Hello August, come on in quietly. Please leave your shoes at the door and grab a chair. We need to have a talk. I’m greeting you in Portuguese because Portugal is where I’d like to be right now - plus they’re the only ones who might accept us without quarantining 14 days. We’re in a big mess here and have great expectations for the remains of our 2020 summer under a bubble. This COVID-19 Pandemic has messed up everything, and tragically has taken many lives. We’re doing our part with masking, social distancing, and washing hands. But we need a little help coping with other things. Rain. Desperately needed here in Arizona. July failed miserably with almost no rain and we’re drying up in the extreme heat. Weekly showers would be nice, daily even better. I have faith in you, August. Actually that leads to the second Big issue. Heat. We’ve had too many days of triple digit temperatures. Enough already! It’s damned oppressive, along with everything else. Need a break here. And hope for cooler days. No more violence. Listen up. This has to stop! Right now! Need To spread a bunch of Love 💕. Relief for our healthcare workers is critical. They are divine, but wearing down from the stress. Guidance about educating our kids would be appreciated. Extra points. Ok August. You have your marching orders. Did you take notes? It’s a lot to ask but I’m sure you’re up to it! Otherwise, see Portugal because we’re outta here! Thank you. Virtual hugs. While you’re isolating, you might want to check out my books at www.marytateengels.com By the way you can read them with your mask on. love, Mary Tate PS. Photos, top to bottom: Classic pastry of Portugal, Pasteis de Nata; Typical Lisbon sidewalks, inlaid with tile; Tremendous monument honoring Portuguese world explorers; Ponte de Lima, Roman bridge from 1 AD, still in use; Our favorite Michelin-recommended restaurant in Viana do Castelo. Seeking Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of Happiness seems illusive when we are Social Distancing, Masking, and Isolating for the good of the Realm. On top of that, we’re in a dry heat spell with 100+ temperatures almost daily and there’s a 3-week ongoing wildfire on the mountain near our home. Oh, and we have long-smoldering fear and fury in the streets. Did I mention it’s election season with political claptrap flying hither and yon over every media? Sounds like a Sci-fi novel. No where is safe. Not exactly the best Creative environment for a writer, especially one who favors Romance. So what’s a writer to do? I try to be positive (& creative) within the social boundaries imposed on me so I made a list of things I enjoy. I encourage you to do the same. What I really want is to escape, get away, breathe in clean air, walk on a beach, play golf, eat seafood and salads. And drink wine at sunset overlooking the Dordogne River Valley in Southern France. In my dreams. But I see that I’m way off mark. Here is what’s trending now in our isolated world: Baking bread Toilet paper Face masks Hand sanitizers Home projects Guy Fieri - who is feeding front line healthcare workers and helping out of work food workers. Yay Guy! Reruns of Downton Abbey. So we think we have it bad! Okay, I feel better. Writing about it helps. Highly advised. I’m off to find my inspiration to do my favorite happy thing. Write! And maybe read a bit. While isolating....with out my mask. What’s on your list for Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of happiness during these unusual times? If reading is one of your favorites, may I recommend my three featured books this summer. They’re on sale on my HOME page (see above) for 99 cents each! Fall in love again with: Rare Breed - A crash in the Grand Canyon brings them together. When adventurer Brit Bailey is rescued by Navajo professor Jake Landry, she can’t help falling in love. Will her rescue tear them apart? Speak to the Wind - Apache leader, Joe Quintero helps put out one fire, only to start another. Maria Eden’s mountain cabin is saved. But the wildfire between them ignites a love that soars beyond their ability to control. Texas Sizzle - Sophisticated widow, Kathryn Coleman steps out of her league in Texas when she falls for local football hero, Max Logan. He arouses her desire for love, laughter and country music. Is she a cougar, intrigued with a younger man or a lonely woman looking for love? Love Mary Tate We are exiled to save the realm! We are all in this together. This is the era of social distancing. Shelter in place to protect others. Physical separation to keep from overwhelming our healthcare workers! I’m grateful for our health, for the well-being of our family and friends, and for our recent travels. In the past 6 months, we have been in northern Italy where these pictures were taken, Connecticut, Utah, and Florida. Hot spots for this virus! We are in the midst of a long quarantine for the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. It is May and many are growing weary and restless with our necessary social distancing. No work for most businesses, only essential ones like grocery, pharmacy and Ace Hardware. Little to no travel, restaurants are take-out only, and we are wearing masks and rubber gloves when we go out. Stock market is down. Stimulus money distributed. Because of the many unknowns and unpreparedness, it is a healthcare disaster. And now, a political football. When do we open up again? So how are we dealing with it? We're changing, whether intended or not. We’re becoming... bitchy, irritable, angry, doubtful, desperate, sad, overwhelmed or struggling to remain positive, grateful, accepting, determined, and sorrowful. Or all of the above. All at once, sometimes. Note to self on becoming: Who do I want to be? Positive but smart. Listen to science and history but think for myself. Know that the government sometimes lies or hides the truth. Be compassionate and grateful. Most of all, we will be changed to save the Realm! A Lasting Love and Callahan’s Gold are on sale through the month of June. You can find them at my website- www.marytateengels.com. Stay safe, Mary Tate! |