REBOOT

 

I'm attempting a reboot. It's been at least a year since my last post. Not that anybody noticed. 

It's been a rough year, hasn't it. Luckily, I haven't lost anybody close to Covid but, we've collectively lost over 600,000 American souls. Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, grandparents. Gone. 

I'm vaccinated but still nervous about being around people. Took a chance the other day and went for an oil change without my mask. It wasn't crowded there, so that alleviated my fears some. 

Honestly, I've become somewhat of a hermit. I've been retired a little over a year now. I thought I would spend more time around writer friends and at my local hangout but that hasn't been the case. Of course, the lockdown was to blame at first. But now I use my disability as an excuse to stay home. I am dependent on a walker and driving really hurts my knees. Anybody who lives with pain know these are  legitimate reasons to not want to do things.

I'm an only child, so I'm quite use to being alone. Doesn't bother me most of the time. What bothers me is . . . I'm not writing either. You would think with all this time at home I would have cranked out at least one book. Nada, nothing, zilch. My excuse . . . desk chair uncomfortable, no ideas, Dateline is coming on. Not good reasons. 

So, it's reboot time baby. 

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Bear Of A Year

 

This has been a bear of a year. I think we can all agree on that. 

I remember when 2020 started and we were all laughing at the videos of Barbara Walters saying "This is 2020." Now, I'd like to kick her in the teeth. 

So much sadness and uncertainty. I admire people who have made the best of this. The small business owners who have managed to find ways to survive. The parents managing to work from home and at the same time, school their kids. The doctors, nurses, and first responders who have kept fighting this disease, sometimes against impossible odds. The scientist working so very hard to save us all. 

These times have certainly brought out the best in people and the worst. But, somehow we have managed to keep our heads on and muddle through.  

None of us know when things will be better. Everybody says they want normal again. Not sure the normal we knew a year ago will ever return. But, maybe, just maybe, a new normal will emerge that is better, more kind, and more patient. 

FRIDAY STIR FRY: Where Is It?

 I thought this picture was funny. Here is this soldier searching for something in the distance and the bird seems to be trying to help him. 

What are they looking for? Perhaps the bird is just looking for fish to eat. The soldier is probably on the lookout for the enemy. Or, maybe not. 

On a more spiritual level, they could both be looking for a purpose to life. Or somebody to love. Or friendship. 

Maybe, like me, they are hoping to find inspiration. It's out there somewhere. 

Actually, I found inspiration this morning while having breakfast with some of my writing buddies. I am thinking of writing a cozy mystery for NaNo this year. I'm a big fan of Murder She Wrote so, I thought, why not. I was having a hard time figuring out what my setting should be and they helped me decide. 

I'm going to keep this inspiration to myself for now. But, stay tuned.