Thursday 19 March 2020

Retreating to Sanity

Images today from Google Images


It's time for us all to step back from the madness and remember who we are

We are the folk that can cope, that can sit back on our heels and relax those tensed up shoulders.  We can take a breath and let it out, another and then another and then open our eyes and our hearts to the realisation that we will get through this.  We will come out the other side, wiser, calmer and hopefully healthy.  

We will learn about who our true friends are, who cares for us and how much nature can help to settle our minds, rest our hearts and fill our lungs with fresh air.

We can fling open the windows of our homes and let the freshest air there has been for years flood in and fill our rooms with a vitality that might have been missing all Winter.

We can self isolate in a happy way.  Cleaning, gardening, reading, watching television and then watching, reading about or listening to just enough of the news to keep us informed but not to rear up once again those feelings of panic and worry.

We are so fortunate.

We have fresh water, roofs over our heads, the love of friends and family, and even if you are alone in the real world reading this proves you are very much part of the wonderful world of blogland.  Readers and followers are friends and blogging family, and each of us bloggers in our own unique way will be here whenever we can to make you smile, to help you laugh, to make you think and at the very least … and this is me folks … to give you some drivel to read.

Stay safe.

Stay well.

And know that you are welcome here whenever you want.  

Here at the Van the kettle is always on, and my words will stay and I will try each and every day to give you a little bit more drivel to read. 


Oh and don't forget to wash those bloody hands  😉


Sue xx



52 comments:

  1. Thankyou for this post. I especially liked the last picture and comment, it made me chuckle.

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    1. I couldn't resist those little bloomers :-) Take care xx

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  2. Great post Sue, I have been thinking all those things but you have articulated it much better than I could.

    Right now I feel the need for my ‘blogging friends’ even more than usual, for the wonderful connections and interactions with like-minded lovely folk.
    I have noticed in the last week or so many ‘regulars’ have not published anything new - I expect they are all busy getting this “new normal” straight in their own minds, I know I am struggling to get my head around much of it, but I confess to checking Feedly every time I sit down to see who has been at the keyboard 😉
    Stay safe, XX

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    1. It's the perfect way for us all to keep in touch, and as it's something we are used to doing it helps to keep a sense of normality to our days.

      I think it's just that time of year, one by one hopefully all the old, regular bloggers will be back. For many of us our Mojos have been in hiding … perhaps there's a Mojo Meeting somewhere at this time of year, it happens regularly. Take care xx

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  3. Of course we can cope. Many of us have coped with tremendous changes, whether through accident, illness, relationship breakdown, even the death of loved ones. Perhaps this is partly a case of experience coming with age, but the practicalities of keepng ourselves safe are straightforward enough for many of us.

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    1. That's exactly it, we know we can cope, and we have before and will again, it's just that it's so easy to get swept along with the hysteria cause by social media these days and have a minor meltdown. Take care xx

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  4. I was feeling rather guilty about being so happy about social distancing (not the cause, I hasten to add) and having more time to be me. Perhaps I shouldn't after all. Thanks, Sue.

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    1. I know, the idea of being told to self isolate, stay at home, relax and do things that make you happy is just perfect for introverts. We will all be fully recharged by the time they set us free. Take care xx

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  5. Great post and good advice.
    The image of the hut in the woods is my idea of heaven!

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    1. I know … mine too. Perhaps I can cover the Van with planks and undergrowth and completely change it's image … or maybe that would get me thrown off the caravan park ;-)

      Take care xx

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    2. Thaat's great Marlene, just remember to let us know. I tried to find you on Instagram but had no success. X

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    3. It's fine Sue.
      Will join the blogging club again very soon, I will take my time to set it up and write a few posts first, no rushing just as an when but from now on it's on my terms and for me. See you all soon. xx

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  6. Love the advice. I must remember that stopping and taking a breath, will help.

    God bless.

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    1. It's really helping me at the moment. Three nice slow deep breaths and then a nice big full body stretch … if nothing else it gets me off my arse and away from the computer for a couple of minutes ;-)

      Take care xx

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  7. Thank you Sue I have decided only to look at the news once a day to keep informed. All other news in the world has ceased it would appear. We are fortunate that we are retired and can keep our distance. Thank you for a calming post. Stay safe, x

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    1. I was only thinking that last night as we watched the ten o'clock news … which was an exact copy of the six o'clock news but with the outside report done in darkness. Is NOTHING else happening in the world.

      Remember Trevor McDonalds 'And Finally ...' slot on the late news, it used to always be something amusing, unusual or just plain wacky, it really helped to end the depressing news of the day on a lighter note. Take care xx

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  8. Hmmm - I did some normal gardening yesterday, clearing and digging over a new spot, and was then ill in the night from some mould spore or other affecting my asthma. I felt wonderfully relaxed when I came in too!

    Enjoy chilling at the van.

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    1. Aww … what a shame. It's a pity you're not here at the moment, the tide has obviously just turned and the air outside has a lovely crystal clear quality, perfect for any asthma or allergy sufferers. Take care, mould spores are horrible things. xx

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    2. I could do with some sea air - that always helps. Instead I have some birdsong and the burbling of a river running in the background which is helping my breathing relax. We have good air quality here - lots of ferns growing on the trees. I expect it's the same in your neck of the woods but you sound to be nearer the sea than us (we're 18 miles away by road).

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    3. I was still back home in Wales when I typed out my answer to you. There we are directly across the road from the River Conwy which is tidal. When the tide comes in on a blue sky day it brings THE most glorious fresh sea air with it. I walked to the car taking in breath-fulls of clean air into my lungs.

      Here at the Van I am about a 15 minute drive from the sea, although I am still next a river, the River Wyre which I make sure I walk along every day.

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  9. It is madness isn't it, Sue. Oddly enough, today I suddenly feel very calm about it all...we're as prepared as we can be so what will be, will be.

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    1. I think it's the case after a minor, or even major panic, that suddenly sanity prevails and a calmness descends that is both refreshing and very necessary. Take care xx

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  10. Oh, I never think of your posts as "drivel". You are always thoughtful and kind and fun. I often connect with what you are sharing and I appreciate you taking the time to blog! I really do!

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    1. Haha … you are SO kind :-)

      Blogging can be a good two way thing and commenting keeps us all in touch with each other, so thank you for taking the time. Take care xx

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  11. What a lovely post. Thank you for that. Just what I need at the moment. I go through moments of total panic then I think how lovely it is to be able to stay home and do whatever I want and I have plenty I can be doing. We are very lucky, not everyone is as lucky and I keep reminding myself about that. I love reading your blog thank you for taking the time to write it. xx

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    1. And thank you for taking the time to read it.

      I think in a few days we should be all settling down to our new and hopefully temporary 'normal'. Staying mostly indoors is a strange concept for many of us, but fresh air is vital and I hope you are able to enjoy some outside time too. Take care xx

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  12. Sue & Marlene....I instantly fell in love with the picture of solitude in the woods. The little cabin and surroundings is my idea of heaven. Sue, I think you truly outdid yourself with today's blog. It is wonderful. My thanks.

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    1. It's glorious isn't it, my idea of heaven on earth :-)

      Thank YOU for reading. Take care xx

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  13. A smashing post, thank you Sue. The picture made me smile :) I think we do all need to step back from the news a bit. At the moment I watch the daily update around 5pm then try to watch something funny like Last of the Summer Wine on the Freeview Drama channel. Every time I watch the selfish scrum on TV I get annoyed so I'm better off not watching. Enjoy your peace and quiet and stay safe x

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    1. That is a brilliant idea, the news and then a comedy … if we don't have a laugh after listening to Boris we'll cry!!

      A good laugh each day is exactly what we need, and me and my Mum were only saying the other day how all the older comedies really are the best. I'm not really into any of the 'alternative' comedies that they keep trialling pilots of. Although I do love Black Books and have the box set somewhere, I must dig it out and watch an episode after the news. Take care xx

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  14. Thank you Sue for this lovely post. I have decided to go back to writing 3 things I am grateful for every day in my gratitude book. My cousin rung me yesterday and we normally see each other aboout twice a month, but as she works for the NHS, she has decided it is safer for us if we don't currenlty see each othe, but we will keep in touch by phone, text and quite a novel thing by post, so we are going to send little cards and notes to each other. I have also decided to write to some other relatives who are older, sometimes a little snail mail is a lovely thing to receive. Keep safe, Keep well. Helen S.

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    1. What a brilliant idea, while our postal service is up and running ... and I hope it will continue if our wonderful posties can all stay healthy ... it would be great to bring back the old fashioned art of dropping little notelets to our friends and families.

      And writing three things a day that you are grateful for is also a really good idea, one I most definitely going to pinch starting from today :-)

      Take care xx

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  15. Thank you for this great post. Glad you're here to read every day.

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    1. Thank you, I'll do my best to blog every day, days I can't you will probably just get a few words and a 'blast from the past' photo. Take care xx

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  16. Lovely post, Sue. We are very resilient, even if we have to dig deep at times. I look forward to your posts and love the pic of the little girl :)

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    1. Thank you, it is a lovely picture isn't it … those old advertising posters and the like were the best :-) Take care xx

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  17. Brilliant, I am so glad you are back in your happy place. Our campsite is still open, we have static caravan owners too, but not many people on site. Our boss has assured us that she will honour our contract - bit of a shame really as I have so much I could get on and do! Of course, we need to stay on site (and happy to do so) to be a contact for current and future campers and there are loads of jobs to do around the Park.

    I am so grateful to bloggers/podcasters etc. I have felt so isolated at times with all the moving around it is a little bit of stability and friendship, enough to keep me relatively sane. I have to say after 8 years I have a new 'normal' and often struggle to be surrounded by large numbers of people and love the time when we are alone and quiet.

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    1. It's great to be back, although unfortunately we didn't manage to get the house on the market before the estate agent had to close his office due to lack of staff. Photos done but not measurements or contracts, we have an alternative plan that we may be trying though.

      Perhaps your hours will lessen slightly soon, without campers there is not THAT much to do on a daily basis is there? I know the office and shop here on the caravan park are open for limited hours, and the clubhouse and chip shop have closed for at least the next two weeks.

      I love solitude, as an introvert I need it to recharge my batteries and keep me relatively sane too … it doesn't always work ;-)

      Take care xx

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  18. Thank you for your sweet and encouraging words and the adorable picture! We just bought groceries and I must say that was discouraging to me to see so many empty shelves. I am so very thankful for all my blogging friends! It is so helpful to know there are friends as close as the computer. Take care Sue!

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    1. My pleasure, it really is discouraging in the shops at the moment isn't it. I feel so sorry for the poor staff, they are now at the stage of having to confiscate all the extra packs of things that people are trying to buy.

      Yes, we are all here in your computer ...LET US OUT ...lol ;-)

      Take care xx

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  19. I think we all wish we could take a step back. Technology is wonderful in some ways but it can be alarming to. Too much information.

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    1. Definitely!! I'm pleased that YouTube and Twitter are starting to remove or ban all the panic and mis-information things that people have put up.

      During the second World War information was given out over the radio and chatted about over fences and on doorsteps, all this access to immediate 'news' can sometimes prove very worrying and is so easily taken out of context.

      Time for us all to breathe slowly and watch our wonderful Prime Minister every night for updates … and maybe as Pensive Pensioner says above watch a comedy afterwards … I'm sure Compo talks more sense than Boris anyway ;-)

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  20. Lovely encouraging post. It won't do any of us any harm to stop for a while and take stock.

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    1. I think things will settle soon, as we all become accustomed to the new 'normal' we will hopefully slow things down. I really believe this is Mother Nature's way of telling us to do this, to allow the Earth to heal before it's too late. Sounds a bit hippy dippy perhaps but it all fits.


      Take care … and walk Percy when you can :-)

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  21. Ha ha, I'm retired and single so self isolation is my norm.No worries about most things.
    Now is the time for people to realise some dreams....want to read some good books? want to watch some great movies? want to start writing, painting, knitting, sewing, yoga practice, redecorating, decluttering? the list is endless and inspiring.
    Walking in the fresh air or sitting in the sun with a cuppa and watching the garden happenings of bees and birds, how many have wished for such peaceful times when rushing about their lives or stuck at work on a beautiful day.
    I'm off to get my little fountain working so I can hear the tinkling of water from my deck.
    Stay safe everyone and be kind.

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    1. What a lovely comment, and it fits in with my post perfectly :-)

      Take care … and enjoy the tinkling. xx

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  22. Hi Sue I have set up my blog, but won't be posting for a few days.xx

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    1. Brilliant, now we'll all be watching out for you … no pressure then!! ;-)

      Seriously though just blog whenever you want to, about anything you want to and if you get any trouble with trolls, awkward commenters or anything like that just make all your comments moderated.

      Good luck ... and I look forward to reading your latest ramblings :-)

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  23. Thankyou I will probably go live next week. xx

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  24. Hi Sue, great post today. All the information we are getting is overwhelming at times. Nice to read some blog posts and hear what people are doing in other parts of the world. Glad you were able to get back to the van in your happy place. Good to hear Marlene will be blogging again. You take care too!!

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    1. Thanks. It can all get too much can't it. Yes good news about Marlene 🙂. Take care xx

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