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Gratitude in the Time of COVID
by Saralyn Richard
I was rocking
along, teaching my creative writing and literature classes, volunteering at the
doctor’s office, working on a couple of local boards of directors, and
preparing for the launch of my newest mystery, A Palette for Love and Murder.
along, teaching my creative writing and literature classes, volunteering at the
doctor’s office, working on a couple of local boards of directors, and
preparing for the launch of my newest mystery, A Palette for Love and Murder.
Invitations were
out; books were in place at the various bookstores; my remarks were outlined;
supplies and equipment were ordered; wardrobe was planned; refreshments were
purchased and baked, some tucked away in the freezer. Events on social media
were growing in numbers of RSVPs.
out; books were in place at the various bookstores; my remarks were outlined;
supplies and equipment were ordered; wardrobe was planned; refreshments were
purchased and baked, some tucked away in the freezer. Events on social media
were growing in numbers of RSVPs.
Out of the blue,
everything came to an abrupt stomp on the brakes. To avoid colliding with a
major health threat, would a gathering of friends and supporters need to be
adjusted, or even postponed? As more and more dire predictions screeched in,
the answer became a resounding yes. Suddenly all of the planning of the past
year had to be unwound, one event at a time.
everything came to an abrupt stomp on the brakes. To avoid colliding with a
major health threat, would a gathering of friends and supporters need to be
adjusted, or even postponed? As more and more dire predictions screeched in,
the answer became a resounding yes. Suddenly all of the planning of the past
year had to be unwound, one event at a time.
Like a full-term
baby, A Palette for Love and Murder was
delivered on time, though its audience, and even its author, were preoccupied
with more pressing issues. Issues of social distancing and isolation, like
gathering food and toilet paper and hand sanitizer, drove all thoughts of
reading a new mystery novel aside. Staying healthy, staying safe—those were,
and still are, the priorities.
baby, A Palette for Love and Murder was
delivered on time, though its audience, and even its author, were preoccupied
with more pressing issues. Issues of social distancing and isolation, like
gathering food and toilet paper and hand sanitizer, drove all thoughts of
reading a new mystery novel aside. Staying healthy, staying safe—those were,
and still are, the priorities.
Yes, it was
disappointing to have my book launch turned upside down, but it was one of
those things, like hurricanes and tornadoes and earthquakes, beyond my control.
As the days have gone by, with the real-live horror of this deadly pandemic
playing on our screens, and people we know and love being affected in
increasing numbers, any single person’s disrupted plans seem insignificant.
disappointing to have my book launch turned upside down, but it was one of
those things, like hurricanes and tornadoes and earthquakes, beyond my control.
As the days have gone by, with the real-live horror of this deadly pandemic
playing on our screens, and people we know and love being affected in
increasing numbers, any single person’s disrupted plans seem insignificant.
Still, there are
many silver linings, many reasons to be grateful. People have turned to
technology to remain connected. People have been reading books to educate and
entertain themselves, and to escape into a happier place. Families have been
forced into spending quality time together. Many thousands of first responders
and front-line workers have emerged as heroes in helping humanity weather this
crisis.
many silver linings, many reasons to be grateful. People have turned to
technology to remain connected. People have been reading books to educate and
entertain themselves, and to escape into a happier place. Families have been
forced into spending quality time together. Many thousands of first responders
and front-line workers have emerged as heroes in helping humanity weather this
crisis.
Turning my
attention away from my new book, I began looking for a way to share my
real-live Old English sheepdog, Nana, and the children’s book she narrates,
with parents and little ones in need of literary diversion. Along came Frank
Billingsley, the KPRC Houston weather man, who invited Nana and me into the
studio for the reading of Naughty Nana.
These plans, too, had to be altered, as social lockdown grew stricter, but
through the magic of Zoom, we were able to connect remotely and broadcast the
event from two locations. Please share this link with anyone you know with
youngsters in pre-K through third grade. https://www.click2houston.com/features/2020/03/25/storytime-kprc-2s-frank-billingsley-reads-a-childrens-book-by-local-author/?fbclid=IwAR39p2ov2h06UdNkpcFANboVgUNLP_F4qSYNK52vqayNG4W7h2qONSYHgHQ
attention away from my new book, I began looking for a way to share my
real-live Old English sheepdog, Nana, and the children’s book she narrates,
with parents and little ones in need of literary diversion. Along came Frank
Billingsley, the KPRC Houston weather man, who invited Nana and me into the
studio for the reading of Naughty Nana.
These plans, too, had to be altered, as social lockdown grew stricter, but
through the magic of Zoom, we were able to connect remotely and broadcast the
event from two locations. Please share this link with anyone you know with
youngsters in pre-K through third grade. https://www.click2houston.com/features/2020/03/25/storytime-kprc-2s-frank-billingsley-reads-a-childrens-book-by-local-author/?fbclid=IwAR39p2ov2h06UdNkpcFANboVgUNLP_F4qSYNK52vqayNG4W7h2qONSYHgHQ
And if they
would like the book and literacy materials aligned to their children’s grade
levels, they are available at http://palmcirclepress.com/bookstore/
would like the book and literacy materials aligned to their children’s grade
levels, they are available at http://palmcirclepress.com/bookstore/
I’m grateful for
the camaraderie and helpful spirit that has emerged among neighbors and
co-workers. Most of the people I’ve encountered have exhibited a selfless
concern for others in their daily activities.
the camaraderie and helpful spirit that has emerged among neighbors and
co-workers. Most of the people I’ve encountered have exhibited a selfless
concern for others in their daily activities.
I’m especially
grateful for social media at this time of social isolation. Facebook,
specifically, has allowed for many otherwise impossible connections, including
these:
grateful for social media at this time of social isolation. Facebook,
specifically, has allowed for many otherwise impossible connections, including
these:
1. My dear friend in hospice has been able to hear the many expressions of love
and fond memories of her friends and relatives, and she has responded to them.
2. My friend who is hospitalized with COVID has been able to connect with
friends who are praying for her recovery.
3. My neighbor shouted at me from across the street this morning, while I was walking my dog, “Congratulations on your new book!”
I guess the book launch didn’t completely evaporate, after all.
My neighbor’s
greeting hit me in just the right spot. We may be isolated, but we are not
alone. And for that I am grateful.
greeting hit me in just the right spot. We may be isolated, but we are not
alone. And for that I am grateful.
Award-winning mystery and children’s book author, Saralyn Richard, is a
writer who teaches on the side. Her books, Naughty
Nana, Murder in the One Percent,
and A Palette for Love and Murder, have
delighted children and adults, alike. A member of International Thriller
Writers and Mystery Writers of America, Saralyn teaches creative writing at the
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and continues to write mysteries. Reviews,
media, and tour schedule may be found at http://saralynrichard.com.
writer who teaches on the side. Her books, Naughty
Nana, Murder in the One Percent,
and A Palette for Love and Murder, have
delighted children and adults, alike. A member of International Thriller
Writers and Mystery Writers of America, Saralyn teaches creative writing at the
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and continues to write mysteries. Reviews,
media, and tour schedule may be found at http://saralynrichard.com.
https://www.facebook.com/saralyn.richard,
https://www.twitter.com/SaralynRichard,
https://www.linkedin.com/in/saralyn-richard-b06b6355/,
https://www.pinterest.com/saralynrichard/, https://www.instagram.com/naughty_nana_sheepdog/
https://www.twitter.com/SaralynRichard,
https://www.linkedin.com/in/saralyn-richard-b06b6355/,
https://www.pinterest.com/saralynrichard/, https://www.instagram.com/naughty_nana_sheepdog/
https://www.pinterest.com/saralynrichard/
and https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7338961.Saralyn_Richard.
and https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7338961.Saralyn_Richard.
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/saralyn-richard
#gratitude #COVID #KPRC #booklaunch #childrensbook #Houston
said. We’ll get through this together. Technology is helping us stay connected during this bleak time of isolation. Lots of inner thoughts to write about. ~Minette Lauren
Well said!
Thanks so much, Minette. Grateful for connections, both in person and virtual.