Birdsong At Dawn

Summer garden in Santa Fe

Purple and yellow irises are in bloom in the high desert when I head out on my speed walk, huffing behind my bandana. I saw a wild white poppy today. Ravens and crows are proliferating here in Santa Fe, cawing at 5:30am in chorus with higher-pitched singing birds. It seems to me there are more crows than before the virus. We are also having a severe moth invasion, but let’s not think about that.

Our governor is finally ordering mask-wearing in public places. For weeks she’s been recommending mask-wearing, but half the population here has been ignoring that. At Whole Foods in Santa Fe, some shoppers even disdained the giveaway mask available at the entry earlier this week. Wearing a mask shows respect and caring for others. I live with constant worry about this beast of a virus. Hearing Dr. Bright’s “darkest winter” rebound predictions this week resonated with me. Like he said, let the scientists speak.

​I’m calming myself with Fields of Flowers homeopathic remedy. Taking pleasure in how my scallions are sprouting by a sunny window. I was thrilled at how well my so-easy-to-bake Irish Soda Bread turned out. This week I made myself a personal icon on my iPhone. I’m looking forward to the arrival of the floral masks I ordered. I think we will be wearing masks for a long time.  Most days, I work on a screenplay I’m co-writing with a partner. It’s a fabulous escape that makes me feel stronger and more productive. I’m grateful that I remain healthy.

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