May 1st. May Day. Beltane. International Workers’ Day. At a more local level, May 1st is replete with traditions. Padstow ‘Obby ‘Oss and Helston’s Furry Dance are well known but there are plenty of others, particularly in this south-eastern corner of Cornwall. But not this year.
Week 6, I think, of lockdown. Is it week 6? Time has taken on a different meaning these days. Perhaps that’s why I felt the need to list those other names by which we might own this day because real time no longer applies as once it did.
For a long time over recent months there were no posts because time and energy have become precious resources for me and for a while it was necessary to focus those resources elsewhere. And then the world changed. I found that now I had time to spare. But no words with which to fill it. What could I possibly say that was worth saying? I’ve still been reading blogs, albeit fewer than before. I admire those who have maintained a regular schedule and have remained focused on their particular brief. I commiserate with those who have found it difficult to write. Or read. Or do many of the things that they thought they might do if only they had time on their hands. And I applaud those who have found the words to capture their experience of this extraordinary time. Please do read Andrea’s recent post if you have a few moments to spare.
Not everyone finds they do have time to spare. Continuing to work, alongside home-schooling children and with little opportunity for fresh air and exercise is a stiff challenge. Hiding away, staying safe but apart from society is a challenge of another sort. Everyone is challenged in these times. My father, always stoic and uncomplaining, staying safe and caring for Mum behind closed doors, managing without all the help and visitors that until recently punctuated their lives, has this week had a wobble. “What if we have to stay isolated over Christmas?” he asks. “I can’t imagine not seeing the family at Christmas.” And we assure him that won’t happen but in truth, what do we know? It’s impossible to second-guess where we might be by then. Unchartered waters.
But there we have the major reason for my not writing. I certainly have the time now. But what can I write that has anything to contribute? Really, I have nothing. I know nothing. Instead, I take one day at a time, slowly and with gratitude for the many blessings and things to appreciate, both large and small. Including the view from here.
This was the view from here almost exactly four years ago, very soon after our arrival. I was enchanted. “I could sit here all day gazing at that view,” I wrote. Since then, I’ve gazed at this view in all seasons and all weathers. And in recent weeks I have had countless hours more in which to gaze. Rarely has it included quite such a perfect rainbow as this one; the rainbow seems particularly relevant now.
The past couple of days have seen more rainbows, generously shared on our local Facebook page.
The storm clouds are gathering. But the rain will pass. In time.
A certain blogging friend who has become very good at offering gentle nudges of encouragement did just that yesterday. And it being a Thursday, I also enjoyed a long video chat with another friend – a friendship which goes back years but which has never included phone calls. Amidst the challenges, these present restrictions have led to some positives: she and I have started weekly video chats and hopefully she’s enjoying it as much as I am.
Connection, that’s what it’s about. And isn’t that what blogging is about too? Connection? So I’m sitting here thinking, May 1st – as good a day as any to don the blogging mantle again and see what might be shaken from its folds. A good day to reconnect.
Hoping everyone is safe and well. May there be rainbows in your skies too
A Corner of Cornwall 
This is just lovely. Thank you for all the rainbows! The view from here includes many weeds, and a landscaping team mowing them into submission. But there is sunshine, a brilliant blue sky, and fluffy clouds.
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I think you’ve said it all: look past the weeds and drink in those sunny skies! Stay safe Nicole 🙂
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Glad you are back to blogging. I think no matter where we live, country, suburbs, or city, whatever we write will be a chronicle of this terrible time, and such chronicles are important. Lovely rainbow pictures. Stay safe, be well.
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Thank you, Laurie, you stay safe and well too 🙂 You are absolutely right: such chronicles are important. I’ll be looking in your blog soon.
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It will be there whenever you are ready.
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I’m glad to see you’re back, Sandra, as your posts never fail to inspire me. Thanks for all the rainbows. Just a few days ago a rainbow photo of mine from about 4 years ago came up on Facebook, and I immediately reshared it. Little things mean so much in these unsettled and unsettling times. Take care, and stay healthy in Cornwall.
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It’s nice to be back, Mary, for however long it lasts. Those little things are so very important. One of the many lessons we are each learning or being reminded of at this time. Stay safe at well in your corner of the world x
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I loved the way you began this post (and welcome back. I for one have missed you) and your mention of Beltane, which I enjoyed celebrating here a few years ago at one of our local henges. And this year, I’ve had virtual nosegays of lilies of the valley sent from France, where this is a Mayday greeting. But really, this year, this is a day like yesterday, like tomorrow. So connections like the nosegays, the calls from friends, the messages from our virtual blogging friends become increasingly important. Virtual hugs, since we can’t have real ones. Stay well, and find many more rainbows!
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Virtual connections have become essential boosts for all of us at the moment. I love the idea of those virtual nosegays. One day there will be real ones again. And as the friend who nudged me into getting this post out you deserve a very special virtual hug which one day we will convery into a real one. I’ll be back up in Yorkshire eventually! 🤗
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I wondered if it was me. Yes, I’d love for us to meet one day, When we’ll convert that virtual hug 🙂
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Thanks for the link to Andrea, a new writer for me. Her description of this as a “meanwhile time” really captures the reality very well. The background threat of the virus takes energy from us all, although it is easy to forget that fact. Glad to see you post.
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Andrea’s posts are always a treat and that description is perfect for these unsettling weeks. I’m glad that you visited her blog and enjoyed that post, Elizabeth. I hope you and your friends and family are safe and well. I’ll be over to visit your blog very soon 🙂
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We are safe, have plenty of baking supplies, and are meeting on-line with our faith community. Thanks.
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I’m glad to hear that, Elizabeth. Here, flour has been one of the major shortages. It seems to be improving now thank goodness 🙂
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I had quite a bit on hand to start with and then have been able to buy it is spurts now and again.
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So glad you’re back, Sandra, I’ve missed you. I think you’re right when you say our connections are what this is all about, from life in general to blogging. It’s easy to forget and good to be reminded.
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Thanks Rose, it’s nice to be back – for however long my stay lasts! Hope you’re safe and well over there. Australia seems to be managing very well 🙂
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That’s the thing about blogging, it’s always ready when you are 🙂
Watching what is happening in the world has been awful. People in the UK are going through terrible times. Hoping that you and your family are managing to stay safe and well, too.
Yes, we’ve been very lucky in Australia to date although from watching what is happening in other parts of the world we’re very aware of how quickly that can change. Geography helps, being an island, but I’ve become more aware than ever that we are blessed with a good health system and stable government who have been able to put the value of people’s lives ahead of the economy.
We’re in lockdown in Victoria for at least another week with the possibility of that being eased in another week or so. Other states have had some restrictions eased this weekend.
Take care, Sandra 🙂
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I think Australia and NZ have also benefitted from being able to learn more from areas where the virus spread earlier. And I agree, this is certainly a time to count our blessings.
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Yes, definitely to both!
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Those rainbows make a heavenly sight, and are undeniable symbols of hope. Thanks for writing again.
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And thank you for visiting, Uma. I hope you and your friends and family are safe and well and coping with these challenging times.
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What a lovely, restorative post, Sandra, which is most definitely not ‘nothing’. Finding ways to engage with nature, in whatever form that takes, is just perfect. And what could be better than a rainbow – that most fleeting and precious reminder of impermanence. xxx
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Thank you, Liz. It’s nice to be back and I hope it lasts – for a reasonable while at least! Impermanence… you are so right. This too, shall pass. There are lessons to learn and growth to experience through it all 🙂 xx
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Yay, she’s blogging again. And what a blog of a blog if I may say so! 🙂 In this timeless lockdown, I didn’t realise it was May Day til late evening when it was too late to watch one of my favourite films: the original version of Wicker Man. And YES, the video chats are magic – just like rainbows!!!
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❤️️ 😊 x
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These are wonderful rainbows, Sandra, and it’s good to see you back! 🙂 I have thought about a lot of things, whilst being in isolation, one of them are pros and cons of living in a big city. To be honest, I would give anything to live in a house with a garden instead of in a small London flat at the moment. Cabin fever is starting to get real. I love posts like with beautiful photos of nature.
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It must be very tough in a small flat, Stargazer. I truly feel for you. Mostly I am very grateful for the open spaces here but there are pros and cons here too of course. I walk and I see no one. When this first began it felt like we must be the only people left on earth. I never thought these empty roads and valleys could get any emptier but they did and they remain so. Not that I’m complaining: we are very fortunate. But we’ll get through this – each in our various habitats. Hang in there! x
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Welcome back Sandra- what a perfect post, perfectly encapsulating this strange betwixt and between time – this suspension of reality, almost limbo- in which we find ourselves at present. As a positive, it has forced a time of quiet and thoughtfulness and appreciation on those of us lucky enough to be away from the front line of the struggle against this awful disease . It has been the most glorious Spring, enhanced by the quiet and the crystal clear air, but filled with birdsong and blossom, and accompanied by amazing night skies.
Yes, we miss family and friends and chatter and laughter, but they are still there in thought and at a distance, and will be the more appreciated when we can be together again.
Behind grey clouds, the sky is always blue.xxx
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Beautiful, Pat 🙂 And absolutely true xx
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An encouraging post, Sandra. Our niece, Danni, is holding an Ella 18 month party at her local common on 25th July. If we are not out of lockdown by then it will be moved to August…. September… as appropriate. Perhaps you could do that with your father’s Christmas if necessary.
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Derrick that is a wonderful thought. Though we must all hope that by then it won’t be necessary. I hope you and the family are safe and well. I shall get around to dropping by (virtually of course) before too long 🙂
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I agree with your hope, Sandra. We are all fine, I’m happy to say – although a niece working in a London hospital did catch Covid which she passed on to boyfriend and brother (they all share a flat). All three have successfully recovered.
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My goodness, I’m glad they have all recovered, Derrick. My daughter is also a nurse but at the moment not working closely with Covid patients. Take good care 🙂
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Another niece is a sister in Salisbury’s Covid intensive care unit – so far so good
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I’ve been grateful you’ve popped round a couple of times to my blog, given what you’ve said — we do what we can do, don’t we, and I think we appreciate that this crisis has hit everybody in different ways. Myself, I use blog posts to distract myself with positive things — I leave it to Twitter to express my frequent rants, Facebook to connect with family and immediate community, and Instagram to put up pretty visuals. It’s a fair division or else my anger and righteous indignation would poison every part of social media!
But yes, May, the merry month of. Let’s be positive while we can and cheer those who find it harder. Here’s our attempt: https://youtu.be/WWspwvfkz7I
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Chris, I always enjoy visiting your blog 🙂 And thank you for the truly joyful music! It left me with a huge smile on my face – for all the right reasons I hasten to add!
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A lovely view Sandra, made extra special with the rainbow. It is a strange time and I think a lot of us are finding it difficult to out into words how we feel. Your post is most apt. I guess all we can do is carry on, and hope for the best. We are lucky we are where we are.
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We are indeed, Jude. And your posts are a regular tonic 🙂
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Thanks for connecting and for the rainbows Sandra. These are indeed strange times where I find myself caught between such shifting responses, and between anxiety and caring, and an underlying sadness at all the losses great and small for so many. It still feels unreal that this is happening all across the globe as we wait uncertainly for what will unfold. It is a situation that calls for a quiet courage as we reach out beyond the physical isolation.
Take care and keep safe, and I hope that you do continue to post when you feel like connecting in this way.
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Wise words, Carol, and capturing the essence of this time as you so often do 🙂
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Strange times indeed! Seeing your post has brightened my day and I’m glad to know you’re finding some positives in the current gloomy situation. Stay safe and well!
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You too, FF 🤗 😷 😊
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Thanks so much for the link and the kind words Sandra. It’s good to see you back – I always enjoy your posts so I’m glad that you’ve found the words to chronicle your view of the world at the moment.
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You’re very welcome, Andrea. Your posts are always inspirational 🙂
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Connection made, and I’m very glad to say that – Rainbows don’t give answers, but they do inspire hope, and it’s surely that which is encouraging us all on.
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I’m glad too 🙂 And yes, hope, peseverance – and for some, courage 🙂
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So beautiful, just what I needed right now 🙂
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Thank you Gretchen, I’m glad it helped 🙂 Stay safe and well
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Lovely, thoughtful and thought-provoking post. The uncertainty causes anxiety but these days I spend more time feeling thankful for the days with my family as well as the garden. I haven’t thought as far as Christmas, though. Hoping we’re not still isolated then.
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I hope not too, Cynthia. It’s still a long way ahead and much will have changed by then 🙂
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Now here we are in week 10! Lovely photos, Sandra, I’m glad you decided to contribute your thoughts. I do like having glimpses into the way we’re all coping.
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Is it week 10 now, Cath? I’ve lost all track of time! Currently coping courtesy of Hay Digital which is stupendous! 🙂
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Ooh, lucky you. I was tempted, but am still working from home, so had to resist. I hope you might think of reviewing some of it…
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I’ll try Cath ☺️ In case it’s of interest the sessions are available for 24 hours after each live slot and after that on Hay-player. Not that I want to tear you away from work of course… 🤭
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