Maren Cooper's Blog, page 4
November 14, 2021
The Gales of November
Lake Superior is on my mind…Today, the 46th anniversary of the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald will be marked by the annual memorial service held at Split Rock Lighthouse. I’m glad it’s back live this year. Of course, last year it transitioned to an on-line only event due to the pandemic. It’s a moving ceremony in observance at the historic lighthouse to remember the 29 men lost aboard the shipwreck, as well as mariners lost in other shipwrecks. You can read more at: https://www.mnhs.org/splitrock/activi...
The freighter left Superior, Wisconsin on November 9, 1975 with a load of iron ore pellets, and made its way across Lake Superior as a November gale intensified. While battling wind and waves the captain radioed the nearby freighter Arthur M. Anderson that the Fitzgerald was holding its own, but soon after, the Fitzgerald sank without giving a distress signal. You may remember the Gordon Lightfoot song that came out in 1976 about the shipwreck.
Today at 4:30 PM, the names of the lost Fitzgerald crew will be read as a bell rings 29 times, and then one more time to remember all lost mariners. Then the Split Rock lighthouse will be lit, shining out over the cold, dark waters of Lake Superior.
I’m not attending this year, but have in many past years been among the many who come for the ceremony of observance of those lost. All present are made aware of the majesty and power of the lake. The ceremony reminds us of the danger to be sure; the lake is reliable in its ability to change, the storms of November are legendary.
Lake Superior is on my mind… because it is clear that climate change is making an impact on it. It is among the the world’s fastest-warming freshwater bodies, and has increasingly borne the force of what used to be considered once-in-a-lifetime storms. And while a bloom of blue-green algae first appeared in Lake Superior about a decade ago, no serious levels of toxins had been confirmed until last month when a bloom near Superior, Wisconsin left a beach’s water streaky green.
While I love nothing more than being snug in my lake home safely watching the lake churn through a November gale, I’m concerned about the future. Lake Superior is cold, deep and holds a tenth of the earth’s surface freshwater. Rising temperatures, diminishing ice cover and longer summer seasons don’t bode well for a the rapidly warming lake. Beyond its clear recreational draw to millions, the shipping industry relies heavily on the ability to move supplies across the shipping lanes. We need to pay attention.
Lake Superior is on my mind… because it’s time I announce my second novel! Lake Superior is the setting for novel “Finding Grace” which will be published July 19, 2022 by She Writes Press. If you are reading this post, you have visited my website, just refreshed with the news. Do you like the cover of the new book?
I have been mesmerized by the lake most of my life. As a native Minnesotan, and a lake home owner, the lake inspires me, challenges me and thrills me. I love its reliable changeability. No two days are the same. Seasonal changes are captivating. In future posts, I will share more of the lake, and of the new book, available for pre-order already!
Maren
The freighter left Superior, Wisconsin on November 9, 1975 with a load of iron ore pellets, and made its way across Lake Superior as a November gale intensified. While battling wind and waves the captain radioed the nearby freighter Arthur M. Anderson that the Fitzgerald was holding its own, but soon after, the Fitzgerald sank without giving a distress signal. You may remember the Gordon Lightfoot song that came out in 1976 about the shipwreck.
Today at 4:30 PM, the names of the lost Fitzgerald crew will be read as a bell rings 29 times, and then one more time to remember all lost mariners. Then the Split Rock lighthouse will be lit, shining out over the cold, dark waters of Lake Superior.
I’m not attending this year, but have in many past years been among the many who come for the ceremony of observance of those lost. All present are made aware of the majesty and power of the lake. The ceremony reminds us of the danger to be sure; the lake is reliable in its ability to change, the storms of November are legendary.
Lake Superior is on my mind… because it is clear that climate change is making an impact on it. It is among the the world’s fastest-warming freshwater bodies, and has increasingly borne the force of what used to be considered once-in-a-lifetime storms. And while a bloom of blue-green algae first appeared in Lake Superior about a decade ago, no serious levels of toxins had been confirmed until last month when a bloom near Superior, Wisconsin left a beach’s water streaky green.
While I love nothing more than being snug in my lake home safely watching the lake churn through a November gale, I’m concerned about the future. Lake Superior is cold, deep and holds a tenth of the earth’s surface freshwater. Rising temperatures, diminishing ice cover and longer summer seasons don’t bode well for a the rapidly warming lake. Beyond its clear recreational draw to millions, the shipping industry relies heavily on the ability to move supplies across the shipping lanes. We need to pay attention.
Lake Superior is on my mind… because it’s time I announce my second novel! Lake Superior is the setting for novel “Finding Grace” which will be published July 19, 2022 by She Writes Press. If you are reading this post, you have visited my website, just refreshed with the news. Do you like the cover of the new book?
I have been mesmerized by the lake most of my life. As a native Minnesotan, and a lake home owner, the lake inspires me, challenges me and thrills me. I love its reliable changeability. No two days are the same. Seasonal changes are captivating. In future posts, I will share more of the lake, and of the new book, available for pre-order already!
Maren
August 25, 2021
August is for Thrillers!
No contest really….I choose escape this month! With unending news reports of a screaming Delta variant, climate change weather warnings, images of an inglorious end to a twenty-year war and yet another earthquake tragedy for Haiti— I need to take a breath. Perhaps my hopes were too high. In May, I started to see friends, venture forth, prepare for a visit from my grandchildren, plan for a summer of more freedom from COVID 19 worries. And, it is wonderful. I’m so grateful that I’m healthy and that most family has escaped COVID, and I thoroughly enjoy re-connecting with those far away, or just distanced due to the circumstances. My expanded and improved patio space has added to the fun. But, the warning signs of trouble ahead are unnerving….and wildfires in the pristine northland of Minnesota are not too far away.
So, I’ve decided to soothe myself with fiction that pulls me in, twists me into a pretzel and finally spits me out flat….and in the process relieves the mounting pressure of tension that has built up in a most delicious way. Who doesn’t love a thriller ?
According to Google, as a genre of literature, thrillers can be described as dark, engrossing, and suspenseful plot-driven stories. ... Any novel can generate excitement, suspense, interest, and exhilaration, but because these are the primary goals of the thriller genre, thriller writers have laser-focused expertise in keeping a reader interested. For my purposes, I seek out thrillers that keep me reading, as oblivious as possible to what else is happening around me. True confession— I haven’t read all of these books this month, but they are recent reads. All have the common denominator of delivering escape.
I love high stakes, plot-driven stories with wicked bad guys or girls, and page-turning suspense. Throw in a plot-twist or two and I’m all in. However, I’m also somewhat of a scaredy-cat. To this day, I have not watched the movies The Silence of the Lambs or Psycho. I trace it to a bad experience watching the Alfred Hitchcock classic The Birds as a tender young thing and being so traumatized I slept on the floor of my parents bedroom that night. How embarrassing!
Reading a thriller is easier for me than watching one, but I’m still somewhat fearful of gore and gratuitous violence, even on the page. But, that is just my taste. So, I’m going to share with you the thrillers I’ve been reading lately, in no particular order. I hope you enjoy one or two yourself this month!
While Justice Sleeps by Stacy Abrams
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
Moonflower Murders by Anthony Horowitz
The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris
The Searcher by Tana French
Indelible: A Sean McPerson Novel, Book 1 by Laurie Buchanan
The Last Thing He Said to Me, by Laura Dave
Wolf Kill (Sam Rivers #1) by Cary J. Griffith
The Long Lost Jules, by Jane Elizabeth Hughes
Northern Spy, by Flynn Berry
Aviary, by Deidre McNamer
To Be Read ASAP:
In my Audible Library—The Travelers, by Chris Pavone and The Maidens by Alex Michealides
Arriving as a pre-order on pub date, 9/7—Stolen Hours, by Allen Eskins
Pre-purchased and Scheduled for Ticketed author event in September—Lightening Strike by William Kent Kruger
Oh, and another reason I’m reading thrillers right now? Research. My current project (Book #3) seems to be turning into one. Will let you know how it goes….
Stay safe!
Maren
So, I’ve decided to soothe myself with fiction that pulls me in, twists me into a pretzel and finally spits me out flat….and in the process relieves the mounting pressure of tension that has built up in a most delicious way. Who doesn’t love a thriller ?
According to Google, as a genre of literature, thrillers can be described as dark, engrossing, and suspenseful plot-driven stories. ... Any novel can generate excitement, suspense, interest, and exhilaration, but because these are the primary goals of the thriller genre, thriller writers have laser-focused expertise in keeping a reader interested. For my purposes, I seek out thrillers that keep me reading, as oblivious as possible to what else is happening around me. True confession— I haven’t read all of these books this month, but they are recent reads. All have the common denominator of delivering escape.
I love high stakes, plot-driven stories with wicked bad guys or girls, and page-turning suspense. Throw in a plot-twist or two and I’m all in. However, I’m also somewhat of a scaredy-cat. To this day, I have not watched the movies The Silence of the Lambs or Psycho. I trace it to a bad experience watching the Alfred Hitchcock classic The Birds as a tender young thing and being so traumatized I slept on the floor of my parents bedroom that night. How embarrassing!
Reading a thriller is easier for me than watching one, but I’m still somewhat fearful of gore and gratuitous violence, even on the page. But, that is just my taste. So, I’m going to share with you the thrillers I’ve been reading lately, in no particular order. I hope you enjoy one or two yourself this month!
While Justice Sleeps by Stacy Abrams
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
Moonflower Murders by Anthony Horowitz
The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris
The Searcher by Tana French
Indelible: A Sean McPerson Novel, Book 1 by Laurie Buchanan
The Last Thing He Said to Me, by Laura Dave
Wolf Kill (Sam Rivers #1) by Cary J. Griffith
The Long Lost Jules, by Jane Elizabeth Hughes
Northern Spy, by Flynn Berry
Aviary, by Deidre McNamer
To Be Read ASAP:
In my Audible Library—The Travelers, by Chris Pavone and The Maidens by Alex Michealides
Arriving as a pre-order on pub date, 9/7—Stolen Hours, by Allen Eskins
Pre-purchased and Scheduled for Ticketed author event in September—Lightening Strike by William Kent Kruger
Oh, and another reason I’m reading thrillers right now? Research. My current project (Book #3) seems to be turning into one. Will let you know how it goes….
Stay safe!
Maren
July 22, 2021
The mommy bind...again, forever?
One of the two toughest life lessons I ever learned was that motherhood, as a role, is not easily delegated. The other was that bias is at work everywhere, be it class, race, sex or economic situation. It’s hard to admit, but as a young, smart, educated white woman who had doors opened easily due to being young, smart, and educated—I didn’t fully appreciate how those two things would define my career path. Awareness is good, but experience teaches.
It makes me angry that these lessons have to be re-learned over and over again by women today. It brings me back to my days of trying to pull together a child care plan while in grad school, and all through my early career climb. And, when I had a second child within fifteen months of the first, my challenge was compounded. Fortunately, the second baby came during a year abroad for my spouse’s sabbatical so my new career was just delayed as opposed to interrupted. Back then, I was worried about a job search on the cusp of a year away—fearing the bias against me as a woman— choosing my husband’s career over my own.
Was that fear warranted? Hard to know. But, I do know that in those earlier days of gunning for the executive suite, choosing a woman for that career track came with a calculus that was influenced by implicit bias. Family life may be a neutral factor when evaluating a potential hire of both sexes, but “child-bearing” is a differentiating factor. Case in point—during polite chit chat before one formal interview, I was asked how many children I intended to have. It’s not likely a question asked today, but clearly the “motherhood issue” lingers for every young woman starting out— in the hiring manager’s mind— as well as her own.
It makes that early career launch so complicated! Women shouldn’t be obligated to have their romantic and biologic lives sorted before they can commit to a pathway. Unfair!
How is it that this country still has such a woefully deficient child care system? It’s plain to me that an affordable high quality child care system would be an economic boon for the country, as well as quell the angst for every working mother that has to address this very basic issue.It saddens me that I could have written the above decades ago. Are we finally at a pivot point?
The pandemic has clearly challenged the patchwork of support this country has provided for working mothers. My heart aches when I think of choices women have had to make regarding whether they stay in the workforce during a pandemic if they don’t have a safe child care solution to turn to—or they are so burned out trying to do it all that their mental health is stretched to the limit.
The past eighteen months stressed every one of us in a variety of ways. But for moms it was nearly impossible to navigate the twists and turns. I want to shout out to working mothers today—I commend you, I empathize with you, I am angry on your behalf, and I hope for change. As new hybrid models of work life are considered, I see a glimmer of hope for more flexibility for working mothers. It’s a start. https://www.forbes.com/sites/shelleyz...
It makes me angry that these lessons have to be re-learned over and over again by women today. It brings me back to my days of trying to pull together a child care plan while in grad school, and all through my early career climb. And, when I had a second child within fifteen months of the first, my challenge was compounded. Fortunately, the second baby came during a year abroad for my spouse’s sabbatical so my new career was just delayed as opposed to interrupted. Back then, I was worried about a job search on the cusp of a year away—fearing the bias against me as a woman— choosing my husband’s career over my own.
Was that fear warranted? Hard to know. But, I do know that in those earlier days of gunning for the executive suite, choosing a woman for that career track came with a calculus that was influenced by implicit bias. Family life may be a neutral factor when evaluating a potential hire of both sexes, but “child-bearing” is a differentiating factor. Case in point—during polite chit chat before one formal interview, I was asked how many children I intended to have. It’s not likely a question asked today, but clearly the “motherhood issue” lingers for every young woman starting out— in the hiring manager’s mind— as well as her own.
It makes that early career launch so complicated! Women shouldn’t be obligated to have their romantic and biologic lives sorted before they can commit to a pathway. Unfair!
How is it that this country still has such a woefully deficient child care system? It’s plain to me that an affordable high quality child care system would be an economic boon for the country, as well as quell the angst for every working mother that has to address this very basic issue.It saddens me that I could have written the above decades ago. Are we finally at a pivot point?
The pandemic has clearly challenged the patchwork of support this country has provided for working mothers. My heart aches when I think of choices women have had to make regarding whether they stay in the workforce during a pandemic if they don’t have a safe child care solution to turn to—or they are so burned out trying to do it all that their mental health is stretched to the limit.
The past eighteen months stressed every one of us in a variety of ways. But for moms it was nearly impossible to navigate the twists and turns. I want to shout out to working mothers today—I commend you, I empathize with you, I am angry on your behalf, and I hope for change. As new hybrid models of work life are considered, I see a glimmer of hope for more flexibility for working mothers. It’s a start. https://www.forbes.com/sites/shelleyz...
June 26, 2021
Ongoingness requires adjustments...
June is whizzing by this year. Seems like the business of carefully re-opening to pre-pandemic experiences consumes lots of energy! It’s been so fun to venture forth without a mask. I’m savoring the highlights! I totally relished my first pedicure and massage in over a year. A special occasion dinner in a restaurant with a crisp white tablecloth and excellent bar was truly an amazing treat.
To celebrate the second anniversary of the publication of “A Better Next” I participated in a couple of book giveaways. One, with Paper Lantern Writers, provided me with some unexpected opportunities to chuckle. In this giveaway, the author had to pose a question for prospective entrants as a run-up to eligibility. My question to entry was “when was the last time you wore a high heel?”
Why that question, you ask? The cover of “A Better Next” features a high heel— a fancy red high heel. The type I would never wear, and indeed, the protagonist of the book, Jess Lawson, wears infrequently, but does enjoy on occasion. Entrants seemed to appreciate the question and I got some fun answers. Here are a few:
“Are you kidding?”
“Couldn’t find any high heel slippers”
“Dressed up in heels once in 2020 just to see if I could still balance.”
My clear favorite, and the winning entry was “2020 was the year the high heel died for me!” I happily sent off the winning book to this fun lady thanking her for her heartfelt answer.
I also ran a Goodreads Giveaway https://www.goodreads.com which resulted in lots of new potential readers. In this giveaway, you just need to indicate that you want to read the book, and click to enter the giveaway. Promoting my book is always fun, and I’m rewarded with new readers in interesting ways. In 2020 bookstore events declined and authors do what they can do to find readers.
Last night I listened to Deirdre McNamer discuss her book “Aviary” published by Milkweed Editions. It’s a great book. This NYT review sums it up very well by using the term “ongoingness” to describe how life, even in a retirement home, continues to surprise if we keep ourselves open to it. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/13/bo.... Haven’t we all practiced a belief in ongoingness over the past year plus?
Another June highlight for me was to finish the re-do of my patio. This was the culmination of effort started last year to replace a very old retaining wall. That work was finished last fall, so I could put up a new fence this spring and enlarge the patio footprint in the process. My contractor was a talented guy who not only designed a beautiful hardscape but was flexible enough to switch gears when our brick was gridlocked on a shipment and stalled in Indiana. Fortunately, his alternate plan for bluestone was inspired. I found new patio furniture early enough for an eight week wait and Voila—the patio is open and entertaining has begun!
Just in time for the BIGGEST highlight of JUNE. My grandchildren have arrived, and have brought with them their pandemic puppy. Now, the challenge is to make sure the puppy and my cat can co-exist…..for a brief but lovely time.
I hope you are all enjoying your own JUNE highlights!
Maren
To celebrate the second anniversary of the publication of “A Better Next” I participated in a couple of book giveaways. One, with Paper Lantern Writers, provided me with some unexpected opportunities to chuckle. In this giveaway, the author had to pose a question for prospective entrants as a run-up to eligibility. My question to entry was “when was the last time you wore a high heel?”
Why that question, you ask? The cover of “A Better Next” features a high heel— a fancy red high heel. The type I would never wear, and indeed, the protagonist of the book, Jess Lawson, wears infrequently, but does enjoy on occasion. Entrants seemed to appreciate the question and I got some fun answers. Here are a few:
“Are you kidding?”
“Couldn’t find any high heel slippers”
“Dressed up in heels once in 2020 just to see if I could still balance.”
My clear favorite, and the winning entry was “2020 was the year the high heel died for me!” I happily sent off the winning book to this fun lady thanking her for her heartfelt answer.
I also ran a Goodreads Giveaway https://www.goodreads.com which resulted in lots of new potential readers. In this giveaway, you just need to indicate that you want to read the book, and click to enter the giveaway. Promoting my book is always fun, and I’m rewarded with new readers in interesting ways. In 2020 bookstore events declined and authors do what they can do to find readers.
Last night I listened to Deirdre McNamer discuss her book “Aviary” published by Milkweed Editions. It’s a great book. This NYT review sums it up very well by using the term “ongoingness” to describe how life, even in a retirement home, continues to surprise if we keep ourselves open to it. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/13/bo.... Haven’t we all practiced a belief in ongoingness over the past year plus?
Another June highlight for me was to finish the re-do of my patio. This was the culmination of effort started last year to replace a very old retaining wall. That work was finished last fall, so I could put up a new fence this spring and enlarge the patio footprint in the process. My contractor was a talented guy who not only designed a beautiful hardscape but was flexible enough to switch gears when our brick was gridlocked on a shipment and stalled in Indiana. Fortunately, his alternate plan for bluestone was inspired. I found new patio furniture early enough for an eight week wait and Voila—the patio is open and entertaining has begun!
Just in time for the BIGGEST highlight of JUNE. My grandchildren have arrived, and have brought with them their pandemic puppy. Now, the challenge is to make sure the puppy and my cat can co-exist…..for a brief but lovely time.
I hope you are all enjoying your own JUNE highlights!
Maren
May 19, 2021
A Better Next Turns TWO!
And now A Better Next is two! On May 28th, my debut novel will hit the second anniversary of its pub date. My first year out was fast and exhilarating. My second year out was puzzling.
Cleary, 2020 was different in myriad ways from 2019, and the book business was affected along with every component of our lives. There was a fair amount of early angst about how to keep new books coming. Early on, publishing dates were delayed in the hope that live launch events would work later in the summer of 2020. There was lots of worry about bookstores, and how libraries would cope.
But, here we are on the other side. For A Better Next it’s a milestone to mark and celebrate. In honor of the support I’ve continued to receive I’m offering a Goodreads Giveaway opportunity starting May 20th through June 18th. I will be sending autographed paperback books to the lucky winners shortly after the June 18th end date. Here is the entry link: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
I love the fact that people were not just on Netflix, or streaming video and didn’t give up on their love of reading. Book sales grew in 2020! Libraries eventually found a way to provide books to their constituents. Bookstores may have shuttered for a time, but many were able to sort out a way to provide on-line or curbside pick-up options to their readers and readers were appreciative. The stimulus packages shored up many small businesses through the worst of it.
Virtual book launches and talks cropped up everywhere, with bookstores often at the center of the action. The tech hesitant among the population learned zoom just to find out about one of their favorite authors!
Last year we were not just traumatized by the pandemic, but by social unrest that rocked everybody’s world. Turning to books to help interpret events and the world around us is still important and I’m happy to say has been a bright spot over that period.
Looking back at my two years in the book market, I’m glad I chose to produce an audio book along with my e-book and paperback formats. I’m also forever grateful I got to experience my first year out with live events. But, the problem solving during the pandemic was something to behold; I believe some of the new ways to share content will be here to stay.
Sadly, the Iceland Writers Retreat that I was to attend in April of 2020 was cancelled, and the conference organizers tried valiantly to keep the faith with registrants in hopes that it could be postponed to Fall 2020. We all know how that ended! Instead, we had a virtual conference the end of April 2021 that was quite good! But, I didn’t get to see Iceland or the volcano!
As an author, I’m grateful to booksellers who held on and used all of their creative powers to support books and book lovers. I’m grateful that my book continues to find readers, even two years out.
I’m thrilled to announce that Book #2 will be published by She Writes Press in July of 2022. Right now the details are not quite ready for prime time, but title, cover and exact date will follow over the next few months.
Thanks for your continuing support. And Good luck on the Giveaway—feel free to share the link with your friends! HAPPY READING!
Cleary, 2020 was different in myriad ways from 2019, and the book business was affected along with every component of our lives. There was a fair amount of early angst about how to keep new books coming. Early on, publishing dates were delayed in the hope that live launch events would work later in the summer of 2020. There was lots of worry about bookstores, and how libraries would cope.
But, here we are on the other side. For A Better Next it’s a milestone to mark and celebrate. In honor of the support I’ve continued to receive I’m offering a Goodreads Giveaway opportunity starting May 20th through June 18th. I will be sending autographed paperback books to the lucky winners shortly after the June 18th end date. Here is the entry link: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
I love the fact that people were not just on Netflix, or streaming video and didn’t give up on their love of reading. Book sales grew in 2020! Libraries eventually found a way to provide books to their constituents. Bookstores may have shuttered for a time, but many were able to sort out a way to provide on-line or curbside pick-up options to their readers and readers were appreciative. The stimulus packages shored up many small businesses through the worst of it.
Virtual book launches and talks cropped up everywhere, with bookstores often at the center of the action. The tech hesitant among the population learned zoom just to find out about one of their favorite authors!
Last year we were not just traumatized by the pandemic, but by social unrest that rocked everybody’s world. Turning to books to help interpret events and the world around us is still important and I’m happy to say has been a bright spot over that period.
Looking back at my two years in the book market, I’m glad I chose to produce an audio book along with my e-book and paperback formats. I’m also forever grateful I got to experience my first year out with live events. But, the problem solving during the pandemic was something to behold; I believe some of the new ways to share content will be here to stay.
Sadly, the Iceland Writers Retreat that I was to attend in April of 2020 was cancelled, and the conference organizers tried valiantly to keep the faith with registrants in hopes that it could be postponed to Fall 2020. We all know how that ended! Instead, we had a virtual conference the end of April 2021 that was quite good! But, I didn’t get to see Iceland or the volcano!
As an author, I’m grateful to booksellers who held on and used all of their creative powers to support books and book lovers. I’m grateful that my book continues to find readers, even two years out.
I’m thrilled to announce that Book #2 will be published by She Writes Press in July of 2022. Right now the details are not quite ready for prime time, but title, cover and exact date will follow over the next few months.
Thanks for your continuing support. And Good luck on the Giveaway—feel free to share the link with your friends! HAPPY READING!
April 21, 2021
It Ain't Over 'til....?
That sentence can be answered in a variety of ways, but the only one that really matters is how we answer it for ourselves. What a noisy time we are living in. The cacophony of opinions about all of it are astounding. But, that has really always been the case, right?
Nobody has been able to live in a cave this past year, even if we design as many buffers as we possibly can to insulate ourselves from the raging debates that continue about everything in our world, when it comes down to the COVID pandemic itself, we have all had to adjust to unalterable truths about danger. One can’t argue with a death toll over 550,000 in a year. Well… I’m sure some do. But, as time goes on, more and more of us have had a first hand experience with death of a loved one, or near misses too close to home.
I recently sent a note to a business acquaintance, the last person I had coffee with in a public space, March 13th, 2020, to mark the anniversary. It was a networking opportunity for him; he was changing careers and wanted to chat about possibilities in health care, my own career territory. We had the place to ourselves but for the staff who were diligently cleaning all surfaces; the significance was noted and we cut our meeting short. He left to drive to a neighboring state to pick up his college kid who was moving home for the duration. I consider this date the beginning….
Life was altered immediately after that date. Social interaction slowed to outside gatherings or FaceTime and Zoom. I remember my first Zoom funeral, the difficult choice not to attend a family wedding, and sending congratulations for a new baby I have yet to meet. The flow of information about how to stay safe started at fire hose velocity, but slowed to a trickle on the advice one needed to live day-to-day.
A year later, I have an ample supply of masks. My delivery and curbside pick-up habits are set. I have cleaned all of my closets. I have written the first draft of my third novel and have stayed fully engaged with my Board work. I have been vaccinated and am beyond the required waiting time. Nearly all of my loved ones have been vaccinated. But, one has had a break-through case of COVID after having been fully vaccinated. Another is still unemployed.
And, the experts are telling us we are not out of the woods. Herd immunity seems elusive. The New York Times calls Minnesota a hot spot with increasing case numbers. There is endless debate about seasonality and the politics of where outbreaks are occurring.
I’m raring to move on! Spring in Minnesota is arriving—on its own schedule, of course. But, daffodils are blooming and yard clean-up is calling. My patio will again serve as a meeting spot for friends. I had a guest for Easter! There is a plan to see the grandchildren in June!
I’m not waiting for a parade, but will broaden my horizons with day-to-day living and condition myself to calculate my risks based on whatever is on the near horizon. Whatever is declared and whenever it happens, my sincerest hope is that we remember the lessons learned and do what we can to avoid the next one.
So, I ask you, when will you declare it’s over?
Nobody has been able to live in a cave this past year, even if we design as many buffers as we possibly can to insulate ourselves from the raging debates that continue about everything in our world, when it comes down to the COVID pandemic itself, we have all had to adjust to unalterable truths about danger. One can’t argue with a death toll over 550,000 in a year. Well… I’m sure some do. But, as time goes on, more and more of us have had a first hand experience with death of a loved one, or near misses too close to home.
I recently sent a note to a business acquaintance, the last person I had coffee with in a public space, March 13th, 2020, to mark the anniversary. It was a networking opportunity for him; he was changing careers and wanted to chat about possibilities in health care, my own career territory. We had the place to ourselves but for the staff who were diligently cleaning all surfaces; the significance was noted and we cut our meeting short. He left to drive to a neighboring state to pick up his college kid who was moving home for the duration. I consider this date the beginning….
Life was altered immediately after that date. Social interaction slowed to outside gatherings or FaceTime and Zoom. I remember my first Zoom funeral, the difficult choice not to attend a family wedding, and sending congratulations for a new baby I have yet to meet. The flow of information about how to stay safe started at fire hose velocity, but slowed to a trickle on the advice one needed to live day-to-day.
A year later, I have an ample supply of masks. My delivery and curbside pick-up habits are set. I have cleaned all of my closets. I have written the first draft of my third novel and have stayed fully engaged with my Board work. I have been vaccinated and am beyond the required waiting time. Nearly all of my loved ones have been vaccinated. But, one has had a break-through case of COVID after having been fully vaccinated. Another is still unemployed.
And, the experts are telling us we are not out of the woods. Herd immunity seems elusive. The New York Times calls Minnesota a hot spot with increasing case numbers. There is endless debate about seasonality and the politics of where outbreaks are occurring.
I’m raring to move on! Spring in Minnesota is arriving—on its own schedule, of course. But, daffodils are blooming and yard clean-up is calling. My patio will again serve as a meeting spot for friends. I had a guest for Easter! There is a plan to see the grandchildren in June!
I’m not waiting for a parade, but will broaden my horizons with day-to-day living and condition myself to calculate my risks based on whatever is on the near horizon. Whatever is declared and whenever it happens, my sincerest hope is that we remember the lessons learned and do what we can to avoid the next one.
So, I ask you, when will you declare it’s over?
April 7, 2021
Re-entry Jitters
Wow! It’s not over, of course, but do I see a ray of light around the corner? My second shot is scheduled for next week! Many friends have been vaccinated and family is in line to be scheduled. My grandchildren are headed back to in-person school. I’m still healthy and mostly sane on my best days…but still waiting for the thrum of anxiety to leave me.
My home state, Minnesota, has announced the welcome news of allowing larger gatherings, restaurants can serve at greater capacity, school re-openings, and most important, a steady and reliable supply of vaccine which should allow for all adults in Minnesota to be vaccinated by early summer. AND ten thousand fans will be allowed to attend the Twins baseball game opener on April 8th!
This is such good news that it seems remarkable and somewhat hard to believe. There are still those epidemiologists who are signaling the alarm of variants yet to be named which will erase all progress to date, and we now know that having enough vaccine is only part of the solution. Getting the supply chain working smoothly took much longer than many thought it should. Spikes have surprised us before, and could come out of nowhere again. Because we still don’t know everything about this virus that we need to know.
In fact, there is much that is UNKNOWABLE. Wrapping my mind around that reality is the challenge ahead. My rational self reminds me that life is unpredictable, and that I’ve been taking risks throughout mine. Sometimes with good results, sometimes not—but never to the point that it stopped me in my tracks. So what’s different this time?
How many risks have I taken in my life when I knew the stakes were so high—life and death stakes? In retrospect, probably many, without consciously considering the stakes. Of course, any time you drive a car, take an airplane, cross a busy street, have an elective surgery, indulge in questionable behavior you are taking a chance. But, you accept the odds—people are killed in car accidents, plane crashes, medical mishaps all of the time—but you don’t dwell on the downside.
Unfortunately, the downside of COVID-19 has been in our faces for a year. We have seen, heard and experienced the pain, death, loss of job and home—if not personally, clearly vicariously. Our collective worlds have been shaken badly. Nobody is unscathed. Empathy for others, and worry for all takes a toll, regardless of how close the virus comes.
Many have needed to take time-outs from listening to the daily news on occasion just for a much needed mental health break. Others, have reached out to the mental health providers who have established new avenues for visits on-line to help people get through this unprecedented time. Having spent my career in health care, I am in awe of the fortitude and heroism of the health care professionals who we have watched get stretched beyond their limits and yet, never give up. We are indebted to them, and all essential workers.
Over the two weeks after my second jab, while my body adjusts to my safer status, I’m going to work hard on calming my jitters. Reminding myself that all of life is unpredictable, and known risky behavior can be avoided. But, I will be watchful, perhaps a bit slow to fully engage in all of my past activities until I feel confident. Already, I know that the jitters will be overtaken by the glimmer of future joy that will come from many things. I’ve started a list:
1—first hugs with my grandchildren
2—dinner with friends, unmasked
3—my first post-pandemic massage
4—a Twins game
What’s on your re-entry list?
https://marencooper.com #ABetterNext
My home state, Minnesota, has announced the welcome news of allowing larger gatherings, restaurants can serve at greater capacity, school re-openings, and most important, a steady and reliable supply of vaccine which should allow for all adults in Minnesota to be vaccinated by early summer. AND ten thousand fans will be allowed to attend the Twins baseball game opener on April 8th!
This is such good news that it seems remarkable and somewhat hard to believe. There are still those epidemiologists who are signaling the alarm of variants yet to be named which will erase all progress to date, and we now know that having enough vaccine is only part of the solution. Getting the supply chain working smoothly took much longer than many thought it should. Spikes have surprised us before, and could come out of nowhere again. Because we still don’t know everything about this virus that we need to know.
In fact, there is much that is UNKNOWABLE. Wrapping my mind around that reality is the challenge ahead. My rational self reminds me that life is unpredictable, and that I’ve been taking risks throughout mine. Sometimes with good results, sometimes not—but never to the point that it stopped me in my tracks. So what’s different this time?
How many risks have I taken in my life when I knew the stakes were so high—life and death stakes? In retrospect, probably many, without consciously considering the stakes. Of course, any time you drive a car, take an airplane, cross a busy street, have an elective surgery, indulge in questionable behavior you are taking a chance. But, you accept the odds—people are killed in car accidents, plane crashes, medical mishaps all of the time—but you don’t dwell on the downside.
Unfortunately, the downside of COVID-19 has been in our faces for a year. We have seen, heard and experienced the pain, death, loss of job and home—if not personally, clearly vicariously. Our collective worlds have been shaken badly. Nobody is unscathed. Empathy for others, and worry for all takes a toll, regardless of how close the virus comes.
Many have needed to take time-outs from listening to the daily news on occasion just for a much needed mental health break. Others, have reached out to the mental health providers who have established new avenues for visits on-line to help people get through this unprecedented time. Having spent my career in health care, I am in awe of the fortitude and heroism of the health care professionals who we have watched get stretched beyond their limits and yet, never give up. We are indebted to them, and all essential workers.
Over the two weeks after my second jab, while my body adjusts to my safer status, I’m going to work hard on calming my jitters. Reminding myself that all of life is unpredictable, and known risky behavior can be avoided. But, I will be watchful, perhaps a bit slow to fully engage in all of my past activities until I feel confident. Already, I know that the jitters will be overtaken by the glimmer of future joy that will come from many things. I’ve started a list:
1—first hugs with my grandchildren
2—dinner with friends, unmasked
3—my first post-pandemic massage
4—a Twins game
What’s on your re-entry list?
https://marencooper.com #ABetterNext
