111 Days.

Apologies to my blog.  I've ignored you most of 2020.  That is not to say I have not been writing.  I was and I am!  In April I participated in a poem-a-day challenge to celebrate National Poetry Month.  Indeed, I wrote every day and did post some of the (hopefully) better ones to my FB page.  May brought me to a daily meditation/writing prompt program that I purchased on-line.  I did not diligently write each day, but the program is mine (and the clouds) to keep, so I can tune in and write whenever I like.  Also in the beginning of Q, one of my favorite yoga teachers invited me to a 21 day meditation challenge which included non-creative writes.  So, all in all, I can reflect and say YES!  I have indeed been writing.

Now we are at the end of June.  This month was LitFest, presented by Lighthouse Writers Workshop.  This year the festival was delivered via Zoom.  Initially I was hesitant to plunk my money down to stay at home; shouldn't they be offering a whopping special since I won't be using their electricity and toilet paper. (no longer a hot commodity, but still a necessity!)  Something I knew, but confirmed in Q is that whatever I resist, I should embrace.  I have a tablet and always thought that I was a hard book in hand kind of reader.  But with libraries closed and my personal collection being almost exclusively non-fiction, I took the leap, downloaded Hoopla and am giving e-reading a try.

A while back Nia, my preferred exercise and dance practice, launched NiaTV.  Here again, I was of the ilk that I don't need to watch a video in order to dance.  I go to the Y.  I love my teachers and fellow dancers so much I've written poetry and prose about them.  Now, unable to go to the Y, and with Nia HQ offering a free trial, I took the leap (arabesque?) and signed up.  My morning routine consists of a warm-up by moving furniture around to create a space in my living room to jazz-square, cross-front and shimmy.  Plus I enjoy a few unexpected bonuses, one being I can dance on demand and the other is dancing on carpet is sooo much easier on my knees.  Who knew?

For me, a routine is a component of my sanity.  Thus, each day looks pretty much the same.  Coffee and a morning write, often on my front porch, no matter the weather.  Exercise to the TV - yes TV - because I figured out how to duplicate my laptop screen onto the TV.  No squinting!  And since Nia includes Floorplay, and yoga is up and down (kind of like temple/church) I can put my laptop on the floor and never strain my neck to see what I am supposed to be doing. 

Before I know it, two meals under my stretchy yoga pant waistband, it is afternoon.  More reading, maybe some mindless TV, or an Al-Anon meeting, a phone chat or two, more writing....  you get the picture.  Somehow the day passes, nighttime falls, and then I get to wake up and do it all, or nothing,  again.

Occasionally I sneak in a trip up the highway to see the kids and grands.  But with everyone going back to work, this is going to become less frequent and more heartbreaking.  I'm in a double risk category and take the cautions to Q seriously.  As my mom would have said "this too shall pass".  Yes it will.  When?

So blog...  I am back.  I will endeavor to fill some pages, if for no other reason then to document these difficult times.  And to process the range of emotions I roller-coaster on a daily basis.

Time to Write,

Jane