first, I needed flour.
Big problem, apparently the grocery store’s shelves were bare. So my bread making adventure needs to be put on hold for awhile.
No big deal. We have toilet paper, after all, and life is good.
Truly, the effects of the coronavirus has reached out to touch each and everyone of us, in some way.
I am now working at home, Instead of writing this in my somewhat messy office with my trusty old travel coffee cup beside me, I am sitting in my husband’s somewhat messy office which smells slightly of stale cigarettes pounding away at the keys of an unfamiliar computer.
But, it’s good. I’m still here trying, in my own humble way, to express the written word as best I can.
In an effort to be proactive I have come up with a mental health list that I want to share just because I want to and I care about all of you. I do believe we will all get through this together.
Stay connected: I have developed a new affection for Facetime. My grandchildren’s dear little faces have never looked so good.
Keep daily routine: That has changed of course, but there is something comforting in a quiet, regular routine, however that works for each of you.
Exercise regularly: A simple walk takes on new meaning. Have you ever closely examined a branch covered with hoar frost? I never had until the other day. It was magical, somehow.
Seek information: It is important to keep updated, but then I believe it is equally important to let it go. Live in the moment and just breathe.
Gratitude: As always, so many things to be grateful for. A friend of mine unknowlingly quoted Charles Dickens the other day when he said, ‘it is the best of times, it is the worst of times’. Really, that quote kind of helps keep it all in perspective, doesn’t it?
Music: So important. I actually watched an entire BeeGees concert the other night. Fantastic!
Helping others: Fun, rewarding and necessary to take one’s mind of oneself!
Self care: I guess that is different for all of us. Maybe if we just do all of the above, the self care will take care of itself.
Stay safe, everyone.
Wash your hands!