Eva Pasco's Blog, page 29
May 27, 2020
Eva’s Byte #265: An Uphill Climb
Literarily, I’ve always considered the process of writing an uphill climb. Not an uphill battle, however. Flying by the pantser’s approach from conception to conclusion, my vision provides the light at the end of the tunnel, however long the journey needs to take. That mentioned, I began writing my Contemporary WIP in 2017.
Although I haven’t reached the mountaintop as of yet, I began drafting chapter 49 in Part 2. Within the local setting of Foster, Rhode Island, there is an uphill climb—geographically speaking.
Jerimoth Hill:
Looming at a height of 812 ft., it is literally the highest point in Rhode Island. Hiking involves trekking along a .3-mi. trail with a 10-ft. elevation gain. Easy-peasy if you’re in shape. You’ll know you’ve arrived at the summit when you come to a rocky outcrop in the woods.
For years, Brown University used the location as its astronomy observatory. That is, until things went downhill in the 1990s. Hikers could not access the hill because the only path to the summit crossed the driveway of a private property owner. You might say he got his high point across to trespassers by firing shots over their heads, thereby earning the moniker, “Madman of Jerimoth Hill”.
Not to worry. After the homeowner’s death in 2005, his property was purchased by a family who permitted daily access.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...
Enough to know for the purpose of this blog. More than enough for me to blur the demarcation line between non-fiction and fiction in my uphill climb to finish drafting the current chapter I’ve only just begun.
However steep my uphill climb to get to the mountaintop, my work of fiction will be grounded in reality.
*My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Despite life’s setbacks and hairpin turns, may you never lose sight of the mountaintop.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Although I haven’t reached the mountaintop as of yet, I began drafting chapter 49 in Part 2. Within the local setting of Foster, Rhode Island, there is an uphill climb—geographically speaking.
Jerimoth Hill:
Looming at a height of 812 ft., it is literally the highest point in Rhode Island. Hiking involves trekking along a .3-mi. trail with a 10-ft. elevation gain. Easy-peasy if you’re in shape. You’ll know you’ve arrived at the summit when you come to a rocky outcrop in the woods.
For years, Brown University used the location as its astronomy observatory. That is, until things went downhill in the 1990s. Hikers could not access the hill because the only path to the summit crossed the driveway of a private property owner. You might say he got his high point across to trespassers by firing shots over their heads, thereby earning the moniker, “Madman of Jerimoth Hill”.
Not to worry. After the homeowner’s death in 2005, his property was purchased by a family who permitted daily access.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...
Enough to know for the purpose of this blog. More than enough for me to blur the demarcation line between non-fiction and fiction in my uphill climb to finish drafting the current chapter I’ve only just begun.
However steep my uphill climb to get to the mountaintop, my work of fiction will be grounded in reality.
*My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Despite life’s setbacks and hairpin turns, may you never lose sight of the mountaintop.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
May 20, 2020
Eva’s Byte #264: Island Hopping from Home
My latest pleasurable pastime while social-distancing and sheltering in place is that of island hopping. My first destination via armchair travel through You Tube has led me to Mackinac Island. (Pronounced MAK-in-aw) – Totally threw me!
On my bucket list of places to visit, inspired by the movie, “Somewhere in Time” (1980), filmed on location at the Grand Hotel on the island.
No time like the present to soak in the virtual sunshine of this popular tourist attraction located at the eastern Straits of Mackinac, between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas.
Whaddya know: motorized vehicles have been prohibited on the island since 1898. Modes of travel are either on foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn carriage. While sitting back in my chair, I felt as though I were actually traveling by carriage headed toward the Grand Hotel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5NBX...
For my own peace of mind, I’ll parlay my free ticket to visit Mackinac Island again through the lens of other videos.
In my capacity as writer, I’ve been hopping along the trails of my Contemporary work in progress, rounding the bend of chapter 48. The local, rural setting of Foster, Rhode Island is worth a detour off the beaten path.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqqu6...
*If you’ve read this far, my heartfelt appreciation. Whatever mode of travel you take, may the journey be enjoyable as your destination.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
On my bucket list of places to visit, inspired by the movie, “Somewhere in Time” (1980), filmed on location at the Grand Hotel on the island.
No time like the present to soak in the virtual sunshine of this popular tourist attraction located at the eastern Straits of Mackinac, between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas.
Whaddya know: motorized vehicles have been prohibited on the island since 1898. Modes of travel are either on foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn carriage. While sitting back in my chair, I felt as though I were actually traveling by carriage headed toward the Grand Hotel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5NBX...
For my own peace of mind, I’ll parlay my free ticket to visit Mackinac Island again through the lens of other videos.
In my capacity as writer, I’ve been hopping along the trails of my Contemporary work in progress, rounding the bend of chapter 48. The local, rural setting of Foster, Rhode Island is worth a detour off the beaten path.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqqu6...
*If you’ve read this far, my heartfelt appreciation. Whatever mode of travel you take, may the journey be enjoyable as your destination.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
May 13, 2020
Eva’s Byte #263: The Perils of Online Freighting
Not the only one foraging online for necessities while hunkering in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, the prospects are not without peril.
First off, a heartfelt thanks to everyone working the frontline frontiers: medical field, supermarket employees, retailers, restaurant personnel, truckers, and many more not mentioned who put their life in peril each day.
That said, in the hustle and bustle to meet consumer demands, something goes awry between purchasing and freighting precious cargo to your door.
Detecting a foul odor emanating from a 3-oz. case of 24 canned cat food, I tentatively peeled back the perforated strip. To my horror, I discovered a feasting swarm of insects.
While recuperating from that peril, it was only a matter of days before the next peril struck.
Dragging the box delivered on my threshold into the kitchen, I felt something wet at the bottom. No second guessing as to the cause, when the contents included a dozen 32-fl. oz. cartons of hemp milk. Sure enough, one had leaked onto all of the rest. Not that most of those survived the haul unscathed either, in various stages of “crushed”. I ended up tossing two cartons, vowing to find a more reputable vendor the next time around.
In the grand scheme of things, two incidents such as these don’t amount to a hill of beans.
Perish the thought, if in my capacity as writer, I was at a loss for words. Nothing could be further from the truth. This week, I’m rolling along to the finish line of chapter 48 in Part 3 of my Contemporary WIP.
*If you’ve read this far, my sincere appreciation.
May your perils be few and far between. May your prospects be pastures of green.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
First off, a heartfelt thanks to everyone working the frontline frontiers: medical field, supermarket employees, retailers, restaurant personnel, truckers, and many more not mentioned who put their life in peril each day.
That said, in the hustle and bustle to meet consumer demands, something goes awry between purchasing and freighting precious cargo to your door.
Detecting a foul odor emanating from a 3-oz. case of 24 canned cat food, I tentatively peeled back the perforated strip. To my horror, I discovered a feasting swarm of insects.
While recuperating from that peril, it was only a matter of days before the next peril struck.
Dragging the box delivered on my threshold into the kitchen, I felt something wet at the bottom. No second guessing as to the cause, when the contents included a dozen 32-fl. oz. cartons of hemp milk. Sure enough, one had leaked onto all of the rest. Not that most of those survived the haul unscathed either, in various stages of “crushed”. I ended up tossing two cartons, vowing to find a more reputable vendor the next time around.
In the grand scheme of things, two incidents such as these don’t amount to a hill of beans.
Perish the thought, if in my capacity as writer, I was at a loss for words. Nothing could be further from the truth. This week, I’m rolling along to the finish line of chapter 48 in Part 3 of my Contemporary WIP.
*If you’ve read this far, my sincere appreciation.
May your perils be few and far between. May your prospects be pastures of green.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
May 6, 2020
Eva’s Byte #262 – Giving Credit Where Credit’s Due
Although, spinning in a different direction from Eva’s Byte #108 - My Mother: My Muse, published at Authors Den on May 12, 2017:
Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose (The more things change, the more they stay the same).
Staying the same: my mother, my muse, is a source of inspiration. She continues to convey her pride in my ability to write convincing stories.
These days, abiding by strict restrictions put in place at the assisted living facility where my mother resides—she’s even more of an inspiration. Although she occasionally bemoans not having her hair done, overall, my mother maintains a positive attitude and adheres to the healthy lifestyle credited for her longevity.
Giving credit where credit’s due:
Memoir #77 - My Mom’s True-Love Ways from 100 Wild Mushrooms: Memoirs of the ‘60s (2017)
Back in the early Sixties when most moms were career housewives, my mom got up at five every morning to make my father’s lunch. This did not entail slapping a slice of baloney between two pieces of Wonder bread glued together with mustard. A true-love way to the nth degree, she’d either whip up a frittata or peppers and eggs, or a combo of sausage, peppers, and mushrooms. Then she’d generously stuff the contents inside two sandwiches made from thickly sliced Italian bread. Next, she’d dole whatever my dad was having into torpedo rolls for our school lunches while my sister and I set the table for breakfast.
Once my mother sent the three of us on our merry way, she washed and dried all the pots n’ pans and dishes before tackling housework and doing the laundry.
Since my mom didn’t drive at this juncture in her life, she had plenty of time before my father came home to lounge on the couch to suck up the soaps—Guiding Light, As the World Turns, or The Edge of Night—but, always found something to keep busy instead.
This could have run the gamut of raking the entire yard, mowing the lawn with our manual mower, or standing on a ladder to wash windows that required her to remove or reposition the storm windows.
Another one of my mom’s true-love ways was to surprise us by baking a cake from scratch, or out of a Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines box mix. One of my favorites was “coconut surprise”—not so much for the coconut, but the little bits of rainbow candies that melted in your mouth. I also liked when she surprised us with Pillsbury rolls fresh out of the oven to accompany our dinner.
On an off-day, my mother put the pedal to the metal on her Singer sewing machine where she designed clothes for our Barbie dolls without needing any patterns.
During the change of seasons I couldn’t wait to get home from school to see how she decorated my bedroom with its coordinating bedspread and curtains.
A Sixties mom’s “true-love ways” were unique to a decade where housewives ruled the roost while fathers were the sole providers who brought home the bacon. Oftentimes, these gals succumbed to the latest gizmos and gadgets peddled by door-to-door salesmen like the Fuller Brush man or Avon lady during an era when it was considered generally safe to allow doorbell ringers into your home.
Occasionally these moms visited neighbors and enjoyed conversation over a cup of coffee during the early afternoon. Mostly, a Sixties mom’s true-love ways lavished attention on her family.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose (The more things change, the more they stay the same).
Staying the same: my mother, my muse, is a source of inspiration. She continues to convey her pride in my ability to write convincing stories.
These days, abiding by strict restrictions put in place at the assisted living facility where my mother resides—she’s even more of an inspiration. Although she occasionally bemoans not having her hair done, overall, my mother maintains a positive attitude and adheres to the healthy lifestyle credited for her longevity.
Giving credit where credit’s due:
Memoir #77 - My Mom’s True-Love Ways from 100 Wild Mushrooms: Memoirs of the ‘60s (2017)
Back in the early Sixties when most moms were career housewives, my mom got up at five every morning to make my father’s lunch. This did not entail slapping a slice of baloney between two pieces of Wonder bread glued together with mustard. A true-love way to the nth degree, she’d either whip up a frittata or peppers and eggs, or a combo of sausage, peppers, and mushrooms. Then she’d generously stuff the contents inside two sandwiches made from thickly sliced Italian bread. Next, she’d dole whatever my dad was having into torpedo rolls for our school lunches while my sister and I set the table for breakfast.
Once my mother sent the three of us on our merry way, she washed and dried all the pots n’ pans and dishes before tackling housework and doing the laundry.
Since my mom didn’t drive at this juncture in her life, she had plenty of time before my father came home to lounge on the couch to suck up the soaps—Guiding Light, As the World Turns, or The Edge of Night—but, always found something to keep busy instead.
This could have run the gamut of raking the entire yard, mowing the lawn with our manual mower, or standing on a ladder to wash windows that required her to remove or reposition the storm windows.
Another one of my mom’s true-love ways was to surprise us by baking a cake from scratch, or out of a Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines box mix. One of my favorites was “coconut surprise”—not so much for the coconut, but the little bits of rainbow candies that melted in your mouth. I also liked when she surprised us with Pillsbury rolls fresh out of the oven to accompany our dinner.
On an off-day, my mother put the pedal to the metal on her Singer sewing machine where she designed clothes for our Barbie dolls without needing any patterns.
During the change of seasons I couldn’t wait to get home from school to see how she decorated my bedroom with its coordinating bedspread and curtains.
A Sixties mom’s “true-love ways” were unique to a decade where housewives ruled the roost while fathers were the sole providers who brought home the bacon. Oftentimes, these gals succumbed to the latest gizmos and gadgets peddled by door-to-door salesmen like the Fuller Brush man or Avon lady during an era when it was considered generally safe to allow doorbell ringers into your home.
Occasionally these moms visited neighbors and enjoyed conversation over a cup of coffee during the early afternoon. Mostly, a Sixties mom’s true-love ways lavished attention on her family.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
April 29, 2020
Eva’s Byte #261 - Consumed by Food
This week, anyway.
What consumes you, lately?
As each of us strive to survive and thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic, we adopt a new lifestyle, whether we like it or not.
Not liking to leave the sanctuary of my home to forage at the local supermarket, as the number of cases in my area surpasses 8000, I did so anyway.
Smoked out of my own home, consumed by food:
Since my last trip there, the latest standard procedure implemented involves one-way travel down the aisles, clearly designated by arrows strategically placed at the end of each intersection. As if that’s not enough, the voice projected from a loud speaker reminds everyone to follow protocol.
A few shoppers blatantly ignore the safety measure, compromising social-distancing, while cross-contaminating.
Civil Disobedience—Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” (1969) comes to mind.
Even if these nonconformists hadn’t given the slightest thought to jeopardizing others, you’d think they’d be concerned for their own well-being. Apparently not.
Once more, back home unless driven out by primordial needs, I’ve battened down the hatches, resuming my online quests to better accommodate a lifestyle imposed by the pandemic.
In that regard, I signed up for a weekly, meal-delivery service:
Good-for-you-food— less sugar, less processed ingredients, more nutrients, and 500 calories or less. Freshly chef-prepared. Ready to consume in minutes after heating in the microwave.
Also consumed with writing in my capacity as an author, this week I’m rounding the bend to completing the draft of chapter 47 in my Contemporary WIP.
*My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far. May whatever consumes you for the time being, enable a healthier lifestyle.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
What consumes you, lately?
As each of us strive to survive and thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic, we adopt a new lifestyle, whether we like it or not.
Not liking to leave the sanctuary of my home to forage at the local supermarket, as the number of cases in my area surpasses 8000, I did so anyway.
Smoked out of my own home, consumed by food:
Since my last trip there, the latest standard procedure implemented involves one-way travel down the aisles, clearly designated by arrows strategically placed at the end of each intersection. As if that’s not enough, the voice projected from a loud speaker reminds everyone to follow protocol.
A few shoppers blatantly ignore the safety measure, compromising social-distancing, while cross-contaminating.
Civil Disobedience—Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” (1969) comes to mind.
Even if these nonconformists hadn’t given the slightest thought to jeopardizing others, you’d think they’d be concerned for their own well-being. Apparently not.
Once more, back home unless driven out by primordial needs, I’ve battened down the hatches, resuming my online quests to better accommodate a lifestyle imposed by the pandemic.
In that regard, I signed up for a weekly, meal-delivery service:
Good-for-you-food— less sugar, less processed ingredients, more nutrients, and 500 calories or less. Freshly chef-prepared. Ready to consume in minutes after heating in the microwave.
Also consumed with writing in my capacity as an author, this week I’m rounding the bend to completing the draft of chapter 47 in my Contemporary WIP.
*My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far. May whatever consumes you for the time being, enable a healthier lifestyle.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
April 22, 2020
Eva’s Byte #260: Small Measures
Thinking outside the box and discovering viable alternatives to survive and thrive.
Most likely of little to no significance for those who graciously read this blog, small measures provide solace to me while self-isolating during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this together, traversing common ground, perchance you’ll relate through your own newfound consolations under siege—thinking outside the box.
This week’s small measures of note:
1. Choosing to make even fewer supermarket runs to replenish perishables, I sought an alternative to cow’s milk which could be purchased online. My blind-buy, never-before-tasted dare resulted in the bulk purchase of 32. oz cartons of unsweetened hemp milk. Besides the health benefits, I love its creamy, frothy consistency. I’ve even acquired a taste and craving for the “putty” flavoring.
2. Low maintenance, de rigueur of the stay-at-home day, I threw all caution to the wind by not blow-drying my hair after a washing. Lo and behold, it brought out my spiral curls without sacrificing volume. A healthier alternative to frying, eh?
Along the writing front of my Contemporary WIP, I’m at the tail end of chapter 46, hunkering down to nail dialogue, one of my pet peeves in striving for perfection.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far. May you take solace and joy in life’s small measures to survive and thrive.
Eva’s Authors Den Page:https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Most likely of little to no significance for those who graciously read this blog, small measures provide solace to me while self-isolating during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this together, traversing common ground, perchance you’ll relate through your own newfound consolations under siege—thinking outside the box.
This week’s small measures of note:
1. Choosing to make even fewer supermarket runs to replenish perishables, I sought an alternative to cow’s milk which could be purchased online. My blind-buy, never-before-tasted dare resulted in the bulk purchase of 32. oz cartons of unsweetened hemp milk. Besides the health benefits, I love its creamy, frothy consistency. I’ve even acquired a taste and craving for the “putty” flavoring.
2. Low maintenance, de rigueur of the stay-at-home day, I threw all caution to the wind by not blow-drying my hair after a washing. Lo and behold, it brought out my spiral curls without sacrificing volume. A healthier alternative to frying, eh?
Along the writing front of my Contemporary WIP, I’m at the tail end of chapter 46, hunkering down to nail dialogue, one of my pet peeves in striving for perfection.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far. May you take solace and joy in life’s small measures to survive and thrive.
Eva’s Authors Den Page:https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
April 15, 2020
Eva’s Byte #259: Keeping the Distance
Not to be confused with keeping the faith, a separate strain for surviving the COVID-19 pandemic, beyond not becoming infected with the potentially lethal coronavirus. The live update as of 5:50 p.m., April 15th: 2, 073,555 cases; 134,020 deaths. Recovered: 509,038.
So, venturing forth in public, mandated for essential purposes only, that of surviving—we keep our social-distance: 6 feet asunder as opposed to 6 feet under, the depth of a freshly dug grave.
Keeping the faith that we’ll get past this crisis, it’s already a given that social-distancing and other Checkpoint-Charlie protocol will become a way of life as we slowly matriculate back into society.
Par for the course in following extreme measures to keep one’s distance, there are ill-effects from going too far:
For over month and counting, I’ve not been able to visit my elderly mother where she resides in an assisted living facility. In retrospect, it might seem a small price to pay for keeping those in a vulnerable age bracket institutionalized in their own home without physical contact from loved ones.
In a different light, deprivation of life as she knew it—and for how much longer—is an exorbitant price to pay when you’re 89 years old. She said as much herself.
Pheasant under glass comes to mind.
In the meantime, keeping my distance through self-isolation, unless heading out to the supermarket, I’ve gone the distance along my Contemporary WIP. This week, having finished drafting chapter 45, I’m in the throes of writing chapter 46.
*If you’ve read this far, thank you! While keeping the distance, may you find a way to reach out to loved ones from afar.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
So, venturing forth in public, mandated for essential purposes only, that of surviving—we keep our social-distance: 6 feet asunder as opposed to 6 feet under, the depth of a freshly dug grave.
Keeping the faith that we’ll get past this crisis, it’s already a given that social-distancing and other Checkpoint-Charlie protocol will become a way of life as we slowly matriculate back into society.
Par for the course in following extreme measures to keep one’s distance, there are ill-effects from going too far:
For over month and counting, I’ve not been able to visit my elderly mother where she resides in an assisted living facility. In retrospect, it might seem a small price to pay for keeping those in a vulnerable age bracket institutionalized in their own home without physical contact from loved ones.
In a different light, deprivation of life as she knew it—and for how much longer—is an exorbitant price to pay when you’re 89 years old. She said as much herself.
Pheasant under glass comes to mind.
In the meantime, keeping my distance through self-isolation, unless heading out to the supermarket, I’ve gone the distance along my Contemporary WIP. This week, having finished drafting chapter 45, I’m in the throes of writing chapter 46.
*If you’ve read this far, thank you! While keeping the distance, may you find a way to reach out to loved ones from afar.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
April 8, 2020
Eva’s Byte #258: The Grass is Greener
It's good to touch the green, green grass of home. (“Green Green Grass of Home”; Tom Jones, 1966)
The search for greener pastures ends in our own back yard.
Rise and shine! During my morning workout on the elliptical trainer overlooking the view offered by an oversized, double-hung window, I discovered the grass is greener on the other side—in my own back yard.
I’ll be on the lookout for more signs of spring in my back yard throughout the days to come: bulbs blooming, trees budding, and birds chirping. Symbolizing renewal and rebirth, hope springs eternal, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since all of Rhode Island’s state parks, beaches, and campgrouds are officially closed until further notice, I’ve grown to appreciate my immediate surroundings. Upping the ante of exercise during my state’s strict stay-at-home order, I’ve now been taking walks to stave off writer’s butt.
It’s a pleasure to amble along the paved pathways on the sprawling, manicured grounds of my complex. This secluded oasis offers respite from the far-reaching effects of a world crisis.
As for writing, I continue to progress in my Contemporary WIP, winding down chapter 45.
During spring’s forward march, I intend to proceed walking where the grass is greener, in my own back yard. Health benefits aside, I’ll soon be able to see and smell the roses. And, during allergy season, that’s nothing to sneeze at.
If you’ve read this far, may hope spring eternal.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
The search for greener pastures ends in our own back yard.
Rise and shine! During my morning workout on the elliptical trainer overlooking the view offered by an oversized, double-hung window, I discovered the grass is greener on the other side—in my own back yard.
I’ll be on the lookout for more signs of spring in my back yard throughout the days to come: bulbs blooming, trees budding, and birds chirping. Symbolizing renewal and rebirth, hope springs eternal, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since all of Rhode Island’s state parks, beaches, and campgrouds are officially closed until further notice, I’ve grown to appreciate my immediate surroundings. Upping the ante of exercise during my state’s strict stay-at-home order, I’ve now been taking walks to stave off writer’s butt.
It’s a pleasure to amble along the paved pathways on the sprawling, manicured grounds of my complex. This secluded oasis offers respite from the far-reaching effects of a world crisis.
As for writing, I continue to progress in my Contemporary WIP, winding down chapter 45.
During spring’s forward march, I intend to proceed walking where the grass is greener, in my own back yard. Health benefits aside, I’ll soon be able to see and smell the roses. And, during allergy season, that’s nothing to sneeze at.
If you’ve read this far, may hope spring eternal.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
April 1, 2020
Eva’s Byte #257: My New Norm
How are you spending your free time these days?
Let me be forthright in stating I do not consider the domino effect of the COVID-19 pandemic a laughing matter. Not at all! In my capacity as a writer, my perverse humor is geared toward myself—only.
Prior to practicing social-distancing and self-isolation, it was all I could do to eek time to write. Now that I have all the time in the world, I’m not any more productive. I did manage to finish chapters 43 and 44 in my Contemporary work in progress. I’m currently drafting chapter 45, progressing from a flashback taking place in the Sixties.
Besides doing housework, and making sporadic runs to the supermarket for perishables—what exactly am I doing with all this free time on my hands?
Akin to playing-the-ponies, I’m burning my dough chasing what I consider my necessities, on-line. One of them, Dunkin Donuts iced coffee. A one-per-day habit which I derive enjoyment from while working in the aforementioned capacity as a writer. Lo and behold, this commodity is a lot cheaper in bulk. A silver lining!
I also put myself on a long-distant waiting list for home deliveries from a local dairy. Wish I had the foresight to do so before the pandemic.
Not the only one embracing new norms these days, I’m more grateful than ever for food, shelter, and good health as I surmise you are.
If you’ve read this far, may you stay safe and well.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Let me be forthright in stating I do not consider the domino effect of the COVID-19 pandemic a laughing matter. Not at all! In my capacity as a writer, my perverse humor is geared toward myself—only.
Prior to practicing social-distancing and self-isolation, it was all I could do to eek time to write. Now that I have all the time in the world, I’m not any more productive. I did manage to finish chapters 43 and 44 in my Contemporary work in progress. I’m currently drafting chapter 45, progressing from a flashback taking place in the Sixties.
Besides doing housework, and making sporadic runs to the supermarket for perishables—what exactly am I doing with all this free time on my hands?
Akin to playing-the-ponies, I’m burning my dough chasing what I consider my necessities, on-line. One of them, Dunkin Donuts iced coffee. A one-per-day habit which I derive enjoyment from while working in the aforementioned capacity as a writer. Lo and behold, this commodity is a lot cheaper in bulk. A silver lining!
I also put myself on a long-distant waiting list for home deliveries from a local dairy. Wish I had the foresight to do so before the pandemic.
Not the only one embracing new norms these days, I’m more grateful than ever for food, shelter, and good health as I surmise you are.
If you’ve read this far, may you stay safe and well.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
March 25, 2020
Eva’s Byte #256: That One Saving Grace
For the times they are a-changin' (Bob Dylan)
Under siege during these changin’ times, it’s more important than ever to embrace one saving grace.
Throughout the COVID – 19 global pandemic, our life situation changes daily!
Most of us have been reduced to foraging for basic necessities by hoofing it in sneakers on the ground and/or searching online. The psychological and economic devastations in themselves provide plenty of fodder for writers of Sci-Fi or Dystopian literature.
One consistency amidst these constantly changin’ times—truth is stranger than fiction:
Trying to survive as best we can by stockpiling essentials for the inevitable mandate of sheltering-in-place—the scarcity of toilet paper has increased our anxiety—3-ply. Guilty as charged! Oh…but, the unmitigated joy in being able to replenish—a saving grace!
As for my own personal saving grace during these changin’ times—flowers.
They’re still plentiful in the florist section of the supermarket, an oasis in the surrounding desert of empty shelves. Carnations are my favorite. I’m in the habit of picking up a bunch every week without fail. Arranged in vases, I enjoy their beauty in my dining room and entryway. Nature’s bounty has been especially comforting during self-isolation.
As the number of those infected with the virus keeps escalating in my state, it will no longer be feasible for anyone to hoof it on foot to forage for staples, let alone, one saving grace that makes a profound difference during these changin’ times.
If you’ve read this far, thank you! Stay safe and be well.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Under siege during these changin’ times, it’s more important than ever to embrace one saving grace.
Throughout the COVID – 19 global pandemic, our life situation changes daily!
Most of us have been reduced to foraging for basic necessities by hoofing it in sneakers on the ground and/or searching online. The psychological and economic devastations in themselves provide plenty of fodder for writers of Sci-Fi or Dystopian literature.
One consistency amidst these constantly changin’ times—truth is stranger than fiction:
Trying to survive as best we can by stockpiling essentials for the inevitable mandate of sheltering-in-place—the scarcity of toilet paper has increased our anxiety—3-ply. Guilty as charged! Oh…but, the unmitigated joy in being able to replenish—a saving grace!
As for my own personal saving grace during these changin’ times—flowers.
They’re still plentiful in the florist section of the supermarket, an oasis in the surrounding desert of empty shelves. Carnations are my favorite. I’m in the habit of picking up a bunch every week without fail. Arranged in vases, I enjoy their beauty in my dining room and entryway. Nature’s bounty has been especially comforting during self-isolation.
As the number of those infected with the virus keeps escalating in my state, it will no longer be feasible for anyone to hoof it on foot to forage for staples, let alone, one saving grace that makes a profound difference during these changin’ times.
If you’ve read this far, thank you! Stay safe and be well.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
