By Diana McCollum
I’m Diana McCollum, a writer and the author of The Witch with the Trident Tattoo, a contemporary paranormal book about a contemporary sea witch and the coastal coven she belongs too. She is as much at home on land as in the sea. I’ve always been interested in myths, legends and science, and try to incorporate these subjects into my writing.
During this time of isolation I have found many things to be grateful for. I thought I would share some happy and joyful things I’ve discovered.
1) I go for a walk around the block every morning. Where we live the lots are quite large. Ours is an acre, most are between ½ acre and 5 acres. Most of the folks work in Central OR. Since the pandemic many have been forced to stay home or work from home or work part time. Because of these circumstances I have been able to meet many of my neighbors that I had not met before. Gone are the paid landscapers. Neighbors are out weeding, planting or mowing their yards. I wave and we chat from a distance. When I sit outside to read I can hear kids playing outside, which is a joy. Usually they are in school or at a sitter’s house. It feels like a neighborhood!
2) On my walk I pass out extra produce my husband has grown. The neighbors are delighted and it makes me feel good.
3) My sister Sarah, Judith and I have a standing weekly Zoom meeting. We talk about everything. I see their smiling faces and it makes my whole week better! We laugh a lot. I’ve gotten to know Judith better and consider her my sister of my heart. They have given me so much. Love, support and laughter.
4) I’ve been forced to find things to do. I’ve rekindled a love for sewing and working on crafts.
5) Weekly calls to my children who live far away has brought me much joy. To hear how they and the grandkids are doing and keeping up on the goings on in their lives makes me happy. Those shared moments are so precious.
6) And I am grateful for all my online friends. Without my writing loops and this blog I’d be sorely lacking in the beauty of friendship. For even though I haven’t met many of you in person I feel as if I know you.
What have you found to be grateful for during this pandemic?
7 comments:
Diana,
Thanks for this reminder to stop and appreciate our blessings. I've had more time to relax and I started doing floor exercises in addition to walking. I've found that some I'm doing are helping me remember to suck in my tummy and stand straighter. Because I'm doing arm exercises, too, I've found I can stand on the carpet and maintain my balance better because my legs are stronger from daily walks.
I'm also spending more time reading for pleasure and getting better educated about cozy mysteries.
Hi, Sue! All good things to be doing right now. Improving health and reading for pleasure. I find I'm reading more for pleasure now too.
I appreciate small pleasures, like the beauty of the view of our little valley from our deck, and the birds at the feeder, and I truly appreciate time with friends and family, whether in person or online. Thank you for the lovely post!
I love the view from your deck! I know how lovely it is to sit there and watch the birds!I I do a great deal of bird watching too. I especially like the flocks of quail coming through the yard.
I've taken up crafting, gardening, and upped my exercise routine, and I've bonded with old friends. I love that you are sharing the excess produce with neighbors. I like to think that some good has come out of this pandemic and we will emerge from this kinder and more caring.
And your book was great. I read it a couple years ago. The kindness you show to neighbors and the way you keep yourself busy and your attitude can be a lesson to us all. Great post. Peggy
Diana - your description of your neighborhood is much like mine, And that has been a joy, to talk to neighbors as they walk by, or as I walk by their house. The chatter of children did return to my neighborhood in force this week, as I have an elementary school behind me. My yard backs up to the parking lot and the playground beyond. Although I noticed only a handful of kids on the playground at a time and all staying apart from each other, but still joyfully shouting at one another.
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