Wow, you'd think that with staying at home so much we'd have more time.  Yet with modern technology, I'm busier than ever.  But the days blend together and I suddenly realized this is my posting day.  Since I don't have cable, I can't even keep track of what favorite show is on at particular times.  (Watching pre-recorded stuff is great on other levels - no ads and in political season that's especially appreciated).
     If you're like me, you've been thrust into a whole new technological revolution.  Other people have been engaging in it, so I guess it's not that new.  I'm getting to know platforms like Zoom and posting on YouTube.  I'd never had the need before, then suddenly need to become an expert--not actually at that status yet, but I do appreciate the possibilities.  In my job, I've been asked to continue working from home wherever possible, so that part isn't changing soon.  I do get out every day to feed the feral cat that hangs around my non-home office. It wouldn't be fair to let her go hungry just because the rest of the world is a little crazy.
     Though I've been working most weeks more hours than ever at my job, writing has been more in waves of productivity, and odd times of stagnation.  I read an article a couple months ago that said we shouldn't beat ourselves up about that.  Apparently, when sheltering began, lots of people felt they should be producing more than ever, then found themselves unable to do so.  The article suggested self-care and being kind to ourselves.  Good advice, but I'm not good at taking it.
     Another piece of advice I read is to limit my media diet - i.e. news reports.  That's hard to do, since I'm also monitoring the scientific information and news as part of the work I'm doing.  But one thing I'm trying to do is cut it off in the evening.  The news reports I find the hardest are the ones about people being irresponsible, selfish, or downright cruel to others. I'm heartened by the stories I also find about kindness and justice.
     I had to put a picture of some sunflowers up at the beginning and end.  My dad was especially fond of sunflowers, the kind that grow wild in hot dry areas.  He appreciated the fact that they were so hearty and bloomed so cheerfully along the roads.  I think they're a good standard to reach for--to endure and spread joy even when times are tough. 
   
     I hope you're all staying safe and healthy out there. 

Comments

  1. I'm right there with you. Sunflowers are the perfect metaphor about spreading joy and kindness, even when conditions are tough. Especially when conditions are tough.

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    1. And we have it so much easier than our ancestors did. They bloomed. So can we.

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  2. I like the idea of trying to be more sunflowerish! In these times we need to spread what little joy there is as far as we can! Thanks for the reminder to be the kindness in the world!

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    1. I read another author who pointed out that while random acts of kindness are nice, what we need most are consistent acts of kindness.

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  3. I love the sunflowers. It's such a...time, isn't it? Thanks for the cheerfulness today!

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    1. I've been sharing a lot of humor on my Facebook page. A while back I decided I'm not (to paraphrase the proverb) going to just sit and curse the virus, I'm going to laugh. (And hopefully also light some candles.)

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  4. Lovely post Callie, especially the sunflower metaphor.

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  5. Maybe flowers would help. My neighbors across from me had a load of dirt delivered and spent the day planting flowers. They look great and I like looking at them. Maybe if I buy some and put them within view, my writing mojo will return.

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    1. Yeah, that writing mojo is hard to capture, like an elusive butterfly. Maybe flowers will attract it, and at least they're wonderful to enjoy. Good luck with it.

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  6. I'm feeding my feral cats, too. Since I worked in IT for a number of years, I feel guilty when something like Zoom seems unfamiliar, but I worked more on the creation of software. Love the sunflowers! Now back to my edits for my next Heartwarming.

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  7. I see my comment above didn't show my name (Julianna Morris). Technology! Don't you love it.

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    1. Technology drives me nuts, and I love it at the same time. Hope the edits are going well.

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  8. I agree with limiting the media. I stopped watching the evening news too. There are only so many things I can give energy to and worry about greater world issues is not one of the them. Striking a balance between being informed and being overloaded is so hard. And I love sunflowers. Someday I want to go to Italy and drive through endless fields of sunflowers!

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    1. You've probably seen the comment on the internet, that the desire to be well-informed is interfering with the desire to maintain mental health. Finding that balance is SO hard. I go hunting flowers, animals and humor to help. I didn't know Italy was known for sunflowers. On a trip to New England, I did find, however, that it's abundant in the spring with yellow dandelions. No wonder the old books talk about the New England spinster's dandelion wine.

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