Tags
anxiety, Christian role-models, Covid-19, essays, lockdown, music, novels, on-line browsing, Poetry, reading, Suffolk, The Saints Benefice, theology, VOCES8, worship
This post, again, won’t be a normal one for me; not that I have been posting very often over the past few years so ‘normal’ is probably not the correct word to use, but that’s by-the-by.
Just like many people, I haven’t been able to concentrate, especially when it comes to reading the books I would normally choose to read. As well as anxiety about the virus I have had a bad flare-up of my osteo-arthritis in my hands and feet which has meant I haven’t been able to do much housework or gardening, any sewing or knitting, typing or writing for any length of time, or walk far without pain. (Fortunately, after over a month, the discomfort is now ebbing away.) However, I have been doing a lot of thinking. I have also been sitting with Elinor while she works at her university projects. She suffers from chronic anxiety and this virus has made her unhappy and she too, has found concentration very difficult. If I sit with her at the kitchen table she is more likely to get on with work than if she stays in her room where there are distractions aplenty and opportunities to slide into despondency. She is also aware before I am when I start to drift off to sleep and she gives me a helpful nudge. She has introduced me to many things during our companionable vigils in the kitchen and not all of them are to do with graphic design and graphic illustration – her degree subject. Her on-line ‘research’ has led us down many winding paths, admittedly some more interesting to me than others. We have found many Covid-19 articles as you have too, no doubt.
First, this article from Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire. Please watch the video in the article.
Norfolk takes things a little more seriously.
https://www.indy100.com/article/coronavirus-uk-lockdown-walk-social-distancing-norwich-9497306
If that was too gloomy then there is always this from Wolverhampton…
If you think that too silly here is a ‘cute creature’ story.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-52526589
We have also visited Horrible Histories many, many times.
My thinking has revolved around memories, as in my last post, and our strange predicament. One poem has stuck in my mind.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/poetryseason/poems/the_lady_of_shalott.shtml
I think all of us who are especially vulnerable will find our situation similar to that of the Lady of Shalott.
I have been listening to music. I have been reading poetry and short stories, essays and children’s books. Everything that doesn’t need me to concentrate for too long. I was rather pleased with my choice of Lent reading this year. The first book I read was ‘Simply Good News’ by Tom Wright. I started it before the pandemic got going and even though my reading slowed down I was able to finish it and read my second book, ‘Luminaries: Twenty Lives That Illuminate the Christian Way’ by Rowan Williams, before Lent finished. Tom Wright’s book explains why the Christian faith is ‘good news’ and shows that many Christians over the centuries have lost sight of this. It is an exceptionally easy book to read and explains our faith, or what it ought to be, very clearly. Rowan William’s book is an excellent read with twenty short essays on different people from St Paul to St Oscar Romero who are inspirational role-models. I see that this book has been chosen by the Bishop of Ipswich and St Edmundsbury as recommended reading for this month.
I read and enjoyed Margery Allingham’s ‘Flowers for the Judge’. Allingham’s plots are better in some of her books than in others. However; I don’t read her novels for the plot but for the atmosphere she creates and her excellent descriptions of London in the 30’s and 40’s and 50’s, of her characters, their mannerisms and names, of the weather and how it affects towns, country and people, of the countryside, especially the East Anglican countryside.
I am currently reading ‘A Literary Pilgrim in England’ by Edward Thomas the war poet. This is a book of essays by Thomas about many of England’s (and Scotland’s) most famous writers. The book is over a century old and was published in 1917, the year of Thomas’ death; he was killed while fighting in the Battle of Arras. He talks about the influence ‘place’ had on all these writers and divides the book into areas. For example, ‘The West Country’ has pieces on Herrick, Coleridge and W H Hudson; ‘The East Coast and Midlands’ features Cowper, George Crabbe, John Clare, Fitzgerald, George Borrow, Tennyson and Swinburne. I am enjoying it very much being a devotee of Edward Thomas’ writing.
Our rector, Leon has been working hard to keep us together and in touch as a community of worshippers who cannot worship together in the same place and whose churches are locked. Apparently, worshipping together in church will be one of the last things we will be permitted to do once the lockdown eases. Singing is the main problem as this forces globules supposedly full of virus out of our lungs just as much as coughing and sneezing does. Even if we decide not to sing hymns there will be other considerations that would probably make going to church difficult. Leon puts a short talk on YouTube each Sunday and has also begun midweek services from one of our churches. For the past couple of weeks some of us have been having a Zoom chat for 45 minutes at the usual Sunday service time.
May you all keep safe and well.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 23
Peter Klopp said:
Psalm 23 has been one of my favourite psalms for many years. It is of great help, especially during these difficult times.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Clare Pooley said:
Thank you, Peter. I have found it very helpful, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lavinia Ross said:
It is always good to hear from you, Clare, no matter when or under what circumstances. You are like a sister in England whom I have never met. I will come back to this post as I can and go through all your links.
I am glad you and Elinor are able to help each other work through this current pandemic. Family and friends are a blessing in hard times, and are never appreciated enough. I also like the 23rd Psalm. My favorite hymn is “This Is My Father’s World”, and I think this is an uplifting one to listen to at this time. It brings me joy.
Time has gone by at warp speed here, there is so much to do. It is gardening and planting season now. Nature waits for no one.
Stay well, find the beauty and joy in this world where you can.
LikeLiked by 7 people
Clare Pooley said:
Lavinia, what a sweet thing to say! I don’t know “This Is My Father’s World”; I will have to look that one up. I have started to do a little work in the garden and will probably manage to do more this year than usual despite the late start.
I hope you and Rick are continuing well and happy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Andrew Petcher said:
A really good post. I enjoyed it.
I am fed up with Coronavirus so rarely read the newspapers or watch TV news but at least this odd period has provided new opportunities.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much, Andrew. I have given up watching the news and don’t read the papers either. Neither are of any help as far as I can see.
LikeLike
Andrew Petcher said:
I might watch PM Question Time today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
susanpoozan said:
So sorry to read that you have been in so much pain and glad it is starting to ease. Thanks for all the helpful links and continue to improve as the dark cloud of the virus begins to lift.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much, Susan. I am definitely feeling much better and have been able to get out in the garden and for a couple of walks.
LikeLike
margaret21 said:
As a proper North Yorkshire lass I knew about Mother Goose, but the Dalek had passed me by, so thanks. So sorry that you’re in pain, and that life is difficult for Elinor too. Despite everything, you seem to b filling your life purposefully. Thanks for a lovely varied post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much, Margaret. I am feeling much better and have even sneaked out for a couple of walks and have done some gardening.
LikeLike
margaret21 said:
Good for you. A friend of ours, who is shielded, was told by his GP who is also his next door neighbour, that walks would do him far more good than harm, and he should just be extra-careful about the Social Distancing thing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
Sensible advice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
unionhomestead said:
Another wonderful post, Clare although Im sorry to hear you’ve been unwell. Loved all the links- had already heard about the daleks but the dancing binmen had escaped me…love it! Nothing beats hanging out with your family, if you ask me. We’re a bit sad here as one of our number heads back to work tomorrow after a lockdown of working our of our living room.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Clare Pooley said:
Thank you so much! I am feeling much better. You must miss your family member who is now braving the outside world. I hope all is well with you and your family. I am so pleased you liked the crazy bin-men! 😀
LikeLike
derrickjknight said:
I do hope the pain has now sufficiently subsided. Lovely music.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much, Derrick. I am feeling much better. I am pleased you enjoyed the music.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jill Weatherholt said:
I’m sorry to hear you haven’t been well, Clare. Take care of yourself. I love Psalm 23.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much, Jill. I am much better now and have been able to do a little gardening and some much-needed housework! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jill Weatherholt said:
I’m happy to hear that, Clare! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
I hope you and Derek are well, too. ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jill Weatherholt said:
We are! Thank you!❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
❤
LikeLike
Gallivanta said:
I am glad your pain has eased. These are strange times and my routines have been more scattered than usual, too. I have spent a lot of time keeping my daughter company over the phone. For anyone with anxiety, like your daughter and mine, these Covid days are diabolical at times. And like you with Elinor, my daughter has introduced me to so many subjects over the last month and a bit. Currently she is reading the Gospels in Greek and comparing translations. It’s so interesting. Love all the different clips but I was particularly amused by the Tudor Laws!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Clare Pooley said:
Thank you so much, Mandy! I knew you would understand about anxiety and trying to support someone who suffers with it. Is your daughter keeping up with her beautiful singing? I admire her for reading Greek and being able to compare translations!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gallivanta said:
Yes, Clare she sings when she feels up to it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
I am glad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Andrea Stephenson said:
I’m sorry to hear you’ve been having such a time of it Clare, but glad to know that the pain is easing, at least. I hear that churches may be able to hold services soon so that will no doubt provide some comfort for you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much, Andrea. I think that we will be able to have some kind of church service fairly soon. As we have ancient churches with nowhere to wash hands and deep cleaning after every use would be very difficult we may not be able to use the buildings for some time. Our vicar has been allowed to enter one of our churches and has filmed himself taking a short service which we watched on Youtube. We are also thinking of doing a Zoom service in a couple of weeks time! I hope you and your partner are both keeping well and happy xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Andrea Stephenson said:
We are thanks Clare and I’ve done my fair share of online meetings – they’re not so bad at all really, at least while it’s still a bit of a novelty!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
🙂
LikeLike
Retirement Reflections said:
Hi, Clare – It’s wonderful to hear from you. I am so sorry that you haven’t been well. Sending you warm thoughts for good health ahead.
Thank you for the great links.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much, Donna! I am much better and have been out in the garden a few times recently. The weather has warmed up at last, though yet again, we could do with some rain!
LikeLike
Liz said:
Clare, I am so sorry to hear that you have been struggling. But how wonderful to be offering your calming services to Elinor. I can relate – when I am in the midst of a 3-4 day migraine, desperate to get to sleep but thrashing around, Steve comes and sits on the bed beside me and it is remarkable how soothing that is. The clips are all great – love those bin men!! xxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Clare Pooley said:
Thank you so much, Liz. ❤ A 3-4 day migraine must be hell. Mine only last a day, usually which is bad enough. Your Steve is a treasure!
I love the bin-men, too! 😀 xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Liz said:
There is nothing ‘only’ about any migraine – you have my great sympathies xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
❤ ❤
LikeLike
New Hampshire Garden Solutions said:
I’m sorry you’ve had such trouble with arthritis Clare. I worked for a lady once who had the same and I had to do her shopping for her because she couldn’t leave the house. Richard must be a great help.
I find that I can take only so much news these days so I keep the television and radio off and read the news when I choose, and that seems to help a lot. Maybe now that your pain is easing a bit you’ll be able to get outside and keep your mind off all that is going on.
I’ve often thought that outdoor church services would be interesting, even years ago before the virus came along. I wonder if anyone has ever considered it. After all, Jesus did much of his preaching, like the sermon on the mount, out of doors.
In any event this virus can’t last forever and if we’re sensible and listen to the experts (not the politicians) we’ll come through it. I hope your coming days and weeks will be full of bliss.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much, Allen. I am feeling much better than I was and have been out in the garden a few times recently and have even taken a couple of walks.
We have been considering outdoor services and might be able to organise one later in the summer. I have been to a few, but not recently and found them enjoyable. The weather would have to be factored in to the decision to hold one as they’re not much fun in wind and rain!
I am most touched by your sweet final sentence. Thank you, my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
tootlepedal said:
I love Margery Allingham’s books and have re-read them many times. The Wolverhampton bin men are terrifying but fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
Thank you, Tom. I am pleased to find you are also a Margery Allingham enthusiast.
LikeLike
Laurie Graves said:
Like other readers, I was sorry to read about how much pain you are in and your daughter’s anxiety. Hope both ease sometime soon.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Clare Pooley said:
Thank you so much, Laurie. I am feeling much better than I was, for which I am very grateful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Laurie Graves said:
So glad to read this! Hope you continue to feel better. A hard time as it is and even harder when you have to cope with physical pain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
🙂
LikeLike
Jane Sturgeon said:
Beautiful blossom in your new header picture, lovely Clare. I applaud your exploring and finding new things that soothe and you are in my healing book and prayers, my lovely. The ‘picture’ of you and Elinor sitting companionably at your kitchen table is a precious one. Much ❤ flowing to you all, always. ❤ ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Clare Pooley said:
Thank you my dear Jane xx The header is a photo I took last year of my Canary Bird rose which is in bloom at this time of year. I love it. Lots of love and hugs for you, too and I’m so grateful for your concern and support ❤ ❤ ❤
LikeLike
Jane Sturgeon said:
As I am for your loving care and support, lovely Clare. ❤️❤️❤️ I thought it was blossom! 😃 It is a beautiful rose. 🌹
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Richard Sutton said:
Thank you Clare for sharing your news. Arthritis and anxiety are both heavy troubles to bare. Your Bishop has recommended some good reading. Tom Wright’s books are always good and Rowan Williams writes with deep wisdom. After all these years Edward Thomas never fails to please. May your own Christian faith be a real comfort – and the Good Shepherd (of Psalm 23) bless you, Elinor, Richard and all friends at your church.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
How very kind, Richard! Thank you very much.
LikeLike
Helen said:
I’m really sorry to hear about the pain you’re in, Clare. When we are in physical pain, I think that makes us more vulnerable to anxiety as well.
I seems that you have been using your time constructively, accompanying your daughter as she studies. I don’t know how she can study at all with such a degree of anxiety.
My triggers are very narrow, so most of the time, thankfully, I can function well and feel little pain but when it’s bad it’s paralysing!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Clare Pooley said:
Thank you so much, Helen. Do you suffer from arthritis as well?
My daughter finds it very hard studying but has managed amazingly, I think. The university granted her a two-week extension which has helped her a lot.
LikeLike
Helen said:
I’m glad your daughter has an extension.
I don’t think I suffer from arthritis – or not to a noticeably degree. Both my parents have extensive arthritis and my sister is waiting for a knee replacement because of it, so it would be surprising if I had none. However, as far as I can tell my aches and pains are muscular.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
Whatever causes it, chronic pain is the pits!!
LikeLike
Helen said:
Indeed! I wish there was a cure…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
🙂
LikeLike
Provincial Woman said:
I’m sorry to hear you haven’t been well, I’m glad you’re feeling a bit better. Sending healing thoughts. Take care.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much! I am feeling much better. I hope you are coping with life as it is at the moment and are keeping well.
LikeLike
Jolandi Steven said:
I find it so interesting to hear how others are dealing with this worldwide lockdown. I’ve been going through so many phases! I’m glad to hear the discomfort of your osteo-arthiritis is ebbing away, Claire. One certainly doesn’t need an extra burden in already trying times. Stay well.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much, Jolandi. I hope you and your husband are keeping well.
LikeLike
Jolandi Steven said:
We are, thank you Clare. I guess we are starting to get used to this disjointed way of life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lisa G. said:
My goodness, I didn’t know you had posted! I’ve been feeling like I’m drifting at times. I’m very sorry about your arthritis flare-up, Clare. But glad it’s getting better. And with the warmer weather coming up, the increased sunshine must be helpful for us all! I like the image of you sitting with Elinor – she, keeping you from dozing off, and you keeping her company, journeying through the internet at all the interesting and amazing things on offer. 🙂 I didn’t follow any of the links yet – wanted to say something first, since I’m quite late to the get-together. 😉 It’s important to try and be more focused, so force yourself, if you can! I’m realizing this myself. Your books sound appealing – why are there more good-sounding books in the world than I know I’ll be able to read? 🙂 Too bad that Boris is not letting you folks go to church till when? early July, I think I read? Donald Trump is causing a stir over here today, saying he’ll override any state governors in order to allow church services again. Of course, we don’t want the President to be heavy-handed, but I know he’s just trying to strike a blow in favor of religious liberty, which seems to be weakening in this day and age.
Anyway, I hope your mother is doing well and that you’ll be able to enjoy life more as the days go along. xoxo (I recognize the Voces 8 singer, since I’ve watched many of their wonderful videos.)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much, Lisa. As my arthritis is becoming less painful I am becoming more focused and am able to keep to my routines more easily. I hope your foot is greatly improved.
I love the kind of singing that Voces 8 do – so pure and controlled! I am glad you like them too.
We are all missing going to church very much but now that one person and their close family are allowed into church buildings, Leon has started taking Morning Prayer services in the church he lives opposite and recording himself. All our other churches are staying locked for the time being. We plugged Richard’s tablet into the TV and watched the Ascension Day service Leon had posted on Youtube. The sound isn’t brilliant but we are able to see our priest in one of our churches which is a great improvement. I know exactly what you mean when you say that religious liberty is weakening, though according to a news item recently here, there has been an up-surge in interest in church services on-line as more people feel the need for prayer.
Thank you for asking about Mum. She is doing very well. She had to attend the opticians on Friday for a pressure test so Richard collected her, gave her a mask and dropped her off for her test. She liked being able to walk through the town from the car park and see that quite a few of the shops are re-opening. Afterwards he took her home by a different route so she could have a little drive about and see the countryside. I think she really enjoyed the experience as she hasn’t been out of her house for over two months.
Take care, Lisa with best wishes to you and Marc xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Charlotte Hoather said:
Glad to read you’re feeling a bit better Clare and that your Mum and Elinor are doing very well. I used to love doing school and college projects with Mum overlooking my work, we once read out the whole of Our Countries Good and Tartuffe for my A level drama together taking on the different character voices so that I got a better understanding of the plays.
Take care and stay safe.
All my best wishes
Charlotte
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
That sounds such fun! My daughters have both been happy to let me know what they have been studying and I have always been pleased to help with their revision. I hope you and George are keeping well. Very best wishes, Clare
LikeLike
navasolanature said:
Yes, a favourite psalm. I think it is so good that you and your daughter can sit together. Yes,so much better than being on your own and being able to share at times too. Lots of research goes on here too. Will award my hubby with his own doctorate. Luckily I can work outside with no problems except heat and hay fever but know it is frustrating not to do physical work. My husband has some neuropathy problems now and cannot be so active. I think it is a worrying time and it does get depressing not leading our normal lives. We are fortunate though to be able to attend our Marple Quaker meetings by zoom. A zoomed in silence but chat afterwards. Thanks again for your donation, the poetry writing gives me a focus and now has to be done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
I wondered how Quakers managed their meetings, and now I know! A companionable silence seems a more powerful act of prayer than a solitary one, somehow. Our church Zoom chat is such fun and we are always caught out by the time limit.
I’m sorry your husband isn’t well. I agree that the lockdown has made many of us with health problems feel more vulnerable. I will be glad when it is over, but goodness knows when that will be.
LikeLiked by 1 person
navasolanature said:
Thanks, yes I think that this will take some time and a bit too easy to say churches can open when so many will have vulnerable people to consider. We discussed having a hybrid Quaker meeting and zoom with those who couldn’t attend for health reasons and until a vaccine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
I think most churches have a number of vulnerable people and many will be taking things very slowly and carefully for a while.
LikeLiked by 1 person
navasolanature said:
Yes, we heard that and the idea is private. Rather than a real congregation. Quakers are planning to try to continue with Zoom as well as meeting in the flesh for those who can or can fit in. Some meeting houses are quite small. We use a room in the Methodist church in Marple. Keep well, we are now cautiously going out more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
My husband is going out more now but my daughter has decided to leave going out again for a while longer, in case we get another spike in Covid cases. Take care xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
navasolanature said:
Yes, seems likely. We were hoping to come back by end of July but quite a few cases more now in Stockport area, not far from us there! Here it is now quite settled.
LikeLiked by 1 person
kevin cooper said:
It’s funny how my own activities have not been too different from yours… I think a lot of us are doing, reading, and even watching things we normally don’t, Clare.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
Thanks, Kevin. What strange times these are.
LikeLiked by 1 person
quercuscommunity said:
Sorry to hear about your arthritis, I feel guilty now for moaning about mine, which has been much milder than yours by the sound of it.
I’m a bit confused by the church thing – I can understand the singing ban, but don’t understand why you can have ten family members/carers at the crematorium, and dozens in a shop, but can’t hold any sort of religious service. Can’t speak for all religions, but the C of E shouldn’t have much trouble with keeping social distance (as long as you dispense with all the handshaking).
Hope you are all keeping well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
Haha! Yes, we were saying the same thing ourselves – there are so few of us that the social distancing thing would be no bother at all! We would have to dispense with hugging, kissing and handshaking; no taking communion, no singing and no tea, coffee and biscuits afterwards. If we revert to the 1662 Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer and don’t sing the psalm we should be okay. We are trying to organise an open-air service which will be fine as long as it doesn’t rain.
We are all keeping well, thank-you as I hope you, Julia and your boys are, too. (Arthritis, high blood-pressure etc. etc. excepted)
LikeLiked by 1 person
quercuscommunity said:
Yes, we’re all healthy thanks – I refuse to admit that I’m ill and look on the arthritis as a nuisance rather than a health issue. There are many worse things I could have. 🙂
In many ways things were better in 1662. Just a spot of plague, poverty and privilege – proving that there is nothing new in life… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
I agree about arthritis as a nuisance. When I was first diagnosed with it, it came as a shock as I was 27. I soon realised the only way to have as normal a life as possible was to ignore it as much as I could. This has worked quite well and has resulted in very high pain-tolerance.
An apposite remark on life in the 17th century v today! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
quercuscommunity said:
Yes, 27 would have been a shock. I was gently sliding into osteo-arthritis, and was resigned to it, when I suddenly developed psoriatic arthritis. Pah!
Still, mustn’t grumble. It could be worse.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
It could be worse but that doesn’t stop it being extremely unfortunate. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
quercuscommunity said:
True. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
🙂
LikeLike
Ste J said:
I’m really late to this post, Covid has been good for the reading, if nothing else. It’s an encouragement to thought as well as those winding internet trails. Wikipedia’s random article button is always a great start to such things.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
Thanks, Ste J.
LikeLike
bowlandclimber said:
Hi Clare. Just been catching up with your posts, like the link to David Bowie.
Sorry to hear you have been suffering from arthritis pain – not nice at all.
Otherwise, you seem to be coping with lockdown as well as any of us.
If you remember you admired my Welsh Poppies and i offered to save you some seeds. If you are happy to give me your address I will send you some. Email me privately on – johngproud@hotmail .com
LikeLike
Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much; I will do and thanks for the kind comments here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
coastcard said:
Lovely to find another Suffolk-based blogger. And to find some of my favourite writers (notably Edward Thomas) getting a mention.
LikeLike
Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much, Caroline. I am always pleased to find other Suffolk bloggers, too!
LikeLike
Val said:
The Elgar is wonderful and, via that, thanks for the introduction to Voces8, what great voices they have.
I’m so sorry for the very rough time you’ve been having but am glad you’re feeling better. Is there anything that you know of that makes it worse or helps it?
I hadn’t seen the Dalek – that cracked me up!
Hugs. x
LikeLike
Clare Pooley said:
Thanks very much, Val. Voces8 are wonderful, aren’t they? I love singers with clear pure voices (not too much vibrato) and they are so controlled as well. I’m glad you liked the Dalek!
The arthritis often arrives when I’ve been stressed or unwell so the flare-up wasn’t a surprise but was very unwelcome. It is still causing problems but is nevertheless much better than it was. I now have digestion problems and stomach pains – also brought on by stress. I will be so glad when I can get out and about again!
Hugs. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cynthia Reyes said:
Though written in anxious times, what a lovely, lovely and informative post. Thank you for it, and please say ‘hi’ to Elinor for me.
We must have been sharing the same brain/soul, because this was exactly what I did around that time: “I have been listening to music. I have been reading poetry and short stories, essays and children’s books. Everything that doesn’t need me to concentrate for too long.” I could not read a whole book! I started re-reading one that I expected to be quick reading and I’m only finishing it now. thanks for the list of books: they all sound very interesting to me.
Love to you and your family, and I hope the osteo-arthritis is clearing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
Thank you, Cynthia; how kind you are! The post took ages to write but was just the result of all the thinking, not doing I had done. The arthritis is clearing slowly but my fingers have become so much more twisted than before. I’m therefore, much clumsier and slower; ugh! I have also got stomach pains that I get when I’m anxious and I have to be very careful what and how I eat. I do not understand all these people who are managing to take this pandemic in their stride and function normally! I am sorry you have found it difficult as well; and that was before all the ‘Black Lives Matter’ troubles that have made you so sad and angry. What terrible times we are living in. I hope something good comes of it all.
With love to you and all your beautiful family; I hope all is well with you all. xx
LikeLike
Cynthia Reyes said:
My dear, I know clumsier and slower very well. Dexterity is important, and when it’s impaired, we stumble in various ways. Hugs.
I am thrilled with the attention the Black Lives Matter has brought to the injustice faced by Black people. The injustice made me sad and angry, yes — but the BLM protests were most heartening. Our young people sometimes have to remind us older ones to practice what we preach and stand up for our values.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
With love to you, my dear friend.
LikeLike
Dina said:
So many lovely and comforting comments with a profound heart warming effect, Clare. 💕 Like everyone else, I’m so sorry that you’re in pain (even if it’s a bit better now – osteoporosis- arthritis is a true pain) and that life is not easy for Elinor.
Best wishes
Dina
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
You are so kind; thank you very much, Dina. The arthritis pain has almost disappeared now, I am very glad to say!
LikeLike
an observer said:
Great post. Every person in any part of the world is literally fed up from this covid spread all around. World seems United, but the reason of this unitesness is not what we sapiens wanted.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much for your comment. I agree, we need to be united but not by fear and sickness.
LikeLike
writersideup said:
Clare, I’m glad you made me aware of you 🙂 I’m glad you have faith. Honestly, I don’t know how people survive without it.
LikeLike
Clare Pooley said:
Thank you so much for visiting my blog and for the follow; also for your kind comment. I know I couldn’t cope at all without my faith; it helps me in all sorts of ways. 🙂
LikeLike
cindy knoke said:
Yes. 23. All the time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
Thank you very much, Cindy. 23 is the most comforting of all the psalms.
LikeLike
navasolanature said:
Dear Clare, yes it was this post I got on my phone and tried an email as there is so much that is personal about our situations and you have really captured this and I have similar issues with my daughter and her Psoriatic arthritis. I am fortunate to be well and healthy but I feel for those in pain through inflammation and it is not easy to get the right relief. I hope anxiety issues also can be supported as there are so many young people suffering and this must be a build up from the complex world we live in. Sending hugs.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Clare Pooley said:
Thank you so much for this lovely comment, Georgina. It would be wonderful to keep in touch by e-mail – try this address clare.elizabeth58@gmail.com
Love and hugs ❤
LikeLike
navasolanature said:
I have replied and added you. Now my WordPress keeps crashing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clare Pooley said:
Oh no!
LikeLike