I've
just re-discovered this draft...three-plus years after the fact. I
trust that no one had been waiting for it to land, but I offer it
today for whatever one gains from looking back. Perhaps some
perspective. Other than that, I'll let it speak for itself...and wish
you exactly what you most need and want as this year unfolds. It's 2024, by the way.
Spoiler Alert: We survived.
+++
sun's setting on 2020
I consider it a good sign if I've had a good laugh before 7:30 in the morning.
Case in point: Caught the end of this morning's local news program with some mention of an asteroid...missed the story but one
of the anchors commented that given 2020, the prospect of an asteroid might give us something to look forward to. I
hear ya, sister.
It's
been that sort of year, hasn't it? Our individual lives might be
different in many ways (and places), but we've undoubtedly
shared 2020's turmoil if only by association. For instance, I don't know
anyone who's had to deal directly with Covid 19 but my heart's been
with the millions who've been affected by its pernicious reach. It's been a year of extremes, stark contrasts,
deep divisions, and yet moments of kindness, grit and grace...enough to
give this well-worn heart hope. Hope and perseverance.
I certainly do not minimize anyone else's pain, loss, and personal experience, but I've
been temperamentally suited to the pandemic restrictions which have only
encouraged my introverted nature. I've also largely been spared
the wrenching losses and separations so many have and are still experiencing. Writing, Zooming and texting all suit me. (Phone calls not so much since
I much prefer to see people's faces -- unmasked, unfiltered, if only on
my screen.) And I've felt enough anger, outrage and sadness these many months to
last me a lifetime. Still, this homebody by nature has
done okay. For someone who considers herself to be impatient though, I
think I've also tapped an inner reserve of patience and expect to keep
drawing on that for the next several months at least. Yoga helps. Hope
you all have whatever reserves you need as well...in the broadest sense.
For me, it's also been a time for learning as so much has gone remote and easily accessible (to those who have the ability).
I gave a Zoom poetry workshop a try. It didn't take, or maybe I didn't give it as much of a try as I might have. Been
reading like mad -- fiction for escape and non-fiction to explore my many blind spots. That's been humbling. Lots
of public talks/presentations/events via Zoom -- me listening, not doing the talking for a change.
Lots of writing, however sporadically. I've also just finished what has
become a ritual or tradition of creating a photo calendar for close
friends and some others I know could use some TLC
each year. There's plenty of need to go around this time but I've
identified a few who are coping with some truly life-altering
situations. I can't do much but I can do this.
I
toyed with a different visual theme this year but came back to what I
can uniquely offer. My coastal setting here boasts lovely vistas, spaces
to breathe, and beauty -- both quiet and tempestuous, so I keep
returning to it. My hope is that each month's image might provide a
scenic respite for the mind and soul, if not the body.
(Although I'll bet that contemplating beauty in any form affects the
body as well.) Oh, and I learned to cut my own hair! (Good
enough for now, but no photos.) Ain't YouTube great?
It
might be apparent that my interests have long included grief and loss,
transition, and change, but it's not all serious here, folks. I can
still laugh
at myself...probably will when I re-read this (Taking yourself a bit seriously, Karen?). However, this is my December
2, 2020 morning take, fueled by only two cups of tea. Be glad I haven't had more...
I hope your holiday season, however different if not difficult this year, is
filled with a deep appreciation for what all we still have, for what
we're getting through together, and a celebration of the
direction and promise that light in the darkness gives us. (Yeah, guess I do take myself seriously...)
Wishing
you the people (pets too), places and purposes that sustain you...and
remember, there's always that asteroid to look forward to.
Labels: 2020, Covid, holidays, time
