All aboard the COVID rollercoaster. Here in Melbourne we are halfway through a second wave, hard lockdown and we are all feeling isolation fatigue. As much of the country move back toward a modified normality, our southern state is feeling the mental and physical barriers of the lockdown. In and out of lockdown since March this year, our resolution to get on top of this is strong. We are fighting hard to get case numbers down, but some days it feels as if the rest of the country have forgotten just how lockdown feels.
With minimal movement outside the home and greatly reduced business and industry, most people are doing what needs to be done. However, despite the risk and rising death toll, there are still those ignoring warnings and others choosing to ignore the pandemic altogether, a baffling notion.
Would world governments tank their economies and restrict the movement of people for the fun of it or for control? I think not.
It is certainly no picnic. Those of us living alone are missing the hugs and company of friends and family; families with children are coping with homeschooling and lack of space from one another and the elderly are isolated, many falling victim to this scourge that does not discriminate.
We cannot forget the overwhelming and heavy burden on our frontline health workers, essential services and those working to keep the rest of us safe. Thank you will never be enough for these people who have no choice but to fight.
Spending a great deal of time in isolation heightens the sense of disconnection and sadness for many of us.
I am fortunate to be working on my next picture book, which has provided me with a daily escape into a magical world.
Spring is peeking out from behind the flowering trees and in new plant growth. In between wintery blasts of Antarctic air and heavy rain bursts, I have been trying to do my annual clean up for the coming good weather. Add to that, baking, crocheting hand mitts and making an Evie for our Evie is all Ears book launch later in the year, I am keeping myself entertained. When it all gets too much, I drop on the couch for a little Netflix binge.
The mail service is slower than walking at the moment. Due to reduction in sorting centre staff and being sent to Sydney for sorting then back to Melbourne for distribution. Some mail is travelling over 1500km to get back to where it came from initially! Crazy times.
I am chaffing at the bit, waiting for the arrival of my first copy of Evie is all Ears. After working on her story for the past 2 years, this homestretch is getting very long. There are much worse things that can happen and I will be patient…
I am trying hard to stay positive, ignoring the negativity of social media, media in general and the lunatic fringe. We have been through so many trials in 2020, but we will get through this too.
Keep safe and well all, until we can be together again. x
