Inspired by V.J.’s Weekly Challenge #89: Imaginary
The word this week is imaginary. Respond in which ever way the muse moves you. Looking forward to your responses.
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My life is surreal enough as it is right now. Fear is everywhere. The enemy…invisible.
Not just in my own little universe. Throughout the world…women, men and children are dipping their collective toes into unfamiliar murky waters. Trying to figure out this new “normal” as Stay Safe replaces Have Fun or Have a Nice Day.
Breaking News assaults us nightly. No escaping it if you want to stay informed.
This morning I went out to get gas for my car. Not that I am going too far, but a full tank of gas is one thing I can actually do. Alone.
Imagine my surprise when I glanced at the prices. WTH? I haven’t seen gas selling below $2/gallon in…forever it seems.
Although these days a month ago feels like forever.
Never in my wildest dreams (which aren’t all that wild, but you get my drift) would I have ever imagined panic buying of toilet paper. This morning I asked a neighbor if she needed anything at the store (yes, I had to run in and out for salad and bananas).
She thought a moment and then…”macaroni…and toilet paper?”
As if the second request would be a total miracle.
It turns out miracles do happen. Limit of one package per customer. My neighbor is rejoicing. I do what I can.
Now I have a full tank of cheap gas. In case I want to drive around the block. The governor just closed all state beaches, so I can’t drive to one of my favorite spots. Well, I could drive there, but I’m not allowed to walk the beach.
Apparently people were recently congregating too close together on the sand. Ruining it for those of us who would find some momentary peace and comfort walking six feet apart in the fresh air.
Imagine what would happen if I just went down there anyway.
Would I get arrested? I’ve never been arrested.
Imagine the report: Senior Citizen arrested for walking on the beach. Even though she was minding her own business and was six feet away from the nearest human.
Maybe worth it?
Nah…I think I’ll pass.
These days my imagination continues to expand in epic proportions. Taking on a life of its own. Sometimes that’s not helpful…when it wakes me up at 3am.
This won’t last forever, I keep telling myself.
And then a sweet reminder…
How young children can cope in a world they don’t understand…
My daughter and my 3 ½ year old grandson took a walk yesterday. They live in Washington, DC. Their neighborhood…complete with sidewalks. Lined with trees.
She texted a photo and the story behind it…which she often does – and for which I am most grateful…
…On their walk my grandson carried a stick…
“a special sprayer he was using to spray the germs away….”
He also announced:
Mama, I will keep you safe from the germs. If you get covered in germs I will spray them all off of you. Then the germs will be all gone and we can go to parks, fields, schools, and go visit Grandma and Grampa.
Imagine that. ❤️
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