flight paths discussion

what do you do when your worst case scenario seems to be unfolding before your very eyes? You pick yourself up off the floor and find a good book to stabilize your soul. Yes, its been hard to concentrate on reading. Or anything. Clearly its ltime to ramp up our spiritual practice whatever it may be. And right now there is a book on your shelf calling you with the right words you need to get through to you.

I'm a little embarrassed to admit it, but these days I'm spending about 3 hours a day in meditation and prayer. It's a relief and very calming. And I can focus better on the present at other times.

I'm also writing, exercising, and spending time with my kids. Also a little cleaning but less than I should be. Spending time on Zoom with friends. And, of course, reading. Although I find that the hardest thing to do right now, that it's hard for me to focus. Also, both Enduring Grace and Little Dorrit are not the easiest reading for me. I'm having more success with Thick and Unfinished Business.

What is everyone else doing?

Just finished reading Fatal Revenant, and I was so disappointed that I immediately listened to one of the two newest Nine Inch Nails albums, which proved to be a far more gratifying experience.

Ellie you cannot be embarrassed to admit your practice. You are brave. I would be embarrassed to admit i was embarrassed. :÷)
Have you encountered Tara Branch?
She is lovely. I ve been watching Carolyn Myss and cabot zin as as well as Colum McCaan.....One of the monks from plum village asked what are your 4 noble truths?

and one of the nuns gave us a word yesterday and it was endurance
i want to sign off with the wish for all enduring grace

I love her. I sometimes use one of her guided meditations although for the most part right now I'm using one of Thich Nhat Hanh's. I don't know Carolyn Myss but I also like Zin very much.

Is Colum McCann the writer? If so, I'm reading Apeirogon--I've read other books of his that I loved.

I like the idea about Santa Fe and feel it's a good sign it came to you. I'm waiting now for David to finish college--or maybe move in with his girlfriend once she's working so he doesn't need me. But it's never too early to plan. It would be much less expensive than here and, hopefully, prettier. I could even afford a place with a balcony. Such a dream of mine!

Endurance is everything. Along with grace.

Ellie i sure thought about you and wondered if you were also tuning in this afternoon to the live meditation and talk with Tara today. It was good but once again the reception was iffy and at one point i totally drifted.

Yes thats Colum and he talks a lot about the book. Waiting to get my hands on it altho i feel i know the story well from Kingdom of Olives and Ash.
Thats exciting news that David has a gf!
They do move on. My son and I texted for over an hour this morning. Its so exhausting but he wont do a video call and its what he prefers.
Once again the day went by so fast i did not get to do any reviews. Was sad to finish Night Boat to Tangier.
Petra how are you making out with the youth of God?
Megan sure hope you are feeling better.
enduring grace!

April already and it seems like a cruel joke that the world is only now realizing that we are all in the same small boat without lifejackets for everyone.
I have been reading but not as much as other years - maybe it is trying to keep busy while in quarantine. Night Film is a very interesting novel about appearances vs reality. Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead is a good translation of a lovely book about a feisty old woman. I reread all the Case Histories as a way of clinging to the familiar. This Is Not Propaganda: Adventures in the War Against Reality is an interesting read about the various things that influence and convince us and our behaviour.
I do wish that the distance between us was referred to as physical rather than social as some people seem to think that saying hello from 3 metres away is an invitation to the virus, and avoid eye contact. This adds to the feeling of isolation. I must admit that the local small grocery stores I shop at - Choices and Organic Acres - have proved to be havens for friendly and kind conversation, not about politics or the virus, but about produce and food, consoling topics.
I too meditate, vipassana style. It is a way to open the heart and not become fearful in the world.

Mary Anne, it's great to see you again.
I have Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead on my radar.

On my runs, I'm finding most people to be friendly enough. They make eye contact and mostly smile. There are a few who avoid eye contact but they are in the minority. It's sad. I'm sure those are the people most afraid of this virus. I hope they find peace somehow.

Magdelanye, I haven't started reading Youth of God yet. I can only read one book at a time lately. At the moment, that's Motherless Brooklynn, which I'm loving.

I ordered 3 books from the independent bookstore this morning. It's my April attempt at keeping them afloat during these times. I sure hope others are buying books, too.
I got Sisters, Newcomer and Solar.
I just noticed that they are all one-word titles. Hmmm....

Ellie, I'd forgotten about your wish to move to Sante Fe. That would be lovely. Now is a wonderful time to start the planning.

Magdelanye, how is your son finding the situation in London?

kMagdelanye, Yes I tried to--I love them both but I also for some reason as having problems with Internet. (There are rumors that our provider is cutting service right now.)

I'm finding McCann fascinating and powerful.

And I would also like to know how your son is doing. England is also very hard hit.

Mary Anne, so good to hear from you. And it's interesting how people either ignore social distancing or interpret to mean cutting of connection to other people.

And I read and liked several of the books you mention--. Night Film, and Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead. This Is Not Propaganda: Adventures in the War Against Reality sounds like a book I'd really like to check out.

Petra, I'm using this time to buy way too many books!

Last night, I finished both Unfinished Business: Notes of a Chronic Re-reader and Thick. I enjoyed both but found Thick a more powerful read.

Now two of my friends are in the hospital with COVID. They are both dangerously ill. One of them is dealing with lung cancer. Another friend appears to have a mild case, although her lungs are compromised and I am worried about her.

Ellie, I will pray for your friends. That is really scary. They will be in my thoughts. Sending hugs your way.
I hope they find a vaccination soon.

Oh, I have way too many books and do not need or really want more (mainly because I don't have the space for them). However, I always enjoy getting a new-to-me book. It's the anticipation of a good story.

It's another nice enough morning here. There are some light clouds but its fairly bright, so there's hope for a sunny-ish day. Wishing everyone some sun and something good in their day today.

glad I came her today to find an old comment and these new ones since I last logged in. I am going through a bit of backlash from extra long internet sessions. Yesterday I wanted only quiet. Its very odd but I do have to force myself outside.
Great to have you drop in Mary Anne. i can't wait to read the Pessl and I loved Plough your bones...the one on propaganda sounds damn relevant. You are lucky to have some good stores nearby. There are no health food stores in our village and I am not going anywhere for a while except every 5 0r 6 days to the IGA. The people are great but they just don't have some of my essentials. Do you ever tune in to some of the on-line meditations?

Ellie very sorry to hear about your friends.
This still seems like a bad dream, especially since its an old one.
I am a starting to worry about Megan and her family.
Petra thanks for your sunny wishes. Yesterday I walked in another direction on the mountain and found a fabulous branch that I dragged home. I will have a nice collection for you when we finally get to meet/

Finished 3 books over the last couple of days. I wrote up 2 already so I can add 2 more titles I've chosen to read next. The Librarian by Mikhail Elizarov looks a bit wild and Tiny Lights for Travellers by Naomi K. Lewis. I have also been dipping into The One from the Other by Philip Kerr and listening to Rising Strong by Brené Brown I wish I had the book because there are some significant parts especially in the first cd that are too scratched to listen to.

please all be well!

Thank you everyone for your good wishes. I’ve had some good news and some bad news: one friend has recovered enough to be sent home from the hospital and the other says she is starting to be able to eat again. But sadly my third friend is being moved to palliative care. I think it’s so sad that her family can’t be with her now.

I’m having trouble focusing on anything. I read a little of the Enduring Grace book: I love the women she’s writing about but she is hard for me to get through. So I’m taking it a little at a time. I’m also reading Little Dorrit which I’m enjoying more but again I find I can only read a few pages at a time.

Ellie wrote: "Thank you everyone for your good wishes. I’ve had some good news and some bad news: one friend has recovered enough to be sent home from the hospital and the other says she is starting to be able t..."

gosh Ellie about your friend that does not seem to be recovering.
It seems some people are being given up on. It's so important not to get overwhelmed and keep up our spirits. I am listening to episode 81 of the in concert revival hour on Augusta Holmes
https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio?.... She is enchanting on the piano

Try something short and strong maybe like anything by Jesse Ball. I just finished my review on Census.

enduring grace

Thank you Magdelanye for your suggestions. I’m definitely going to listen to some music. And maybe I’ll get the Ball. And I can’t wait to read your review.

The doctors are saying she’s not going to make it. Bit I have to find a way to stay sane. I’m going to try a mystery that I’ve been wanting to read for over a year—the Devotion of Suspect X.

We watched the Palm Sunday mass from St. Patrick’s on tv. Katie made little “palm” crosses from yellow paper which made us laugh and made the day a little more real.

Ellie, I'm so sorry to hear this news of your friend. My prayers will be with her in this time. Is this the friend with lung cancer? She certainly didn't need this awful disease to make her feel more ill. We'll stand by her, spiritually, in her time of need. I'm so sad to hear this news.
I'm glad to hear that your two other friends are getting better. That is good news.

I had good talks with both my brother and my step-dad today. Both are doing well and their spirits are up. My brother works as a Handy Dart driver and is still out there taking people to their medical appointments. I'm carving him a little figure of a Handy Dart driver wearing a mask and gloves. LOL!

Ellie, I have The Devotion of Suspect X sitting on my bookshelf. It was gifted to me last year. I hadn't heard of it before. Maybe I'll pick it up soon, too.

For now, I'm still reading Motherless Brooklyn. I haven't gotten far, although I'm enjoying it. My concentration leaves me after about 20 or so pages. The murder has just happened. I hope that keeps my brain more focussed, so that I can make some progress.

Magdelanye, more branches?!! LOL! How many do you have for me now? How big are these branches (in diameter)? I'll have to start thinking of what to carve on them. I've never carved a branch.

Tomorrow is supposed to be a nice sunny day. I hope to get out for a morning jog. There's a low tide around noon and I'm thinking of going to the river at that time to look for more cottonwood. I don't need any more but feel like I could use an outing. I can always bring the wood to the carving group meeting in September.

Wishing everyone a stress-free, sunny day. I've been listening to the Country Music awards. It was cancelled, of course, but the artists are singing songs from their homes. They reminded me (us) that this will one day end and we'll be able to meet again. This will make us stronger and together we can make it through. It's a good message. Let's lean on each other when the stress invades our personal space. Let's not let stress win.

Hugs to all. You all mean a lot to me.

Petra, thank you for your prayers and good wishes. Yes, Margo had lung cancer. She was doing well but was obviously too weakened to fight the virus.

I wish I were reading Motherless Brooklyn again for the first time! I loved that book.

I've been listening to classical music, mostly Bach and Beethoven. I find a lot of consolation and beauty there.

Keep carving! I love that Magdelanye is saving branches for you. Community, presence to each other, in this time is essential.

As this is Holy Week, I am grateful that so many services are being broadcast.

I like the opening of the mystery. I may stick with this for now and leave the more challenging books for when I can concentrate better.

You are all important to me too so stay well and find what joy you can during this time.

Hi, just popping in to check in. Really enjoyed seeing what everyone is up to.
My family is ok. I’m still off work with vestibular migraines. Negotiating with work right now to work part time and from home. My sons back up childcare fell through so he’ll be at home with me until daycare reopens. My husbands work is considered essential (oil & gas....), so he’s still working full time which I’m grateful for.
Now we’re all wearing masks when we go out as people here are NOT doily a great job at social distancing. I’m so worried about getting COVID-19 with fibromyalgia, it’s be a long slow recovery, so we’re trying to limit our exposure the best we can.
My son is doing pretty well. School started sending some videos, we’re working on a 1,000 piece puzzle and having dance parties.

Stay safe everyone!

Megan, I'm so sorry you're still sick. I certainly hope you don't contract the virus--I hope that for everybody, of course, but especially for people with other conditions.

It must be hard having your son home full-time when you're sick and also negotiating work. I wish you luck.

I think this virus is a bad flu that attacks the lungs more than usual. Those with preexisting lung issues will have the worst cases and many won't fare well, it seems.

I am so sorry for your friend, Ellie. She certainly did not need this.

Megan, I'm sorry you are still feeling ill.

I uploaded the digital library app from my library on my phone the other day. It's a bit clunky to navigate (for me, the beginner) so I borrowed the first familiar book I came to, which is Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. Today I went for a jog and listened to it for the first time. It's wonderful! So full of connectivity, friendship, giving, unity, oneness with all. I'm finding it very relaxing and inspiring. I love the idea that we are one with each other and the Earth.

I finished the little carving of the Handy Dart driver wearing a mask and gloves and the Handy Dart bus for my brother. I just have to put the protective finish on it today and mail it off to him tomorrow. With luck, he'll get it in time for his birthday this weekend.

It felt good to check in here last night to read your messages.
In these days of not much to look forward to, I do look forward to this little group of compatibles. Not all groups are so nurturing, as Megan and Petra know. Ellie I dont know how active you are in any other groups and I am guessing that MaryAnne and Ice are not be maybe they do have another group more specialized and more members. I love us all because of the integrity I sense in each of you. I love it that we dont have to worry here about what we write, it will be accepted maybe not agreed with but there is no need to flout. Actually, I dont have a lot of on line group experience and I was really shocked by the meanspirited attitude of some people.
Speaking of groups, I was wondering as I periodically do, how to post pictures on GR. I used to know how obviously, it involved fb though and I do not want to link accounts. This came up when I thought I could show Petra my collection. It's not that large really because sometimes in the process of drying they reveal cracks and I will toss ones if I find a better sample. Then I remembered that we have a group on fb for that purpose. Nobody here really warmed to it, but I looked it up and its still there. If you have fb Petra I will see if I can post a picture to give you an idea if you could really work with any of my finds.

Hows that for procrastination. I am feeling hurt for Ellie and her friend and can only pray that she has rallied. And I am so sorry that Megan is still dealing with the migraine. There has got to be a bio-chemical reason. I feel for you having to do care for the well being of others while you are still unwell. Five is such a boisterous age. May you all stay well and spirits up.

Petra it seems you lucked out with Braiding Sweetgrass. My mother had a small basket woven out of it, with a bit of beadwork on the lid. I adored the smell of it. I think all of a sudden people are finally realizing that we are all connected, not just flakes and spiritual masters and their disciples! And that is awesome.

Ellie I know how you feel re Petra reading Motherless Brooklyn.
It's a good thing there are so many other books to be discovered!
I am very pleased with my new array so I will list, The one I urge you all to find if you can (might be a bit of a challenge with libraries all closed) is the outrageous Bibliotekar by Mikhail Elizarov
Obviously that is not the edition I am reading...the correct cover and English name are listed on my currently reading shelf. It's called the Librarian but its like no librarian that you have ever encountered.
I don't want to spoil it for you and indeed I can hardly imagine that he will be able to keep up the momentum (it's dangerous to recommend books before one has finished reading: but i must)
I am enjoying Tiny Lights for Travellers by Naomi K. Lewis which is a memoir and finally I have got around to the last in my batch of wwll detective series
The One from the Other by Philip Kerr I might have been influenced by some of the comments here, but I feel I am braced for this,

Hope your brother gets his unique gift in time Petra. Soon you will have orders coming in! I'm glad you are keeping up with your walks. Did I infer correctly that your carving froup is on for September?

Magdelanye, here are instructions on how to post pictures here on GR:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

(do we need a "Tech Help" thread for things like this or would this be the only thing we post there?)

I mailed the little Handy Dart driver & bus to my brother this morning. I hope he gets it before the weekend.
There is currently no express mailing option. Everything goes "regular" and "gets there when it gets there".

I started carving another little figure; this one with long hair in braids (that's the new feature I'm trying to learn). Carving long hair is hard! It's making me really have to think about "the next step".
So far, I've messed her face up. It's fixable but I believe she's going to be an individual. I kind of like how it looks like she'll end up looking.
The tip of one shoe was cut off. Her feet are going to be smaller than most of these little figurines. LOL.
Next step in the carving: how to carve braids to look like braids?
She's a fun project.

Magdelanye wrote: "Did I infer correctly that your carving froup is on for September?..."

Did I forget to update on this? Could be.....it happened just before the Covid outbreak happened.

The instructor is not moving away after all and he is going to lead the group again.
He had agreed to start again in May and the Community Center had it all set up.....then Covid hit and everything got cancelled. But that means that he'll be leading the group again in September.
Isn't that great news!!!!!?!!!!

Magdelany, I'm slowly letting friends and acquaintances know that if they like a particular carving they can have it. It's not that I don't like the carving; just that these carvings are adding up and I have nowhere to put them all. LOL!
If the carving is for the requestor, no cost.
If the carving is meant for a gift, it will be at cost of materials (a close estimate anyway). I'm not good enough (yet?) to charge anything for the work that goes into it. I still see these as "learning experiences".

LOL Petra you are fast!
I had to stop for a minute as it was 7 and time to bang my potlid,
Its a great community activitybut as with most things here there are those who do it at 7 and the 9 oclock crowd, I didnt want to lose the comment so I posted it and then added the other books and edited it. Whe I checked to make sure it was published, I saw your remarks. Now hoping this goes through cause the link didn;t work and I may have lost connection.

a tech help thread would be good

Petra, I'm glad you continue with your carving. So generous to give it away.

I have not read any more of Apeirogon. I'm hardly reading anything. Right now, I've started The Mirror & the Light. I loved Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies and it's a time period I've always been fascinated by. And she's a terrific writer. I'm just happy I can concentrate on something besides articles about the virus or Trump's (and his cult's) other stupid and evil actions and opinions.

My daughter and I have are reading Beartown. I think it will be a nice joint activity. We're all spending a lot of time together and Katie does not want to discuss the pandemic (she's terribly anxious about it) or politics which is mostly what I talk about these days (I save it for my son). So a book may be the best way to go.

Anybody here read Beartown? Same author as A Man Called One which everyone seems to have loved. I got angry early on when everyone talked about how old he was and it turned out he was 62. My prejudice. Same question: has anybody read Ove?

But I have so many other books I'm trying to read. Hopefully soon I'll be able to read again.

Good morning!
We're up early. Hubby is going to try tackling Costco during their Senior Hour this morning.
Since we're up early, I'll go for an early morning run. Not sure how my body will feel about that. LOL.

The sun is shining here. Hope your worlds are just as sunny. Keep smiling everyone.

hey early risers! today i actually slept in.
I had just about gotten into a routine waking at precisely 4am to meditate with plum village. Of course as soon as i tried to codify it, it changed this morning woke up just before 5. I would like to have Petra's determination: its a beautiful morning full of birdsong but i cant push myself out the door.
Why i fought to stay here when common sense would have had me flee: I dont have to get out of bed to hear the birds and i dont scare them off by my presence. The hummingbirds are even more dancy today and im in amongst the trees not underneath them. Later i may try for some actual reading on the grass. Up to now the ground has been too cold and damp. Its the full moon and who knows how that is affecting things.I fear the worst is not over.

Okay i get that maybe now is not the best time to begin a routine. My issue with being soley in the moment is the lack of motivation to move.
So I finally finished chapter 3 of book 3 of AH Almaas Diamond Heart. This book has been literally a 3 steps forward 2 steps back process. Who am I indeed.

I like your attitude Petra towards the distribution of your carvings. I am pretty much committed to the pay as you can approach myself.

Ellie i loved the man called ove, once id gotten over my curmudgeonly resistance. I have heard wonderfull things about Beartown and thats so great you are doing a buddy read with Katie. Are you taking turns reading aloud or coming together to discuss what youve read on your own time?
Apparantly his latest book is amazing.

Magdelanye, I will definitely (based on your response) try Ove again. Sometimes I'm too easily offended! I didn't realize he has another one. I would love to fall in love with an author. Hilary Mantel may also do the trick.

Katie and I are reading separately and then discussing it. At least that's how we're starting. We'll see how it goes. She still has class and she's working from home (within the limitations of what a paraprofessional can do from home), so she's still somewhat busy. Plus she has some new video game, Animal Crossing, which is apparently very hot right now. It's nice that her real friends with the game can play with her from their homes.

I deeply believe in routine. It saves my sanity. I discovered that when I retired and even more know in this chaotic time. But I have a lot of flexibility in the middle of the day so I don't feel constrained. However, I'm finding it more difficult to maintain this the longer the shelter-in continues.

If the borders are open and travel is permitted we'll be up in Nova Scotia at the end of August for a friend of Katie's--actually of us all--wedding. Maybe someday I'll even make it to Vancouver! But I think we should seriously consider a Zoom meeting. It would be fun.

I'm slightly happier than usual today; I read a chapter of The Blade Itself by Joe Abercombie to an audience on Discord, and they liked what they heard enough to ask why I'm not a voice actor or working for Audible. Apparently my voice is that pleasingly deep.

Malcolm wrote: "I'm slightly happier than usual today; I read a chapter of The Blade Itself by Joe Abercombie to an audience on Discord, and they liked what they heard enough to ask why I'm not a voice actor or wo..."

That's delightful: you must have done a wonderful job. It's always lovely to be appreciated.

I could probably record something for you if you're interested.

Thanks for all the well wishes! I’ve been having a decent week so I’m grateful for that. I’m doing a test run on my computer tomorrow with my work emails to see how I do.
I found out yesterday that my friend who had liver cancer passed away, she just turned 40...so we all knew it was coming but it still hurts so much.

Braiding sweet grass was a wonderful read for me, I hope you enjoy it!!

I’m reading migraine book which is actually very helpful. Then I’m hoping to get back to some fiction now that I can read without triggering my vertigo. I have missed reading so much!

Hope everyone is staying healthy and safe and I’m looking forward to our zoom meetup. ❤️

Ps, sorry this is disjointed, im forever accessing good reads on my phone and this app is ridiculous as ever. But I’m enjoying seeing how everyone is doing.

Megan, I looked up Sweet Braid and it turns out I read it. So I when I went back and looked it over, I remembered it. And how much I loved it. This may be a good time to reread it. Or at least parts of it.

And I know how hard it is to use the phone app!

And also I like hearing from you!

I am making real progress with Beartown as well as The Mirror and the Light. Maybe I'm can read again.

Also, on the very light side, Mrs. Martin’s Incomparable Adventure; silly but fun. What I need right now.

something odd going on with the computer today.
Not sure if its just slow or what exactly is going on.
I treasure the fact that we can even connect in this way when all other avenues are closing down. They are talking 12-18 months now for the quarantine to be effective. How long can people keep it up? Borders closed and martial law being trotted out. These are early days. Life will never be the same.

For now, essential to keep fit and that means spirits up. Life is but a dream after all. Silly fun is good. Petra you are lucky to have your carving. Ellie I worry about you in New York and MaryAnne in Vancouver. Megan I hope we can get a zoom in before it all goes dark.
Enduring Grace

Malcolm wrote: "I could probably record something for you if you're interested."

I would love it!

Happy Monday everyone!
How was the weekend?
We had a quiet one (of course....LOL). The sun was out and it was nice and warm.
I got out to the river to look for some cottonwood bark. It was perfect. I climbed down to the river bank and just meandered along the shoreline. I got a lot of cottonwood bark and left more pieces balanced on large logs, in case others from the carving group wandered down there after me.
I was on the bank all by myself. Not a single soul was there. It was peaceful. I spent some time just sitting on the logs and looking out over the river.

Magdelanye, I agree.....I am lucky to have the carving, the Tai-Chi and the running. These activities are keeping me busy in these times.

Which reminds me.....I downloaded Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants onto my phone as a running book. It's fantastic on its own, but it's even more fantastic in these isolated times.
It's all about connecting with self, others and the Earth; and about appreciating the gifts this Life and World gives us. It's narrated by the author and is very serene and insightful, not to mention interesting in the botany and myths & stories.
I highly recommend it. I see that Megan and Ellie have already read it.
I'm totally loving the book and am considering adding it to our library. Ellie & Megan, would you agree that it's a "keeper"?

Ellie, I'm thinking of you in New York. The news here says that the situation in the City (in the State?) is levelling off and there's hope of a decline. I do hope this is true. NY has been hit hard.

Megan, how are you feeling? I hope you continue to be getting better.

How and what is everyone else doing? Malcolm? Ice? Mary Anne?

Petra, just a response to the numbers. I heard something about “almost 109 people died yesterday” of the virus. So the numbers are down but I don’t feel very reassured. To me, 100 people in one day still seems like a lot. So, it’s getting better which is good and I’m glad. But I’ll feel a lot safer when those numbers go down more.

And I loved that book—absolutely a keeper!

And Megan and Magdelanye—great to hear /see you. Hopefully I’ll get right next time!

Ellie, I'm so sorry. That's still way too many people. When I think of all the love, joy and life that is being lost everywhere during these times, my heart cries. It's so sad.

I'm glad the Zoom meeting went ahead. Sounds a bit of a learning curve but a success nonetheless.

Petra, and 51 educational staff--almost all teachers and paraprofessionals have died so far--the teachers did not get the week off that the students had before remote learning began and we're seeing the results of that. And now Cuomo is talking about opening the schools on the 29th. That would mean my kids would go back, exposing themselves--as well as me--to the virus. And the families of the children and staff and friends. And so on. I hope they don' t until the numbers go down further.

I think the next Zoom will go better. At least I'll get the time right!

Ellie, this all makes me so sad. The 29th of April? I hope that doesn't happen. I do hope that NY is on the downslide of this pandemic but it will be a couple of weeks before that's shown to be true (or not).

Now that Trump has declared himself King, I'm even more afraid for the USA. His committee of "advisors & experts" are nothing more than family members and yes-men.
He's a cornered animal right now.....and as dangerous as one.

Petra I’m absolutely terrified about what will happen next in the US. The man is a monster—evil, stupid, and crazy as well. He’ll stop at nothing to get what he wants. So I pray and try not to lose my mind. It makes it hard to read even though I could use the escape.

The one thing I can read, a little of anyway, is Pena Chodron. She’s so sane. Otherwise I just pray things will get better.

Thanks for your kind words.

This is rotten news about the schools Ellie. Maybe time for a huge NO. They can't force it if its a massive decision by parents and teachers. And while I hate to say this, our PM is starting to look like trump lite.
Don't let the news get you down!
there are so many positive messages coming at us if you look
choose carefully what you let in

On my end, the premier seems to be doing the right things, which is exactly what I wasn't expecting him to do. I fear he'll go back to his old ways of, if you'll excuse my language, fucking over students and teachers and screwing with education once this crisis is over, but so far he's doing far better than I thought he would.

Thanks Magdelanye for the reminder to leave space for the hopeful. For the possibility of hope, the appreciation for beauty. All that and more. I can hardly reread the news anymore but at the same time I can hardly not.

I always think of Canada as a kind of Mecca. I hope David will move there one day. So I hate to think that you’re beginning to have the kinds of problems we have.

So I’m going to turn off my mind and give in to my greatest addiction: the tv show Friends! Hate to turn to tv but that’s where I’m going tonight.

Be well my friends.

I think the Prime Minister is doing a pretty good job about this. He's listening to the medical officers. Naturally, he has to look forward to reopening things at some point, so he needs to plan for that. But I haven't heard him say that he's going to open anything anytime soon. He's said that self-isolation will continue for the time being.

Did I miss something in his update? I may have.....I was reading at the same time as listening to him......I probably shouldn't have been doing both together.

I'm quite surprised at how calm and organized he has been throughout this pandemic.

I'm also pleased with the BC Government's handling of this, especially Mr. Dix and Dr. Henry.

Magdelanye, thank you for the reminder for hope. I do feel it everyday and should have added a positive note to my posts as well.

this is what I'm watching now. Her books have always intrigued me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fitld...
I've only read a few.Carolyn Myss..some waiting for me in storage. It's been quite thrilling to 'meet' some of these people/ I just checked and I'm shocked that her books are not really listed, just 2 in Spanish. I can't claim to follow her completely but she certainly is provocative. She points out that many of the things we perceive as problems are in fact predicaments. We are one huge breathing organism.

As for the news,I limit myself to once a day and sometimes I skip a day checking And I am reaching out more than ever sending the call to peace poem everywhere.

Petra I'm actually glad that I don't know what you mean about trump being declared king but i'm curious.

He just made a comment where the President can do whatever he wants and the Governors can't stop him, which is very King-like; not President-like. Some Governors are fighting back and saying that they will run their states as they feel is best. Trump wants to loosen the restrictions and get the economy going. Some Governors want to keep the restrictions until it's more sure that the virus won't come back strong.

I am enjoying the challenge of our lockdown period, perhaps it's the very long work hours, and good weather allowing me to tackle the garden unknown - eg beyond the lawn. Reading has been a little light, and checking in with the group even lighter. I am sure after lockdown they will lock me up for my positive attitude ! I do find myself supporting my support network and work colleagues, if the sadness that the pandemic brings was not so raw, it would be an interesting social experiment. I find my interest in what politicians and media have to say almost non existent, and will continue a very alternative voting strategy when elections return.
Hoping that I can reduce my hours and spend a bit more time on here.

Ice, it's great to see a post from you!!
I'm glad you coping so well with the shutdown. Sounds like you are putting in long work hours. Sorry to hear about that. It's nice that you are getting out into the garden. I find time puttering in the garden relaxing and fulfilling.

We are reaching out and keeping contact with friends, acquaintances, neighbours to try to keep everyone's spirits up. We haven't found that our spirits are sinking, which is good. It's more a matter of ensuring that others are okay, too......and keeping those ties going. It is odd not to meet up with friends occasionally.

I am keeping tabs on the daily updates given by our politicians. It gives me a feeling of knowing where we are, both as a province and a country.
I have to say that I'm proud of Canadians. They are pulling together, rather than thinking only of themselves. Things such as home or mini breweries (which are closed) being altered to produce hand sanitizer, which is then donated to hospitals and nursing sites. These companies are losing their revenue, yet still donate to the cause. There are many examples of companies and individuals contacting the government to ask how they can help and then doing it. It's really heartwarming.
I'm also content with how both governments are handling this and impressed that all provincial governments are working together with the federal government to help the country, not themselves. I do hope that this co-operation shows all parties that working together is a desirable option.
I'm feeling good about the hands we're in right now.

This is an interesting social experiment. I think it is different in different areas, as the restrictions vary depending on the local situation. Here, I am finding that people are smiling, courteous, respectful and careful of others. There's a lot of reaching out to ensure that no one is in need of something. That's nice to observe. On my runs, I'm enjoying waving and giving greetings as well as receiving the same from people I don't know. It's cheering.

I hope you can pop in more often. Don't work too many hours. LOL.