Friday, June 5, 2020

The New Not So Normal

Hello Friends!
It's been awhile.

The last time I posted was on Earth Day, April 22nd, and now here we are in June.
Today, June 5th, just happens to be World Environment Day.
Everyone has been talking about how the earth has been able to heal and breathe while we've all been quarantined and under curfew or lockdown for the past few months.  I had really hoped all that indoor time would mean that the environment would truly be cleaner and free of garbage, but that isn't the case at all.
During a beach walk on Sunday, I picked up plastic along the shore.
And on a walk the next day, I passed by a park only to see trash strewn all over.
When January 1st rolled around, I had high hopes for 2020.
A year of perfect vision as I saw it.
The words and mantra I chose were
FOCUS, FOLLOW-THROUGH, FINISH!
I started off strong, but by the end of February, Covid-19 was here and nothing has been the same since.
And we now have a new kind of litter to deal with.
We are on day 80-something of quarantine.
 A partial curfew started March 14th and then from May 11th through the 30th we were put on full lockdown with (thankfully) a 2-hour period (4:30-6:30 p.m.) for exercise within our own neighborhoods.

My husband and I took full advantage of that time to walk.
As a homebody, I always have plenty of things to keep me busy, but for my husband, it was a bit of a struggle.  He has never sat still or been at home for that length of time.
He was finally able to return to work this past Sunday, though once again with shortened hours.  There aren't enough businesses open yet and therefore not enough customers.
We have a 12-hour window for movement, 6:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.  Masks are supposedly mandatory but there are many who don't wear them.  I take mine with me and wear it when necessary.  If am walking alone and there is no one around, then I see no reason to keep it on.  
I even crocheted one and tried it out one night.  Although comfortable, I did wake up with a few bumps on my cheek the next day so I'm not sure if it was from the heat or from the cotton I used.
A proposed re-opening of the country is planned through September.
It's going to be a very slow process.

So back to this year and how it is unfolding.
If you've followed me for very long, you know that I always try to see the bright side and stay positive, but my mind is currently racing with all that's happening in the United States.  It is necessary for me to write my thoughts down just to keep them from swirling around in my head.
I am disgusted and appalled that we are still steeped in the lies of the past.  

We need progressive ideas to shake people up and wake them from their slumber.
Humans are designed for forward motion yet some people dig their heels in so they can continue living off the backs of others.
To stop moving and evolving is to become stagnant and that's when the scum starts to take over.
Corrupt politicians and intolerant individuals perpetuate the economic inequality and systemic discrimination that tears away at the fabric of any society.  It has gone on for far too long and change is much needed.

I do not understand why people get all up in arms when they hear the words "progressive" or "liberal".  Unlike the current status quo, there is no hidden agenda.  We should all be in favor of public policy that rectifies the detrimental impact of  the moral floundering and ethical failings that we are currently faced with.

In order to stay optimistic, I have to believe that we are at a turning point.  This will be the year of upheaval so that next year, and in the years to come, we can look back and realize that it was a year of shifting and refocusing for a better future.

I hope that you are all well.
Stay safe! 
Spread love!
Take care,

21 comments:

crafty cat corner said...

Hi Tammy, so nice to have a post from you. I know how upsetting things are at them moment but my motto is 'everything passes' and it will.
I do despair sometimes at my fellow man and the way he behaves in this beautiful world but then I look around me at mother nature and know that whatever man does nature will always survive.
Hugs
Briony
x

Quinn said...

So glad to see a post from you, Tammy - I've been thinking about you and wondering how you and yours are getting on in these troubled times. I'd been blogging and keeping as upbeat as possible regarding the pandemic in April and May, but then the US "leadership" started sending "law enforcement" into the streets to attack peaceful protesters. Since that horrorshow began - and continues to be accelerated from the White House - I've been unable to write about anything at all. Now I'm encouraged by your example, so thank you.

kathyinozarks said...

tough times for all of us for sure-who know what "normal" is any more.
lover seeing your crochet-hugs

Wanda said...

We just walk around our complex and so far haven't see much trash except an occasional chip bag or water bottle. Haven't seen any gloves or masks. But then we don't walk far.

Your mask is really cute, I hope it doesn't give you a rash. Very clever the way you made it.

Angie said...

Tammy - glad to see a post from you. I have been wondering how you are. Kudos to you for expressing your thoughts - I am with you all the way. At times like this, I think it brings out the best in people and the worst in people. I could write pages about how the protests have affected our daughter - ways I could not have possibly imagined. She is safe, but the emotion of this situation has spilled over. We are praying for a big change in November! Stay well, my friend!

Betsy said...

Hi Tammy, it's really good to see you post even though the times are troubled and unsure. Mandy said the other day, "what else can 2020 bring? So far a pandemic, riots, this weekend an ateroid is predicted to come close to the earth and now they are saying the volcanoes in Yellowstone could erupt in July." It's definitely been a year of trouble and trial. My Mom always said, "this too shall pass," whenever I would be a nervous wreck about anything. She's right. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Everything we see in human behaviour has been seen before. Unfortunately we never seem to learn do we?
I pray. And pray. And pray. And hope we leave the world a better place for our grandchildren than it is now.
Blessings and hugs my friend,
Betsy

Lorrie said...

So nice to see a post from you Tammy. Yes, the world is in upheaval now. I hope and pray that good changes will result and that there will be a measure of kindness that lingers long into daily life.
Your crocheted mask looks great!

linda said...

I feel your pain Tammy, will we ever learn, it's hard to come to grips with what's going on right now and trying to live with this awful virus, people not following the distancing rules and yes we have litter here too, it's a small seaside town and once the rules relaxed people from surrounding villages descended on us, filled the green spaces and left their filth behind. The number of cases are rising again in the UK and I'm not surprised. Hardly anyone wears masks here but now they will have to on public transport. I made a crochet mask too but found it too uncomfortable so now I wear a fabric one that I made in crowded places. I hope that everything you said in your last paragraph comes true. Take care x

Linda P said...

Hello Tammy. I'm glad to hear from you. I'm sorry that you've seen a deterioration in people's behaviour regarding litter. That's so disheartening. Our world and nature can be so beautiful it seems people continue to be thoughtless. I have only been walking in our neighbourhood and haven't seen such depressing sights. I would be very upset if I did. I know dumping rubbish on a big scale goes on at night time here, usually in quiet country lanes. It must be a shock to discover and frustrating as it's difficult to apprehend the culprits. Those of us who love our environment must play our small part in being caring. Your crocheted hearts are a thoughtful gesture.

Maya Kuzman said...

We are all adjusting to the new normal Tammy. So sad to see all those pictures of litter everywhere. People simply don't want to learn....

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Tammy,
Oh good grief, what indeed a crazy year we all are living in. Well, living - trapped in I better say! Love your wording: Humans are designed for forward motion yet some people dig their heels in so they can continue living off the backs of others.
So very true...
Yet, not all are as industrious as we always have tried to work and create for others and our loved ones.
The good thing is that I've switched the two mega tasks and first digitalized all our videos and then start writing our manuscript for the complex self publishing of our book. Pieter can then leave this world with leaving something behind for thousands to benefit and learn from. In Oxford English I've opted and all in metric as that is what is still in our veins and easiest. The English speaking world outside the US is far bigger! Self publishing with print on demand from wherever in the world, to lower the shipping costs! Important for certain countries. Doing now chapter 10 out of 12 but this and also 12 is huge.
Sending you hugs and glad you're well!
Let's hope for a better future indeed.
Mariette

Teresa Kasner said...

We have littering fines here but that doesn't stop idiots from tossing garbage out of their car windows as they drive through our beautiful countryside. I am just glad that I am not racist and I hope that those who still are might learn something from the peaceful demonstrations and marches. All it takes is seeing what is right and becoming a good person. I love your little birds and the x-stitch!
((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Mereknits said...

I so agree with you Tammy. I like that statement, a year of upheaval so next year and the years after will be better. I worry for all of us, I worry for you worrying about your sons and this country they are in. I worry that the environment will never be the same, littering is such disrespect but the laws that have been changed here for less environmental protection will surely put us over the tipping point. I hope everyone knows how important it is to vote here in the US, that is the only way we are going to get real change. Stay safe Tammy.

Mini said...

Like you I try to see positive in every situation and when the lockdown started I was thinking may be mother nature will get a moment to breathe now. But we humans can destroy any opportunity.
I haven't stepped out of my flat since 15th April , however I'm appalled by the casual attitude of people here. Going out daily, traffic on the road etc.
Whatever is happening in the USA is disturbing to say the least.
I love all the creations you shared here.
Stay safe and positive my friend.

handmade by amalia said...

So nice to read your post and catch up. When this corona started it felt as if time was standing still, now it is rushing by again, and I am once again struggling to keep up.
Amalia
xo

Rostrose said...

Dearest Tammy, I sincerely hope that you are right - that we are actually at a turning point and 2020 will be the year of change and realignment for a better future - both politically and in terms of the enormous pollution of our world. Unfortunately, Covid-19 is unable to slow down ALL people: It is precisely those people who are aggressive and destructive that continue to do so. To give just one example: The Brazilian rainforest is currently being cleared faster than in previous years. It makes me so sad and helpless. But it's often the case that you first have to feel at the bottom to start a positive development. Your love-spreading crochet works are wonderful signs!
Hugs and best wishes <3
Stay safe!
Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2020/06/wieder-begegnungen-im-mai.html

Melanie said...

So good to hear from you again! The photos of all that garbage make me angry and sick to my stomach. I will never understand how people can be so selfish, ignorant and rude. Thank you for doing your part in the world for good. You are a wonderful human.

And you are so articulate and spot on what you said about the US and our political system right now, that I actually went back and read it twice. I would love to share what you wrote on my Facebook page. But I will not do that without your permission. Can you please email me (melriley62@gmail.com) and let me know either way? I understand if you choose just to keep your words on your blog.

Happy@Home said...

It is so nice to see a new post from you, Tammy. It is hard to understand people who litter. I can only conclude that they are lazy and/or were never taught the lesson of not littering. It really irks me when I get out of my car in a parking lot and someone has left their bag of fast food waste sitting there when there are usually trash bins near the entrance to the stores. Your efforts are appreciated and, hopefully, others are learning from your good example.
Nice that you and your husband are getting out and finding the beauty. Your photos are lovely.

Kit said...

I have been keeping to myself and away from news. The hate out there makes my heart hurt. I am glad you and your hubby are well. We are still staying away from people and stores. Okay with me. Take care. Kit

Derya said...

Hi Tammy, The message of the world is clear but we still cannot see it. I feel sorry for seeing those litter people will not change and they will continue their irresponsible actions. In quarantine, nature is really a little relaxed, and it will be good if we gain awareness. I hope the world gives the exam, we don't stay in class. I wish peace, equality and health for the whole world...

Mrs. Micawber said...

Oh Tammy, I share your frustration about litter. Riding through the countryside I see all kinds of trash on the roads and it makes me so sad. Sometimes it looks like an entire carload's worth of garbage has been thrown out in passing. I sometimes fantasize about a world where all the litter people toss around comes back to stick to them, or their car, for a month. (Isn't that terrible of me?)

These are sad times indeed for humanity. Like Betsy, I pray and pray. God have mercy on us all.

Your little hearts are lovely, and I'm sure they bring a spark of joy to all who see them!

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