Blog ~ Ruffled Feathers

Thoughts, ideas, perspectives, ruminations. If we make it through life without ruffling a few feathers, have we really lived?

Blog Updates

Sign-up to receive this Blog via email every day:

 

Blissed Out – Day 955

Posted on by Lisa Weikel Leave a comment
Prehistoric Monster – Photo: L. Weikel

Blissed Out

I engaged in some adventures today, and to be honest, I’m feeling sort of blissed out at the moment.

While I know from experience how essential it is to disentangle ourselves from our devices and the news and the every day concerns that comprise the lives of so many of us, it always feels amazing to actually do it.

Today I found myself delighting in little things, such as the seemingly ginormous beetle traversing an old log lush with a carpet of moss. Close up it looked like it could be something out of Jurassic Park.

Another wonder that caught my eye was the rainbow spider web. The exquisitely cool breeze made it dance in the wind and no matter which way it bounced, it never lost its multi-colored shimmer.

Day Lily – Photo: L. Weikel

 

Day Lilies to Creek Bubbles

During my walk today I realized all sorts of lilies are blooming in a surge of life force. Their beauty makes me catch my breath – I’m such a sucker for the vibrant colors and masses of buds just waiting to burst forth.

After my walk delivered me to the creek’s edge I was yet again fascinated by something simple. Bubbles clamoring to make their way through a gap in some rocks reminded me of people rushing to an exit, when all they really need to do is find another way around. Or out.

Photo: L. Weikel

Fires and the Moon Never Disappoint

Ending my day, I sat with a fire and talked to the flames as they transformed from sharp and voraciously hungry to mellow and satisfied. We became comfortable with each other and I felt an intimacy with the element that almost, actually quite distinctly, felt like love.

As the fire dwindled to a bed of glowing embers, the brilliance of the moon – which will be full (and a ‘super moon,’ to boot) in Capricorn tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon at 2:40 p.m. – transformed the night. Lightning bugs tried to compete for my attention, but it was almost as if they decided to save their juice for a few nights from now. As the moon wanes, they’ll get their chance. Tonight they graciously stepped aside and allowed Mama Killa to be star of the show.

Photo: L. Weikel

(T-156)

Emerald Cocoon – Day 954

Posted on by Lisa Weikel Leave a comment
After the Rain – Photo: L. Weikel

Emerald Cocoon

After the heat and humidity of the past several days, today’s rain felt delicious. The dripping emerald cocoon that wrapped itself around us for most of the day was restorative and nourishing. I didn’t realize how thirsty I was – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Time wore a different outfit today. It donned a duster from an old Western and seemed in absolutely no hurry to ‘move along.’ In fact, it almost felt like this afternoon stopped and still hasn’t resumed.

It’s hard to explain what I mean. I think it was how dark it got when the cold front finally moved in. Our living room took on the lighting of midwinter, with the increase in summer solstice sunlight substantially compromised by the dense leaves of the trees just outside most of our windows. Yes, come to think of it. The house was cloaked in a profound darkness.

A New Day

Eventually, the sky began to clear. Sunset from the vantage point of my place of soul replenishment was profound and lovely. The lightning bugs weren’t happy, though. Neither were the cicadas. Everyone was quiet, even after the rain stopped.

It was as if they all needed to stay in bed today. And by the time better weather moved in, they said, “Bag it. We’ll take up with life tomorrow.”

The Watcher – Photo: L. Weikel

A Watcher

Taking advantage of the clearing skies, I sat outside and began writing in my journal. After several minutes, I felt eyes upon me. I glanced around. No beasts. No wildlife.

But then my gaze settled upon a knot in a 2 x 4 not very far away from where I was sitting. Yep. That was it.

Clearly I’m not alone, I concluded. Where have I been that I hadn’t noticed this guy before? Is he a Wood Dragon? Not sure. But he sure has a set of very sharp teeth.

Nevertheless, the smirk doesn’t feel dangerous. A showing of teeth; but not a baring of teeth. It’s critical to make these distinctions.

Sharp Teeth – But Not a Bite? – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-157)

Two Amazing Sightings – Day 953

Posted on by Lisa Weikel Leave a comment
Not the One From Today – Photo: L. Weikel

Two Amazing Sightings

I experienced two amazing sightings today – and I’m chagrined to admit I have not a single photo to prove either one of them took place. It makes me want to cry.

The first one occurred while I was sitting outside on my porch having a conversation with a client. I was lost in thought, focused on my client’s side of the conversation. I was barely aware of what was in front of my face.

Suddenly, bursting into my awareness like a shot from across the road, a burnt orange splash of fur tears toward me from across the road, traverses my driveway, and streaks into my neighbors’ back yard. I’m sure the coincidence of their chicken coop in the back yard had nothing to do with the direction this sniper was headed.

Totally Different

Today’s Foxy encounter was substantially different than the one I had with the adorable little kit pictured above. (I may not have been quick enough to get a photo of the teenager I saw today, but it is a good excuse to post kit’s photo again.) That time, the cutie seemed oblivious to me as it meandered unselfconsciously near the culvert at the side of the road.

It was as if the fox that crossed my path today was fired out of a cannon. It streaked across my field of vision, tail straight out behind it. For once, I had a momentary (extremely momentary) appreciation for the excitement of fox hunting. (Seriously – I loathe this so-called sport.) But watching this sleak, gorgeous animal hurdle seamlessly over obstacles and run with such adroit finesse and speed, I could see why trying to catch one is so difficult. It doesn’t excuse it; but it sort of helps me understand why it might be considered a challenge to outsmart one.

Also Not the One From Today – Photo: L. Weikel

Number Two

The second sighting I made today was of an Eagle. The Bald Eagle I saw flying up the Tohickon Creek was just a little bit above eye level with me. The nonchalance of its power and dominion over the wildlife on the Tohickon was stunning. This raptor has nothing to prove to anyone.

The slow, audible flap of its wings was the antithesis of desperation – or even of hunger. I got the distinct sense that the Blue Jays losing their minds as it flew past their nests were screeching from painful past experience. Lucky for them, neither petite Blue Jay tartare nor Blue Jay omelettes were on the menu.

Come Back

At least in our area, it’s obvious the Bald Eagle population is making a comeback, which is outstanding. But I have to admit – no matter how pedestrian an Eagle sighting may become due to the success of conservation efforts, it will always be an utterly thrilling experience for me.

An Eagle sighting, to me, represents the potential for contact with the Divine. Eagle feathers are treasured spiritual tools for native North Americans. They are a direct connection with Great Spirit.

And honestly? I remember when they were endangered. I was 31 years old and all the way up in Maine before I even caught a glimpse of an Eagle for the first time – and even then, I barely saw some tail feathers. Nevertheless, the experience will remain a treasure in my heart forever. A girl never forgets her first Eagle.

Who knew I’d be so lucky when I was twice that age to have them virtually in my own back yard. It feels absolutely miraculous.

(T-158)

The Tiniest Green Frog – Day 952

Posted on by Lisa Weikel Leave a comment
The Star of Our Post – Photo: L. Weikel

The Tiniest Green Frog

On our walk today, Spartacus and I met the next star of her own storybook. Meet the tiniest green frog in Tinicum Township.

It was a fluke that I even noticed her. Hanging out at the edge of the road, I’m not sure what she was contemplating. Why didn’t she just go the extra jump and put herself back into the swampy roadside gloop created by last night’s rainstorm? Were there bullies among the slimy bubbles?

What possessed her to risk it all when we approached, holding still while the Two-legged Giant and Four-legged Sniffer got closer and closer? It’s clear she had the advantage of surprise, yet she didn’t use it. Instead the tiny tadger permitted photographs and comparisons, musings and speculations.

Perhaps she was trying to break out of the mold of her foremothers and forefathers. Strike out on a different career path than the ancestors before her. Prove to herself that she wouldn’t be pigeon-holed by The Man’s ideas of what Green Frogs are capable of achieving.

Smaller Than a Thumbdrive – Photo: L. Weikel

We’ll Never Know

She held her tongue. Little Miss Green Frog was as tight-lipped as she was tiny. Indeed, she was trying to pass as a Bullfrog, which made me laugh, but not impolitely. (Spartacus snickered but stopped when I gave him the Look.)

The thing is, see, she didn’t realize that I cannot be fooled. I have access to Pennsylvania’s finest herpetological sleuthing tool, PA Herp Identification. And I’m dedicated. I compared Bullfrogs to Green Frogs and her glandular folds were the tell that told the tale. At least they told part of the story.

Where she was going and why – being far and away the tiniest Green Frog in Tinicum Township – is a mystery that will have to be solved another day.

In the meantime, take a look at just how teeny tiny – yet perfectly formed, and without even the hint of a juvenile tail to boot – this princess was.

Not a Fearful Bone in Her Body – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-159)

Random Discoveries Again – Day 951

Posted on by Lisa Weikel 2 Comments
View From Above – Photo: L. Weikel

Random Discoveries Again

I wrote last night about two poems I came upon a few days ago, discarded in the tall grass and weeds beside the road. The question is whether these so-called random discoveries*, again, are indeed random or are somehow, in some way, orchestrated by consciousness we just can’t yet prove.

I make no secret of the answer my experiences would seem to support. And just because I can’t prove the existence of the consciousness behind such discoveries does not disprove its existence.

The bottom line is that I choose to expand my awareness to include the numinous. My life is immeasurably enriched by my choice (and capacity) to soften my gaze and thereby see a little bit more of what surrounds and infuses our world and, indeed, each and every one of us. Embracing the possibility that these discoveries are anything but random increases my risk, perhaps, of being perceived with ridicule or pity. But I’ve reached the point where I throw my lot in with the magic I know is Truth.

With that, I hereby proffer for your contemplation the other poem by Charles Bukowski that managed to find its way into my life. Torn out of a book and crumpled up. Tossed into the weeds along a single lane country road, only to be discovered by a 62 year old woman and her Boston Terrier; these words were published 55 years ago.

The Genius of the Crowd

There is enough treachery, hatred violence absurdity in the average

Human being to supply any given army on any given day

 

And the best at murder are those who preach against it

And the best at hate are those who preach love

And the best at war finally are those who preach peace

 

Those who preach god, need god

Those who preach peace do not have peace

Those who preach peace do not have love

 

Beware the preachers

Beware the knowers

Beware those who are always reading books

Beware those who either detest poverty

Or are proud of it

Beware those quick to praise

For they need praise in return

Beware those who are quick to censor

They are afraid of what they do not know

Beware those who seek constant crowds for

They are nothing alone

Beware the average man the average woman

Beware their love, their love is average

Seeks average

 

But there is genius in their hatred

There is enough genius in their hatred to kill you

To kill anybody

Not wanting solitude

Not understanding solitude

They will attempt to destroy anything

That differs from their own

Not being able to create art

They will not understand art

They will consider their failure as creators

Only as a failure of the world

Not being able love fully

They will believe your love incomplete

And then they will hate you

And their hatred will be perfect

 

Like a shining diamond

Like a knife

Like a mountain

Like a tiger

Like hemlock

 

Their finest art.

*Speaking of random discoveries, as I was proofreading this post and re-reading the link to Charles Bukowski, I finally saw that Henry Charles Bukowski’s actual birth name was Heinrich Karl Bukowski. Hence, in a manner of speaking, this literally was a message from Karl. Gotta love it.

(T-160)

Random Discoveries – Day 950

Posted on by Lisa Weikel Leave a comment
Random Discoveries? – Photo: L.Weikel

Random Discoveries

How many times have I mused about the random discoveries we make in our day to day lives that actually feel like they’re messages? How many times have I picked up trash beside the road or looked at a billboard I’ve looked at a million times before and known with absolute certainty that it was meant for me to find or see in that moment? Even seemingly random tickets in line at the DMV can feel like a Hallmark card to me. Yeah, this is a theme I come back to over and over again.

I’ve made some pretty bizarre discoveries in the decades we’ve walked and picked up trash along the way. The other day was one of the odder discoveries. But in a peculiar way (naturally), I made a connection between what I found crumpled and tossed into the thicket beside my country road and my son – whose presence I’d felt very close recently.

I’d seen his initials on license plates at least half a dozen times over the past two days. I overheard random mentions of ‘1111’ or turned my head quickly when someone called out, “Karl!” in the grocery store. (No one was with me at the time.)

These things happen occasionally and they make me smile. Sometimes I ache and wish the connection was stronger or could segue into a conversation, but I’ll take what I can get. I’ll feel the hug. I’ll send the love right back at ya, Karl.

An Odd One

But the discovery the other day was different. I noticed the papers crumpled up in the grass as I walked by. The grass is tall along the roadside at that spot and initially I only saw one wad of paper. The other was actually a few paces further along.

The first one I picked up, while balled up, was still fully intact. It was clearly a poem ripped out of a book. So was the other, but that one had been ripped with less care, the bottom corner obviously remaining with the binding.

“What’s the message, Spartacus?” I asked as he eagerly nosed the balled up waste and looked expectantly toward me for a treat. Absently, I fished for a treat in my pocket and tossed it to him, which he deftly snagged mid-air.

Tucking the leash under my arm, I used both hands to smooth the page. I felt my heart skip just a bit faster. “Huh,” I said. “Good one, Karl.”

Poetry Thicket – Photo: L. Weikel

A Poem

Here in the middle of nowhere (see the photo above), I found a poem entitled ‘the bluebird.’ Not being a poet myself, nor a student of that genre, I had a feeling I should probably know who wrote this, but of course I didn’t. My Google search once I got home immediately yielded the name of Charles Bukowski.

Its words are haunting. And I can easily imagine my son thinking some of the thoughts expressed in the piece. But beyond that, it reminds me of Karl because he played the part of Moonface Martin in the musical Anything Goes when he was in 7th grade. He had a solo: Be Like the Bluebird.

I can’t even credit the book from which the pages were torn. But the two poems (I’ll share the other one tomorrow night) feel raw and important; at least important enough for me to pay attention to them and give them another venue in which to be read and contemplated. Do they hold a message for you? For me? For any of us?

Or are they just random discoveries?

the bluebird

there’s a bluebird in my heart that

wants to get out

but I’m too tough for him,

I say, stay in there, I’m not going

to let anybody see

you.

 

there’s a bluebird in my heart that

wants to get out

but I pour whisky on him and inhale

cigarette smoke

and the whores and the bartenders

and the grocery clerks

never know that

he’s

in there.

 

there’s a bluebird in my heart that

wants to get out

but I’m too tough for him,

I say,

stay down, do you want to mess

me up?

you want to screw up the

works?

you want to blow my book sales in

Europe?

 

there’s a bluebird in my heart that

wants to get out

but I’m too clever, I only let him out

at night sometimes

when everybody’s asleep.

I say, I know that you’re there,

so don’t be

sad.

 

then I put him back,

but he’s singing a little

in there, I haven’t quite let him

die

and we sleep together like

that

with our

secret pact

and it’s nice enough to

make a man

weep, but I don’t

weep, do

you?

(T-161)

Decadent Toffee – Day 949

Posted on by Lisa Weikel Leave a comment
The Toffee About Which This Is Written – Photo: L. Weikel

Decadent Toffee

Sometimes we need a little help from our friends to get a job accomplished. And my job tonight is to follow through on my nightly devotion and fulfill my Act of Power on behalf of my son Karl. Surely you might think if all I have to do is write something – anything! – each night, then meeting my obligation should be easy. But trust me, that’s an illusion. And that is where the help of my friends, and in this case, decadent toffee, comes in.

There’s no minimum number of words required or specific topics that demand coverage. So what’s the big deal, you might ask? Staying awake. Thinking of something to write about within the vast ocean of life. (It’s harder than you might think.)

Searching For Indulgence

I try not to indulge in my vices too often but sometimes it’s unavoidable. Hmm. Re-reading that sentence, I’m compelled to clarify: The truth is, I try not to write about indulging my vices too often!

If I do a keyword search of my blogs, though, I discover that I’ve mentioned chocolate something like 27 times and Owowcow ice cream at least five times. I have a sneaking suspicion that I must’ve screwed up on that in some way. It seems beyond comprehension that I only mentioned Owowcow 5 times in over 900 posts. Even if I’ve tried to curb my tendency to write about my indulgences – that seems rather unbelievable.

Makes me think I should search the more generic term: ice cream.

Never Mind

Yeah…never mind. I just did said search and, not surprisingly, 33 posts were referenced. But I’m claiming skepticism on this. For instance, I re-read one of the posts that came up under the search term ‘ice cream’ (a post entitled “Double Icing”) and for the life of me, I don’t see that I mentioned ice cream once in that post.

Perhaps I’m distracted by all the talk of cake and icing in that post. After all, the whole point to this post this evening is the fact that I’m so tired that the only way I’m keeping my eyes open at this point is by savoring a few gooey, finger-licking pieces of utterly sinful toffee my kids left on my kitchen table the last time they visited.

Oh. My. Goodness.

Success! Sort Of?

It’s time for bed. I’ve mostly only succeeded in doing a bit of re-con on the posts I’ve written that might qualify me for an Oral Fixation Award.

I do want to give a shout out to Sage and Sarah, though. The toffee got me to the other side tonight. It’s delicious, it’s sinful, the caffeine in the chocolate and the sugar throughout were beyond yummy and helped keep me focused. Sort of.

Note: I did not finish the box. The decadent toffee depicted in the photo above may be somewhat diminished – but self-control was exercised in the writing of this post.

(T-162)

A Worthwhile Endeavor – Day 948

Posted on by Lisa Weikel Leave a comment
Waxing Moon 16 June 2021 – Photo: L. Weikel

A Worthwhile Endeavor

I listened with interest the other day to an Astrology Hub podcast discussing the transits for this week. In that Weekly Weather podcast, Anne Ortelee suggests an exercise that feels both intriguing and powerful to me. In fact, it feels like such a worthwhile endeavor that I thought I’d mention it here.

All of you know that I’m no astrologer. At best, I flirt with the tiniest bit of knowledge, which is always a dangerous thing. But in my beginner’s mind innocence, I also harbor enthusiasm for the insight the macrocosm can provide to each of us as a unique microcosm.

Of course, I’m providing the link to the specific podcast here. It may be a little confusing, but I’m finding the best way to learn this stuff is to listen and apply it to my own chart. I suggest you do the same. In fact, there were even more interesting insights in this particular podcast that I’m following up with for myself. But see for yourself, if you’re interested.

One great thing about Amanda Pua Walsh, the founder of Astrology Hub and the host of the Weekly Weather as well as the Cosmic Connection (the program with Rick Levine that I’ve linked to occasionally) is that she asks great questions. Not only does she summarize what’s been said by the astrologer, but she also seems to get confused when I do – and asks for clarification when I need it.

Weird Clouds at Sunset – Photo: L. Weikel

Planting Seeds for the Long Haul

The exercise that Anne Ortelee suggested in this week’s Weekly Weather podcast has to do with the new moon that occurred last Thursday morning. You may recall that the new moon was also an eclipse of the sun. And to add to the intensity of that astrological lineup, it just so happened that the new moon and eclipse both lined up with the “Nodes of Fate.” The Nodes of Fate are the Moon’s Nodes – something I’m not equipped to get into describing at the moment. Suffice it to say, the Moon’s North Node conjuncted (landed in the same sign and the same degree as) the new moon and the eclipse.

I’ve written a number of times about the new moon being a fertile time to plant the seeds of new ideas or goals. These generally may come to fruition in a month, or in longer time frames such as 2.5 years. Well, precisely because this new moon took place conjunct the Moon’s Nodes (specifically the North Node of the Nodes of Fate), at an eclipse, a 19 year process was set in motion.

Since it’s only been a week since that powerful conjunction, the moon is still just beginning to wax and grow the intentions set during that time. In other words, it’s not too late to plant those seeds – particularly for the long haul of what you would like to manifest over the next 19 year phase of your life.

Interesting Exercise

If you even just indulge me in this and allow yourself to ponder what you would like to be experiencing in your life 19 years from now, you’ll see that this is a worthwhile endeavor. For one thing, it is fascinating to look back 19 years from this moment and ponder just what you were thinking, doing, and dreaming back then.

Did you have an accurate assessment of your present circumstances 19 years ago? Is the life you’re living now anything like the one you were living then? Are you living a life now that you fully imagined then?

Simply reflecting on the changes in your life over the past 19 years is fascinating. At least I found it to be so. And realizing that I had no idea then that I would be doing what I do now for a living makes me realize just how much everything can change in 19 years.

The most important thing to remember in contemplating this exercise is to focus upon what you want to feel in 19 years. The specifics can be filled in by Life Itself. But the most important activity we can do right now is set the intention of what we want to feel. Do we want to be surrounded by people we love and who love us? Will we be living in a home that’s secluded and in the country or within walking distance to the most important things in our life? Do we want excellent health? Children? Do we want to be living with a person who loves us and shares our passions? Do we want to own our own company or head a non-profit?

It’s the Passion

What’s most important in writing out these seeds that we want to plant/goals that we want to create or manifest in our lives is how deeply and passionately we want them. It’s not as much in the details; it’s the passion. Often the Universe (or Spirit or God/Goddess, whatever you want to call Creator energy) will give us something even better than we could have imagined.

“This or something better”

The truth is, we go a long way in getting the ball rolling by tapping into what’s in our hearts. And let’s be real. How often do we honestly sit down and contemplate what would I like to be experiencing 19 years from now?

It’s a most intriguing question. And depending upon your age, it can feel a bit unsettling or daunting. If we can overcome our initial uneasiness, though, the power of our imagination can be utterly life changing. And a worthwhile endeavor no matter how you look at it.

Waxing Moon in Virgo Flirting with Clouds – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-163)

Paying My Respects – Day 947

Posted on by Lisa Weikel Leave a comment
Aura of the Trees Along the Tohickon – Photo: L. Weikel

Paying My Respects

I spent a few minutes paying my respects to the Tohickon this afternoon. I don’t think I was there a full hour, but it felt as though I’d spent the entire afternoon on its banks. Probably the most miraculous aspect to this body of living water is its ability to instantaneously soothe my soul. In fact, there are some days when all I can muster is a ‘drive-by,’ and I nevertheless feel a difference simply in consciously connecting to this nurturing creek.

I’ve been starving for some creek-time. Before yesterday, I think I allowed ten days or so to go by without giving myself the gift of Tohickon Solitude. While I didn’t realize it at the time, I have a feeling those closest to me <<cough>><<Karl>> may have wondered just what was provoking that edge.

Now they know.

Today’s Photos

The photo at the top of this post is a shot of the creek as it flows southeast toward the Delaware. I took it this afternoon. I have to admit, I stood on a rock as water flowed all around me and felt transported into another time/space/dimension. Undoubtedly, the pulse of the cicadas on one level and the otherworldly whirring emanating from deeper within the forest on either side of the creek on another level held me in a moment that seemed to last forever.

Then I took the photo. I also zoomed in and took another of that same massive cloud seemingly stationed just above the creek.

As I transferred the photos onto my laptop so I could easily include them here in this post, I was surprised to see the very obvious aura given off by the trees. Then my left brained logical side suggested that perhaps this ‘aura’ was simply an illusion created by the lower resolution of the photo. So I transferred it from my iPhone again, only this time opting for the highest resolution.

No change.

Highest Res – Still an Aura – Photo: L. Weikel

Life Force

I can only surmise that somehow I was lucky enough to capture in photo form the life force emanating from this most sacred spot of land. Standing on the rock in that moment, listening to the sounds of life and feeling the wind on my face, I felt connected to everything. I’m privileged to live near here and have the chance to include it as part of my life on a daily basis – provided I make the time.

I only wish for everyone reading this post a sacred spot of your own. A place no matter how tiny or shared with others that connects you deeply – profoundly – with Mother Earth. I urge you to find your place where you feel yourself being recharged and refilled with life force and purpose; a place where joy and hope bubble up in spite of your heartache or worries; a place where it only takes a moment for your heart to feel lighter in spite of yourself.

Photo: L. Weikel

(T-164)

Discomfort and Wariness – Day 946

Posted on by Lisa Weikel Leave a comment
Ray of Light – Photo: L. Weikel

Discomfort and Wariness

I just experienced something oddly unexpected. Only a few minutes ago, I turned on the tv and changed the channel to one of my favorite news programs. It only took a few moments before I sensed this weird feeling in myself – a discomfort and wariness. Echoing in the back of my mind I heard myself asking no one out loud, “What’s off here? Why does this feel weird?”

Believe it or not, it actually took me a minute or two to figure out just what was distracting me. Maybe it’s the audio, I thought. Yeah, that was a possibility. But nah, it didn’t feel like it was simply a microphone issue. Huh. What could it be? And that’s when the camera panned out.

I think I may have literally recoiled (if only slightly). But there was the host sitting uncomfortably close to his guest, asking her questions and even laughing out loud to something she remarked upon. I think it was the guffaw that appalled me most. Good grief, he didn’t even cover his mouth when he laughed.

It felt wrong.

Things Change

Apparently, though, this is our evolved state. We’re back to in-person interviewing.

I think I’m genuinely surprised by my reaction to the resumption of face-to-face interactions. While it seems super that it’s permitted, I just don’t know.

Call me wary, but I’m sensing that the sounding of the ‘all clear’ horn is a bit premature. While I realize everyone’s clamoring to get ‘back to normal,’ I’m not thrilled about the idea of the Delta variant, which I’m pretty sure is the one that’s ripped through India and has caused new cases to skyrocket in Great Britain. Why risk playing around with this?

Is it a lot to ask ourselves to keep our masks on when we’re in public places? It just feels unnecessarily cavalier to tool around maskless when we have no idea how vulnerable any of us really is when it comes to spreading or catching the variant.

A Matter of Trust

It’s sad to me that my intuition sounds the alarm when I walk into the grocery store and see people maskless. It does, though. This is especially true when I see the sign on the door advising that masks are required for all people who’ve not been vaccinated.

Well. That pretty much dangles a carrot in front of those who choose not to be vaccinated, doesn’t it? What’s to stop a person who doesn’t believe in vaccinations (nor in social distancing) from simply doing whatever they want? The state of public life at this point asks people to self-regulate. Which means anyone can do whatever they want, and we all need to ‘just trust’ each other.

Looks Askance

Upon reflection, I realize I was actually getting some looks when I stopped at the grocery store today. I had a mask on. It’s unobtrusive. But I actually sensed people looking at my mask today, and either drawing conclusions or wondering about me, which was not my experience until now.

Were they wondering if I’d been vaccinated? Did they wonder if I was sick? Were they thinking I was just some smug ‘liberal’ trying to push my agenda on them? (My mask did say ‘Love’ – which might be considered a ‘tell.’) All of a sudden I felt like there was a lot more judgment swirling around the grocery store aisles than I’d ever felt before.

All of this jubilant ‘return to normal’ feels a bit premature. I worry about the people with health issues – or have loved ones at home who are at risk. And it makes me sad that I’ve come to the conclusion that trusting my fellow citizens to simply wear a mask if they choose not to get vaccinated is a bridge too far.

Clouds of Discomfort and Wariness – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-165)