So, the daily grind has pretty much come to a screeching halt. Life as we’ve known it has changed. At least temporarily. And yet, life goes on.
Sure, some of us might be bored, stressed out, or feeling the need for personal space even within their own home, because, let’s face it, being in constant contact with your loved ones is not necessarily the healthiest thing no matter how much you love them. And yet, time keeps marching on. Nature keeps doing its thing. Nature takes that thing that’s interrupting it and adapts.
Nature doesn’t care about quarantines or curfews or toilet paper. Birds chatter, bees buzz, squirrels scamper, flowers bloom, grass grows, wind blows and rain falls. Nature doesn’t worry, it just exists. We can all heed the lessons of nature. Learn to exist. Adapt if necessary.
But, not just nature, the bell in the old clock tower at the Old Courthouse still chimes on the hour. My amazing musical clock still tinkles a lively tune at the top of every hour. Paint peels, wood rots, pollen settles, asphalt gets hot from the sun. Gravity keeps us grounded. It’s amazing that all around us energy goes on whether we panic and freak out, or calmly sit and relax. It’s up to each person to decide how they will react to their circumstances.
Today I’m encouraging you all to be still. Pay special attention to the things around you and know that all is well. Times are hard right now sure, for a lot of people. But so much beauty continues to surround us. So many reminders that we are blessed and alive in a marvelous world. This is the real life. Try to weather the storm in a calm and peaceful environment. You’ll thank me later. Here’s two and a half minutes of beauty. Enjoy!
How are you keeping your sanity amid this crisis? Has spring made an appearance in your neck of the woods? Are you able to get out and soak up some sunshine? I hope so. It’ll do you a world of good.
“Be still and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10
Word of the Day: Fascine
Fun fact about me: I’m enjoying a life of leisure more than I thought I would (I used to think I was a workaholic).
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, April 2020. Images by Google Images and giphy.com. Video by YouTube (MirandaV – Music of Nature)
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Patricia, this is such an uplifting and upbeat post that I have no wisecrack to make. That alone speaks volumes about its effectiveness. Thank you.
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Thanks Al. I wrote it more for me than for anybody else. I needed the reminder that I am surrounded by good things. I need to stop worrying about things I cannot change and start enjoying the things I already have.
Thanks for visiting. I hope you guys are holding up okay.
Patricia
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We’re doing well, thanks.
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Since I’d recently bought toilet paper when this all broke out, my life has not been changed much. Biggest change is that I don’t get to eat breakfast out four days a week like usual. Other than that, I still move from my computer to my recliner for naps or TV and back to the computer. Same old, same old!
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The staying home part hasn’t changed that much for me because I too used to be home most days. It’s the change of routine and the uncertainty of my business that has me worked up. But, as I told Al above, this post was written more for me than anything. I needed a reminder that every day brings blessings and I need to look for them instead of worrying about the thing I have no control over.
I hope you continue enjoying your routine and stay safe. Thanks for visiting.
Patricia
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What a wonderful reminder of all we have to be thankful for! I have been enjoying our land, even when I’m inside working. There are so many more birds singing than where we used to live in the suburbs. And I love seeing everything get green and trying to figure out what this plant or that wildflower is. Enjoy your “time off” and here’s hoping it doesn’t last too long!
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I’ve been noticing the birds and squirrels and plant more too. Maybe because it’s quieter outside in general or maybe just because I’ve resigned that this is my life for right now and I’m making the best of it. Either way, it’s comforting to know that good things still abound.
I love the photo on your blog of the trees in bloom at your new house. The greens are so gorgeous this time of year.
Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy the rest of your week.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
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Love the positive vibe going on, and yes, I’ve learned that nature cares not about people problems…the weeds in my garden are uncountable! They assure me that I will always have something to do when I want to take a break from writing. 🙂 I feel very fortunate that I’m still working full time, and I wouldn’t say the social distancing is too much of a hardship considering I’m an introvert, but I do miss the rest of my family and best friends! I hope Baer House and all its occupants escape the virus and enjoy the quiet while it lasts. ❤
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Thanks Coleen. We’re getting on just fine. My husband and I actually like each other so we’re ahead of the game in that regard. Just trying to stay busy and keep our minds working is helping.
Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy the rest of your week.
Patricia
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We headed north to the lake. At first it was for a couple of days and once we got here, I said to my wife – what if we stayed here until we had to come back? So my wife and daughter headed home last Wednesday and came back with two cars and more supplies and yes, more toilet paper and a lot more food than we had here.
Yesterday, our daughter went kayaking on a semi-frozen lake and today the lake is entirely liquid – completely thawed. I’ve been for a walk at least once a day and the dogs are having a blast. They were in the water playing several times. I have seen a couple of different woodpeckers and I thought I saw a bald eagle, but it was pretty far off so I am not sure.
Thus morning I posted my e-Learning or Remote Learning lesson for science and at present 86 of my 126 students have completed the assignment. I have skimmed their responses and most are on point. I’ll share the answers tomorrow and host a conference call to check in. I hear fewer airplanes fly over on their way into Chicago from Europe (I flew over the area ten years ago when I came home from Paris). It’s peaceful and nothing seems to have slowed other than human activity.
Perhaps that’s what we need to notice – it’s not ALL about us. nature was here first, then we moved in and messed it up. The world can be a wonderful place, it’s up to us. Glad to hear you are doing well and you’re safe and healthy.
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You know Clay, I have also considered that this is nature’s way – or God’s way – of forcing us to sit up and pay attention. We’ve become spoiled and self-centered. Nature needed a break from humans and now it’s time to let nature heal.
I’m glad you’re safe and making the best of the situation. I hope we all come out on the other side as better more understanding people.
Thanks for visiting. Enjoy the rest of your week.
Patricia
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