These are, indeed, strange and troubling times. New York City is but a shell of what it used to be, the lights have literally gone out on Broadway, and every single day, we learn of more deaths, and more cases of Covid-19 in the city and all over the world. Ironically, social distancing has rightfully become the “new normal” in a time when we need to keep our social ties strong and intact more than ever. I was in Hong Kong on holiday with my family in late January, just as Wuhan was being quarantined and Hong Kong and other neighboring cities saw their first confirmed cases of the virus. One might think it a reckless idea to vacation in a country that was being plagued by a deadly virus, but people tend to feel invincible. Sure, it might happen to some people, but not to me. Sound familiar? As cases of Covid hit closer to home every day, we are forced to take on a new perspective. Suddenly, we’ve all become paranoid germaphobes; an innocuous cough now loaded with more firepower than a 357-magnum revolver. Bang. You’re it.
What to do? Do we lock our doors forever against this fierce, invisible enemy? Not quite. Thankfully, with care and a few extra precautions, life goes on as it should. The good with the bad. Just recently, I completed the final edits on my novel with my editor. If I hadn’t been working from home, the three-week process could have easily turned into a three-month ordeal. Suddenly, seeking out silver linings has become a new preoccupation. Observe: If I hadn’t had the extra time on my hands, I probably would’ve never gotten around to trying out those yoga videos. Yay me! Okay, it was one yoga video and it was for beginners, but still.
These are, indeed, trying times, but there’s a lot to be thankful for. Family. Loved ones. Health. Laughter. Hope. My list could go on and on. Here’s one to add to the list: I’ve recently started writing my second novel, albeit slowly. When I was writing my first book, the task seemed so gargantuan sometimes that I felt overwhelmed. The way I got through it was elephant bites. My husband cheered me on by equating each word, each paragraph and each new chapter to an elephant bite. Nibbles here and there, but ultimately, how does one expect to dine on Dumbo, except by taking one bite at a time? One day I was surprised to discover that I’d succeeded in eating the whole darn thing.
My new project, my fresh elephant if you will, is large and looming as ever. Luckily, I’ve developed a stronger gut. A morsel here, a munch there, every day stronger and closer to my goal. Same goes for this new normal. One inch, one step at a time, we’ll bridge the gap between what once was and what’s to be, coming out on the other side stronger and closer to our goals.
Great analogy!! Your pieces are always so insightful and funny!
Thanks Heidi 🙂
Hi Nicole.
So nice to see you updating the blog. About time.. 🙂
As always, thanks for the good vibe and positive outlook on things we do have.
That’s what we all need right now and some of us need to be reminded of that.
Good luck with the fresh elephant! YAY 😀
Thanks Ann!
Strange Sights, Romantic Nights, and Family Fights
You certainly have made good ;use of the Covid Experience! Some of us are sitting around, doing nothing more than trying to figure out when and where we should go out, and if so, whether we should wear a mask. Of course, as you have done, there are now more opportunities to do those chores around the house that we’ve been putting off for so long. When normalcy returns, those people taking advantage of these opportunities will be able to say, “Hey! I have more time to do what I want, because I already (pick one or make up your own): painted the living room; organized my shoe closet; filled out the census form
The times we do spend out and about offer quite a new visual experience. Creativity abounds! People are wearing masks of all shapes, colors, and designs. Some seem to have duck beaks. Others have Skeletor faces. Some nurses have taken to pinning photos of themselves on their gowns (PPE) so their patients can see what they actually look like. You know, someday the patients may want to actually thank their caregivers if they ever meet them on a bus.
Back inside, things are more intense. Newlyweds, or even new roommates are having more frequent date nights. Not unexpectedly, there is an anticipated increase in the birthrates commencing in the upcoming winter and into the spring.
On the flip-side, those people who have been living together for some time, the increased “home time” being experienced is not having the beneficial effect the newbies are sharing.
Although we can’t trust the numbers from China, the media reports from various cities indicate there is a significant rise in divorce rates there. Some people can only stomach just so much elephant. If you’re only going to be hungry again in an hour, and elephant is all you have…..
It is fortunate for you (and us) that your passion for pachyderm seems to be unsatiated.
Personally, I can’t wait to read the new work!
Love this! 🙂
This is an amazing and timely article. I love it 🥰 Elephant bites! How else will we surivive this new normal right? Elephant bites is the only way to do it. Thank you Nikki for giving me this new perspective . Very well written, as always ❤️
thank you!
Hip hip hooorayy for Clover!!!!
Yay! 🙂
Lovely read 🙂 As someone who used to live in New York (born and raised), it is really nice to see your take on everything in the world. It really is great to take such a bad situation and use the time wisely. Keep going strong and never give up!