Tag: COVID-19

Posted in depression, Life

Doing What You Can & Your Personal Well-Being

Posted on by Penny Wilson Writes

I was seriously hoping to travel to Oregon to see my BFF and a brother this year. I haven’t seen my BFF in ages and my brother is getting up in years, so it’s important to SEE these people.

I think about these, relatively speaking, small inconveniences, and several emotions rush over me.  Pain, hopelessness, helplessness and sorrow. I find myself grieving for a world that seems, every day, to be pushed further off the edge of the cliff, about to fall into the vast abyss of extinction. 

It’s hard to reconcile what’s happening in the world right now, not just with COVID, but the natural disasters, wars, etc. I shake my head in disbelief, realizing that we are indeed living through unprecedented times. 

What to do? 

You can either let this kind of situation destroy you, or you can deal with it. There are several ways to deal with it. First of all, you must do your best to carve out a small piece of beauty, positivity, or love.  Your immediate space, your well being, is the first and foremost of importance. If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of anyone else. 

I live a very quiet life. Therefore, isolation is probably not as difficult for me as it is for others. I do my best to find pleasure in the simple things. I spend time in the back yard puttering around in my flower beds. I play with my dog. I have craft projects and household DIY projects that never seem to end. And I go back and forth from home to work and back again. 

Turn off the media! I understand wanting to keep up with friends, or current events, but a constant barrage of the news and misinformation will do nothing good for you. Take it in small doses. I listen to just a little bit of the news in the morning, until the weather forecast comes on.  Then I shut it off. In that few minutes, I have heard enough of the major headlines that I need to hear. The rest, I don’t need.  

Be prepared. Have at least a 3 day supply of emergency food and water on hand for each person in your household, for those unexpected disasters. Floods, tornados, hurricanes, etc., etc. These are just a few things that could happen to any one of us! This a wonderful website for information. 

Want to help?  Wanting to help can be an overwhelming feeling, the helplessness is massive. Do what you can. There as SO many things that simply cannot be controlled by you or me. Even the smallest of things can make an impact. Donate to a homeless shelter, sew masks for those that are without, or volunteer at a local food bank. Check with your local library, community center or schools to find out what is needed in your area. BE THERE for that friend or loved one that needs an ear to bend or a shoulder to lean on. These seem miniscule, but they MATTER.  

Talk to someone!  This is probably the most important thing you can do for your own well being. If you are down, depressed, just having a hard time coping with things these days, you’re certainly not alone. You need to be able to express these feelings. Find someone that you can confide in. A friend, relative, someone at your church, etc. If you simply don’t have anyone that you can talk to, there are a number of resources that are to be found. Below are a few:

The Suicide Prevention Hotline, available 24/7 is 1-800-273-8255

A terrific website on this can be found HERE.

There is a site specifically to help our veterans.  Find that site HERE.

Is talking to someone too much for you? It was for me in the past. There is a Crisis Text Line.  Text 741741 and you can text with a counselor.

Want to do an online chat? There’s a site for that too.  Find it HERE.

You can even TWEET with a crisis counselor at @800273TALK on Twitter.

HERE is a link to many international phone #’s for Suicide Prevention.

This is a British number to help Children in crisis.  0800111

My page on Mental Health Help can be found HERE, if you would like to read more on this subject. 

I didn’t intend to get so long-winded here, but I felt that there is so much that needs to be shared. I could go on and on! I hope that something I said here may have sparked something in you. Hopefully something that will help you deal with what ever difficulty you are having right now.  I know it’s of small consolation, but you are not alone in this. 

Take care and stay safe out there. Thank you for joining me on this journey. Penny ❤ 

Copyright (C) 2021 Penny Wilson

Posted in Life

Angels With No Wings

Posted on by Penny Wilson Writes

Don Gregory. ANGELS WITH NO WINGS

We think we know how angels look, 
Flowing robes and big white wings. 
Way beyond the clouds someplace, 
Each one plays a harp and sings. 

There are other kinds of angels, 
This I'm finding out. 
If you ever need them, 
You'll find they're all about. 

They traded robes for scrubs and lab coats, 
They're in every color, and every hue. 
These special kinds of angels, 
Who watch over me, and you. 

Some have stethoscopes instead of halos, 
Caring smiles, instead of wings. 
Taking care of our afflictions. 
And the issues each one brings. 

Instead of harps, their music, 
Is a friendly soothing voice. 
They didn't have to be here, 
Each of them has made a choice. 

Nurses, doctors, techs and more, 
All handy on the scene. 
Therapists, and all the folks 
That cook, serve, and keep things clean. 

Perhaps it's a calling, 
That makes them good at what they do. 
All I know is that I'm glad they're here, 
To take care of me and you. 

When the Lord see's fit to call them home, 
And they're through with earthly things. 
There is a special place in heaven, 
For these angels with no wings. 

-Don Gregory

*I share this with Don and his wife Susan's permission.
A beautiful piece. I hope you enjoyed it. Please share. 
Image by Sathish kumar Periyasamy from Pixabay 

Please take a minute to read Meg’s wonderful post about why it’s OK to not be OK right now!  ❤

I just kept asking myself over and over: “What is wrong with you?”

via Why You Haven’t Been Feeling Inspired to Write Lately (and Why That’s OK) — Novelty Revisions

Why You Haven’t Been Feeling Inspired to Write Lately (and Why That’s OK) — Novelty Revisions

Quote• Posted on by Penny Wilson Writes

WEAR A MASK, WEAR A MASK, WEAR A MASK!!! Please see my Friend, Trent’s post here. ❤

(See Part One) (Quick edit – Most of the Republicans I know wear a mask and most of the Democrats I know wear a mask for the right reason, but there are so many out there…) A couple of weeks ago I was in a team meeting. My manager was talking about new policy for […]

via Masks Part 2 – They’re not Political! — Trent’s World (the Blog)

Masks Part 2 – They’re not Political! — Trent’s World (the Blog)

Quote• Posted on by Penny Wilson Writes
Posted in Life

Making Face Masks

Posted on by Penny Wilson Writes

Do you want to make your own homemade face masks?  Below are instructions of how I make them.  These are NOT medical grade face masks.  But if you need a face mask, as many places are requiring them these will work great.  There are lots of different masks out there and lots of different ways to make them.  This works for me.

Supplies you’ll need:  Fabric, 1/4″ elastic, scissors, straight pins and a sewing machine.  The fabric, ideally, should be a cotton or cotton blend.  T-shirt fabric works well.  Sheets, pillow cases or denim also work.  The denim, although it works, if it’s too heavy, your sewing machine is going to have a hard time handling it.  The light blue ones above are a fairly heavy denim and I was only able to get 2 pleats instead of 3 because of the thickness.

For one mask, you’ll need 2 pieces of 6″ X 9″ fabric and 2 pieces of 7″elastic.

With RIGHT sides together, pin the elastic between the layers at each corner.  Be careful not to twist the elastic.

Sew around the outer edge of the 2 pieces, leaving about a 2″ opening along one of the long sides. I used about a 1/4″ seam allowance.

Using the 2″ opening, turn the fabric right side out.  Now your elastic will be on the outside of the piece.

Next fold and pin 3 pleats on each end of the fabric.  I just eyeball this.  Some people use precise measurements, but accuracy is not essential here.  I also pin closed the 2″ area that I used to turn the fabric. *An important note: be sure that the pleats on both sides of the mask face the same direction. I use the pin I put in the opening to remind me. I have them all face down toward it.  

Carefully sew around the perimeter of the piece, being careful not to sew over the pins.  On the pleats, if the fabric is heavy, go slow to be easy on your needle and sewing machine. I sew around the perimeter twice for extra security.  This is up to you.

I then press the pleats flat.  But as you can see from the picture above, it’s really not a necessary step.

And there you go!  You just completed a face mask.  After you do a few of these, the process will go faster.

A few notes and tips: I will often use a lighter weight fabric with a heavier one to make it easier to sew.  You end up with a mask that has 2 different sides. I had a hard time finding 1/4″ elastic for a while so I just cut the pieces length-wise to make them more narrow. 

I don’t charge for the masks that I make.  Some people do, but there are so many people unemployed, this is a source of income for them. There is a huge need for these. They go out as fast as I can make them. Consider your mail carrier, or grocery store clerk, delivery drivers, lawn workers.  Also think about the homeless shelters, assisted living communities, senior centers. Every little bit helps.

If I left anything out in my instructions above, or if you have any questions just let me know.

Have fun!

Copyright 2020 Penny Wilson

Thank you for joining me on this journey.  ❤ Penny

Posted in Life

Connecting

Posted on by Penny Wilson Writes

REBLOG:  Don’t miss Audrey’s encouraging post about connecting.

Minnesota Prairie Roots

This quarter-sized token, gifted to me some time ago by my friend Beth Ann, lies on my computer desk.

IF YOU’RE LIKE ME, you find yourself reaching out daily to check on family and friends. Now, more than ever, it seems important to connect via mail, email, text, phone calls or video chatting. I need reassurance that people in my life are OK and know they are loved and supported. Likewise, people have done the same for me. And more.

Face masks crafted by my blogger friend Penny.

Earlier this week I received a package from a Texas blogger. I’ve never met Penny, but we’ve followed each other’s blogs for years and also exchanged emails. Inside the padded envelope I found four cloth face masks. Penny, who is an incredibly kind and loving soul, has been sewing masks for people in her community. And beyond. She also included a lovely…

View original post 690 more words

Posted in Life

Homemade Face Masks

Posted on by Penny Wilson Writes

I’ve been making fabric face masks for a few weeks now.  I do this mostly on the weekends when I’m not at work and have more time.  They are going just as fast as I can make them.  Today I took half a dozen into a local pharmacy and the girls there about cried because they were so happy to have them.

I’m not on the front lines of the COVID-19 horror, thank heavens.  I think that we all have an obligation to do what we can.  This I can do.  I’ve asked my co-workers for fabric donations and have had a good response.

With the change in attitude about whether or not we should wear face masks in public, it won’t be long before it will be mandatory in the US.  These masks will also ease the demand for medical masks needed for health care workers.

If you Google homemade face masks, you’ll find lots of different patterns.  YouTube also has some good how-to videos.

If we all pitch in and do what we can to get through this, it will be less painful for everyone and be over with sooner rather than later.

Stay Safe, Stay Well and Stay Home.

Thank you for joining me on this journey.  Penny ❤

 

Posted in Uncategorized

Doing What’s Right For All

Posted on by Penny Wilson Writes

I’ve been feeling rather Uninspired lately, as you may have noticed.  Laying low, not writing and not posting much at all.  Since my little dog, Rocket Always makes me smile, I thought photos of him were just the ticket today.

We are all inundated with news about COVID-19.  The uncertainty of these times has everyone on edge and it’s hard to find the silver lining in all of this.  I was talking to my BFF on the phone the other day and we started talking about the GOOD that we are seeing in those around us, dealing with this pandemic.  People are stepping up.  Neighbor helping neighbor.  I know those that are volunteering to run errands, shop and make home deliveries to those that can’t get out, like the elderly.  People are putting on local food drives to help those in need.  People are hearing from those that they hadn’t heard from in years, just to check in to see how you’re doing.

Politics aside, in my opinion, we have not been on a UNITED front for Any reason for a Very Long Time.  Remember all the stories you would hear about how we all came together and sacrificed for the good of ALL during WWII?  People banded together and did what was good for everyone.  Not because there was something in it for them, but because it was the right thing to do.  It’s time to do that again, folks.

I am blessed in so many ways in these turbulent times.  I have The World’s Best Boss.  He is doing everything in his power to make sure that we are all safe and taken care of.  My job is considered part of the the Construction Industry, therefore considered Essential.  So I am still working.  We are teleconferencing, etc. to maintain our distance. The office only has 3 or 4 people in it right now and we are all aware of the 6 ft. distancing thing.  We are cleaning, hand sanitizing, etc. to be as careful as we can.  So I am fine.

The only place I’ve been for weeks now is work and home, with the exception of a few walks in the park with Rocket.  So my Best Friend, Rocket has been another huge blessing in my life.  My life would be so quiet and empty without him.  He makes me smile and laugh every day.  (something that is SO needed in life right now!)  If nothing else, he’s a reason to get out of bed everyday!

Rocket is my Office Assistant and goes to work with me on most days.  This is a photo of him at the desk, hard at work.  I try to leave all of the really big decisions up to him because his judgement is always tempered with not only wisdom but compassion and love as well.

At this time, be sure to stay in touch with those you love.  Reach out, if not physically, then send a text, make a phone call, email, whatever.  Just don’t lose touch.  Be there in spirit for them.  Stay Safe, Stay United and let’s Do What’s Right for All for Us.

Thank you for joining me on this journey.  ❤ Penny

Copyright (C) 2020 Penny Wilson