Covid-19, the Proverbial Sh*T Hits the Fan

Melinda Palacio




This is my second post on Covid 19. Two weeks ago, I was in New Orleans, people were still going about their business and keeping up with their social lives. I went to a concert at an art museum with dozens of people. I was careful not to hug or shake hands, but the Corona virus didn't seem like a big threat as hundreds of my writer and education friends chose to go to a large conference in San Antonio, even though  the mayor had declared a state of emergency due to the outbreak. Today, with all events, schools, and most workplaces closed, the world is a different place as the global pandemic has showed everyone the seriousness of a dormant virus in which a person carrying the virus can infect several people without knowing they are infected. With people dying, quarantines in place, not enough medical equipment in our country, and the economy tanking, it seems like the end of the world. However, I can only hope that people will start to show their better sides and stop hoarding things like toilet paper and butter. Stores have gotten the memo about how a few rotten people can make life difficult for others. I made a second trip to Whole Foods yesterday and the management has put a limit on the amount of eggs, butter, and other high demand items people can buy. My sister who is a nurse in Downey, California, tells me there is a shortage of masks and protective gear for staff and patients. I tried to find a little solace by going for a walk in nature. Here are some photos from Lake Los Carneros (a pond really) in Goleta. I am grateful that walking in nature is still an option during this time of isolation and social distancing. Take care everyone.

Enjoying the fresh air

a nice path

Wildflowers

Swans fish

Goleta the Good Land

Clouds

Some thoughts at the end of the year

As 2008 rolls around, I wanted to share that I feel incredibly blessed. This week's post is just my attempt to give at least partial thanks for what I've been given.

One, to have joined the ranks of La Bloga and be able to share my brickbats and bouquets alongside Daniel, Michael, Manuel, René, Rudy and Gina has been a honor. You've all been kind to a fault, supportive, funny, (especially YOU, Rudy!) and insightful.

To make a small contribution to our discourse about literatura, cultura y más required me to dig deep in the best possible way. La Bloga has given me the chance to interview writers like Martín Espada, Demetria Martínez, Luis Rodríguez , Margo Tamez, Tara Betts, Rich Villar, conversations that make me want to be a better writer.

Two, with sands shifting in my personal life this year, I've been given an object lesson as to the real nature of friendship. For all the shoulders I've cried upon, ears I've bent, dinners I've been treated to, late night phone calls accepted, opinions shared, and unconditional love....my love and my gratitude to: Jay and June, Rose, Toniann, Deirdra, Ramone.

Three, for my hermana, my cohort, my heart, my partner in crime, Ann Hagman Cardinal. To be able to have you in my life as family is one of the rare times the words fail me. But what I do have words for is the incredible joy I feel in being part of your writer's journey.

Four, for the gift of finding Jewish roots, my ancestry in full, hidden treasure now in the light.

Five, for proof that magic is still possible, even when you least expect it.


Other notes:

Gente, indulge me with posting the photo above. (Sometimes a girl's just gotta....)

I've completed a poetry manuscript, Raw Silk Suture, and I'm lighting the candles that there will be more good news about that in 2008!

There's also been a redesign of my website: http://lisaalvarado.net
The incredibly lovely design is courtesy of Jay Fox -- http://frogdoggraphix.com
and Lin, http://photographybylin.com