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| Evolving backyard with Shasta napping on her clover bed. |
The pandemic with the resultant sheltering in place is presenting each of us with new challenges to actually BE a part of the flow of life. Many people say they are "bored;" others seem to be chomping at the bit to resume their life as it was before the SARS-CoV-2 (the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 disease) made itself known in the United States.
"When the pandemic ends it will be all new,
the old will die with the virus.
Some say a portal will open,
a gateway to a new world
just big enough to walk through,
our old baggage left behind." Barbara Robidoux
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| Old objects of stunning beauty as well as utilitarian, returned recently to their origins, are now displayed locally for the enjoyment of each of us so fortunate to live in, or to visit, pueblo country. |
History tells us that our country was founded by rugged individuals who wanted the freedom to do as they pleased. It seems to me that the struggle of each individual is to let go of "me" and embrace "we". Wearing a mask and social distancing whenever meeting others when we are outside of our house is now the new normal.
This rugged individual stance was magnified when after World War II families were disrupted by companies that began moving about their employees. Thus each and every person was on their own, so to speak, instead of having a strong sense of family and community. Present day we are seeing the resultant attitude as people say, "no one is going to tell me" to wear a mask out in public or not gather with all my friends. These individuals are focused in totality on themselves ( I ) and unable to embrace the well BEing of everyone ( We ).
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| Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpura) amidst
Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans)
in our backyard.
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Our itty bitty in statue but "bigger than life," dynamic, fireball governor has implored all New Mexicans to wear masks, to social distance and to stay home as much as possible. Yet as Shasta and I walk along the Santa Fe River each morning we encounter a half dozen or more persons who do not have on masks. When asked, "where is your mask?" many get nasty and/or belligerent.
The below appeared in our last Friday's local, daily newspaper:
"Responsible at last
To those of you who boldly exercise your right as free Americans
to flout medical advice and the news of nature
by refusing to wear a mask or observe social distancing,
I have a proposal.
Instead of a fine for disobeying society's compact,
your citations would be entered into a database, like a DWI,
which would be made available to hospital admitting desks
around the county.
Should this COVID-19 "hoax"
somehow leave you in need of care,
you would be given the news that the bed you seek
is unfortunately being held
for those who've done their best to avoid it.
You will be given the chance to truly be responsible
for you own actions,
and the rest of us would be free of obligation to pay for them."
Steve Shaw
Santa Fe
I thought this is a fabulous idea to hold individuals accountable for their behavior. Perhaps if such a practice was in place it would support each and every person to refocus on "We" rather than "I"? I as well as many others believe that life before the pandemic will not return. Our daily lives have been shaken from the foundations. We will create a "new normal" which conceivably will be a vast improvement, especially for the well BEing of our planet, and all of her inhabitants.
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| The heart leaved Hoya purchased from the Phoenix Botanical Gardens so many years ago has not bloomed since our departure from MuRefuge. This late Spring I experimented with hanging it outside on the back portal with protection from direct sunlight. I am so delighted to see many buds forming and this flower beginning to open. |
As each of us examine, and perhaps modify, our attitudes, behaviors and beliefs during this time of global crisis, may we
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