(Apologies to the late Gabriel Garcia Marquez for riffing on his book title…)
My goodness, what a year this week has been, eh? Kudos to whoever came up with this witticism first; it wasn’t me. When I haven’t been glued to my tablet, obsessed with watching responses to the pandemic unfold, I have been keeping myself busy (and away from others – way to social distance, right?) by making more progress towards my relocation later this year, to Vancouver Island.
This past week I have bundled up my art supplies, an action that practically guarantees I will be imbued with the urge to create from here on out. I did this for a couple of reasons. First, no sorting required. It’s all coming with me. Second, I haven’t been doing much “arting” lately, and probably shouldn’t, as I have a household+ to sort through and dispose of/pack.
To elaborate on “household+”, last week I also went through the last remaining boxes of my mom’s stuff – mostly paperwork. In one of the boxes I found a manila envelope containing handmade cards my sisters and I had created and given to our parents over the years. Oh my, what a find and what a trip down memory lane! At least it would be, if I could even remember creating these childhood “masterpieces”. Many are unsigned, and all are undated unfortunately. So it’s hard in some cases to tell which sister did a particular card. And for privacy reasons, I won’t blog about any that aren’t mine. But let me tell you that some of these cards that my sisters made are quite funny. Here are some photos of one that is definitely my creation:
Also in terms of “household+”, I have to sort through the items of my late husband that survived The Great Purge Part 1. (I am now fully into Part 2). These things are all deep in the bowels of my building, in the room off of the furnace room affectionately referred to as the “Freddy Krueger Room”. Because it used to be so scary, being dark and dingy and filled to the ceiling with tottering piles of mouldering crap. Come to think of it, just about the whole building was like that a few short years ago. We’ve come a long way, baby! And I am making good progress there too, with weekly trips to Value Village as well as salvaging some old items in good shape to sell at a local antiques market.
Last week I reserved my container – to hold all my wordly goods that need to be sent to my new home. Which I don’t have yet. I also don’t have a firm moving date yet. (I can’t believe that I – the planning machine – am so fine with all this, but I am.) The company I am using – Cubeit – has been wonderful to deal with so far. We have a tentative date for drop-off of the container at my building, which I can move up or down as needed. And I can keep the container at their yard in Nanaimo, for as long as required. Nathan from Cubeit told me they understand how stressful moving can be, and are committed to make their part of the process as easy as possible on their clients. Perfect!
This is how I am keeping out of trouble while I am social distancing these days, doing my part to try to flatten the curve and protect the vulnerable. Truth be told, it is not all that different from my normal day-to-day. I tend to avoid large gatherings of people (live performances of my favourite bands excepted) at any given time. I shop when I know think the stores are least busy. I don’t go out to bars or nightclubs. I exercise at home or out in nature. As a card-carrying introvert, the bulk of my social interaction needs can be happily fulfilled without having to be in the physical presence of another human being. 😉
Thank you, Interwebs!
One thing that kinda worries me in this pandemic time is my cough. Thanks to a medication I take, I have a bit of a dry cough even on my best days. I don’t even notice it anymore, usually. On Friday morning (Early! And it was crowded already!) I was in the grocery store and I must have coughed because all of a sudden it seemed like everybody stopped to look at me. I need to wear a sign, maybe?
As much as I like being home, I do need to get out once in a wee while for some perishables.
So, that’s it for me for this week. How are you managing these interesting times we are living in?
Rock on,
The WB
Ooooh – I can relate to the coughing bit. I have miserable sinuses and on a trip to Costco this week, it seemed much dustier than usual and I had a major coughing attack. It was like the parting of the sea. Suddenly everyone was at least 20 feet away from me, glaring over the top of their face masks. I was mortified. It was one of those rare times I had left my water bottle in the car. Sigh.
I suppose that whatever doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. At least theoretically.
I’m in awe of your drawings at age 11 or 12. You have talent, my friend!!
Thank you my friend💕 When I was a child, I had a permanent dent in my finger from gripping a pen or pencil to draw (or write). It was all I did whenever I sat down. There is nothing to speed progress like daily practice.
I saw a picture online yesterday of a guy holding up a sign that said “I’m coughing because I just smoked some weed”. 😜 I also saw a tweet that said “I used to cough to cover a fart; now I fart to cover a cough.”🤣 Some options for us to consider…😂😂😂
Bwahahaha!!
Moving is so stressful. Be kind to yourself.
When I was around 12, my friend and I would meet after school at her house. We’d take a sheet of paper and fold it into eighths. Then we’d draw outfits like the ones you drew (only not as well). Everything was in pencil, so we’d label the colors with arrows off to the side pointing at stuff like shoes, purse, etc. I remember “hot pink boots” was popular. Then we’d label the two rows A,B,C,D. We’d swap and vote for our favorites. We spent hours and hours doing this.
Thank you Donna 💕 I am remarkably unstressed this time, especially given how many unknowns I am still facing. I don’t know why exactly but suspect it is because I have experienced a lot of crap so this move seems like small potatoes, in comparison. Your childhood activity sounds fun!
“Card-carrying introvert” Definitely can relate to THAT! I’ve been going through old correspondences myself recently. What’s blown me away are the number of greeting cards I saved from family members. “Why?!,” I keep asking myself. Of course., yours are actually handmade and artistic, so at least you have a good reason. Good luck on all the packing; I find that to be both liberating and stressful. – Marty
Thank you Marty 💕 I have a pile of them too (greeting cards). I have 2 photo storage boxes full, each appropriately labelled “Happiness Box”. I had a time in my life when I needed a Happiness Box to remind me that people cared and happiness was still possible. Happy to announce they are no longer necessary!
What memories! I used to own a pair of those palazzo pants, complete with wide cuffs.
I was out shopping for the first time in weeks yesterday – just like you, I go early when the crowds are smaller – and wouldn’t you know it? The one person I meet was at the same meeting in Toronto where a known case of CV was uncovered. The gal at the checkout had a bottle of hand sanitizer and offered me a squirt. You can be sure I accepted her generosity!
Happy packing – don’t you love the smell of cardboard?
Thank you Maggie 💕 I DO love the smell of cardboard, actually. Your reply begs the question of why that person was out and about instead of self-isolating. I think we are all destined to come down with this thing eventually since it is a brand new human pathogen, but one of the purposes of social distancing and self-isolation is for us not to all get sick at the same time.
yeah, I wondered the same thing, especially after he told me about the conference AND that he was self-isolating…
Sounds like you are making good use of this confinement. We are having one dinner out this week (at least so far) but other than that, we are at home. Not missing people at all. Internet and phone (when absolutely necessary) helps that enough. I have a low threshold for people anyway.
Thanks Kate💕. I know from your blog of your avoidance of outings that are too “peoply”. And the introverts shall inherit the earth…
🙂
Ohmygod, that fart to cover up a cough is a priceless tweet! Funny how we all notice coughs in other people on and it takes on a whole new meaning. People are giving coughers a wide berth and evil looks.
I need to check to see if we have a Cubeit company here. I many be using a moving pod myself.
Don’t you just love that our moms kept our artwork and cards from so long ago.
And our report cards, and locks of hair and baby teeth. Not that I have talking room – I did it too! Thanks Jean💕
My mom kept very little of mine; 4th child farming wife no time? I kept an insane amount for my children because of that.
This is true of non-farming parents too. I only had 2 kids but as a working parent remembering to write down dates and keep memorabilia was hard once I had more than 1 kid to look after.
Oh I was all over it — I maybe went a little overboard so now my daughter is on the opposite side of that!
Good thing you packed your art supplies because now you simply must get organized for the move. We are hunkering down. Just going out about once a week to get groceries and pay bills.
That’s for us Deb. Keep healthy and focused.
Leslie xoxo
Thank you Leslie💕 Same to you!
So much change going on in the midst of historic events. I don’t know how you’re focusing. I’m obsessively refreshing the news feed on my phone.
That would be me too. I’m staying up way too late and getting up after only a few hours, to check on developments. I can’t keep this up so I have to unplug!
Hi, Deb – Those are amazing cards that you made for your mom. Your talent and creativity was very noticeable at a young age.
Yay to the move coming along. Vancouver Island is ready and waiting for you!
Thank you Donna💕 My technique is sooooo rusty right now but I hope it comes back with some dedication to practice.
I remember, when going through my parents’ things, what took the most time wasn’t deciding what to to with everything, it was those trips down memory lane so many of the items started me on. How exciting that your move is coming up! Hopefully Vancouver Island won’t close its borders those immigrating from the mainland 🙂
Absolutely right Janis💕, thanks! I doubt there will be borders closed within Canada but you never know – this is new territory for all of us and who knows what will happen in the weeks to come. My daughter is due to fly to Ontario for Easter. Hopefully she can still come.
I admire the ability to draw like that. It’s far from my stick-figure talent.
For me, too, it’s pretty much business as usual, as I tend to be a hermit in my house. But if some edict bans non-essential travel out of one’s house, I’m still going hiking. Exercise is essential, and I doubt I could infect anyone way out on some trail.
Thank you Tippy💕 I’ve kinda lost that ease with drawing I once had. But I hope it will come back with practice. I think it’s possible to enjoy yourself outdoors and still practice social distancing. In fact I did it just today😄.
Good for you. I hope you had a good hike.
It was glorious, thanks!
Like you this isn’t directly impacting my daily routine much. I’m normally by myself most of the day so, I’m able to keep my distance from people like the introvert that I am. Z-D is still working downtown so that’s a weird variable in this situation, but he’s careful and, lovebirds that we are, we’re using the elbow bump with each other. Who says romance is dead?
That elbow bump sounds very romantic, Ally – because it shows you care enough not to get each other sick! 💕😁💕
Good reasoning. Hadn’t thought of it that way.
Great title, Deb, it fits. What a special trip down memory lane…….if you could remember it? 🙂 You were already very creative. You are definitely making progress in the packing department. Yay! I was wondering about your persistent cough. I have had a dry cough the last couple of days. VERY cold and 90km winds the past couple of days not helping with the irritation. For us, our immediate family and friends doing all right. Of course concerned about the ripple effect. I am trying to not enter the vortex of worrying in this challenging, surreal times. I was part of a yoga 30 day challenge (day 16) at our yoga studio and decided not a good idea to continue. They will likely close the studio in the next couple of days. Social distancing/isolating, trying to stay mentally and physically healthy. Stay healthy, Deb! 💕
Thank you Erica💕 Glad to hear that you and family are doing OK. Just a thought: Yoga with Adriene has several 30 day yoga experiences online if you are interested in continuing at home.
Just finished “Day 1”. I like her calm voice. Nice to be transported to the land of zen. Thank you again! Namaste 🙏
I love Adriene’s teaching style 🥰. Namaste, Erica 🙏
Deb, I love your fashion drawings. Like you, I spent hours drawing as a child, and loved to design fashions. (I am not the least bit fashionable as an adult.) My best friend and I each made hand drawn magazines, complete with articles about made up movie stars and before and after ads for imaginary products. It is possible that one or two of these magazines still exist in the bottom of a box somewhere.
Jude
Thank you Jude💕 I hope you find that box sometime. Finding these old hand-made cards of mine and my sisters was a real treat.
Oooooh, I love this piece of information. Thank you! 💕
Stay safe Madam..!!
Glad to know that your daily lifestyle involves little interaction with other people.
Might I suggest you to purchase stuff online instead of a physical visit to a store? And pay stuff using card or online to be as contactless as possible.
Best wishes. Take Care..
I’m not a shopper at the best of times so it’s easy to me to stop this activity entirely. Except for perishables, there is nothing I need to go out for. And I suppose I could use a service to have those delivered, if necessary. You stay safe as well, thank you 🙏
Surely Madam.. Thank you very much.. ☺️
Well, even I am not much of a shopper, but I don’t like crowded areas. Never liked them in the first place. In India, we get even perishables online. It’s quite useful, especially in such cases.
Hi Deb – well done … you’re now getting on with the organising and packing – great that the firm in Nanaimo is not pressing you… mind you money for them – but still … it eases life for you. You’ll enjoy being on that side of Canada – and the Island is beautiful. Good luck and keep on … cheers Hilary
Thank you Hilary💕
Deb, it is amazing how we react when we can’t do something – it’s the thing we want to do most. You will be into that art supplies box in short order. Doodle away… so nice to have a talent like yours.
Thank you very much Suzanne 💕Yep, cracking open the packed art boxes today 🤣🤣🤣
Hi Deb:
Quarantine time, and I do a lot of reading. Just opened Widow Badass again, to follow along. Hope you are well, we are – but we both have had a dry cough for a couple months too. Thankfully, in our small town, shopping is not a hardship, no line-ups, etc. I usually send Greg out to do it, he needs to be busy, and I hate all the new protocol.
Anyhow, I love your Happiness Box idea! And, even though you need to dispose of a lot of these memories, it’s a great thing to keep digital memories of certain things. Bid them farewell, thank the memory, and carry on.
I sometimes follow links that you’ve included in your stories, and sure enough, learnt more about your situation with JD. I cannot think how in the world you survived, my dear Cuz. I encourage you to write a book (call it Mayor of Crazytown, or some such thing…..) someday, after you have finished completely with this phase of your life. You’ve got a wonderful way with words, and you’ve had many unusual and interesting experiences. You would be a great help to someone in the same situation that you had been in. As hard as it was to lose JD to cancer, I’m sure leaving him (cause he def wouldn’t have gone for help) would have been a nightmare of a different sort. It would have been terrifying, I’m sure.
Well, just thought I’d throw out there some encouragement to you….one day just seems to run into the next here, without a social calendar! Glad for a warm house, a garden to “play” in, books to read, bread to bake, the internet, phone, etc. But I sure will be glad to break out and get a haircut!!! For one moment, my hairdresser daughter convinced me to grow my hair, but when this covid is over, so in my hair issues. UG.
Small troubles.
Keep well, Deb. Nice to chat with you. xoxo Hetty
Thank you dear Cuz💕 I doubt I will ever write a book about my experiences with JD – that’s what my blog is for after all – exorcising those demons by writing them down, to keep them from continuing to swirl around my brain. And it really helps. I would dread all that comes with a book, even self-published – the promotion of it, and having to continually talk about the situation.
And all the what-ifs…yes, leaving him would have been another nightmare and I am so glad that I was able to be there for him during his trial with lung cancer, and also that I was spared having to make the decision to leave him. I am certain that if he had not died, and I had stayed with him, the stress of the situation would have eventually killed me.
I too am counting my blessings even more than normal during this strange time. And my troubles, such as they are, are also very small.
I hope you and yours stay safe and healthy. I would also love to see you guys before I move, if at all possible. Have no idea when the move will happen now. Hopefully sometime this summer?
😘🤗,
Deb
Yes, in the light of morning, I can see where digging up those troubles would cause endless pain. The most important thing, like you say, is writing out your memories and feelings, and exorcising those demons, INDEED.
I do hope to see you before leaving as well. Let’s make it a plan. You have an exciting time ahead of you too, re-inventing yourself, so to speak. Can’t wait to follow along that journey too!
Take care, Hetty
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Having gone through the drudgery of moving in the last year, I too was sorting what to keep. I can honestly say that finding and pondering those wonderful memories of the past makes it seem a more like fun than a chore.
Thanks Geri 💕 Yes, wonderful memories coming back to me, for sure!