WHAT? Has it been a week already?  My,  how time flies when you’re having fun! Or maybe it’s because without a schedule, I can’t keep track of the days.

It was a good week for me. More playing in the dirt. I even got to use my Christmas chain saw! Wahoo! And last Saturday we had a birthday party on our front deck for a friend who was feeling down because she lost her Mother in April and Sunday, Mother’s Day, would have been her Mother’s birthday. So 4 households came together, each having their own area of the deck and 6+ft apart. It wasn’t raucous fun but it was so good to see each other, laugh and celebrate. And after the celebration one of them cut my hair! These are the days when little things mean so much.

I received my mail-in ballot and have been reading about candidates for races I am not familiar with. It’s been interesting trying to find info other than campaign material. Many candidates did not respond to the League of Women Voter’s questionnaire, which gives me a negative impression. But for most offices with multiple candidates, I know pretty clearly for whom I want to vote. I hope you have requested your ballot (if not, DO IT NOW) and have checked out the views of the candidates as best I can. Every office is important. We must be informed voters and make reasoned choices. This is our city, county, state, country and our future is in our hands. (Amen)

This is Memorial Day weekend. A time to remember and honor those who have made the sacrifice for all of us. Please take time to stop and feel the importance of their gift and the loss suffered by those they left behind. I have 4 immediate relatives who have served in modern wars, 1 of their offspring who is serving now and 2 who are graduating college (UGA and West Point) this May and will immediately enter service. They and their families will be in my thoughts and heart as I feel gratitude that they are well at the same time I give thanks and honor to those who have passed.

Along with the holiday comes the opening of many businesses, parks, beaches, etc across the country. Trump is demanding that places of worship be allowed to open regardless of the local pandemic circumstances. There may be areas and conditions under which it would be safe for some to open. But with the knowledge that there are many asymptomatic people in the mix, such opening would be assuming a great risk. At First E, the Board of Directors is taking a cautious approach with no plans to set an arbitrary date to reopen, rather to let science continue to guide the process. In the meanwhile, we are enjoying the good fortune to have technology to hear/see our Sunday speakers and meet virtually afterwards. Special thanks to Patton White for his expertise and leadership in this. Continued thanks to Robert Stewart for the weekly e-blast, to Edith Covington for keeping the office running remotely and to Bill Read for… well, everything he does behind the scenes.

Are you still “being good”? It’s easy to let down your guard after so long and when the stats seem to show a decline. But now as much as in the beginning we must be vigilant and keep ourselves and others safe. That is the way we can beat this until there is a vaccine or other medical intervention. Note: I have it on good authority that COVID is not a deliberate plan by China or the Democrats unleashed to destroy the economy and Bill Gates does not plan to tract you with an implant in the vaccine.

And while you’re being good, call your mother. Or your sister. Or brother. Or son/daughter. Friend. Neighbor. Got the picture? Support, connect, share ideas, ask questions, acknowledge feelings, explore ideas, more support. Repeat.

I’ve included some funnies and an interesting article. Stay safe, be positive, know you’re missed and loved.

Rev. Marsha

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How non-religious worldviews provide solace in times of crisis

Valerie van Mulukom, Cognitive Scientist, Coventry UniversityThe ConversationMay 21, 2020, 7:32 AM EDT

The saying “There are no atheists in foxholes” suggests that in stressful times people inevitably turn to God (or indeed gods). In fact, non-believers have their own set of secular worldviews which can provide them with solace in difficult times, just as religious beliefs do for the spiritually-minded.

The aim of my research for the Understanding Unbelief programme was to investigate the worldviews of non-believers, since little is known about the diversity of these non-religious beliefs, and what psychological functions they serve. I wanted to explore the idea that while non-believers may not hold religious beliefs, they still hold distinct ontological, epistemological and ethical beliefs about reality, and the idea that these secular beliefs and worldviews provide the non-religious with equivalent sources of meaning, or similar coping mechanisms, as the supernatural beliefs of religious individuals.

The number of non-believers is growing, with at least 450-500 million declared atheists worldwide – about 7% of the global adult population. But since non-believers can include not just atheists but also agnostics and so-called “nones” – the religiously unaffiliated, who might tick “no religion” in surveys – this number is likely to be much bigger. Here, we use non-believers to refer to individuals who do not believe in God, and who do not consider themselves religious.

Rationalising the fear of death

The idea that beliefs or worldviews support us in difficult times is the foundation of Terror Management Theory. This holds we fear death because we are consciously aware of the future and therefore our own inevitable demise. This fear can be so great that it can paralyse us when we try to live our everyday lives.

But we can manage this fear – through belief in God and the afterlife, for example, but equally through the knowledge that death is natural. Knowing that one day we will die, worldviews reinforce our beliefs and the identities that we build around them, and can provide comfort – by providing us with so-called symbolic immortality, for example, or feelings of connectedness to something bigger than ourselves. Here, it is the meaningfulness of the belief rather than its (religious) content that is important: among non-believers, increased stress and reminders of one’s mortality are associated with an increased belief in science.

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Greetings once again. I hope you continue to maintain social distancing protocol, feel safe and well, doing things that make you feel happy.

For those of us fortunate to live with someone and/or have some space to enjoy getting out to play in the dirt or other outside activities, life does not feel as isolating as for those who live alone or are confined to a small space. I feel so grateful to wake up every morning with a partner (who still likes me after 2+ months) and pets, grab my coffee, check email then spend the rest of the day in my yard – with a smile on my face. I know some of you live alone and may not feel comfortable to leave your space so you have deliveries made which doesn’t give you the brief opportunity to see different landscapes and other people. There are other variations between these extremes. This distancing/confinement/isolation has illuminated the importance of human connection. Suicide hotline calls are up as is domestic violence. I feel like I”m preaching to the choir but it doesn’t hurt to remind everyone to reach out to others. Feed your spirit with the gift of connecting, being reassured you are not in this alone. And if your circumstances are such that you feel well nourished, reach out to someone who might not feel ok, who could use your comfort and support. It will be good for both of you – healthy, too.

The GA Dpt of Public Health reported that as of 7:00pm 5/14, there were 35,977 reported cases of COVID19 and 1,544 deaths. Do you know someone who has been diagnosed, or someone who has died? I do. More than one. It makes me feel sad to think of the suffering they’ve experienced and the grief of the families/friends that have been left behind, unable to process their loss in a more healing structure. It’s important for our common good that we recognize these statistics, mourn the loss of life, provide support and comfort when we can and do what we can in the way of donations and activism. This touches all of us.

In my last email I asked you to send me pics of your special mask but haven’t received any. I saw a website where you find a pic of yourself looking forward and crop it below the eyes, just below the chin and crop out the ears. You send the cropped pic to the site and they imprint it on a mask so people can see what you look like. It’s especially great if you are smiling. I love the creativity that being unleashed during this time of crisis. An article I read by a psychologist stated that some people are defiant about wearing a mask because they see it as forced conformity. He suggested we see is as cooperative concern. I know wearing a mask is not particularly comfortable but I personally don’t see it as an option, required or not. I am protecting you and me which in my book is a good thing.

Did you check out any of the “good news” sites I listed last time? I’ve looked at a few and enjoyed the break from the news. Go back and look at the list and try a few if you haven’t already. What have you got to lose? You aren’t going anywhere anyway, are you?
You would be surprised to know how long it takes me to write these emails. Not only am I a hunt and peck typist, I mull over every word I write. Some of that is because I’m getting slower in my golden years and some is because I want my words to be meaningful and honest. In each day I feel gratitude for the variety of gifts that surround me and find joy in so many things. I will stop when I hear a bird and listen to it’s song – what a happy sound. When I find a worm as I’m digging in the dirt I say thanks for keeping the soil looser so my plants will do well. I found a tree frog on an azalea I was trimming and told him I’d be listening for him tonight (he’s very loud in the evening). My tomato plants have blooms and even a few tiny tomatoes. The blue berry bush (really a tree since I haven’t trimmed it ever) is chock full of small, green berries that I will probably not get when they turn ripe before the birds do. My potato plants have pushed up and are 3 inches high and I know they’re having babies below. Ok. You get the picture. What about you? What is bringing you joy? I hope the thoughts are tumbling out bringing smiles with each one.

That’s it for this week. Enjoy the items below. Stay safe. Stay well. Make contact. Feel joy. Live long and prosper.

See you Sunday.
Share hope and spread kindness,

Rev. Marsha

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Hello, everyone. I hope your personal week has been pleasantly uneventful. It’s strange to live in time of a crisis when good weeks are the ones that are uneventful.

Staying safe can be boring but oh so critical. I often watch NY Gov. Cuomo and found his message about wearing a mask very important. He emphasized that wearing a mask in public is an expression of respect for others as much as for yourself. When you wear your mask you are saying “I care about others”. Even though I know I have been isolating and using safety measures, if I don’t protect myself and become infected, the chain of those effected is long – from family to first responders to hospital workers to sanitation workers and on. And that’s if I am symptomatic. If asymptomatic, I can infect a host of unsuspecting others. It is likely we will be wearing masks in most public situations for months to come. I have seen some really cool ones so I may splurge and buy one that makes a statement. If any of you have one that says “ME!”, send me a pic to share. (I’ve seen Whobear wearing one of his mom’s cleaver creations.)

The deadline to register to vote in GA in the June primary is this coming Monday, May 11. You can go to the GA League of Women Voters for a link or search the GA.gov site to check your registration and request an mail ballot if you haven’t already. You can also see a sample ballot. I looked at the one for Dem and Rep. It’s interesting to see the Party specific questions. Ck it out.

I saw an email conversation between the Petus family/friends where some took an oath not to cut their hair til the pandemic was over. LOL. Unless I take the scissors to my own, I guess I’ll start to look like a Petus, too. On top of that, I’ll be showing off my “farmer’s tan” from working outside. Just wanted to provide you with a visual image in preparation of our re-emergence. How about you? Anything we need to prepare for? (Humor is one of the best ways to help us get through this!)

Amid the tragic, heart-wrenching events of this crisis, there are also the victories and stories of courage and caring. If you need some food for your spirit, check out these sites(there are many others); CNN and Huffington Post Both have a Good News section; Happy News; Optimist World; Goodnet.org; Good News Network; USA Today Kindness.  And if you want to search for ways to enhance your happiness, check out these sites: The Happiness Project; 1000 Awesome Things; Tiny Buddha; Zen Habits; The Kindness Rock Project. And/or use your time to be creative or learn: TED talks; Ode Wire; Doityourself; Greenupgrade; Ehow.com. And check out some of the local online sites (some available free on certain days): Atlanta Botanical Gardens; High Museum of Art; Fernbank; Children’s Museum of ATL; College Football Hall of Fame; ATL Music online. See. There are many ways to stay safe and avoid boredom, be creative and feed your spirit. Send me your suggestions.

It was great to see/hear Rev. Janna Nelson this past Sunday and to connect with others (29 of us!) via zoom after the meeting. Your First E Board of Directors (newly elected) and various guilds and committees are carrying on the business of the Congregation during our temporary shut down. We are keeping track of the virus statistics and fast moving research while looking at possible options to reconvene in person when the time is right. At some point we will enlist your input to decide when/how to reopen. Be thinking about what measures you would require to feel safe about returning to services in the Old Stone Church.

The last of the Supermoons in 2020 rose at 6:45 this morning. Following Native American tradition, it is known as The Full Flower Moon for obvious reasons. Look for it tonight as rain and falling temps are rolling in tomorrow. Also, on May 16 the Moon, Jupiter and Venus will be in rare alignment (a conjunction) to form a Smiley Face. Who can resist that?!

Ok. That’s about it for this week. I hope you don’t get tired of hearing it because I have to say again, I miss you enormously! You are on my mind every day and in my heart with every breath. YOU are an important part of what keeps me going and encourages me to feel positive about the future. 

I’m going to attach some pics to make you think/smile. Note: the cutie pie with the “dirty” face is my great niece, Kleveland, going “camo”.

Share hope and spread kindness.

Rev. Marsha

Today is Giving Tuesday.
There are many ways to give.

• *If you have the financial resources, consider giving to a favorite organization – many animal shelters, food providers, homeless shelters, etc. need our support. No gift is insignificant.
• *Volunteer for a voter registration or get out the vote group or a campaign that reflects your values.
• *Volunteer with a group that delivers groceries/rx to elderly/disabled.
• *Call or send a card to someone who is ill, high risk, more isolated to let them know they are thought about and not alone.
• *Call or send a card to anyone to say they are not alone and you care.
• *If you take walks, wear gloves and carry a bag to pick up litter.
• *Put a sign in your window or yard to say THANKS to essential workers.

These are just a broad view of ways to give. You may have other ways you are giving. Send me an email to SHARE WAYS YOU ARE GIVING and I will share to perhaps stimulate someone else to consider.

Remember: Every day is an opportunity to give.

Giving hugs and love to each of you,

Rev. Marsha

Hi, everyone. I hope this email finds you feeling well and keeping yourself safe and positively occupied.

Today is May 1st, half way between the spring equinox and summer solstice. For centuries it was celebrated around the world based on agricultural significance. Crops planted earlier in the year were sprouting, flowers were blooming, cows were calving and folks were excited to gather to dance around the Maypole, etc. I read that you should wash your face with the morning dew of May 1 to beautify your skin and bring good luck. Shucks. Missed it.

In more recent decades, it has become International Workers Day to celebrate the contribution of the “common laborer”. In this time of pandemic crisis, it is important to recognize and celebrate the “essential worker” who is going to work amid the dangers so we can continue to access the goods we need. I hope you find some way to say thanks.

It’s been another week of mixed news. There seems to be a slow down in the rate of new cases of COVID19 but the overall number of infected has reached 1 million+, the deaths reached 65,000+ but the slower rate still reflects more infected every day. Of the 1+million infected, about 900,00 are still active, not recovered! Those are not just numbers, they are people. Mothers and Fathers, brothers, sisters, friends; Nurses, doctors, First responders, transit workers, meat packers. The list goes on. And they have left many grieving in isolation, like many of them died. My anger continues at the inept way the government has handled (and still is) this crisis. Knowing that my anger doesn’t change anything, I am channeling my energy into sending messages to elected official (city, state, national) and helping in whatever small way I can. No one action is big but together they have a cumulative effect. It helps me sleep at night feeling I’ve not passively accepted the notion “there’s nothing I can do”.

How are you doing? Are you taking care of yourself, being attentive to how you’re feeling? Do you give yourself time to read, listen to music, meditate, be active, be creative, find joy? Are you staying in contact with family, friends, others who may need to hear a caring voice? Taking care of yourself nurtures your spirit, gives you more energy and the capacity to feel compassion and find time for others.

Maya Angelou wrote:

We need joy as we need air.
We need love as we need water.
We need each other as we need the earth we share.

• Friday nights on YouTube, you can tune in to a free movie at Lionsgate Live: A night at the movies.
• Many artists are providing free mini concerts. Plug in the name of your favorite/free concert and see what’s available. Check out DIY projects and TED talks.Send me your suggestions.

That’s it for this week. Please tune in to our FB group page on Sunday to hear Rev. Janna Nelson and switch to zoom afterwards for our first forage into a virtual social hour. Let me know how I can be there for you (including financial assistance via our Discretionary Fund).

I miss you all enormously!

Love and hugs,

Rev. Marsha

It’s me again. Hope you have had a positive week, felt safe and found comfort.

Throughout the world, the struggle continues with the effects of this pandemic. Some places are seeing improvement in the number of cases and deaths, some are seeing a flattening while others are still experiencing increases. This is far from over. I’m not alone in believing that safety measures are just as critical today as ever. As our state and others begin to loosen the restrictions on businesses, it is incumbent on all of us to use common sense, follow social distancing practices and use PPEs when appropriate. I understand that people are feeling confined, cramped and/or antsy after this unusual time of separation but the threat is still present and the consequences real. STAY SAFE.

Someone wrote that we may all be in the same storm but we are not in the same boat. I think this is a good analogy. Many of us can weather the storm without too much difficulty but many others are barely hanging on. I encourage you to give as best you can. There is an unending array of organizations – big and small, local and broader – that provide aide of many kinds. Pick one. No gift is too small. If you can’t give money, consider giving time. Volunteer to help in person – e.g., pack/deliver meals – or sign up for a phone bank to register voters or with a candidate who supports a national social conscience. Pick up your phone, IPAD, laptop, computer, whatever you use and contact your friends, family and especially anyone in particular need of support. A few minutes of your time can provide a volume of comfort. If you’re a member of the First E community and need assistance, do not hesitate to let meknow. There is money available to help with food, utilities, etc. This is confidential; don’t feel uncomfortable to ask. We are family.

Some other important issues:

• If you haven’t completed your census form, do it before Apr 30. Many things depend on the input received, i.e., money for infrastructure, education, political representation.
• Have you requested your mail-in ballot for the June primary in GA? This is very important. Besides the Presidential race, there are state , national and local races/issues that will effect our very existence in the coming years. Request your ballot and VOTE.
• Tonight Apr 22 is the Lyrid Meteor Shower – 20 meteors per hour.
• Earth Day is today, Apr 22. I hope you will be able to enjoy being outside (in our cleaner environment for the time being). Be aware of what makes you smile, causes you to pause and take in the view. I hope you will feel grateful for the beauty of the Atlanta area and know that it will require our concerted efforts to save the environment.
• Apr 23 is World Book Day. It’s forecast to be raining…a perfect day to curl up with a book or two. Pass on ones you’ve read. Support your small book stores (like Charis). Perhaps learn something new. The world can unfold before you through the pages. Appreciate that we have access that many across the world don’t enjoy.
• I still have plants available. In addition to what I listed last time, I have sweet mint, lemon thyme and oregano.
• I’ll add some pics to lighten your heart.

Miss you so much.

Til we can be together,

Virtual hugs.

Rev. Marsha

Hello, all. Another week down and only…….hmm, who knows how many to go?

I hope each of you are healthy and not experiencing any major problems due to the COVID19 pandemic. The necessary change in our way of being in the world has been challenging for most of us and critically difficult for all too many. Recognizing “we are all in this together” helps me to avoid the pitfall of occasionally feeling too anxious and sorry for myself; and looking around at what I have shifts any anxiety and self pity into calming gratitude. I hope your circumstances provide you this same reflection.

Being a news junkie, I am inundated by the scenes of hospitals understaffed and without PPE, bodies wrapped and stored in trailers and statistics about the number of those tested/confirmed to have the virus and those who have died from it. I’ve said to Chancey that I’m grateful neither of us has to worry about our parents in a care facility (all are deceased) because the situation there is a often tenuous. But the virus can hit any where. The 90 year old mother of a close friend is the first person I’ve known (and first in her small county) to die of COVID19. She was mentally alert and used a walker, lived in her own home in a very small town and had round the clock caregivers. She became ill, was hospitalized and determined to have the virus. Family members tested negative so apparently one of the caregivers had the virus. Her condition worsened over a week while her family could only ask medical personnel to relay their love to her. On Easter morning, her doctor, who is a family friend, was holding her hand as she passed. The grave side “service” was held without a minister, only family members sitting in their respective cars,or attending virtually via Facetime, paying their respects. Sadly, this was one of the more fortunate outcomes as many families cannot even have access to their loved one’s body or don’t have the financial resources to provide a burial. For me, the toll of COVID19 became a face, a name, no longer just a statistic. I think of this situation being replayed many times, every day across the country, across the globe. Now when I see the statistics, I pause and imagine the sorrow and pain being felt and briefly hold those families and friends in my heart. They don’t know but it keeps it real to me.

There is also much to feel good about during this stressful time. Spring hit Atlanta with lots of rain and now the sun has given us beauty all around. I love to check Facebook each day to see what amazing flower Lorraine has posted or unbelievably flamboyant bird Franklin has posted. I enjoy sharing phone calls, texts and emails with friends. I love going outside at 7:00pm to clap for healthcare workers and hear others doing the same. I smile at the yard signs saying “thanks”, “we’re in this together”, “It will be ok”. I appreciate that the postal carrier is working and bringing mail; the sanitation workers are picking up our garbage; the store clerks are providing essential services; the fire and police departments are keeping us safe; my family and friends are social distancing and we all are helping to flatten the curve. We don’t know when we can return to some sense of normalcy (whatever that is) but, like Christmas and your birthday, it will happen. Listen to the medical science voices – not politicians – for your cue.

If you are a 1st E member, please read Robert Stewart’s email about voting for the upcoming slate of Board members. He enclosed a ballot that must be returned by this Saturday at midnight. Also, please read his instructions about next Sunday COL and the annual meeting to follow. This is your congregation and your voice matters. Note: Anyone may attend the meeting but only pledging members can vote.

On another note, I have various plants I can share if anyone is interested. Orange/yellow lantana, forsythia, nandina, lemon balm, mondo grass, 4 individual cayenne peppers, small coral bark maple seedlings, and a 2 ft tall mahonia. I can drop them at 1st E on a specified day if you will let me know you’re interested. I have multiples of most everything.

And last but not least, I’m adding some pics I hope will give you a smile.

Love and hugs from a distance.

Rev. Marsha

Hello All,

It’s another week “under our belt” of staying at home in order to be safe and keep others safe as well. I hope this finds everyone doing well and not feeling too anxious or lonely. We are definitely in a crisis that challenges our emotional as well as our physical health.

I missed seeing you this past Sunday when I spoke via our FB group page. It was my first time doing a solo virtual session and it was surprisingly more awkward than I expected. I realized how important it has been to look out over the room at you; to see you smile or roll your eyes at one of my corny jokes; to see you nod in agreement or see your expression when you are moved by a story. All I could see was ME on the screen and that didn’t have anywhere near the same effect! I expect that will get easier but I’m looking forward to being back in the Old Stone Church and seeing your awesome selves in person.

Passover began at Sundown on April 8 for our Jewish brothers and sisters and will continue until the evening of April 16. This is a time of celebrating the liberation of the Jewish people out of Egypt; a time that “gives power for the whole year for us to leap over our limitations”. My heart goes out to the Jewish community for the many losses they have suffered in recent years (and before) due to hatred and intolerance and now in NY from the COVID19 pandemic. People of color, especially Blacks, have also seen losses due to hatred and intolerance and, disproportionately in many cities across the US, from the COVID19 crisis. My hope is that we exercise our power – channeled into actions – to correct the intolerance and inequities in our systems as we peacefully confront those who hate/violate others because they are different, turning their hearts toward healing and justice. Let it be so.

How are you faring during these days of mandatory staying at home (unless you are one of the heroes who is in an essential category that is working for the good of all of us)? I feel somewhat guilty that I have a house with a yard, a partner and resources to keep my head above water while many are isolated by themselves, don’t have the option of going outside for pleasure and don’t have the resources to meet even their basic needs. Many of those I am calling are people who live alone. It’s a small thing on my part but I hope it lets them know they are not alone, that I care about them. When I do go out to the grocery store I say thank you to the counter and stock clerks for being there for the rest of us. I have income from Social Security and can donate small amounts to local aid organizations. When I go out in my yard (which right now is to work in my garden), I am very aware of how lucky I am and feel gratitude for the birds, the trees and flowers, the earth I dig in to plant and the worms that help keep it healthy, the breeze caressing the wind chimes on the porch. Sometimes, I stop and am filled with emotion by the joy I feel in my surroundings. My cup runneth over. I hope each of you can find those things in your environment that make you feel alive, happy, and grateful.

Yikes. Too much about me. Are you sleeping enough? Eating healthy? Staying active in some form? Are you connecting with others? Zoom has become one of my ways of connecting with some folks, while other it’s mostly by phone. I’ve even remembered how to use the U.S. Postal system and sent some cards. I hope you are utilizing any/all methods to stay in touch with those close to you and including others who may need some attention (and may become close). It’s another of those win/win scenarios that I love.

I had planned to close with some quotes to ponder and funnies to brighten your day, but I’m too technologically NON-savvy to get it to work. Maybe next time.

Virtual hugs and wishes for a peaceful heart.

Rev. Marsha

Well, as John Steinbeck (taking a line from Robert Burns) once wrote “The best laid plans of mice and men oft go awry.“I apologize for my inability to post a live video on our FB group page Sunday morning. Patton did a great job of walking me through the process but for some reason I could not “go live”. I hope to figure out the technical problem and try again, perhaps next Sunday.

But enough about me. How are YOU?
I hope all of you are well and enduring this crisis without too much difficulty. There is a lot of information overload going around which can easily lead to high anxiety. Those who have lost income face problems beyond those created by the social distancing/self-isolating rules. And for some it’s an extended “stay-cation”. For everyone this virus and its effects upon our world cannot be understated.

I’ve been calling friends, family and folks at 1st E to let them know how Chancey and I are doing and check in on their status. So far, everyone that I’ve contacted have been ok. I still have a list of folks to call or perhaps email. Have you made your list (checking it twice?) and stayed in contact with those you love? How about those outside your usual circle that may need someone to show concern? Mr. Rogers would say it’s a good thing to do. Small gestures can have a bigger impact than you imagine.

How are you staying busy? Besides getting more sleep than I’ve had since I was a baby, I’ve been cleaning and going through stuff, organizing and throwing away; catching up on movies I missed at the theater; watching (too much) news; planting my veggie garden (tomatoes-4 types, peppers, cucumber, lettuce, beans, onions, basil, celery, parsley) and have more planned. I’m very lucky to have a yard and I love to play in the dirt. We’ve ridden around a few times to break the routine and looked at the beautiful flowers and trees. Atlanta is truly stunning in the spring so I recommend that you take a safe spin and soak up some joy.

As I’ve watched the news, I’ve felt  a wide range of emotions- anger at the failure of the federal government to provide a prompt, organized plan to manage the massive needs presented by the virus; anger at those who don’t take this issue seriously and put others at risk by their careless behavior;sadness at the pain, suffering, loss of life and grief that has hit this country and around the world; awe and gratitude for those in healthcare who literally put their own lives at risk to help others; appreciation for those who support the healthcare workers/system and us – janitors, truckers, those making/processing the products needed to keep things going, volunteers for stepping up to fill critical needs – and anyone who takes the time and effort to be there for others in small and big ways. This crisis has moved the concept of “it takes a village” to a whole new level.

I’m going to add a few pics/funnies(go to the end for these) I’ve received and an excellent explanation of the virus that helped me.

Til I see you in the flesh, sending virtual hugs.

Marsha

Hi, everyone,

I trust you are all being smart and staying safe in your own environment. It may be boring, financially devastating and stressful, but by keeping ourselves and others safe, we are potentially “flattening the curve” and shortening this crisis for us all. And think of all the things you’ve been meaning to do but “didn’t have time for”!

Thanks to Christine Ristano for a powerful, positive message on Sunday March 22. You can listen on our FB page if you missed it. Franklin Abbott”s message is also available. It was fun to fix my coffee and climb back in bed to watch. It made a reality of my joke about missing a service but attending the “church of the inner springs”.

Each week I will include in my email some ideas of how to get through these difficult days.
SEND ME YOUR COMICS, PICTURES, QUOTES AND SUGGESTIONS and I will share them with the group. Below are some suggestions I’ve picked up from the internet, my experience and conversations with others.

Grocery shopping for elders/at risk people: Go to AARP for a list of stores that provide special hours(eg, Target 1st hour of operation; Walmart 3/24-4/28 TU 1hr before open including pharmacy and vision; Whole Foods 1hr bf open)

Stay active : Silver Sneakers – “like” on FB to take part in a “fun workout” Mon 3/23 11:30.Take a walk in your neighborhood keeping a safe distance from others. Look through your videos for an old Jane Fonda workout tape .

Clean up your garden and prepare for Spring planting. Check out Pike Nursery for curbside pickup.

Brush (and wash?) your pet. It’s good for both of you and reduces the “hair bunnies” rolling around on the floor and furniture.

Complete your Census  It doesn’t take long and is critical to our representation. Encourage others to do the same.

Dance!Play air guitar. Put on your favorite boogie music and “dance like nobody’s watching”.

LAUGH! Watch a fun show or movie. Fraizer reruns are my favorite.

Clean Out your closet, cabinet, stacks of paper. UGH. But now you have no excuse not to.

Here are some pics and funnies I hope you enjoy. Send me yours to share …