I’m having a tough time figuring out what to focus on in today’s post.
I don’t want to write about sheltering in place again this week. Partly because I don’t want to become an “all COVID, all the time” broadcast. Plus, not everyone has the luxury of sheltering in place. And a lot of people have lost work due to this pandemic.
I’m fortunate in a lot of ways, and I don’t want to be disrespectful to those who are having a harder time than I am.
I thought about ranting about politics, racism, and the murder of Ahmaud Arbery. But I’m fairly sure that nothing I write could change the minds of the people who disagree with me. And I’m not sure I have anything original to say.
I’m just angry that he was murdered, and I’m disgusted that it took a public outcry for charges to be filed. It’s not clear that the shooters will be tried, let alone convicted. And that offends me on so many levels. But I don’t have the mental or physical energy to rant about that today.
I considered a roundup of favorite shows or books, but I did that last week. (Although, I will say again that N.K. Jemisin is an amazing writer, and her “The City We Became” is a must-read. I finished it two days ago, and I’m ready for the sequels.)
I’m struggling with this post because I’m tired. I’m physically sleepy and sore. But I’m also emotionally and mentally drained. So many reasons for both, and I’m sure they’re the same issues many, many others are facing. ‘Nuff said.
So, I’ll focus on a few uplifting thoughts. At least, a few things that are making me smile.
First, I can’t say enough about the joy that our kitties give me. Our cats love having us home, and it shows. They’re up on our desks looking for attention. They’re ready to lead us to the living room and cuddle when we sit down. They’re adorable when they nap, and they seem to want to nap ON us as much as possible. How can I not love that?
In our corner of New Jersey, the trees and flowers are starting to bloom. Yes, that’s wreaking havoc on my allergies, but I think the neighbor’s tree looks lovely bedecked in its small, white flowers.
The birds are singing, especially the neighborhood cardinals. The jays screech, but something about them makes me laugh, despite the grating nature of their voices.
About the only active wildlife that annoys me are the fucking squirrels. And that’s mostly because I can tell they’re trying to get back into the attic. Again. Ugh.
I hope you can find something that makes you smile or lightens your day. If you’d like, please share it in the comments below.
Stay safe!
(Photo by Jonnelle Yankovich on Unsplash)
Ruth F. Simon 