Has it been an eternity or no time at all?
Hello, friends.
Where to begin? It seems like all we talk about these days is COVID-19. When did the world get turned upside down? Has it been an eternity or no time at all?
In some ways, my life hasn't changed much. I worked from home before this outbreak, so my schedule doesn't look too different. But the treatment I'm on for MS lowers my immune system, so I am at a higher risk for contracting (and potentially dying from) COVID-19. Because of that, my anxiety is more heightened than usual. One minute I'm fine, and the next I'm doing everything I can to prevent a panic attack.
I feel like we're living in a movie. This all still seems so surreal. But, like all of you, I'm doing my best to cope. And I'm learning new skills! I've taken up embroidery. It's such a calming creative outlet, like meditating with my hands. But I'm also using it to give back to you all. I've got a massive project in the works using paper embroidery. It's going to be some time before it's complete, but I wanted to get y'all excited with this very vague announcement. Stay tuned for updates!
We don't know what will happen in the coming weeks, but I'm doing my best to keep things as normal as possible. I'm writing poetry, taking photos, and working hard to create beautiful things for you all. Hopefully, I'm giving you a bit of a distraction from the insanity outside.
And, while I know things are tough for a lot of people, I'm asking you to support me on Patreon if you find value in my work. This week's haiku is already up, and I'll post a new poem and collage in the next couple of days. Art isn't as valuable as toilet paper right now, but it's helping me make a living.
I hope you're doing ok in the midst of this incredibly not ok situation. This newsletter won't fix what's broken, but at least you can count on it to show up every week.
Until next time, Shabbat shalom,
Yardena