Pandemic poetry and living with intention
Hello friends,
Will there ever be a time when I start this newsletter with something other than how strange the world has become? I know life eventually will go back to normal, but for now, the strangeness seems neverending.
I'm not complaining, though. In these odd times, I've found a new sense of self. You don't have to be constructive in a pandemic, of course. But during these quiet days, I've found myself creating in new ways. A few days ago, I began an online photography workshop, and it's helping me learn the ropes of my new (well, new to me) Minolta XD. I bought a ton of craft supplies so I can make build collages and embellish my journal. My poetry took a turn to illustrate the times we live in now.
I think my dad is going a little stir-crazy, but I love how the world has slowed down. Of course, we'd all be better off without this pandemic, but we're seeing a global shift. We're realizing the healing power of touch and close contact. We're re-learning how to make things with our hands. We're confined to our homes, but we've never been closer to one another.
At the moment, I'm on my porch enjoying a cigar and a beer, which is a pretty typical Friday afternoon activity for me. But even the taste of cold lager and the sight of swirling smoke seem different. Every action is more intentional. And when I lie down tonight with my bedroom window open, I'll fall asleep to the sounds of whippoorwills calling to one another from different tree branches, not unlike the sounds of songs from balconies around the world.
As always these days, I hope you're doing ok. I hope you're safe and comfortable and finding ways to take your mind off the horrors outside. I hope you're creating something new.
Until next week, Shabbat shalom,
Yardena