Unsung heroes
There are a lot of unsung heroes out there right now. I would like to draw your attention to one particular group that I don't think I've heard mentioned yet. Home care providers.
COVID-19 Maine Update 5/5/2020
As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, including in Maine and the rest of the United States, the information we receive can sometimes be misleading and/or confusing. That's why it's important to get it from a trusted source. One of mine is Dr. Dora Anne Mills.
A time for reflection
Imagine getting an email out of the blue from someone you met 35 years ago. An email that said thank you. During these uncertain times, Rhonda Montanez has been feeling more reflective and decided to reach out to someone from her past. I am that grateful someone.
Waiting
In her account of how she is managing life in self-isolation, Jane Dougall writes that she has spent most of her life waiting for something. Now is no different, but what makes this current situation so challenging is the "unknown unknowing". What Jane does know is that "we are not going back to what was."
Feeling thankful
Every day we hear the numbers. On this day, Wednesday, April 29, 2020, COVID-19 has been confirmed in 1056 people here in Maine. According to the Maine CDC, 615 people have recovered, 52 have died. But the numbers don't include everyone. Ericka Dodge Katz, for instance. This is her story.
Acceptance, lessons, and gratitude
We all have our own challenges as we try to cope during the COVID-19 pandemic, some more difficult than others. Carolyn Delaney knows what it means to face a challenge and she also understands that we can learn something from other people's journeys.
Salmon with mango salsa and accordion roasted potatoes
I've been noticing a lot of sharing of recipes lately and pictures of incredible looking dishes that people have cooked. Here are some recipes from my sister-in-law. I haven't tasted them, but I'll guarantee they're amazing because that's the kind of cook she is.
The pull to help
Her greatest joy in life is spending time with her grandchildren, but she can't right now. Rather than sit at home this Maine woman decided to come out of retirement and get back to work — nursing.
COVID-19: Maine update 4/21/2020
As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, including in Maine and the rest of the United States, the information we receive can sometimes be misleading and/or confusing. That's why it's important to get it from a trusted source. One of mine is Dr. Dora Anne Mills.
March 5, 2020 — Let the retirement adventure begin?
Bob and Toni have been talking about their retirement dream for a long time. They'd sold their furniture, found a buyer for their house, and begun their journey when the COVID-19 pandemic forced a change of plans.
At home with Jen
If you were at home with Jen during this pandemic, chances are you'd be indulging in a spoonful (or more) of ice cream every now and again. Just enough to help you feel better than okay.
Greetings from Spain
A dream come true. Well, not quite. Instead of spending a year traveling around Spain, this retired couple is now on lockdown.
Luanne Cameron’s 110 Philosophy
Ever have an idea for a book you'd like to write? When it happened to Luanne Cameron, she grabbed hold of her idea and turned it into a reality. Her book The 110 Philosophy was published in January 2020. It's all about the principles she uses to guide her through life, one that is now impacted by a global pandemic.
Coping alongside your best (long-distance) friend
Supporting each other when you have to keep your distance isn't always easy. But as this global pandemic rages on, people everywhere are coming up with creative ways to look after one another. As you'll discover in this story by Fran and Marty, it's even possible when you are separated by an ocean.
She’s a card-carrying introvert but …
Are you an extrovert or introvert? Supposedly extroverts are having the hardest time dealing with being isolated. Not necessarily so. Here's Jen Dimond's story
A child is born
In the midst of all this uncertainty and angst, there are moments of joy. One such moment occurred this past weekend when Lee Hews' first grandchild was born.
Grandparenting from a distance
Grandparents everywhere are trying to meet the challenge of social distancing. Not easy when all you want to do is scoop them up in your arms and give them a hug. Here's a little inspiration on how you can stay safe during the pandemic and still connect.
COVID-19: Maine update 4/6/2020
As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, including in Maine and the rest of the United States, the information we receive can sometimes be misleading and/or confusing. That's why it's important to get it from a trusted source. One of mine is Dr. Dora Anne Mills.
Staying at home in San Francisco
As they are in so many cities right now, the streets and sidewalks in San Francisco are nearly deserted. People living there have been under a stay-at-home order since March 16. My brother Patrick is one of them. He shares how he has been doing so far.
Driven to make more art
We all have our own ways of coping with the isolation, fear and anxiety, uncertainty, stress, you-name-it feelings that we are all experiencing these days. For Anne Strout, it's going into her studio and creating art.
Shelter in place in NYC
My nephew and his family live in New York City, where streets usually crowded with vehicles and people are now empty and quiet. They've been isolated at home for several weeks now, with no end in sight. Their usual routines don't work anymore, so together, they've built some new ones.
Shaken not scared: Coping in the time of the new normal
This new normal we are experiencing can be overwhelming from many different angles. Even if you are a fairly level-headed individual like Diana Page. As a nurse practitioner, she is a pro at assessing a situation and taking appropriate action. She shares some of the lessons she continues to learn.
COVID-19: Maine update 3/31/2020
As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, including in Maine and the rest of the United States, the information we receive can sometimes be misleading and/or confusing. That's why it's important to get it from a trusted source. One of mine is Dr. Dora Anne Mills.
Let’s do this
Words of wisdom from my husband Barry: Being resourceful, gathering and sharing information (from credible sources) and visualizing that inevitable time ahead when things will be better helps us to be resilient. Read what else he has to say about trying to make the best of a challenging situation.
The luxury of unexpected time
We all have our own perspectives on the effects of COVID-19 on our lives. I am grateful to have this blog where I can share information and people's stories, including my own sometimes. This short story comes from Sister Miriam Therese Callnan.
How are you holding up?
As we all try to grapple with being isolated, some people are doing better than others. It's a difficult time and one that Val Walker never anticipated when she wrote her book (out today) 400 Friends and No One to Call. We spoke on the phone recently and she shared how she came to write the book, as well as some wisdom about dealing with our current situation.
COVID-19’s impact on a small business
The threat of COVID-19 has turned our world(s) upside down. People isolated at home, some working, some out of a job, some not well, many feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. Pete Smith's story is that the business he and his partner Gudrun worked so hard to build is now closed. But as you'll see, Pete's an optimist.
COVID-19: Maine update 3/24/2020
As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, including in Maine and the rest of the United States, the information we receive can sometimes be misleading and/or confusing. That's why it's important to get it from a trusted source. One of mine is Dr. Dora Anne Mills.
Bright Side March 21, 2020
Feeling down? A little lost? Uncertain? Overwhelmed? Take a quick Bright Side break with me.
COVID-19: Maine update 3/17/2020
As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, including in Maine and the rest of the United States, the information we receive can sometimes be misleading and/or confusing. That's why it's important to get it from a trusted source. One of mine is Dr. Dora Anne Mills.
Bright Side March 14, 2020
Having trouble sleeping lately? I am. Seems all I can think about is COVID-19. I feel caught between wanting to learn as much as I can and wanting to turn everything off. But I received a few unexpected gifts today that brightened up my attitude. I'd like to share them with you.