Rarely in my life have I found it difficult to communicate my thoughts through written words…but now is one of those times. It’s not for lack of blog post ideas; rather, none of these themes seem appropriate just now.
“This changes everything!” is a cliché that’s literally true right now for the vast majority of humans—many of us for the first time in our lives. Pandemics and global tragedies have happened before, but few of us currently living have had our lives turned upside-down as we are now.
Yes, we will get through this, but avoiding acknowledging the seriousness of the situation simply doesn’t feel right to me. So, this is my nod to these difficult times.
My garden is slowly waking, and I’m sure this blog will be quite active as the growing season progresses. But today, in mid-March 2020, as this novel coronavirus spreads in my community, my country, and throughout the world, I’m taking a pause to reflect on what’s ahead.
Each new emerging plant and blooming flower brings a little more hope. Please stay safe and healthy, my friends.
I have started to write several posts and stopped because the topics seem futile compared to what is going on right now. However, gardening is a nice distraction from all the news. I've been in my garden a lot! Prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karin. My prayers are with you and yours, as well. It's just all so different and scary. The garden does bring comfort. :)
DeleteToday we were told - we will be on lockdown from midnight Thursday.
ReplyDeleteHope your family is safely home.
Oh dear, it's happening around the world, isn't it? We are doing OK. So many aspects of life are affected--from survival to inconveniences. Take care!
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ReplyDeleteI started some seeds last Thursday. Playing in the dirt always helps me. My senior in high school son asked to help.. he too knows the power of gardening. We both felt a little better. Today we checked on our seedlings together. We have several green sprouts smiling up at us.
Sending Love and Prayers to you from Northern Wisconsin.
P.S. Sam is on standby with the National Guard. He is well trained and ready to help. Praying for all that are out there on the front lines.
Yes, prayers are helpful. Thanks to Sam for his service. I agree: Dirt therapy is so helpful. :)
DeleteThe garden is where I find peace and calm. We all need it. Glad your garden is waking.
ReplyDeleteYes, peace and calm...that is a good thing. Stay healthy, Janet!
DeleteWell said. Way better than I could.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Every day is more challenging than the last lately. But the garden is increasingly promising. Stay healthy!
DeleteHi Beth. Your words are very poignant. It is indeed a very weird time in history. I'm so grateful that all of my loved ones are safe and healthy but as we know, there are no guarantees. Only divine help and guidance when called upon. It's such a blessing that we have our gardens and nature to keep us focused. And our beloved fellow gardeners.
ReplyDeleteYes, your words are wise and helpful, too, Grace. I'm glad your family is safe and healthy. Blessings to you and yours.
DeleteThat's how I feel, Beth, it's surreal. I am trying to write my Wildflower Wednesday post and making very little progress. Keep safe my friend. xo
ReplyDeleteSurreal is a good way to put it. I'm looking forward to a more boring time in history. I hope we will experience some boredom after this. Boredom from a lockdown isn't really boredom; it's a psychological thriller. Take care, Gail.
DeleteThis evening I heard that Wisconsin is adopting a shelter-at-home strategy for the majority of its residents too. All I can say based on my limited experience thus far is that it's a weird experience. I'm sure we'll all figure out how to function at some point but a bit of muddling is to be expected. Enjoy your garden, Beth - mine is performing a very real service keeping me sane.
ReplyDeleteYes, we're in a shelter-at-home mode, which is a good plan. We can still move about and go to the state parks and walk dogs, etc. But the nonessential businesses are closed down and we're to avoid all crowds, so it's a little isolating. But it's for the best. Take care, Kris!
DeleteIf I couldn't get into the garden to work I would be so out of sorts. I wonder how those people that live in tiny apartments in the big cities are coping with all this. We as humans are not meant to be cooped up. I hope you are fairing well and take good care of yourself. Big hugs.
ReplyDeleteYes, so true. It would be so rough to not have a backyard to go to. And this is hitting us at an easier time--I can't imagine dealing with this in winter like the Chinese people had to do. Virtual hugs back, Lisa. Stay healthy!
DeleteThanks, Beth, for the cheery photos :) I look forward to more!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Hollis. Best wishes for health and safety for you and yours!
DeleteWarm weather, sunny days, and solitude are upon us. My favorite recipe for gardening. Stay healthy out there!
ReplyDeleteYes, well said. Thanks for the well-wishes, and back to you!
DeleteSorry to hear about the Fling, but that was probably the right decision. Looking forward to 2021 in Madison. Your garden seems to be moving along faster than my own, which seems a little unfair given I am south of you!
ReplyDeleteHi Jason: Obviously, I need to catch up with my comments. In this weird world, the Fling decision seems like ages ago now. I think it was the right decision, but it was hard to hang on with everything up in the air. Next year's schedule should be pretty similar. I'm sure by now your garden is ahead of mine...or maybe at about the same stage. Happy spring!
DeleteWhat a bizarre place the world has become but our gardens remain a source of comfort. For just a bit we can block out what's happening and focus on something more positive. Stay strong! This too shall pass.
ReplyDeleteYes, agreed. It's so weird to have this pandemic at the same time that the plants are waking up and flowering like crazy. Very, very strange times.
DeleteIt doesn't matter what you write. I feel better knowing that you are still there, Every emerging plant that has endured the harsh winter gives me hope as well!
ReplyDeleteThat is sweet, Becky. Back at ya! It seems like a dichotomy, doesn't it? Sadness and danger with the virus vs. new life, hope, and beauty with spring.
DeleteThinking of you Beth and sending good wishes for your health and happiness. It's good to have a garden to enjoy and remember the renewal and hope it brings.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you, Susie. Yes, our gardens are such a respite during these tough times. Hang in there! Stay healthy!
DeleteThe whole world is different now. It looks the same upon glancing around, but when you interact with people, it is unnerving. I sense discomfort as we pass each other in the grocery. At least life in my garden is the same and there I can relax. I would wither if I lived in an apartment.
ReplyDeleteJeannie@GetMeToTheCountry
Jeannie@GetMeToTheCountry
Oh, I agree. I feel so fortunate to have plenty of outdoor space to move around near my house. I can't imagine living in the middle of a big city in a small apartment, and not being able to go outside. Gardens are great therapy, too.
DeleteI have kept journals for years (24 of them) but have not written about this current moment. Hardly know what to say. And those of us with homes and gardens and food in the fridge are so lucky that it feels improper . . .
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