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it helps to find something hopeful.
I am appreciating these things that have occurred since the beginning of the pandemic.
1. Better tv advertising.
Have you noticed the soft-sell tv ads? The commercial starts with some soothing music accompanying text and visuals that make us feel good about ourselves. Most of the ad is that kind of thing. At the very end, you see the logo of the advertiser. They tug at the heartstrings and don't try to hit you over the head with "Buy! Buy! Buy!" I wish advertising would keep this up, even after the end of the pandemic.
2. Outdoor concerts at seniors' residences.
At the seniors' residence next door to us they have one concert a week, usually Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon, depending on the weather. It's the good stuff, too: songs from the sixties, rock, guitar, jazz piano. The seniors sit on their balconies to listen. I said "sit" but often they're dancing along. It's a joy to watch them.
3. The return of manners and kindness.
Maybe they never went away, but they're more noticeable now. I'm so grateful for those cashiers and delivery people. They really mean it when they say, "Have a good day!" And so do I.
Today, after grocery shopping, M and I checked out the rest of the mall to see whether the stores were open yet. What a relief to see that most of them, except the restaurants, had reopened. We're still in Phase Two here, and I'm glad the Ontario government is being cautious and gradual about the reopenings. But, wow, how wonderful to see something out there that reminds me of "normality."
Have a good day!
I need every reason you offer to feel better, because here we are still firmly at phase 1, maybe even more fiercely than before, and it's been four plus months.
ReplyDeleteLove your outdoor senior concerts. None such here. Enjoy and dance!
I hope California's numbers improve soon, Mirka. Our province and my city haven't always behaved well. People want to crowd the beaches and parks. Some young people have attended large parties. People have protested for BLM, mostly wearing masks. But the numbers have mostly stayed down. We flattened the curve.
DeleteBarb, I love being reminded of all the goodness. I don't watch TV so don't know about ads and people down in the South are polite. I love outdoor concerts! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteMirka, I'm sorry about the things are being handled in many states, including CA.
Another good thing I forgot to mention. We aren't driving as much so our gas bill is much lower. Also we applied for and got a rebate on our car insurance. Most of our money goes to food these days.
DeleteI loved your description of the outdoor concerts--what a wonderful idea! I also have noticed that people are nicer and more polite. I think we're just all so desperate for human contact. :) Things have been reopening here in small town Oregon too. The pool just opened with limited admission, which has made me very happy.
ReplyDeleteOntario's new cases number actually went below 100 a couple of times last week. My city just started Phase 3, with bars and indoor restaurants, cinemas, and slightly larger sized gatherings. We haven't even gone to a patio and I think it will be a long time before we feel safe inside a restaurant. (My husband has a health condition that makes him high risk.)
DeleteIt's always nice to be reminded of reasons to have hope, especially right now. I've been trying to take a moment a couple times of week and enjoy whatever small joy happens to be around. The breeze in the trees, the bugs flitting around the garden, my kids making their usual chaos.
ReplyDeleteKatie, you're so right. Even small things can make us feel hopeful.
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