Love in the Time of Corona Virus It's the starkest of times. We all waken, remember what's happening in the world and wonder how to make sense of it. We're all looking for what to do with ourselves. I love comedy during dark times, but the screen is sometimes too much just now. If you're not going to get square eyes, you can still turn to humour to get you through. I recommend Caitlin Moran's Moranifesto for a good lift. I think my husband might be a bit envious of the giggles and chuckles coming from my side of the bed, as I snuggle down with Ms C (for COOL) Moran. If you're looking to remove yourself from the modern world, you can do worse than finding comfort and escape in parallel times. Gabriel García Márquez's Love in the Time of Cholera is described by the Daily Telegraph as, 'The nearest thing to sensual pleasure prose can offer'. Upping the sensual can only help you to feel alive and appreciate the privilege, right? Whatever you like to read, it can help get you through. If you like to write, or even have a story to share in an audio format, you may find this lockdown is something you can turn into a creative space. Experts in coping with such times are recommending setting yourself goals and new challenges. Turning an abundance of lemons into lemonade, or even a lemon meringue pie recipe book is an attractive idea. If you see yourself finding light through that most human way of expressing, the creation of a combination of words to share thoughts, fears, dreams, loss, discovery and transition, then now is the time to form those words. Start with a sentence, start with a phrase, a cartoon or a lyric. Now could be the time to write or record the basis of what you will look back on as a significant achievement and the fulfilment of long-held ambitions. A ray of light that shines from a silver lining. A creative act that will last beyond the rainbow that follows the storm. I'll be embarking on a collaborative project with one of my cousins: transcribing, typesetting and publishing a short run of our grandfather's courting correspondence to our grandmother. Perhaps you have something to share with the world too, and if you want someone to help take you from idea to a polished, published work, the fates willing, I'll be here and happy to help. Be safe, Chris  |