julierichmond

Full moon tonight. The traffic heading into the city is almost like what it was before. The crocuses have bloomed by our front steps, and Sophie’s snoring on the couch.

I’ve been reading my journals from last year. I talked about meditation and our daily schedule, long walks in different woods, and conversations with Kate.

I didn’t have a clue what was coming.

We kept up with the schedules for about a month, I updated daily until June.

Lately, I’m trying to figure out how to fit reflection in with work, workouts, dinner and dishes. I know life is better when my house is clean, and I sweat a little. There’s not much time left to write about the latest pop song that made me smile or share the bliss I experience when Sophie eats a meal. There’s never enough time to talk about being lonely.

It’s helpful to look back on how I saw the world then, and think about how my point of view, and day to day life has changed.

I asked my friends last week- what would you keep from Covid? I don’t see the pandemic and quarantine as a gift. For many it has been a curse, and worse.

I am reluctant to speak about it because, for now, mostly, the worst I’ve had to deal with is remembering my mask and learning how to work while functioning as Sophie’s concierge.

I can’t begin to know how it will echo moving forward.

Do you wish you’d done things differently this past year? Do you have any regrets?

I wish I’d written more, taken a few skiing lessons, volunteered at the food kitchen, and played the flute every day. Katy has picked out a duet for us, and she says it doesn’t matter to her that I’m always a little flat.

Everyone is talking about the parties they will have, or attend, when this is done, the places they will go, and the people they will hug.

Invite me. Hug me. I’ll hug you back, or bump your fist.

Feel free to stop by for mediocre coffee or a glass of wine, if there’s any in the fridge. I make a good smoothie, and we have a tiny yard, with chairs. No fire pit, but I have a hoodie collection in a variety of colors and sizes.

I’m good at home with Sophie, but I’m feeling nervous as hell about face to face interaction, so put me on your guest list, or come on by.

And be patient if I’m awkward. I was awkward before all this.