Hello, hope this Good Friday finds you in a good place. At home, with clean hands, no cough, no headache or fever, and with a mask at the ready should you need to go grocery shopping. I’m going to be making some masks later today or tomorrow, I’ve been the lucky one who gets to stay home, so I’m a bit lazy at getting them made. I should just get the one for the Babe before he goes to the store later. He’ll be my test case.
There are so many different possibilities for making them. Cotton, no cotton, flannel is too thin, too “holey,” polyester? Whatever you do, do NOT sanitize them in your microwave. People have tried this and they will spontaneously combust, a/k/a start on fire! Yes, they will. Don’t add homelessness to your troubles in this quarantine, ok? I’ve gone to my extensive fabric stash and found some pieces that are nearly the right size. I’m going to start with the rectangular size that you pleat. I hope that will do. The Babe will get one that is the American flag flying. It’s appropriate for him, don’t you think?
There is a type of mask that has a pipe cleaner inserted at the top middle, that helps fit it over the bridge of the nose. That seems like a good idea. Do I still have the craft bin with those in it? The search will begin. There are many other types, and they are all better than nothing. You must have all parts of your nose, face, cheeks, and jawline all covered with the mask. When you arrive home, remove it by touching the elastic ONLY. Do not wear it again until it is laundered. Regular laundry soap is sufficient. The key is only wearing a mask for one trip out of the house. Yes, they may fog your eyeglasses or sunglasses, but it’s worth the inconvenience. At the most, try inhaling deeper and gently blow the breath out through your mouth. No one will see you. You’ll have a mask on. Thank you for keeping us safe. I’ll keep you safe in return.
About now are you having long days but still feel like you’re running short on time? I do. I can’t be the only one. When I’m writing, the time flies by. When I’m doing something less fun, it drags. I suppose that is normal, but during these times it just seems to magnify the passage of time. I’ve just read a fiction novel by my fellow Nebraska Writers Guild author Bonnie Lacy. It’s the third of a series about a man wrongfully convicted of murder who was in prison for a long time. It was quite a series of three books, and it made me really wonder how does time pass when you’re really confined for a lifetime? I hope to never find out first hand, but I’m curious.
I have talked to a lot of people who have been held captive by alcohol and drugs for years and years. Those years are long and hard from what I gather. The life is hard on a human body. The treadmill of getting high/drunk to escape, to dull pain, to relax an overly shy person, to take the edge off anything. The list of “reasons” (excuses) is long and probably endless. I applaud a person who can get off that treadmill and never set foot on it again. Their life is better. It takes hard work but it always ends up better. You, of course, need to do the work to make it better. It won’t improve your negative outlook unless you recognize your negative outlook. It won’t cure your depression, but it probably won’t be as deep and soul-consuming. Being aware is part of the work. Being willing to change a habit is a huge part of it. And working on the awareness and change is a life long piece of work. It is worth it.
No, I am not a person stuck on the treadmill. Never used drugs. I do drink alcohol. It does not control me at all. I refuse to let the words, “I need a drink/glass of wine/beer,” pass my lips. I’ve had people tell me, “Have a drink, then it won’t seem so bad.” I absolutely will not drink because things are bad. I have other things I need to work on. Like being too nice sometimes. Like doing for others at my expense. It’s hard to say no, sometimes. I’m learning it’s ok to say no. If you no longer like me, it is your loss, not mine.
As the Christian world prepares to celebrate their biggest holy day of the year, think about how you may be able to make your life better. Give more. Be more accepting. Give that money you don’t need for cigarettes or Keno right now to the area food banks. Our economy is only going to stagger before it gets better. It may take the rest of the year for a new normal to emerge. My hope for all of you is it emerges with more awareness, more loving, and more caring for each other. God gave his Son for our sins. I didn’t deserve that much love. But I’m learning God thinks I do. So do you. Right your wrongs. Make your amends. Reach out to mend fences. Even if you didn’t destroy them. Make the move. If the other person doesn’t respond, keep reaching out. It’s the next right thing to do.
Thank you for reading today. May your day be one of soul searching and growth. It’s yours and mine for free. All it takes is our time and commitment. I’ll be here again tomorrow. Hope to see you then. Peace and Love.
Kathy Raabe 