Hello Friends!
Today is day 38, since the WHO declared covid-19 a pandemic. We are nearing 40 days, a profoundly biblical number. Think of the Israelites wandering for 40 years in the desert, Jesus fasting in the desert for 40 days, and the great flood that lasted 40 days! (https://www.guideposts.org/inspiration/miracles/gods-grace/the-number-40-in-the-bible)
I have learned many things these past 40 days. I have become a master chaffle maker. I whipe out half a dozen every morning!
Yesterday I perfected the art of the poached egg.
And today I learned that it is possible to make a very delicious, authentic tasting lentil dal from a can of lentils! Who knew? I wouldn't have, except for the fact that I was unable to find dried lentils in the supermarket. They seemed to have been swooped up by pandemic hoarders, along with the toilet paper and hand soap!
Another thing I've learned, and this is much deeper than lentils, is the value of all contributing members of society. As a "nonessential" worker (piano teacher and church pianist), I was laid off and required to stay home while the "essential" workers have kept our cities functioning. Essential workers like our doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, police, EMT's, truck drivers, grocery clerks and postal carriers. Also, not so essential, but highly appreciated Uber Eats drivers!
In our household lately, a knock on the door brings much glee! We gather around the packaged delivered by Amazon, and are often surprised because we had ordered it many weeks ago. I may never go shopping again, I so enjoy home delivery!
So I am very grateful for all the deliverers!
Pre-pandemic, I would appreciate a friendly barista or food server with a nice tip. My heart would be warmed by a casual, friendly conversation with a grocery clerk. Or I would be very grateful for the time a doctor spent with me, answering my questions.
But now, I not only appreciate other workers, I have a whole new appreciation for them. And compassion for those who, in just doing their jobs, have put themselves at risk.
Of course, those of us "nonessential" workers contribute to society in other ways. As a music teacher, I broaden the horizons of my students. I give individual attention and encouragement to my students. I share music, which is a universal language and healer. Although not "essential", music does improve one's quality of life.
I may not be saving a life, but I am enriching it!
On the subject of essential workers, I forgot to mention leaders within our government. Politicians have been criticized, mocked and mistrusted. But during uncertain times, we turn to our leaders for answers.
We also turn to the media, which suffers the same treatment as our politicians.
This puts the burden on the individual to sort out the truth.
This is not easy. I try to research the information I gather, by looking at the source and confirming it by going to several "reputable" sources. It is highly possible that we will never know the truth about this pandemic. I heard rumors back when covid-19 was first discovered in China. Rumors of a virus manufactured in a lab. But then, authorities claimed it was traced to a wet market. Now China is being accused of withholding information. And not giving accurate reports of the number of cases and deaths attributed to the coronavirus.
There are many conspiracy theories flying about.
I look at the news with a discerning eye. I am interested. I want to remain aware. But in the end, to quote a verse from "Bohemian Rhapsody", "Nothing really matters".
Of course, life matters. And I will do what I can, when I can to help anyone I can. I will vote. I will obey the law. But there is so much beyond my control.
So, in the midst of the chaos, I will live. I will thrive. I will love. I will smile. And I will make lentil dal from a can of lentils!
And those, my friends, are my words of wisdom for the day!
Talk to you tomorrow!
Love,
Zita
Today is day 38, since the WHO declared covid-19 a pandemic. We are nearing 40 days, a profoundly biblical number. Think of the Israelites wandering for 40 years in the desert, Jesus fasting in the desert for 40 days, and the great flood that lasted 40 days! (https://www.guideposts.org/inspiration/miracles/gods-grace/the-number-40-in-the-bible)
I have learned many things these past 40 days. I have become a master chaffle maker. I whipe out half a dozen every morning!
Yesterday I perfected the art of the poached egg.
And today I learned that it is possible to make a very delicious, authentic tasting lentil dal from a can of lentils! Who knew? I wouldn't have, except for the fact that I was unable to find dried lentils in the supermarket. They seemed to have been swooped up by pandemic hoarders, along with the toilet paper and hand soap!
Another thing I've learned, and this is much deeper than lentils, is the value of all contributing members of society. As a "nonessential" worker (piano teacher and church pianist), I was laid off and required to stay home while the "essential" workers have kept our cities functioning. Essential workers like our doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, police, EMT's, truck drivers, grocery clerks and postal carriers. Also, not so essential, but highly appreciated Uber Eats drivers!
In our household lately, a knock on the door brings much glee! We gather around the packaged delivered by Amazon, and are often surprised because we had ordered it many weeks ago. I may never go shopping again, I so enjoy home delivery!
So I am very grateful for all the deliverers!
Pre-pandemic, I would appreciate a friendly barista or food server with a nice tip. My heart would be warmed by a casual, friendly conversation with a grocery clerk. Or I would be very grateful for the time a doctor spent with me, answering my questions.
But now, I not only appreciate other workers, I have a whole new appreciation for them. And compassion for those who, in just doing their jobs, have put themselves at risk.
Of course, those of us "nonessential" workers contribute to society in other ways. As a music teacher, I broaden the horizons of my students. I give individual attention and encouragement to my students. I share music, which is a universal language and healer. Although not "essential", music does improve one's quality of life.
I may not be saving a life, but I am enriching it!
On the subject of essential workers, I forgot to mention leaders within our government. Politicians have been criticized, mocked and mistrusted. But during uncertain times, we turn to our leaders for answers.
We also turn to the media, which suffers the same treatment as our politicians.
This puts the burden on the individual to sort out the truth.
This is not easy. I try to research the information I gather, by looking at the source and confirming it by going to several "reputable" sources. It is highly possible that we will never know the truth about this pandemic. I heard rumors back when covid-19 was first discovered in China. Rumors of a virus manufactured in a lab. But then, authorities claimed it was traced to a wet market. Now China is being accused of withholding information. And not giving accurate reports of the number of cases and deaths attributed to the coronavirus.
There are many conspiracy theories flying about.
I look at the news with a discerning eye. I am interested. I want to remain aware. But in the end, to quote a verse from "Bohemian Rhapsody", "Nothing really matters".
Of course, life matters. And I will do what I can, when I can to help anyone I can. I will vote. I will obey the law. But there is so much beyond my control.
So, in the midst of the chaos, I will live. I will thrive. I will love. I will smile. And I will make lentil dal from a can of lentils!
And those, my friends, are my words of wisdom for the day!
Talk to you tomorrow!
Love,
Zita
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