Most days the sounds of my home are the simple ticking of the kitchen clock and an occasional plunking of my fingers on the keyboard. I don’t typically have the TV on or any music. Some may think that is a deafening silence but it is peaceful to me. I can hear the chickadees in my backyard who have recently set up house in one of my birdhouses; the squirrels barking at the cats and Mr Carolina wren who sings with much vigor.
When I have the little boys the sounds are much different. The sounds of rummaging through the toy box, the high pitched sound that let’s me know I need to intervene, giggling and then, occasionally silence that is often followed by whining or crying. No school and limited structure have been an adjustment for them.
Lots of us have had issues with our circadian rhythm. Getting that second wind at 10:30 pm. Binge watching old season’s of Friends or Will and Grace until 1:00 am. Your pets are looking at you like you’re a freak and begging you to hit the sack.
I have become acutely aware of how the mail truck sounds vs how the garbage truck, UPS or FedEx. Each has it’s own tone, speed and decibel.
My sense of what day it is is faltering and the only reason I can keep track of time is because I am still working. Punkin still manages to know when it is close to 5pm. He sits by the front door and waits for daddy to come home.
I miss the sounds of other people’s conversations in the background as I sit and enjoy a meal at my favorite restaurant.
I want to walk through the aisles of Home Goods and browse. I miss the smell of leather and plastic at DSW. I have yet to buy my spring flowers out of respect for social distancing.
The sounds and experiences are different now and we are all adjusting. There may be a new normal for us; smaller venues, decreased hours.
Maybe a change in thought on what is necessary and what isn’t.
Maybe a new respect for the person who leaves my package, the boy who bags my groceries, the woman who fixes my hair.
An appreciation for teachers who spend HOURS with our children and grandchildren, keeping the environment structured and productive.
Realizing how long the day truly is for our sweet dogs.
Understanding the overwhelming feelings of worry stress and anxiety that some experienced long before this happened.
Recognizing the need for human companionship, close physical proximity and appreciating true spontaneity.
I am sending positive vibes into the world and sending a virtual hug. I encourage you to light candles, snuggle, play music that is comforting. Turn off the television, get your hands dirty. Pet your cat and walk your dog.
Take care of yourself so that we can mend the world!! It is going to need us!
*photo is a water hyacinth from my koi pond
Unapologetically Pretty 
A wonderful meditation on our present lives and a hopeful thought about the future. Thank you, Lisa!
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