Darling, last July, after living in isolation for four months because of COVID-19, I came to the sad realization my lifestyle was not about to change anytime soon. I felt I was living in elsewhere and no longer in the America I love. And, that is how I named the new world we live in, Elsewhere.
It is November and Elsewhere has become my reality and a feeling of helplessness gnaws away at me because there is no place to flee. My inability to change the pattern of my new reality is daunting and breeds within me a feeling of helplessness. The loss of control over one’s life is difficult.
The Outside World
Serious physical violence, destruction, and verbal conflict in Elsewhere penetrate through the peaceful walls of our apartment in the sky. I ask myself, “Why should I have to be a part of this.” Isn’t isolation and the lack of any semblance of change in my life enough? And, “Why should I have to live in fear of being hurt, robbed, and even killed when I walk down the streets of my once beautiful Chicago.”
The incredible visuals of my once perfect Chicago has been replaced with boarded-up facades, police cars with flashing blue lights, policemen on every corner. COVID-19 is having a crippling effect on the lives of everyone in Elsewhere and so is something else… common decency. In Elsewhere, boundaries and consequences for poor behavior no longer exist.
Peggy Noonan’s Attitude
Last week after reading Peggy Noonan’s political column, in which she classified her reason for not voting in our national election, I said to myself as I tossed the read Wall Street Journal in our incinerator, “Bye Bye, Ms. Noonan.” One of my readers commented on my last blog in which I touched on the column, “You are showing your age.” How wrong my reader is. My objection has nothing to do with her soft altruism, not my age. Ms. Noonan’s article reaches thousands of people of all ages which gives her an open pulpit to persuade people not to vote. She should demonstrate through her writings that voting is a civic duty and that we are fortunate to live in a democratic society.
Like you, I learned there are consequences for wrongdoings. In Elsewhere there are no consequences for poor behavior. There is no moral code of ethics. You can say and do anything without repercussions.
All of the above takes a toll on society and its citizens.
Putting Some Order Into My Life
Unpacking 83 boxes from our California home to our apartment in the sky was just what the doctor ordered. I had no choice but to concentrate on my personal life. It felt wonderful to unpack and focus and organize. I kissed Elsewhere good-bye for a time.
I cleaned, sorted, bought clear plastic boxes from Amazon with stickers and a pen to label everything! Every cabinet, every drawer, every closet, looks like a window dresser walked into our apartment in the sky. The inside of my kitchen drawers makes me smile when I look at all my brightly colored kitchen tools.
Our storage room built out by California Kitchens a few years ago is almost organized and could be used as an example. My Ultimate Concierges closets, drawers, and shelves look better than the men’s department at Neiman Marcus. Our closet for soaps, Kleenex, toilet paper, thermometers, Tylenol, Advil, all size bandaids, shampoos, soaps, and more is so neat and orderly it looks like the shelves in Walgreens! The linen closet smells fresh with pretty sashes and is filled with feminine and neatly folded linens and towels from Matouk and other brands.
God Bless My 83 Boxes!
My 83 boxes brought harmony back into my life. I have found personal comfort. While disorder continues in Elsewhere, I have found solace inside the four walls of our home. Henry Thoreau said, “Things do not change. We do.” Unfortunately, his meaningful quote is only partially true because… things did change. And yes, Henry, we do change.
During this time of unexpected turmoil, my 83 boxes led me unexpectedly to pivot away from all the madness going on in Elsewhere. I realize it’s time to self-nurture, darling. I am rediscovering that self-nurturing is the mortar that holds a woman together and I look forward to the day we all move back to somewhere over the rainbow. And, I will be ready to take it on by storm. I am inviting all of you to join me!
Sending friendship across the miles…
How are you adjusting to life in Elsewhere? Please share your thoughts with me in the comments at the bottom of this page.
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Thank you for writing these words. Yes, I am of the “older generation” (72). Yes, I was brought up where there were consequences for doing wrong. Why is it now that people believe they can do whatever they want, whenever they want, and to whomever they want? I was brought up with moral values, believing that God brought me into this world to love and to be loved–not to cause pain and destruction. I pray that Elsewhere will eventually become Somewhere Over the Rainbow once again. I know that life has never been perfect, but in our imperfection, much of the world has been good. I pray for “common sense” to return to our culture and love and forgiveness (and consequences) will become the norm.
How beautifully stated and ‘right on’ your words are.Everyday I search for the rainbow. Warmly, Honey
Dear Honey,
Your recent posts have been so heartfelt and I thank you for expressing so beautifully what I too have experienced. When we stay true to our values, no wrong or bad behavior from others can crush us down for long. We stand up again and thank God for the gifts of morals and dignity that we’ve been taught, me, by my mother.
I too have chosen to be grateful for my beautiful home and the peace and serenity that I choose. Where did you find those gorgeous round mirrored pots for your coffee table?
Take good care!
My beautiful pots are Christofle. They are not that expensive and they light up a room, They are elegant and glamorous. I have orange orchid plants in them now. Thank you also for your thoughts. You are so correct. Warmly, Honey
Your words calm me.
It is comforting to know someone else feels the same way about all the changes we have experienced.
Thank you for sharing your feelings.
I would love to see your apartment in the sky. I bet it is beautiful.
I thank you for your comment on Peggy Noonan’s comment. I do not see it as a politically correct nor an intelligent choice not to vote. Part of our responsibility as a citizen is to vote. If you don’t vote, you can never be sure that your missing vote was not the one that could have turned the tide. Actually, that is all argument. I just think it is our responsibility, as a citizen, to vote. Also, if we do vote, we have a right to complain if our guy didn’t win. (complaining like that does have its appeal to many people)
At this point, when we know the results of the election, I find it interesting that the people who voted for the other guy are sitting down quietly and beginning their 4-year wait for another chance ()ere in New York City, businesses have been boarded up for more than a week, in fear of what those who wanted Biden would do if they didn’t win. (isn’t that kind of sad, that the Biden followers were also considered potential criminals should they not get their way? isn’t it sad that that is the kind of people who voted for him?) Okay, i will sit back down now.
Dear Honey
Its funny my sister said same thing self nurturing is very important shes a retired esthetician and said more then ever self care is very important in these difficult times 🙂
A guest on a talk show said something that stuck with me .He said every day at end of day finish your day with a treat it can be a glass of wine ,a facial, dessert whatever it is u end your day in a special way that makes u happy 🙂
Take care xox L
When you combine what your sister told you and the talk show host said, you will have a perfect day. Warmly, honey