I loved your stories about what you are doing and thinking about in this unusual time. I have printed six of them today and will print the remainder of them next week. Please, if you have a story to share with my readers (a paragraph will do), send it along to me at bigwords101@yahoo.com. We want to read it!

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The Show Can’t Go On 

Being in the entertainment industry, I was one of the first to be affected by the regulations set forth during the Corona Virus, or Covid-19, pandemic. When I first heard about the virus, since I didn’t really watch the news, I wasn’t too bothered by it. There were some new regulations our company enacted to help keep our performers safer, like disinfecting the costumes and having hand sanitizer more available backstage. But, within a week or two, I went from being unbothered, to my life coming to a crashing halt. I was touring with Disney on Ice and we were in Southaven, Mississippi, when the NBA canceled their season. We knew we would be next. Sure enough, our tour — and all touring units of Disney on Ice — were canceled for the foreseeable future.

I was numb. I knew it had to be something big to cancel the entire tour. We were known for never canceling even one performance. Even as we wrapped up our tour that last day, the virus didn’t really change how I interacted with the people around me. We were such a close group that “social distancing” was too little too late. But when I flew home — seeing the airport empty — I think that’s when it really hit me. Since then, I have changed the way I do things. I wash my hands constantly and only leave the house when essential. During these last few weeks I went from being in a different city every week — being in contact with likely thousands of people — to being home with my Husband, Mom and dog. And, not only stuck at home — but unemployed and cut off of my health insurance as of the end of the month. I try to look for the silver linings as well as what the world is learning at a time like this. This is what I am paying attention to now: companies that are paying their employees even if they can’t work, states/countries making the right choices, who is helping by making masks and contributing to good causes. It is a weird time and the unknown is scary, but I am doing my best to try and stay positive by looking for the good in people and using this isolation time wisely.

-Shelley Bindon, Entertainment Industry

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From a Retired Nurse

We have been sheltered in place for 13 days. It really hasn’t been too bad since I am retired from nursing. But Jim’s legal deposition video business has come to a halt. And the stock market collapse has caused worry.

But the fear of the unknown with this Covid-19 Is overwhelming! We haven’t gone to the store, but plan to Tuesday at 5:30 a.m. using all the recommended precautions: unpacking the groceries like a nurse or doctor would do a sterile dressing change.

But my grief is the fear for all the front-line folks who are out there serving us and making our lives safe and easier. My heart goes out to the medical field with all their shortages. I feel bad that I am not there by their sides, but I know it would be so hard for me; it was a challenge on the best of days caring for patients. Throwing this Covid disaster in there would be frightening as well as exhausting. So far we stay in and cook. Trying new things. We walk the dogs daily in our neighborhood. Watch a lot of TV. Jim does puzzles, and I do chores and Facebook. Still haven’t gotten into home projects. Just not into it.

But it is what it is. Making the best of it. I am trying not to overreact to media. I am also trying not to judge people harshly for their actions. We want this to be over. In the meantime I will enjoy Facebook games, looking for teddy bears in neighborhood windows, watching Colbert, Kimmel, and Fallon. Also watching and sharing the funny Covid-19 spoofs about toilet paper, and a gal protecting herself using a peripad as a mask. Be safe all ❤️

-Edie Partridge, Retired Nurse

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Helping Out the Elderly

I not only work at Marin Villages, where I get a salary, but I also am a volunteer. On Friday I picked up groceries and delivered them to a low-income member. I, of course, used a mask and gloves and social distanced from her to keep both of us safe. She (let’s call her Sue, to protect her identity) was so appreciative that she started to cry. Then she told me that she has breast cancer and she cannot get her required surgery right now because her doctor does not want her to be in the hospital and possibly be exposed to COVID-19. We both then cried again. It is so heartwarming to be able to help older adults during this time, and they are very appreciative.

-Diane Castro, Novato, CA

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A Spiritual Community

When the spiritual leaders of All Paths to God arranged in lieu of our Sunday morning worship to ‘gather together’ every day through prayer at noon, I knew I’d participate. With all the influences shaping my world,  I saw this gathering as a way to ‘connect’  to Source and take time to bring our common voices together as one.  For me, prayer has always been a singular and private experience. Except for the one hour on Sunday morning when our congregation gathers for worship, I’ve always chosen to pray in my own way at no specific time. After two weeks of this daily commitment, I’m finding this set-aside time shapes the remainder of the day. I can actually feel comfort from 12-12:30. There is a knowingness that I am not alone, that I have community for sharing, for caring, and for support.  Yes, like all of us, I am very worried about the vulnerability of my family and friends, of the risk responders who are at every moment the heart and soul of this country.  I, too, see the numbers, listen to the news, and feel the pain that so many of our fellow travelers are experiencing.  For me, it’s challenging to remain strong, to believe that the situation will eventually improve, and we will return to normalcy. It’s challenging to look into the unknown future and wrap myself around the numbers who have died, who have been financially ruined –and think that our collective noontime prayer will make a difference. In all of this, I will remain diligent.  I will do my part to spread love. I will do my part to trust God.  I will do my part to believe that the solidarity and will of the inhabitants of this great country will come together as they have under so many other challenging times and be stronger than ever.

So, I pray and trust that my prayers for well-being-for-all will be answered.

-Bonnie Ross-Parker, Author

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Fun with Grandchildren

First and foremost, stay safe and healthy, Arlene, and ohhh don’t mind my grammar or punctuation 🤪

With the kids being out of school and parents struggling how to homeschool their kids, I have stepped up to the plate by taking one subject…I always loved spelling …. and sending both my grandkids ten spelling words (grades 2 and 3) to study. Thank goodness for today’s technology; they were to study them, and I was going to give them a test on Fridays with a Bonus Word. After the first test (lol) they said they wanted ten new words daily and a test daily! Using FaceTime I give them the tests. They both have gotten 100’s on their tests including the bonus word.. I get to see and interact with them daily…I love it!!

The first test for my grandson, grade 3…the bonus word was CORONAVIRUS, and he got it correct woohoo 🙌

-Kathy Calef Morse 😎, Massachusetts

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Difficult Decisions

As notaries public and signing agents, our work is considered “essential.” On March 17th, I was offered an assignment around the corner. I thought, Why not? They met my fee, and it seemed plenty simple. When I phoned the borrowers to confirm the appointment, I spoke with the husband and told him I needed to ask some unusual questions under the circumstances. He was fine with that. My first question: “Do you have a fever?” (I’m not sure why I chose that question first, but…”) “Yes. It’s only 99, but I feel fine.” I wasn’t so comfortable with that response, but I proceeded with a few more questions. “Have you been out of the country in the last couple of months?” “Do you have a cough?” “How does your wife feel?” His response was “No” to the first two questions, and he said that his wife was sleeping. It was two o’clock in the afternoon. I told him I’d have to get back to him. I knew my husband and my friends would not be fine with me going on this assignment, so I declined. And I’ve declined all offers since. This has not been an easy decision for me, as it’s our main source of income since my husband quit his job back in February. I’m also an Airbnb host, and March is when it starts picking up for the year. Alas, it hasn’t.

I worry about the impact it has on my family and how long we will have to shelter in place.

I worry for the millions of businesses that are having to close their doors, the workers who have worked for them, the single mother with children who’ve lost their two jobs. I worry about those working the front lines.

My motto these days: Stay home. Stay safe. Stay healthy.

-Pamela Fender, Author, Mobile Notary Public, Certified Signing Agent

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STAY HOME – STAY SAFE – STAY HEALTHY