Category: Blogger

Perfect for This Time

What a perfect word for this time we are in! One would think that the word coyote wouldn’t normally bring up something so readily for me, but today there are a couple of reasons that word resonates.

As many of you know, in NYC we don’t get much in the way of wildlife (unless you count the pigeons and rats…ugh), or, if we do get any animals their presence is overwhelmed by horns honking, sirens, people, etc. Well, mother nature is certainly making a big comeback around here. The flowers are beautiful. The grass is green. There are birds…chirping. In Colorado, where I’m from, that is not so strange, but in NYC this is very odd. It’s beautiful. It’s also eerie. Were I in Colorado, or somewhere that is not a hotbed of Covid-19, the sound of birds would be welcoming and beautiful. It is even now, but it’s also a stark reminder of why we are able to hear them now. Nonetheless, they are beautiful.

The second reason that this word rings a bell today is because howling at 8 has become somewhat of a popular event in the US recently. An entire community has been created. People are sharing their stories and the reason they howl. It’s cathartic for many! Side note: on a recent facetime with my family my sister told me about this howl at 8 thing they’ve been doing that my nephew loves and was very surprised when I told her I know one of the people who started it. The facebook group was started by a buddy that I knew/know from college, and it has just exploded. In case you haven’t heard about it abroad, you can join the facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/howlat8/) and howl in your own time zone at 8pm. There are over half a million followers, and it is a wonderful activity in such a difficult time.

So, everyone, if you hear random howls at 8pm, don’t be alarmed. It’s just solidarity in action. I hope you are all well during this time.

Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com
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Swiss Cheese

What an interesting word for today! Swiss. Ha ha, the first thing that comes to mind is swiss cheese, which brings me to something I’ve been looking at buying recently. In this quarantine I find myself wanting comfort foods more and more. Soooo…pancakes. Grilled cheese sandwiches. Cereal. Yummy! We all need a little comfort and nostalgia right now. Some people do it by baking bread. Apparently I do it by making the aforementioned foods. Sooooo…enter the Nostalgia grilled cheese toaster. I know, this has got to be one of the least profound posts I may have written, but I had to be honest about what this specific word brought up right away. I get no kickbacks or funds for this, but just in case you’re interested, here’s the link to the one on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Nostalgia-TCS2-Easy-Clean-Adjustable-Toasting/dp/B0744M3SB4. I hope, during this extremely difficult time, that everyone finds some form of comfort and something to feel grateful for. Happy Sunday, you all out there. Try to have a happy Sunday.

Endless Branches

I never thought I’d say this when this all began, but this quarantine and horrific disease has caused me to do, among several options, one specific thing: branch out. Yes, you read that correctly. It has forced me, from the confines of my nyc apartment, to reach out to those that I don’t talk to often enough. It has guided me to reach out to those who might need a boost (and sometimes they reach out to me for the same). It has pushed me to re-think where my life is and how I can get to the next point. It has shown me that what I was doing was decent then but it no longer works now. It has pushed me to grow stronger due to the stress of everyday living around here. It has made me realize who my true friends are. It has shown me more about myself than I realized it would (or could), and where I am vs. where I think I am as a person. It has proved to me that I can do much more and better than I assumed would be possible. In fact, the very first day of my isolation my one of my biggest worries was how well I would mentally handle being inside for such a long period of time. I’m an outdoors girl. I need the fresh air ALL of the time and space to burn energy. That is all still true, but my newfound ability to adapt and keep calm under these circumstances is something that I didn’t think I could do. I have. I’m proud. I’m also blessed that I am able to spend time at home and be healthy, as others may not have a home or may be struggling in the hospital. I count my blessings for this. I am a lucky, lucky person for all of the great people in my life. Ironically, being stuck indoors…has forced me to branch out in ways that I never imagined possible before. I hope you are feeling positive, world, and all my best to everyone out there. We will get through this together.

A lonely walk…but lots of beautiful branches to see/connect with. It’s hard…but we’re all in it together.

Calm during the Madness

Today I forced myself to get out for a brief walk in the park to give my body some much-needed exercise. The scenery did not disappoint! I’ve been writing a fair amount during my quarantining due to Covid-19 in NYC and social distancing, but today I needed a break. I hope the picture I took at my local park makes you happy!

Fly High! RDP: Sunday

Can’t is a word that I often said.

Can’t is a word that was stuck in my head.

Can’t was a cop-out,

A way to get by,

While letting life,

Pass me right by.

But what if I could,

Asks the engine inside.

What if I found,

I could no longer hide?

Then what would happen?

Would I look up at the sky?

Would I grab the opportunities

That were passing me by?

Would I fly like an eagle,

Or soar like a bird?

Or would I be afraid

They would think I’m absurd?

But if I’m like a bird

I belong in the sky.

Not stuck on the ground,

So eager to fly.

My wings are not broken,

They’re simply afraid,

But now I must try

For what I was made.

 

 

Infrangible

Wow! I have learned a new word today. I did not know what infrangible meant until this ragtag prompt and I think that the word is beyond fitting for today. As the microscope on NYC gets more focused and life becomes more tough as the days go just living here, I think this word is extremely important for not only NY’ers, but around the world. As the newer cases are showing, none of us are untouchable. The best we can do is be diligent, strong, and keep our distance from one another. I also find that the entertainment world has seriously stepped up to help keep the world laughing, singing, and happy as much as is humanly possible during this time. I could not be more appreciative of that, as life here becomes more stressful. BUT…here’s to the heroes and the helpers. They are trying tirelessly to heal the world, and they deserve the world in return.

Infrangible.

Infrangible?

Untouchable?

No.

Unbreakable.

We must be unbreakable.

Our spirit must soar,

So high that we are like the moon,

Shining brightly,

Throughout the darkest of times.

So tonight,

Look up to the sky.

Breathe in,

Breathe out,

And send love,

To all of those on the front lines,

Who are fighting for us.

We are forever thankful.

Forever grateful.

Photo credit: Sanaan Mazhar with Pexels.

Instagram: @piccinng

RDP Friday: Empty

Huh. Empty.

That’s an interesting word.

If anything, I feel,

Anything but empty.

It’s weird.

I’m isolated right now,

For the most part,

As are many of us.

But empty?

Not so much.

It’s more like…

Filled with emotion.

Fear.

Courage.

Strength of personal bonds.

Support from loved ones.

Terror of the unknown.

Thoughts of unease.

Thoughts of love.

My heart is abuzz.

My brain is on fire.

But empty,

As you’d rightfully assume,

That I’d feel,

I don’t.

Maybe it’s because,

There are so many helpers out there.

Here’s to the helpers.

Here’s to the heroes.

Sacrificing their lives,

In order to save ours.

RDP: Flounder

Flounder. That’s an interesting word. I’d like to say that I’ve pulled up my bootstraps and fought my way through this with a smile on my face. Honestly, floundering is something that is hard not to do. At this moment it seems like the Big Apple is unrecognizable. I look out my window and it looks like a New York City I don’t know. It’s…devoid of people and energy. It’s…not NYC. I can only hope that everyone is at home re-configuring their lives and succeeding in the best way possible. Truthfully, this is the first time that I’ve gotten myself to the page. It’s a whirl of craziness even though everything is so still. Thousands and thousands of New Yorkers have all of the sudden become unemployed and the city is doing it’s best to accomodate all of that. It has put a massive strain on the infrastructure of the city, and we are all struggling to get through. We have quickly become the location with the highest amount of cases in the US and times are very uncertain. The interesting thing is, we will not be defeated. NY’ers…are tough, diligent, strong, and courageous. It’s been incredible, the way that the community has shown love during this time. I’m proud of my co-workers and proud of my city. NYC strong. We can do this. It may be dark now…but it will be light in time.

Photo credit: Alexis Azabache. Follow Alexis on twitter: @alexazabache1

Calm

Breathe in,

Breathe out.

Breathe in,

Breathe out.

As life grows more tense,

Here in NYC,

As the city feels,

Like the world is crashing down around us,

I find myself going deep within.

It is a constant reminder,

To breathe in,

Breathe out.

I tell myself,

We will get through this.

This, too, shall pass.

Breathe in,

Breathe out.

I try to calm the worries.

I try to slow the world around me,

By centering myself when need be.

We are in this as a planet.

We are in this together.

I close my eyes,

And I imagine,

Breathing in,

And breathing out.

Lots of love to my fellow…well…everyone out there. Times are going to be very hard, but we will prevail. We must. I’d love to say I’m some sort of zen master, but that’s just not true…Ironically, as I was writing this poem, I was constantly envisioning Star Trek’s Vulcans and their serene nature. I know that’s off topic, but I hope it gives you all a chuckle during these pressure-filled times. Have a great night!

P.S. Somehow I’m on a night sky beach phase. Maybe it’s my body telling me that I need to listen to that when all of this is over and travel is safer. Hmmm…

RDP Wednesday: Sunshine

Personally, I think of sunshine emotionally and physically. At this moment, as the situation in NYC becomes more and more tense with the virus (it’s even so slow that I’m able to write this post while at work), I take slight comfort in the fact that it has been sunny in the last couple of days. The air has been tense and distraught recently with the news, and with the sunshine the energy has lifted a bit. People are smiling a little. So here’s to sunshine. May it flourish in all of our hearts in this difficult time around the world.