Life altered suddenly, with us all needing time to
adjust, I could have done with another week before the curtain came down …
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| I'm sure many of you know - my mother's favourite flowers |
… but I’m lucky I am self-sufficient and have plenty
of self-plans … friends to talk to, and I believe some blog posts to write
about … exhibitions and places I’ve visited …
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| South Downs to the west of Eastbourne, East Sussex |
Mothering Sunday – I see I wrote what I think is
rather a good post 8 years ago – the last year my mother was alive … which I’ll
link at the end of this one … (nothing like blowing my own
trumpet!) …
Down here at the coast in Eastbourne we have woken up
to at least some sun – but boy is it cold – an easterly wind.
 |
| Anticyclone Hartmut - satellite view of Europe, incl Great Britain and Ireland, under the lines of the strong cold wave - 27 Feb 2018 |
When I was in Canada for that year (late 2017 – late 2018)
… two ‘Beasts from the East’ occurred … so glad I wasn’t here – the Canadian
winter was relatively mild that year!
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| Narcissus |
A couple of things came to mind today … one was time – most of
us self-isolating are going to have more time on our hands – so take longer to
do things and adjust your daily routine … the day will pass more easily …
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| Beautiful crocii (c/o Thompson and Morgan - plant merchants) |
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| Social Media Noise - c/o RxView Blog |
But if you can stay away from it and not listen to
others – thus not getting involved or making yourself anxious, unless it’s a
government directive, or more importantly a scientific expert, then so much the
better …
I do hope everyone is as safe and as well as they can
be … while as my blog says … stay positive – so many others are much worse off
than we are.
With thoughts and peace for this Mothering Sunday …
My post of eight years ago: Mothering Sunday – the Hilaria festivals ofthe Vernal Equinox to honour Cybele …
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
45 comments:
Hello Hilary: This is a trying time for all of us. So far, Miriam and I have not noticed a radical difference to our lives other than for the lack of socialization. We have lots of food in the house, and even when we need to replenish certain items we can take advantage of the store hours allocated for seniors. We still get out for a walk most days, and have no trouble selecting areas where we will encounter few, if any, other people. I am very grateful that in Canada we get solid advice from medical professionals, and infectious disease specialists, free of politics and the need to score points against opponents. Facts are delivered sincerely and honestly, without sugar-coating, and the public has responded in kind. Questions by journalists are answered forthrightly. We will get through this, but whether life will ever be quite the same again is open to question. Stay well, be good and obey the authorities.
I'm fortunate - I live with my husband and keep in touch with family in New York City via telephone. Our governor (New York State) has been delivering facts bluntly but, in a way, also reassuring. We will get through this. It's just our turn to be tested and to face what other generations have already. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
I'm glad to hear you're doing well, Hilary! I fear that here in the US, there are too many people who are not taking things seriously because it hasn't yet hit someone they know and love. Our governer in Pennsylvania has made some tough decisions, but I feel they've all been good ones, and if people will just act sensibly without pooh-poohing things or panicking (because everyone's at both ends of the spectrum), we can come through this.
I do love hearing the positive stories. And my church is now recording and streaming our worship services on YouTube and Facebook, so it's been good to see our "family" coming together even while physically separate from one another.
Take care of yourself!
Keep up the positive stuff, Hilary!
And happy Mother's Day.
If this continues, as I suppose it will, then we shall all have some very clean homes and beautiful gardens! My brother was even talking about baking his own bread, which he hasn't done for years.
Hari OM
A lovely post, Hilary - I believe that to be ranunculus and they are gorgeous blooms indeed! Common sense must reign. I like your approach! YAM xx
Thank you for this post - and the link to your excellent earlier post.
I avoid social media almost always, and increasingly am 'rationing' my exposure to the news.
I find solace in books, in the garden, and in hope.
Stay well please. You, and your always positive attitude, are important to so many of us (near and far).
Thank you for using the old name Mothering Sunday. I love it, because it honors the act of mothering, the whole importance of it, personified in our own Moms. Mine's been gone many decades, but there are few days I don't think of her.
And yes to looking for consoling nature. Walking if you can, is healing.
Your suggestion to slow down is a good one. I'm used to having so much to do that I zoom though everything. Today my goal was to thoroughly read the Sunday paper. I made it most of the way, but when I found myself getting anxious I gave myself permission to skip some stories on the health crisis.
I agree with you about a lot of this. The news media can really get to you!! So tell me is this Mother's Day there?
Thank you for your positive thoughts. I only watch the news once a day to minimize my stress level. I have started reading the books that I have been meaning to read.
Stay calm and safe....
Indeed - have to block the "noise". I look forward to your posts - deep research and superb writing. You always bring a new light to subjects with just the right humor, etc.
I do find I'm attempting to exercise more, indulge in a nap, and continue my usual mix of reading and Netflix. Ray and I had the yard looking lovely on Saturday. Rain and wind Sunday obliterated our efforts,so we get to start over on leaf removal and weeds never stop popping up.
Take care and we shall make it through this "storm".
I'm spending way too much time on Twitter. It's not helpful.
I too take no notice of the noise that is the world of social media. Except for MIRC, it has never been on my computer or my husband's.
But that reminds me of social isolation during a pandemic - thank goodness for our tv, radio and computer. Otherwise I would have gone nuts.
Hi Hilary:
Good to have friends to talk to.
Hard times.
For me, as a part of my work, I have to keep tabs on the current pandemic. So, it's not at all easy for me. But I am trying my best to distract myself and look at stuff that are cheerful. I listen to songs and watch random films or documentaries.
Take care, and stay safe.
Pradeep
In the 900 member Facebook group that I started two years ago we have a TOTAL ban on heavy or humorous posts about either the virus or toilet paper!
It was very well received.
CLICK HERE for Bazza’s righteously rebarbative Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Apart from my local being closed and not being able to visit Mum not much is going to change for me. I've got my blog (A-Z is already keeping me busy) and I still have the beach at the end of the road! We've set up a family and friends WhatsApp group to share photos and thoughts. Keep calm and open a bottle I say!
Nice to see you using the term Mothering Sunday. This year was the most difficult ever to find a card with that on it, but Tesco's came up trumps - or should that be borises? Stay safe Hilary.
Good point about taking our time over tasks! That's probably the best approach anyway, and it sure is when we have more time on our hands. And very good advice on keeping calm by avoiding social media!
@ David – it’s good you’ve got Miriam and can work your way round things … being self-sufficient I seem to be ok. Now not having a car – I can only walk around town … but will be doing that. It does sound like Canada seems to have got things right … that’s come across loud and clear over here.
@ Alana – lucky you … it’ll make a difference – I suppose I’ve been alone for so long it doesn’t impact – maybe after 3 months I’ll feel differently! – but as you say so many earlier generations have dealt with much more … and come through.
@ Lynda – we’ve had quite a number of people being not sensible … and I think today we’ll be getting further instructions. People still congregating together and over-buying food – seems crazy to me … so I suspect things will come into play (regulated order) …
Organisations and people are being very creative … yes church services being screened … and people being in touch via screen/ whatsapp … various groupings of sorts – but not physically close …
@ Alex – thanks … I do manage to adhere to my name – Hilary and happiness = read for positivity …
@ John – I’m afraid it’s here for a while … and yes we’ll have some very clean homes and one would hope gardens … certainly there’s more cleaning going on because of the virus.
Gosh – good for your brother baking his own bread – what a good idea … I hope you’ll be the happy recipient of some of it …
@ Yam – you are right … anemones are one of the family of ranunculus – both are beautiful … they were the Cornish jewels that appeared during the Easter holidays. Wish I’d had my brains with me this a.m. – ah well! Usually my common sense prevails …
@ EC – thanks … so glad you enjoyed the earlier post. I really do not like social media and only do the odd one very briefly … I’m sure I’ll go back to the basic news info shortly … once I start picking up my books … and after I’ve cleaned the flat!!
Thanks so much re the comment being of importance to some – you particularly …
@ Boud – yes I much prefer Mothering Sunday … it does honour our mothers and the Church … as part of the Christian year. I’m sorry about having lost your mother so long ago – still we always remember don’t we; as you say fresh air is an essential, as well as the exercise it gives us …
@ Kathy – it made sense when I heard about it … we do have time now, and so don’t need to rush. I buy a Saturday paper and still have that to read! That’s great you’re finding ways of avoiding those articles that might bring out anxious moments … good for you – keep it up.
@ Sandie – yes it’s the social media I don’t like … the good news channels I watch for a time and then can leave them. Mothering Sunday – if you read my earlier (2012) post … tells you about the Christian year connection … rather than the secular Mother’s Day that other countries have adopted.
@ Truedessa – yes I only touch sides with the news … as I have more time and have had for a while – if something entices me then I can get stuck in for a while. I’m looking forward to getting started on the things I need to do … cleaning, sorting, writing my blog posts … and then reading interspersed as I go along …
@ Joanne – thanks so much … I’m just glad you enjoy reading the posts and the information I’m passing on.
I’ll get out for a walk and pop in for salads and veg on occasions … and will get on with other things before I can settle and read. Oh well done on the clean up - nature has a way of keeping us busy … good luck with the new clear up … yes we’ll get through …
@ Liz – thank goodness I never got onto Twitter …
@ Hels – I get frustrated at all the non-medics offering advice. I hadn’t heard of mIRC – interesting to know about that early programme. We are fortunate to live in a time of tv, radio, and computer – thank goodness – yes I’d be nuts quite soon if they weren’t available to us too …
@ Pradeep – yes it’s good to have friends to talk to – times are and will get tougher. I’m sure you can’t avoid it – if it forms part of your work … yet it’s good that you are making a point of taking your mind off things via films and documentaries …
@ Bazza – well you made sure of your ‘rules’ re your FB group … makes sense – not allowing the rubbish in at all … I’m sure it’s well received.
@ Keith – yes … the local will be missed – also sorry you can’t get to see your Ma – at least you’ll be phoning her. I’ve still to decide whether to do the A-Z … I may do, but not actually join the official set up … and yes you’ve your beach – as I have here – well the prom. Sensible setting up family groups etc … and yes if I wasn’t trying to cut out the alcohol – perhaps I should open a bottle or two!
Thank you re the term Mothering Sunday – I just prefer the traditional and non-commercial use of the day … How interesting about not being able to find a card with Mothering Sunday on it – comes of globalisation I suppose … glad Tesco came up ‘irises’ …!!
@ Elizabeth – thanks … both points came from someone who works with a mental health charity … so made sense to suggest them here …
Thanks so much to one and all – take care and look after yourselves … Hilary
It is odd we never celebrated Mother's Day or Father's Day in Rhodesia, my parents simply said it was commercial, the people were simply out to make money out of it. Having no children of my own, Mother's Day has just not existed for me.
Stay safe and keep well Diane
I am glad to hear that you can stay positive. That's very important, Hilary.
Take care.
You are so right--about avoiding social media. Even the stuff I used to read, enjoy, I now look at with a squint through one eye and usually move on. I do enjoy the posts of writing friends about how they're spending their isolation time.
I love to be alone, so this has not yet affected me personally. But it is scary to see our country headed for disaster with terrible leadership, people who go about as if nothing is going on, which of course will lead to more infections. I really don't like IGNORANCE and I see far too much of it where I live. But, then there's kindness and care here too, people make sure I'm OK, and offer to help. Fortunately I don't use social media, so I don't get exposed to any of that stuff. Just people I see on TV - from the top in government to the self-centered kids on the beaches to fist fights over toilet paper.
Self isolation is all the rage like it or not............just saying
Social media has its place but it isn't 100% accurate
Hi, Hilary - This is a great reminder to slow down, move more thoughtfully, reduce tv and social media and stay positive. Sending warm, germ-free hugs, your way!
Hi Hilary, good to hear your are doing well in the face of these difficult times. I must admit I'm grateful for my social media contacts a otherwise I think I'd feel pretty isolated here. What I don't do is follow the news other than government directives, because that's what makes me anxious. Look after yourself, Hilary, and I hope we can all get through this with some kind of silver lining.
Removing the social media noise is definitely something I'm working on. But I do go on Facebook and Twitter a lot more for newsworthy events like right now. I like to see the trends of what's happening in the world.
Piece to you, too. :-)
Greetings from London.
I love your phrase, Hilary, ‘social media noise.’ Social media may have it’s place in short doses and especially when I see photos of the children. For the most part it is nonessential ‘noise.’ I did not know you Hilary, 8 years ago, so this post is new to me. I appreciate Positive input today and always. I especially like “...bring care, thought and love into your homes and hearts.” It was and is a beautiful post, Hilary. Stay well.
Staying away from social media is probably a good idea, especially with all the disinformation out there! Hope you are staying safe.
I find that not paying attention to the talking heads on TV makes all the difference for me. I'm convinced they have no idea what they're talking about but think they do...
Yes, I think that it's important to stay positive now. The self-isolation is coming to New Zealand tomorrow at midnight. We still can talk to our neighbors and friends with proper distancing. Only the necessary facilities will be open but that list is a TBD in progress now. Stay safe Hilary.
Things certainly did change in the blink of an eye. We are social distancing here too, and I wish more people would do it. I had to run to my job today to pick up equipment I need to run my classroom, and there were SO many people out. They couldn't have all been out for necessity. :/
@ Diane – I’m not sure we did ... but perhaps because I was away at school … but it was Mothering Sunday in the UK (with its Christian values) – the more commercial Mother’s Day and Father’s Day got introduced … via the States I think.
We’d remembered Mother’s Day as we grew older when family gatherings were the norm … as none of us had children in the early days … and only a couple much later on – but not in my family, we still would get together …
@ Dan – thanks … yes all well here – I’ll be glad to get slightly caught up … lots of things happening …
@ Jacqui – I really do dislike social media – I look once a day max … and I won’t look at posts on FB … but love the blogging fraternity and am delighted to join in and be a part of it.
@ Inger – that’s great … that you’re happy with the dogs and your neighbours. I too enjoy my own company.
I can’t deal with or want to talk about the negative aspects … I’m just happy to do what I need to do – and once I’ve got myself into gear then I’ll be in touch with others in this vicinity and give them some conversation.
@ Jo-Anne – I’m happy self-isolating and am really going to enjoy reading plenty of books: I won’t look at social media – we need qualified experts who don’t opine, but who give considered thoughts … they are there, but not always on show …
@ Val – thanks for checking in; I can understand you and your social media contacts – I’ve sort of not got into communicating that way … and not having kids, I haven’t needed that connection … friends and family do it their/my way … somehow and as and when.
Thankfully I don’t suffer from anxiety or worry … so I’m happy in my own little bubble – but I love being in touch – and will no doubt be having lots of phone calls … even if via an app.
Yes – I’m sure there will be silver linings … but we’ve a lot to overcome (over and above the virus itself and those ramifications) then life will be different … I’ll be interested to see what’s going to happen …
@ Karen – you’ve loads of contacts and can quite understand your way of doing things … I never got there – and for now – when I could do with a little time to catch up – then I’ll be happy to spread my wings a little. I’ll be over to say hi shortly …
@ ACIL – thank you … yes peace to us all ...
@ Erica – thank you … I really don’t like the social media hype … it’ll be difficult to get past it. However – I do totally see your positive take on it with the children and grandchildren – and if I had them … then I’d be there too.
Thank you for picking up the phrase “… bring care, thought and love into your homes and hearts” that I used in my 2012 post. So glad you enjoyed the read through …
@ Ian – I always stay away from social media if I can … so glad I have that advantage – no barrage of bumph news – though understand the pleasure it can bring families …
@ John – you’re right – we really do need to work out what suits us … sometimes I sort of half listen and that’s about it – makes sense you’ve decided stay off it …
@ Rhonda – so essential to stay positive – thankfully I seem to have that ability. I would hope we can help ourselves in our various countries … by being sensible … and we can all cope if we put our minds to it, without jeopardising others …
@ Rosey – yes it all happened very quickly … and is still doing so. There’s not much happening here … and looks like in the main we’re being wise and aware of how we can help – a few stragglers: always the way though.
Thanks so much to you all for visiting and taking the time to comment – take care and with best wishes - Hilary
Thank you Hilary for this beautiful and hopeful post. Love your flowers. Didn’t realise that you lived in Eastbourne, very much enjoyed walking along the promenade and cliffs in 2008. I’m originally from Poole in Dorset and like to hike up the Purbdcks when I’m there too.
Now in France we have the Pyrenees not far, but I prefer the cliffs on the Basque coast, the sea setting is irreplaceable.
Are you participating in the A to Z ? See you soon, have an inspired week and take it slow as Leonard Cohen used to say.
Definitely good advice to stay positive and avoid the rolling cycle of news and doom! Hope you are keeping well, Hilary.
Flowers are a wonderful way of instilling peace, aren't they?
The media sure has everyone in a frenzy! I have the covid-19 virus. It's really no big deal. My ex had it. And my son had it. Both have recovered. And I don't feel too bad at all. The flu is much worse than this!
Hi Hilary, so good you are keeping positive in these difficult times. I am a keyworker in school so still having to go out some days, but so far keeping well. So much has changed but hopefully we will all get through these times. Best wishes to you.
Suzanne
I ventured to the grocery store early this morning to take advantage of a one-hour time slot set aside for the elderly, and wow! It was astounding to see so many empty shelve. Eerie, even. But we will all keep on keeping and doing what we have to do and not worrying about the things we can't be doing for a while. I'm a news junkie, so it's hard not to resist keeping track of all the COVID-19 news. Funny thing, though... here, unfortunately, it's the governmental leaders who instill the most unease and angst. Lying to us does NOT improve a darned thing. (sigh)
Hang in there, sweet lady. Hunker down, and take care.
I totally agree with staying clear of the social media noise. It just causes anxiety.
@ Susan – lovely to see you here … and yes Eastbourne is set in a beautiful area of Sussex, though your previous area in Dorset – the Purbecks are stunning too. But I’m quite certain Toulouse is a magical area – but also know what you feel about the Basque coast … even after decades, and one visit, I remember that area.
I probably will be in the A-Z … but won’t join in officially … but thanks for the reminding me about Leonard Cohen – special music.
@ Anabel – all well here and I avoid social media – only clicking on when a few friends post … I use the Beeb and Channel 4 …
@ Sandra – flowers always cheered my mother up – so we always had them in her room … and yes they do instil peace and give us beauty when we were in her room …
@ Sherry – it’s interesting being a part of this period of history … but for you – glad you and your family have pulled through. It seems to be like my starting sentence of this post ‘Life altered suddenly …’ - this corona-virus flu appears to be much worse than many of us are experiencing …
@ Suzanne – thanks … yes all well here – that’s good that you’re able to help out at school in a keyworker role … essential in these days. So much has changed and will continue to change afterwards …
@ Susan – yes … the shelves are being stripped bare … and now the authorities/sites are chasing profiteers. It’s a sad indictment on those that have been over buying. I’m glad you’re doing what you both seem to do best – do what you can and not being anxious.
I follow the news … and as there more time … I’m listening to the radio more than I used to. I too hate the obvious lies we hear – that’s when common sense comes into play … way too much unnecessary opinion by people who are not in any position to publicise their thoughts … I ignore those.
@ Lynda – yes … social media can cause unnecessary anxiety … unless we ignore it …
Thanks for being here … I’m going to try and not comment on what’s going on – just being as sensible, helpful and positive as I can … I’m in the over 70s (just!) group … so am unable to help much. All the best - Hilary
Such great words of wisdom, Hilary. When this first started, I was all over social media trying to get as much knowledge as I could but I found I was also stressing out over everything. I finally decided to unplug. I watch my normal amount of news again, then turn it off. I don't read every newsflash that comes across my phone. It was information overload. Stay safe and be well.
Elsie
Thanks Elsie ... just way too much social noise isn't there - from people who are just opinionated, with no proper knowledge - good for you - that you just are doing the basics. We need to know - from the news source we trust that is telling us truths ... you too stay safe and well - take care - Hilary
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