If you are one of my 4 followers, you will probably have realised that I have been woefully delinquent with this blog -- posting only nine, yes NINE times last year and with only one post this 2020.
For those of you who write, you know about that little thing called writer's block?
I don't pretend to be a writer but I still claim it as a pretty good excuse.
These days, with social distancing and self quarantine-ing as the new normal, I find that I have lots and lots of time on my hands and no excuses not to sit down and try to write again.
I think I'll start off with some musings on how to keep safe and sane during these very challenging times -- unearthing photos of pets past and present to help me illustrate my points.
1. Clancy says ...
It's difficult not to feel cooped up -- right now, everyone has to stay indoors and even for a retired person like myself, who does not have the day-to-day routine of dressing up, going to work, etc. it still feels like strange and restricting. A friend on Facebook said that now he knows what it feels like to be a "bilanggo" or a prisoner.
2. But Haw Haw the carabao counters that ...
We are infinitely luckier than prisoners who are sitting in cells that are cramped and hot and yes, hotbeds of viruses. We may not be up and about but if we have gardens or yards or backyards, no matter how tiny, we can and should still go out and get some sunshine and breathe in some fresh air.
3. Chuva was always ...
Sleeping. As the first week of self quarantine and lockdown ends, I am appalled that I spent most of my waking hours lying down and unawake.
4. And Cheng was not much different.
I have tried to read my gazillion unread books but after a few pages, I would find myself drifting off to sleep ... again.
5. Rosie has other ideas about being by herself ...
And if I wasn't sleeping, I was eating -- nibbling, grazing, munching. This definitely wouldn't do!
6. But Chula somehow knows better.
So to stay awake (with my mouth closed) I have decided to plan -- what to do when this is over and we have remained relatively unscathed. What new things to try, where to go. And yes, this post is proof, I have made up my mind to get on that mental cycle and start writing again.
But in the meantime....
7. Chuling and Clancy are making the most of the situation.
We've all been staying home and talking to each other, relishing time spent together, enjoying the peace and quiet.
8. Rebus, Travis and Nero always knew what was important ...
Let's keep each other company -- get out of the solitary confinement of your own room, switch off the Netflix, turn away from social media and reconnect with each other.
9. Patita, Scallop and Rebus believed that ...
If you are with family or friends during this time, you are very lucky indeed.
P.S. This little fellow has something to share too ...
It may be trite but keep smiling, be cheerful and see that ray of sunshine hiding behind the clouds.
