I AM CRAFTING THROUGH THE COVID-19 CRISIS

I love handwork at any time.

But sometimes trying to be creative does not come in a crisis.

So getting my knitting needles and crochet hook, I have been making some basic items that take little thought. Patterns I have used many times.

 Hats, scarves and a baby blanket pattern are featured.

Sometimes I feel like knitting and sometimes crocheting so have those projects on the go as I sit and watch TV with the hubbie.

Handwork takes the thoughts out of the head into the hands. During this time, do some work with your hands.

Do you have projects you like doing? Anything will help with the situation.
#handworkhelpsthemind#keepingyourhandsbusy#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#covid-19

NANA SAYS CHILDREN'S ART IS THE BEST

So staying at home with her 4 children, my daughter did some fresh air fun in the backyard.

The kids decided they had an art idea.

A simple gift to Nana and Papa!!

Some painted rocks. Adorable and made with love.

Children when left to their own imaginations can come up with good ideas.

Love them.
#children'sart#paintedrocksfromtheyard#agifttonanaandpapa#lovechildren'sart#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

AN ELEPHANT NEVER FORGETS

I love elephants. I have many elephant motifs and knickknacks in my home.

Elephants are such a majestic animal.

They are matriarchal.

They love their family. They mourn their dead.

So during this COVID19 crisis, be like an elephant.

Protect your herd. And never forget.
#elephant#belikeanelephantandneverforget#protectyourherd#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

NANA SAYS STEP 2 IN GROWING SOME PLANTS

So some of the seeds I planted have grown.

Time to transplant them.

I had some styrofoam cups. Cut the tops and put small holes in the bottom for drainage.

Placed them on a cookie sheet.

Putting a couple of plants in each container.

They need lots of sunshine so placed by the doors in the family room. Try not to over water. So using the cookie sheet let's me add water to it for the plants to suck it up.

 

I put the cumcumber plants in the larger container.

I got two apple seeds from an apple. I was going to try planting a couple of orange seeds.
However, when slicing the orange I had a seedless orange. Hum!! LOL

Oh well, Nana tried her best.
#nanasaysplantsomeseeds#puttheplantsinthesunshine#asimplegrowingprojectforchildren#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#COVID19#covid19survivalideas#survivingthevirus

SPRING ARRIVES DESPITE THE COVID-19- NATURE'S MESSAGE

Do you hear the birds singing?

Have you seen a Robin?

Do you see the squirrels chasing each other being frisky?

What flowers are in your garden??

The buds are on the trees.

Those little snow drops come up even with a bit of snow!!

Does nature have a message for us?

The earth does its thing. It gives us a message doesn't it??
#nature#springhassprung#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#covid-19

SOCIAL DISTANCING-DO YOU NEED A HUG

I think I can do without a lot of things.

But I miss hugging my grandchildren and children.

I see them. Wave.

Human touch is so good for the soul.

Has does touch be replaced?

For children, often a teddy bear or favourite stuffy as they call it!!

Talking and being close- well six feet away works.

Are you missing the hugs from loved ones?
#hug#huggingthegrandchildren#missinghumantouch#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

SAD DURING COVID-19- A FEELING THAT CREEPS IN

I saw a news clip today from a doctor in New York City. She works at a main hospital there.

A young doctor. She basically said she has never felt so sad in her whole life. She basically was experiencing how overwhelmed she felt.

So when we bang our drums and give food and say thank you to our health care providers, remember they are just people dealing with people. Not really super heroes.

They are not the only ones seeing the sad part of our lives right now.

Trying to secure a few grocery items and having to treat strangers with the physical distance thing as if they are the enemy.

How about all of you? Are you feeling sad?

The dictionary says- sad-unhappy, feeling sorrow, or regret. Doesn't cut it does it?

Sad can make us mad. Anger is often a defense for true sadness. Easier to be angry at things then admit how sad we feel

Sad can make us just want to stop and do nothing. Or rev up the fires and try to do everything over the top.

Sad can make us cry. Is crying okay? You bet. Gets the toxins out of our body. Let's us know how sad we really feel.

Don't be ashamed to feel sad.

This crisis is a really sad event with many long lasting consequences.

Not just an illness. But a change in thinking. Economy. Hopes. Dreams. Well you get the picture. It is all over the news. Everyone of us has our own issues during this crisis.

But allowing ourselves to feel sad. Sad is part of the grieving process. We can grieve one thing or everything.

So talk to others about this feeling of sad. Let your children know that it is a feeling they may be feeling and just don't know how to articulate it. They might just be presenting as angry at you.

We can feel our sadness and know others feel it too. We can share it with loved ones. We can  do a family hug even if it has to be by video chat or face time.

Sad also let's us know how compassionate we can be. We can give to others through thoughts, prayers, food and stuff.

Admit your feelings. It is okay. It is a personal journey, a family journey, a community journey, a national journey. It can feel isolating and lonely. It can feel collective.

So find ways to accept your sadness. You will get through it. Sad takes us to a different place in our lives and souls. Sad let's us know how real and human we are.

So how are you feeling today? What are you doing about your feelings? All of them.
#feelingsad#sadishiddenbymad#gettingthosesadfeelingsout#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#identifyingfeelingsofsadness#crisisbringssadfeelings#trytohelpchildrenidentifysadfeelings#okaytocry#okaytofeelsad#COVID-19isasadevent#hardtostaypositiveandhappy#covid-19

BOOMER BARBARA ROCKS RETIREMENT- SO SELF ISOLATING IS NOTHING NEW BUT IT SUCKS

For those of us with family members with chronic and debilitating illnesses, we have been washing hands and self isolating for longer than you think.
When first hearing of this little virus months ago, the ears perked and thoughts to protecting my loved one occurred.
My fear for the last two years has been a simple cold or flu bug.

Thus all vaccinations are up to date. High dose flu shot, shingles shot and my loved one has both the pneumonia shots.

Will they help with this COVID19? Not sure. But they will not hurt.

As a retired health care professional, I have always recommended the flu shot. Have been getting one for years. I did not want to bring any illness home to my family.

So for me to keep my distance, wash my hands, handle the household items with care has been my mantra for years.

Now it is a little over the top. Wiping off any packages that come to the house. Putting outdoor things like my mitts on the floor vent. Not sure if heat kills the virus but not near my spouse.

As a retiree, I have tons of home interests. I have stayed close to home. Now just closer and mostly home.

My daughters are helping with goodies for us. Yes I did stock up for the last two months knowing this situation could occur.

But I am doing my part to connect with others. Making a daily phone call to someone in my family/friend group. Emails are good but the voice is good too.

Writing letters and friendly notes. Yes writing. Fun for little ones in far away places to get a letter or Easter card. Of course I washed my hands before writing and sending them off.

I call my grandchildren regularly. Have the Whatapp on one cell phone so can video chat so they can see their papa!!

Overall, the self isolating really sucks. To stay home and not just go to the mall and look at pretty things once in a while sucks. Having a pandemic sucks. Worrying about family and friends and self sucks.

So how are you coping? Do you find it sucks too??
#COVID19sucks#copingathome#retireesdealingwiththecrisis#whatareyourfears#whatcanyoudotocope#reachingouttofamilyandfriends#beingthereforyourlovedone#havingfearofgivingittoasickperson#protectingthevulnerable#relyingonothersforsupportofgoodsdelivered#writingaletterintimeslikethis#washingyourhands#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barabaradimambro

NANA SAYS A SIMPLE INDOOR PLANTING PROJECT FOR CHILDREN.

I gave my daughter some sunflower seeds I bought for the grandchildren to plant indoors.

The thought occurred to me it is a science project and fun. You can go online and get what the experts might say or just be creative.

So you do not have pots.

So I started some seeds in some beer cups. As they grow I will separate and put in other cups.

When the seeds grow and need spacing, use any containers. Plastic packaging, styrofoam cup etc for planting. For example, an old rusted muffin tin makes for nice separate growing areas.
Do not over water. Place near some sun.

So you do not have any seeds? Well of course you do.

A tomato, take out the seeds.
A cantaloupe, take out the seeds.
A cucumber, take out the seeds.
An apple, take out the seeds.
An orange, take out the seeds.
You can dry them or just put them in your container wet.

No potting soil. Well get a couple of leaves, crunch them up and put at the bottom of your container and get some dirt from outside.
Or.
If you have any house plants, take a spoon or two from each pot.

Of course, many stores have bags of potting soil that I am sure you can order online and have delivered or pick up in store.

Canadian Tire
Home Hardware
Home Depot.
Walmart

Or if lucky get some from a Nana!!
#homegrowing#makeaplant#growingasascienceproject#usingcontainerstoplantyourseeds#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#nanasayshavefunplanting#storeshavepottingsoil

NANA SAYS STAY CALM AND PARENT ON-NANA'S TIPS

It is extremely hard as a parent to stay calm during this COVID19 crisis.
Nothing is certain.
How long closures will be?
How to be calm and reassuring around children becomes more difficult.
Working from home with children around!! A challenge.

So.

Talk about it with your children. Be as honest as you can.

Be honest with yourself. What is your greatest fears?

What are you worried about?

Listen. Watch. And be available to your children's feats.

Pay attention. How are they sleeping? Are they clinging to you? Are the siblings fighting more? Is one withdrawing? Well you get the picture.

You know your child.

Now. Evaluate. Are you in a safe home?

Do you have enough to eat? Do you have things?

Probably yes to all these things.

So use up your resources at hand. Come on- I am sure you have lots of stuff.

Reach back into all the cupboards.

For crafts- the websites and ideas are endless. So explore some. With all that toilet paper- what can you do with the rolls. Do you have trees with pine cones? Endless ideas for pine cone crafts!!

Will things get back to normal?? No.

It will be a new normal. Yes life has changed. It will never be the same.

Will it be a change for the better? We will see. Depends on how you look at life and things.

Many people including myself have dealt with some heavy crap in our lives. The choice is whether you carry a chip on your shoulder or whether you see the silver lining.

Nana does not know best. But Nana copes, survives and loves life. You will get through this!!

Oh yeah wash your hands. But hug your children. You need a hug as much as they do.

So Stay Calm and Parent On!!
#nanasays#staycalmandparenton#behonestwithyourself#anewnormalwilloccur#changewillcomeandwhatwillthatlooklike#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#gettingthroughacrisiswithchildren#riseupthechallenges#howareyourchildrendoingingeneral#useyourresourcesathand

A FAVOURITE MAGAZINE OR TWO CAN HELP WITH THE STRESS

Sure we can read lots online. Sitting at a computer all day is not good for your mental health.

But a cozy corner with a book or a magazine that takes less time to peruse can be a joyful moment. When the weather is warmer to be outside enjoying the fresh air.

I subscribe to several magazines. As a retiree, nice to read short articles on a variety of themes.

Good Times and Zoomer are for the senior bunch.

Walrus

Canadian Living

House Beautiful

Canada History

But lots of themed magazines.are out there.

For kids- a good way to encourage reading.

So when you are out picking up some groceries grab a magazine or two.

I had a pile of old magazines trying to decide what to do with them. So I put them on the curb with a note for people to grab one or two during this COVID19 crisis.

You guessed it. They were all gone this morning. So I put out another batch.

What I love about a magazine are the beautiful pictures and quality writing.

My Senior magazines had some good articles on tax benefits written in laymen terms.

So to ease the stress- grab a magazine.
#magazines#magazinesareeasyreads#lotsofprettypictures#grabamagazinewhenoutshopping#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

DON'T LOOK TOO FAR DOWN THE ROAD

In my Social Work jobs, one of my pet lines for anyone in a crisis and worried about the future, I would often say " don't look too far down the road!"

What can you do now?
What treatment do you need?
How to get through today and the next week?

With the rapidly fluid situation, there is so much concern about the markets, jobs and what will happen to the baseball season.

No one knows or can predict anything for sure.

So focus on now. Do what you can now.

Keep working. Keep going. Keep supporting each other.

 We can live with hope that the road although long will take us where it needs to go.

#don'tlooktoofardowntheroad#besupportivetoeachother#thingsarechangingveryquickly#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#covid-19

HOPE WILL CARRY US THROUGH THIS CRISIS

The best thing is prepare for the worst but always hope for the best.

Hope gives us a chance to see the light in the dark tunnel.

Even in our worst days, we can have hope for a better day.

Never take away someone's hope in their situation.

So let's live with hope we will get through this COVID19 situation.

We live with hope we will return to a new normal. We will not be the same. Life has changed but we will be hopeful about our new normal.

CARRY ON AND HOPE ON!!
#hope#anewnormal#believingtherewillbeanendtothiscrisis#hopegivesusachanceinthedarktunnel#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

WEAR GREEN- HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY

Even if you do not have any Irish blood, celebrate with green today.

Have a pint or any favourite drink.

For me, a cupcake with little shamrocks will do the trick!
So how are you celebrating today!!
#stpatricksday#celebratingwithgreen#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#weargreen

COVID19-WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR?

Fear is such a debilitating emotion.

It can take us down strange paths.

So stop. Breath.

Think about what you fear the most about the current crisis.

For some it is getting the disease.

For some it is the work and the fears about employment.

For some it about protecting our children.

Well you get the picture.

What to do??
There is no one definitive answer for all.

What works for you?

Music. TV. Reading. Prayer. Talking to others.

Yes social distancing. But for immediate family members isolating at home you can touch.

The panic shopping was indicative of fear. Will I have enough food? Toilet paper!!

Protecting our own. I bought extra supplies to share with my family and friends who might need something.

For those of us with vulnerable family members the concern about the virus started back in December. So being vigilant has been a concern for several months. Others are just catching up.

Fear can bring pseudo symptoms of the virus. If anxious, your body can feel physical ailments like diarrhea. Your digestive system may be overreacting.

So what to do? Well laugh at yourself. Make fun of the silly thoughts. Write them down. Talk with others.

For someone listening to someone's irrational thinking. Listen. Breath. Be in it together.

Remember there is no one way to deal with this crisis. So see the beauty in something. Maybe time to pull out your old teddy bear and give it a hug.

And turn off the news, media and be quiet. Solitude helps too.

#fear#norightwaytodealwiththiscrisis#bringoutyouroldteddybear#listentoothers'fears#remembertolaughatyourself#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#listeningandbeingthereforothers#seeingthebeautyinlifearoundus#reachingouttoothers#

THERE IS NO DEFINITIVE WAY TO COPE IN A CRISIS-SO STOP JUDGING

In my Social Work career crisis intervention was one of my daily endeavors.

Dealing with the current COVID19 crisis I am noticing the many ways people cope.

Some get angry at others for sharing too much information.

Some has their general anxiety going out the roof.

The Italians are singing town by town even though they are not out of the woods.

Stock piling food and yes toilet paper is happening.

Judging others does not help. It sounds like you have it altogether when maybe you don't!!

Patience. Kindness. Finding a space that works for you.

I had fun posting my pictures of some of my shopping. Just for fun. 

Telling people to chill already really is unfair and does not work. Who is anyone to tell someone how to feel?

For example, I remember in my work someone had a loved one die. Was crying!! Then someone would tell that person not to cry! Really!! It's true. My response as a professional was- if you can not cry when someone dies when can you cry? Leave the person alone.

Angry is a defense for sadness. Could some angry people just be feeling really sad and do not know what to do with those feelings?? You bet.

Are you angry at others for expressing themselves because you may be afraid to admit you do not feel okay?

We have not experienced this pandemic previously. People have died. People will get better. Some people will get a little better but may not fully recover.

Crisis mode means your normal ways of coping go out the window. Does it explain the hoarding thing? A little. It gives people something to do that is in their control.

For those of us caring for vulnerable people right now, having stuff at home means less trips to the grocery store. Not bringing germs home has always been important but now it is heightened.

So unless you know what others are dealing with constantly, step back and try to understand those people.

So kindness. Stop judging. Stop telling other people how to act!!

People are worried about their health. Their jobs. Their loved ones. They do not know which direction things will go.

Fear is a terrible thing. The greatest fear is fear itself remember!!

Follow the rules. Hand washing. Social distancing but still be social. Reach out to others. If people want to post stupid pictures on facebook, instagram, twitter- well let them. People were posting stupid pictures all along.

So how are you coping? What are you doing?

#copinginacrisis#don'tjudgeothers#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#letpeoplefeelwhattheymust#

DON'T LET PANIC SET IN! A PANDEMIC WILL RESOLVE-SOME TIPS

We knew there would be a blossoming of cases. Some people will die.

However, many and most people will get well.
Look for the helpers.

Self isolating helps to stop the transmission. So if you must self isolate make the most of it.

It's spring. Do some spring cleaning.

Read.

Watch TV. Binge watch. Super binge watch.
Take up a new activity.

If not self isolating then be a beacon to others.

Stay strong!! But stay calm!!

Reach out to family and friends that are self isolating. Bring them food and leave it on the doorstep.

Find some humour in your life. Laughter helps with tough times.

Acknowledge there will be lots of anxiety around you. Try to help to keep people calm. Find ways to keep yourself calm. If you are anxious then reach out to someone who can help calm you.

If stocking up on certain household items helps, then do it. But do not go nuts. Enough for awhile. Not so much until the next decade.

Smell the roses or any other flower you chose.

Find people who have experienced adversity. Learn from them. Talk with them. Yes wash your hands.

#pandemic#ridingoutthestorm#lookforthehelpers#beabeacontoothers#stopandsmelltheroses#findhumourintheevent#staystrongbutstaycalm

CAN HUMOUR HELP IN TOUGH TIMES? YOU BET

Pandemic. Panicdemic has occurred.

Is it time to stop and smell the roses?
You bet.

Yes this is serious but not the end of the world. Perhaps changes in our world.

Will laughter help us through it? I think so.

There are already funny things happening. Jokes that help us laugh through the tough times.

Even an old Italian Nonna saying what's this with washing your hands. We should have been washing them all along.

A guy in England putting a toilet paper prize in his arcade. Making fun of the run on toilet paper.

The funny video showing people running and scrambling for toilet paper at a big box store.. Funny.

Yes people will get the virus. But most people will get better. The most vulnerable may die if they contract it. But they could die from their illness, a cold or flu bug anyway. Or even old age.

So let's laugh at ourselves! Let's be kind to each other. Support each other.

So what funny jokes or situations have you experienced.

Me- I am stocking up on Longos Lasagna and wine and dishwasher pods.
##stockingup#usinghumourtocope#laughatourselves#findinghumourindifficulttimes#it'sapandemicnotapanicdemi#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimamabro

THE GREATEST FEAR IS FEAR ITSELF

What are you afraid of right now?

Most people would admit the COVID-19 virus. Is it the virus or the fear of what it can do?

We have illnesses around us all the time.

Someone today will die from cancer or alzheimer or heart disease.

Allergies. Old Age. Chronic illness.

But fear takes us down strange roads.

PANIC. Is it the unknown? Probably!!

So what to do about fear.

Admit you have some.

Think about what you can do about it. Is buying toilet paper the answer?? What would you want to have as extra stock in your home?

Fearful of a quarantine. So would you be prepared. Probably. We all have so many supplies in the house. Besides. Family. Friends. Would no one be able to share their supplies with you and vice versa??

People have survived the virus. And gone on their Mary Way!!

Laugh at yourself. Laugh at your fears. Put them in perspective.

Wash your hands. Drink plenty of water. Get lots of sleep. Fist pump instead of hand shaking or wave or blow a kiss. Be informed!!

But fear comes in so many forms. So is the greatest fear then fear itself.
What are your thoughts??
#fear#fearisthegreatestfear#covid19hasmadeusalittlecrazy#welivewithillnesseveryday#takecontrolofyourfears#don'tpanicfromfear#slowdownandtakecontrol#

WHO ARE THE WOMEN THAT MEAN SO MUCH TO YOU ON INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY?

All our lives have been shaped by our genes, our families and many women in those families.

Our mothers teach us many things. Mine taught me to have a career because I saw how bored she was as a full time homemaker.

We have had strong teachers both men and women.

We have doctors both men and women.

We have many people in many different fields that we can feel strongly about their endeavors.

I remember certain women in my life.

Those that lost children and babies.

Those that cared for sick loved ones.

Those that got up every day, went to work and came home from work to carry on those daily household duties.

Those that knew how to kiss a boo boo the right way.

Those that were there through thick and thin.

Women are still fighting for equal rights in many countries. Our own country can still do more to have an even playing field.

Sports needs to catch up!! Men still make more. Even in movies pay equity does not prevail.

Raise strong women and strong men that support the needs of each other.

So what does the day mean to you??

#internationalwomensday#womensday#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS-RESEARCHING AND WRITING REGULARLY

I have a new method to my writing. I have several family story articles saved in draft.

As I research and find a little tidbit for a story I record it directly now in the story.

When I upload a picture or document. Same process- uploaded to the story or stories.

Sometimes one little tidbit can be added to several storylines.

It is much easier than making piles of paper and a list of adding to a story.

Today I discovered I had not started a story on one of my grandparents. So title, introduction, lots of spots needing further information. But the little tidbit with the source citation was put in the story.

I also have a research notebook on the go. So as I find information, a simple note is made. I do not transcribe if I have made a note on a piece of paper. I either staple or tape that little note in the research notebook.

I am quite organized. However, I have discovered I still make my little pile of papers. So putting that one piece somewhere as soon as possible makes for less work later. Of course the waste basket may be the place for it as the information has been added to that story.

I check the facebook groups too.

I had my hands slapped this week. There was an inquiry from someone asking about cemeteries in Mariposa Township. I had the 1988 cemetery record and was willing to do a lookup as well as suggesting it could be bought from the branch. My post was greeted by the big cheeses that stated no look ups on that group as the "boots on the ground" need to be acknowledged. I get it. However many people do look ups. The lady inquiring would probably buy the record anyway.. I felt like bad Barb for wanting to help someone

The genealogy world is fun but sometimes people do take themselves way too serious.
#genealogyworld#helpingotherswithresearch#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbardimambro#researchingandwriting#barb'sgenealogytidbits

A SIGN OF SPRING

I heard the song birds today. The sign of spring is around the corner. There is too much snow on the ground to see if any little bulbs are trying to poke their leaves out of the ground.

Then of course daylight saving time this weekend. Time to feel tired for a week while adjusting to the change. At least the days will be longer.

House taxes are always a sign of spring. Paid my first installment for the year.

The urge to spring clean. Get those dust bunnies out of the corners.

Eyeing the fashion for the season.

The urge to be outside and walk or run or just sit.

What are your signs of spring?
#spring#asignofspring#thesongbirdssinging#springcleaning#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

MARCH CAME IN LIKE A LION IN CANADA

With the cold and snow and more COVID-19 cases, it seems a little gloomy!! Or does it?

As a history buff, this too shall pass.

Be vigilant but do not be nuts fearful.

I thought about how many times I have stood at an intersection until the light turned green and I could cross the street. Cars whizzing by. So close to injury or death if one mounted the curb. But the light turns green, I look both ways and cross safely.

Getting the virus is like waiting for the light to change. Some people may have exposure and get nothing. While the more vulnerable are at risk and get something.

The more vulnerable are at risk when someone has a cold or flu bug. If your vaccinations are not up to date then you are at risk. Get vaccinated!!

So do what you can. Be careful but do not be afraid to live.

The media is great but sometimes a fear monger!! Reporting how many cases sounds scary. But they do not report other illnesses happening. How many Canadians have the flu right now?

Good time to buy stocks!!

Good time to be creative!

Good time to be outside and get fresh air!

Okay stock up if needed. But have a safety plan in place with family and friends.

So March on in March. We are willing to take what you bring. Hopefully for most Canadians some good weather.

So how do you feel about March? Any concerns.
#marchinlikealion#marchfearsoverCORVID19#don'tletfearruleyourlife#don'tbeafraidtolive#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#becarefulbutnotfearful#safetyfirstisthemainrule