I ask that because , after a bit of a straw poll at work, it seems commonplace for everyone to be more emotionally labile now than they were before the lockdown.
Does everyone feel this way?
Well I think they do
Yesterday evening was a case in point
I had just got out of my car at work when a huge wild Billy goat suddenly appeared next to me.
We looked at each other for the longest of times and he remained unmoving and unafraid when I reached into my pocket for my camera in order to photograph him.
I chatted to him and reached out a hand ( which he studiously ignored even though it was literally an inch from his face) but he still held my gaze (something wild creatures are so unable to do ) until it was me that was ready to go
The encounter moved me greatly
The ringing of the Church Beall on Thursday night brought out a plethora of emotional comments on the village what's app and Facebook groups. Many of the villagers who had probably never even stepped inside the Church were moved to tears by the tolling of its bell and I thought then, that significant weight had changed to the more simple of events, that would not have held any emotional importance when not in lockdown.
There is no real getting away from it
We all have been truly affected by the events of the past two months
And we have been affected so much more than we care or choose to admit
Am I right?
Or is this the rambling of a middle aged old drama Queen
Stuck on overtime night shifts
How I envision myself ringing the bell next week!!
Oh yes. Little things become huge. Big things become huger. Today 3 things broke in the house in the space of an hour (nothing disastrous) and I almost lost it.
ReplyDeleteTell me about that one
DeleteI have found myself to be much more on edge now our lock down has been stepped down a level. I am on the lookout for people invading my personal space when in a bit more of a hurry, I am more aware of hand hygiene almost bordering on obsession; something I need to be mindful of as I can get very obsessed with things. I was appalled; after weeks of very diminished traffic on the road, how busy the roads were again. It's like it's a free for all again. But I did notice when people were walking there was a lot more mindfulness about avoiding others, but again still others mainly the younger people a bit more inclined to not really give much thought to avoiding people.
ReplyDeleteJo in Auckland
I am getting irritated by unthinking characters that invade my space
DeleteI think it is true. I am certainly more weepy than I have been since the years after my husband died. It isn't a wild grief, but rather strange things make me cry. I do not think it is unusual. It is a strange sort of stress we are experiencing. I am not terribly afraid that I will die and my life has not changed that much, but I worry for my children and grandchildren and the whole world, really.
ReplyDeleteIt's a welling up
DeleteThat's what was the consensus from work
Yes, I quite easily cry at the extraordinary people who are working to save lives through this crisis. Watching 'Hospital' on the television, the doctors in tears, the patients coming to terms with death, I am overcome by the sheer beauty and courage of people.
ReplyDeleteAmen
DeleteFortunately, I've hardly been affected at all by current 'events' - only covering my lower face for when I do the twice-weekly shopping (all that cat food for four pussycats is too weighty for just once-a-week). Other than that don't go out at all. Also, having friendless with no social circle, and with just three surviving siblings, all living hundreds of miles away and who likewise haven't been affected, I'm one of the minority lucky ones who can just sit back and spectate at the grim happenings rather than be personally involved - merely having to be extra-careful for myself.
ReplyDeleteAnd......yes, ring dem bells by all means - but will you get into the habit?
I so want to he Deborah Kerr raymondo but alas I was always destined to be flora robson
DeleteClass acts both, though I wasn't old enough to see the Lady Macbeth in any format for which the latter was famed [amongst other roles]. But yes, you could be a shoo-in for Anna Leonowens - singing, as per ISIHAC, "Whenever I feel a ......., I hold my .......erect, and whistle a happy tune, so no one will suspect I'm a ........."
DeleteAnother notch on your resume … goat whisperer.
ReplyDeleteI'm a natural
DeleteNo, I'm sure you're right. People are changing, and allowing their emotions to come out; even the wildlife is becoming friendlier. I've had a Hedgehog wandering around in full daytime!
ReplyDeletePerhaps cro is right
DeleteWe are allowing ourselves to be cathartic
A hedgehog wandering about in daylight is a sick hoggie. Please check it for ticks, feed it cat food. If vet is open maybe they can check it over. Carla.
DeleteI think, being in the older category, it is not so hard. Once retired, we have become used to finding things to do and occupying our time.many of us don’t have a mortgage or a job to worry about. Obviously we are missing our children, grandchildren and friends but, we are all so lucky to have modern technology to keep in touch and ‘see ‘ each other. This virus is here and we have to make the best of it I guess. XXXX
ReplyDeleteI always worry about my mortgage
DeleteI agree, being debt free in retirement is the best.Mostly stress free, content and being creative, while living simply.
Deletedo be careful around billygoat. he may resent you in his personal space.
ReplyDeleteActually he was in mine lol
DeleteDefinitely. I’m not a crier, never have been yet I have spent the last week a soggy mess. The slightest thing sets me off. It’s bloody draining lol.
ReplyDeleteI think my partner is suffering COVID depression. He is angry with the world and everyone, including me. I know it will pass but he not pleasant to live with at the moment. I feel a bit bored. I really want to get out and about and not drive everywhere.
ReplyDeleteI'm the opposite at the moment. I'm not trying to be brave or anything. I know I'm bottling up my emotions (still haven't cried over losing my dad) I fully expect it will all come out at some point and I'll be a big ugly mess again!
ReplyDeleteHi John, I remember 40 years ago, hearing that in Russia ,they had started ringing the church bells again. It had been found that people within the sound of the bells, gained certain health benefits both physically and mentally. Sound and singing tunes and helps rebalance us. Becoming sound in body and mind?
ReplyDeleteI think our collective emotions are surfacing and joining, creating a very powerful force that needs directing for a positive purpose.
Stay strong John xxxx
Kathy
I'm always emotional. No change.
ReplyDeleteMy self-isolating 88 year old father told me he loved me the other day! The first time in my 59 years! I felt VERY uncomfortable but it must have been a huge deal to him. People are definitely changing.
ReplyDeleteCor yes, l know what you mean.
ReplyDeleteLast night on Gardeners World there was a little 6 year old girl.
She has potted up some plants and is giving them away to passers by (under supervision l believe) to cheer folk up
Well l was in floods at this!
I also long to hear the local Church Bells ringing to signify all is well again.
Let us hope it is soon.
That goat is gorge, l want one!
Tess xx
The little girl was an absolute delight! What a lovely thing for her to do. I was almost in tears about Nigel the dog dying.
DeleteOh didn't know about Nigel, had fallen asleep by then.
DeleteDef would have been more tears then T x
Yes I am more emotional and anxious now.
ReplyDeleteFacebook feeds showing pictures of unbearable cruelty to animals make me cry.
As it gets busier now, I feel that at some stage I'm going to yell at someone to keep their distance !
Well hello there! 👋🏻 I'm doin' well, thanks for asking. You mentioned drama queens... Aren't we all that?
ReplyDeleteAt least a little. Some, then again, much more than others! 🙄 And it's perfectly fine IMO! 🤎🧡
They may be the ramblings of a middle aged [old] drama queen stuck on overtime night shifts, but they ring true. Our favorite Italian restaurant opened yesterday for take-away and delivery. I picked up a couple pizzas last night and visited with one of the owners -- two brothers in their 30s who own two large, exceptional restaurants on the Paseo. It was heartbreaking. He was a pleasure to talk to, but the stress was apparent on his face. I don't know anyone who's not feeling anxious, worried, depressed, exhausted. Trying times.
ReplyDeleteNothing much has changed for me, so I don't feel any differently than I did before the virus. If I had to go out to get the shopping etc it might be a different tale.
ReplyDeleteNothing will be the same, that's for sure. I think that goat is Satan.
ReplyDeleteI feel more anxious these days I suppose. The gift shop where I am a volunteer is going to reopen soon and, although I have said I will still help out, I am quite apprehensive about it. Don't want to let them down. Same with the local Hospice. I am a little uncertain about returning there to volunteer too.
ReplyDeleteI like your goat x
John, what you say rings true. I'm certainly far more easily moved to tears. Luckily the cats don't mind, as long as I feed them.
ReplyDeleteThat Billy has a rather sad smile on his face and I think he probably needed that few minutes with you.
ReplyDeleteYes John, I too am more easily moved to tears.
For a moment I thought you had made up the term "labile" so I googled it and now I apologise for doubting you. Strangely, it is not a word I have ever come across before.
ReplyDeleteOh that billy goat is sooooo beautiful!! Definitely, I work in the NHS although not frontline and every time I hear a patient has recovered from COVID and is clapped from the ward I cry my eyes out! Although this is such a horrendous time I've truly seen some beautiful human behaviour xx
ReplyDeleteLike others,random things make me feel tearful. I think during lockdown I have become more patient. Still not keen on going to the supermarket or anywhere with crowds of people but it was wonderful yesterday to just take a drive through the local villages and not feel guilty. I worry about our eldest son and eldest granddaughter who both work for a major tour operator, whether they will still have jobs. We are so thankfully for our greenhouse at home and our allotment plot. I am not sure whether life as we knew it will ever be the same again. Take care John x
ReplyDeleteBilly looks like a wise old soul.
ReplyDeleteI have noticed that in the last couple of months I am more aware of everything around me. Especially all the outdoor creatures. I see them more beautifully now.
ReplyDeleteWhen you ring the bell please stand further back from the edge! Do you have some Druids robes or will you be wearing your fancy dress snowman outfit?!
ReplyDeleteHugs
SANCTUARY! do you have a moveable hump like igor in "young frankenstein"?
ReplyDeletethe past 2 months have not affected me that much. I DO miss my co-workers (except for one PITA) and not being at my physical office. I know that what I've endured for the past 2 months has kept me safe from a horrible disease. and hell, if I survived cancer, I can survive ANYTHING. I am strong, I am invincible, I AM WOMAN!
John, RING those bells like no other has ever done!
ReplyDeleteI have taken steps to find balance. I stopped listening to the news, cut back on checking news sites. I can be hard to read, but emotions are close to the surface. Unfriended a couple of people on FB, put others on 30 day silence. Anger, tears, laughter are all more likely to be triggered. There have been a couple-three complications in the office, that we have not been there to work through - don't know when we will be there.
ReplyDeleteWe are doing the same as travel, limiting news coverage, just buying the paper once a week.
ReplyDeleteIt isn't easy, we are making sure that we do some jobs on our own as well as working together..too easy to find fault and take offence more than usual.
Billy? He is showing that we are equals on this earth
Yes, definitely more emotional. As things start to very slowly open up here, it's like a carrot being dangled in front of you that you can't have. We watched Forest Gump the other night and daughter and I were an absolute mess at the end.
ReplyDeleteWhen you write about ringing the church bell, and after seeing the picture of the church, all I can do is imagine you in a Midsomer Murder episode. -Jenn
For about 5 weeks I was only sleeping 5 hours a night and waking up super early. Now it is the opposite and I am super tired and sleeping in.
ReplyDeleteWas able to finally go out to a cafe for lunch today and to a couple of shops ut felt super weird though. Other people are just annoying.
I was petting my dogs the other day, telling them what beautiful girls they are, and suddenly I was sobbing. Surprised the hell out of me.
ReplyDeleteLost my cat companion of 15 years Thursday. Told him it was a bad time to die but he didn’t listen. Today scrubbing cat buggers off wall and crying. Sucks!!
ReplyDeletePatty
Aw Patty I’m so sorry. I lost my 15 year old cat on Monday, I feel your pain x
Deletemaybe that goat has heard about bosoms.
ReplyDeleteI would swear that goat has a smile on its face! Great photograph. You should print that one up and frame it as your Covid memory picture! x
ReplyDeleteI think we are all on the precipice of tears or tantrums half the time at the moment. Well I am ... you rambling middle-aged old drama queen you.
ReplyDeleteI love your billy goat, it looks like he's trying to tell you something!!
Wow wow wow...nature eye to eye!
ReplyDeleteThat last photo is riveting.
As someone with an emotional disposition anyway now I am unapologetically so.I am determined to enjoy life and my feelings are magnified.I believe the Goat wants us to be honest with ourselves and that's why he has visited x
ReplyDeleteI've noticed a lot more birds, but being in Los Angeles proper, not much wildlife and certainly nothing as spectacular as a goat! I find myself crying silently far more often these days. xox
ReplyDeleteMr Billy Goat looks like a jolly sort!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if Mr. Billy Goat could smell Albert and the dogs on your clothes so he knew you are an animal person and wouldn't harm him? Amazing photo and definitely frame-worthy.
ReplyDeleteIs there a rota for folks who want their turn at ringing the church bell?
Tears seem much closer to the surface these days.
Hugs!
I have spoken with several people this week who are feeling they are ready to burst out emotionally. There are so many cancellations of events that we look forward to during the summer, that it feels like there is nothing to look forward to. Billy gave me a good feeling today!
ReplyDeleteHaving been going through the menapause for the last 6 years I can usually cry or at least get upset for the slightest reasons. And still can during the lockdown. I do feel more anxious that's for sure. I feel people are more aware of our fragility of life and don't think any of us will come through this unchanged. Take care John x
ReplyDeleteBlack Narcissus, a wonderfully disturbing film. (And I can't believe a goat stared you down,tsk, tsk...)
ReplyDeleteLove the goat ... he kind of looks like he's about to ask you "What's up?"
ReplyDeleteI am old, retired, and I have been a sob story since I can't remember when! I cry at the drop of a hat and sometimes I drop the damned hat! All I have to do is see someone who looks like they are going to start in; or I just have to read about someone crying and I start in! It's downright disgusting and I can't blame it on anything other then that's just how I am! A sob story!
So ... the lockdown hasn't really affected me one way or thee other ... just another day in my life!
Definitely more on edge and emotional here - both husband and I. It comes out in different ways for each of us but it's there. I find I can't face a lot of what's in the news, virus-related or not, because it makes me teary. I've also misplaced what usually passes for patience. Husband prefers his stress to be logical, and fumes at the lack of thinking going on by the heads of government. We're both trying to choose neutral topics at mealtime because not doing so has led to bruised feelings. It doesn't help that I'm working longer hours and having to spend more time meeting my mother's needs, both directly resulting from the pandemic. Gah!
ReplyDeleteWorking hard to notice and remember all the positives, but much more aware of the rapid changes within every day. I listened to latest film put up by The Sixteen choir on Youtube and cried just for the beauty of the music. Arilx
ReplyDeleteIt's been a life changing six months here.
ReplyDeleteI think everyone is feeling out of sorts, anxious, somewhat depressed. It's been hard.
ReplyDeleteThat's how I see you ringing the church bell.
ReplyDeleteWith my tropical habit a flappin in the wind
DeleteAs long as it's not a floppin John x
DeleteI keep telling myself I have a lot to be thankful for but haven't had a good nights sleep since I don't know when, sleep 2 hours and get up for 3 hours and that seems to be a rotation I tell myself I have to sleep and wonder how I manage to get through the day and do the usual chores, strange times and so many sad stories, stay well every one.
ReplyDeleteI AM SO DELIGHTED TO BE FINALLY CURED OF HERPES VIRUS,I HAVE BEEN SUFFERING FROM HERPES TYPE 2 FOR OVER 4 YEARS AND I HAVE SPENT A LOT ON GETTING THE MEDICAL PILLS RECOMMENDED FOR SUPPRESSING THE VIRUS,BUT I NEED MY LIFE BACK SO I OPTED FOR HERBS INSTEAD AND IT WAS THIS PROCESS I CAME ACROSS A TESTIMONY OF HOW EFFECTIVE DOCTOR RAZOR HERBAL MEDICINE IS, SO I DECIDED TO GIVE IT A TRY I CONTACTED THE HERBAL DOCTOR AND HE GUIDED ME AND AFTER FEW DAYS I RECEIVED MY PARCEL FROM THE COURIER SERVICE SENT BY THIS GREAT HERBALIST SO I FOLLOWED HIS INSTRUCTION ON HOW I WAS TO TAKE THE MEDICINE AND AFTER 18 DAYS I DECIDED TO GO FOR MEDICAL CHECK UP ON THE HERBALIST ORDER, TO MY GREATEST SURPRISE THE DOCTORS DECLARED ME NEGATIVE,YOU CAN GET CURED OF HERPES TOO IF I CAN GET CURED AFTER USING HIS HERBAL MEDICINE..REACH HIM ON EMAIL : drrazorherbalhome@gmail.com or Whatsapp or call him on +2349065420442
ReplyDeleteI AM SO DELIGHTED TO BE FINALLY CURED OF HERPES VIRUS,I HAVE BEEN SUFFERING FROM HERPES TYPE 2 FOR OVER 4 YEARS AND I HAVE SPENT A LOT ON GETTING THE MEDICAL PILLS RECOMMENDED FOR SUPPRESSING THE VIRUS,BUT I NEED MY LIFE BACK SO I OPTED FOR HERBS INSTEAD AND IT WAS THIS PROCESS I CAME ACROSS A TESTIMONY OF HOW EFFECTIVE DOCTOR RAZOR HERBAL MEDICINE IS, SO I DECIDED TO GIVE IT A TRY I CONTACTED THE HERBAL DOCTOR AND HE GUIDED ME AND AFTER FEW DAYS I RECEIVED MY PARCEL FROM THE COURIER SERVICE SENT BY THIS GREAT HERBALIST SO I FOLLOWED HIS INSTRUCTION ON HOW I WAS TO TAKE THE MEDICINE AND AFTER 18 DAYS I DECIDED TO GO FOR MEDICAL CHECK UP ON THE HERBALIST ORDER, TO MY GREATEST SURPRISE THE DOCTORS DECLARED ME NEGATIVE,YOU CAN GET CURED OF HERPES TOO IF I CAN GET CURED AFTER USING HIS HERBAL MEDICINE..REACH HIM ON EMAIL : drrazorherbalhome@gmail.com or Whatsapp or call him on +2349065420442
ReplyDelete