Musing About the Pandemic

I’m ending the year musing about the pandemic; it’s at the forefront of my mind. Before the Covid19 pandemic, life was normal, with its ups and downs, and the freedom we took for granted.

At the start of 2020, Robert and I went with friends to Ucluelet on the west coast of Vancouver Island. No social distance, masks, or excessive handwashing. That was yet to come.

Stuck at Home

But with the rise in cases, 2020 saw world leaders pause and take measures to protect its people. The majority of the population everywhere worked from home and took to social media.

Google’s just released what we looked for in 2020.

Hope on the Horizon

We are not out of the woods yet, but 2021 looks brighter. There’s hope on the horizon with the new Covid vaccines and serious plans for climate action to save our planet for our children, grandchildren, and future generations. We’re all wishing a good-bye to the pandemic.

Pandemic blessings

This year was also a time of reflection for all. Many appreciated what’s at stake in our beautiful world, and what’s important to preserve. In April, because of the pandemic, the Hong Kong Zoo closed to visitors and for the first time in 10 years, the pandas mated. They had peace and quiet. And because none of us have been travelling like before, our air and waterways became cleaner. 

While Robert and I mourn the loss of time with friends, freedom to travel, and especially the opportunity to see our daughter and family back east in Toronto, we thank all those who’ve helped us get through this time. The dedication and self-sacrifice of all our essential workers hopefully won’t be forgotten as we come out of this pandemic.

Staying Sane During Covid

I thought a lot about the stresses everyone was under. Recently, I contributed to Colleen M. Story‘s wonderful blog on Writing and Wellness. As some of you know, I was a family therapist for 25 years and I also presented a number of stress mangement workshops, so I wanted to share what has helped me stay sane and productive during this challenging period. 

There are a few tips as well as thoughts on writing and book marketing.

My New Novel

And productive I have been. I just sent LILACS in the DUST BOWLoff to my formatter in Australia. And I’m pleased to announce that this sequel to SUNFLOWERS UNDER FIRE will be published by Peregin Publishing in the spring. I’ll be letting you know when advance copies can be ordered. 

What a journey it’s been writing this story. Despite the hardship my grandmother, Lukia Mazurec and her children (in their teens and twenties) faced during the Great Depression, they found ways to keep their sense of humour, and the strength to fight on, despite what nature threw them. So, this is  another inspirational story of a woman who wouldn’t give up. It’s also a family saga in which her daughter Dunya (my mother) has a bigger role to play. And my father shows up in the story, too. 🙂 

This is my fourth novel, another historical fiction. But every book I’ve written is about love and relationships, the good and the bad. My first book, A Cry from the Deep, is a romantic mystery and adventure, set in Ireland, Provence, and Manhattan; and my second, The Rubber Fence, is women’s fiction set on a psychiatric ward. Each one is a journey of love in so many ways. And we all need love. Without it, we perish.

A Season of Giving

And so it is today. Many have lost loved ones. Many are struggling to pay the rent or the mortgage or put food on the table. This past year has also been a year of frustration with mass protests of every kind. I’m hoping and wishing for more kindness and respect to be shown to each and everyone in the days ahead. This is the season of giving and the time for year-end wishes.

If you’re celebrating Christmas, I highly recommend streaming The Pandemic Pageant put on by Holy Trinity Anglican church in Toronto. It’s so beautifully done!

In years past, Robert and I saw this production many times. Each granddaughter has played baby Jesus, angels, shepherds and more. I even played a shepherd one year. Our oldest granddaughter, Chloe Matamoros, played Mary a number of times, and this year, she played Angel Gabriel.

Because of the pandemic, the church had to produce it outdoors, with social distancing. Holy Trinity Church is in the heart of Toronto by the Eaton Centre. It feeds the homeless and respects non-Christians, and people of different races and sexual orientations. Everyone is welcome.

Happy Holidays

Whatever you’re celebrating, I hope you and yours are staying safe, well, and looking forward with hope for a better year in 2021!

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! And Kwanzaa blessings to you and yours!