Dealing with lockdown

Hello and welcome to my new website. I thought it would be nice if we got to know each other, so I’m writing a few thoughts every so often and welcome your comments.

In the earlier phase of our universal experience of the Coronavirus pandemic, I must admit to being frozen in a wonderment of people’s creativity and puzzling as to where mine had gone. People all around were singing, making, creating and I felt I was in a void. I decided to be kind to myself and just allow the dust to settle where it may, and then rise above, so to speak. This was the first lesson to myself.

I spent virtual time with my friends, to whom I owe so much. They know who they are, I hope! Julie Fountain of Beach Art Glass began to make rainbow jewellery from her torched glass. She got so busy, she couldn’t take her turn at the online scrabble game we were playing (distractions are a wonderful thing!) and seeds of what I could do took root. I began to make rainbow silk scarves, donating 50% of the charge to NHS Charities Together. Lesson two: surround yourself with your friends and keep in touch, however briefly. Always something good will come from this.

When I first posted images and contact details on Facebook, with an order form on my old website, I was quite overwhelmed by the response. It wasn’t long before I was making my first £1000 donation. More was to follow.

One day, to take a break, we decided on a walk with a few errands on the way back. I proudly wore my own rainbow scarf. We decided on one route, only to change our minds on a whim. Then I decided to do the errand then and there, rather than delaying. Richard and Jesse the lurcher waited outside while I shopped. During that time, a jogger passed Richard and smiled. We went on our way. The jogger passed again! We all smiled and she called out, “Nice scarf!” Richard said I should have told her that I made them and they were available to buy, but the moment had passed (she was running, after all!) and although I had missed an opportunity, I couldn’t have done anything about it. Until … around she came again! So, this time, I told her all about the rainbow scarves and we exchanged email addresses. Later that evening she sent me an email ordering seven scarves. This was the largest order I’d had and it was all by chance. I was so grateful.

So, this was the third lesson to myself: trust in allowing the good things to happen. Follow your instincts and intuition and, more often than not, you’ll have taken yourself to the paths of joy! And in conclusion, I have donated over £2000 to NHS Charities Together, and I couldn’t have done it without you. I have five scarves still available …