Pat Taub
Maine’s COVID Response
This week the New York Times published a color-coded map of the US comparing states’ responses to COVID. I was gratified to see Maine in dark green, which corresponded to those states “trending well.” The only other states in this category are Vermont and New Hampshire. I remain grateful for our excellent leadership under Dr. Nirav Shah, the Director of Maine’s Center for Disease and Prevention. Friends in Florida, who have to live under the bad Trumpy governor, DeSantis, report how frightening it is to be in a state where COVID is out of control.
Flower Therapy
As I struggle to make sense of my COVID isolation, which now looks to have an indefinite time line, I draw spiritual nourishment from my lovely garden. I have enough wildflowers to cut and place in vases throughout my home. Flowers feed my soul, as they did my mother and grandmother who loved to garden and to arrange floral bouquets.
A Meaningful Zoom Experience
Several friends have complained of Zoom fatigue from all their Zoom gatherings. That’s perfectly understandable. However, I am part of a women’s Zoom support group, which has become especially meaningful at a time when in-person group gatherings are taboo. The last topic we addressed was mothers and daughters, sharing stories of our own mothers. As I listened closely to these stories I was struck by the fortitude of mothers who pursued college and graduate degrees during a time when higher education was an obstacle for many women. Other mother stories were inspiring in their own ways.
Offspring
This is a Netflix series from Australia, which has become my latest streaming addiction. The series centers on Dr. Nina Proudman, a very capable obstetrician, but who is flighty and anxious in her personal life, while surrounded by a fabulous crazy and loving family. Guaranteed to lift your spirits.
Gratitude Practice
I remain immensely grateful that I live in a state where COVID is taken seriously and for the fact that, unlike many, I have financial security, free of worries about making rent payments and having enough money to buy groceries. Our country is way overdue for a compassionate social policy. I hope we can develop one sooner rather than later.
