Hi Everyone😊
Over this past year and a half of chemotherapy and surgeries, I‘ve not yet recouped the stamina for much in the way of long-lasting mental absorption, because stimulating conversation requires an output of energy that quickly tires my mind. Even so, two weeks ago, I decided to join my dear friend of sixty years, Michael S., whose enjoyment of a weekly Zoom class—reading, watching and discussing Shakespearian plays—felt so contagious that my interest peaked enough to read Richard II, followed by watching the film, starring Jeremy Irons, in preparation for studying Henry IV part 1 and 2.
As of now, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed two Zoom classes, which, meeting on consecutive Mondays, are one and a half hours in length. Good thing we meet mornings before it’s time to nap.😊. Having become an integral class participant, I enjoy time spent with The Bard, every day.
And here’s why our study of Shakespeare, penned in old English, presents less of a challenge to comprehend than ever before: Our instructor’s textbook of choice is aptly titled No Fear Shakespeare for this reason—The Bard’s English appears on one page with a contemporary translation on the page facing the first. So for the most part, as a beginner, the wheels of my mind remain relaxed while reading the contemporary version, most often, just as I’d once relied upon training wheels to relax my balance.😊
As I’m not drawn to our tv during the day and as I’ve enjoyed but never studied Shakespeare, my eagerness to discuss his life and works have jump started my long time love of English literature, which remained fallow for more than a year’s time.
The fact that Will and I are more than two weeks past our second dose of the Pfizer vaccine finds us sitting outside on our patio for the first time in more than a year enjoying the company of dear friends (one couple at a time), also fully vaccinated (masked and distanced) until I tire and feel need to rest. As most of our local friends are fully vaccinated, we’ll look forward to being outside on our patio, enjoying one couple after another, until mid spring when rising temps are sure to drive us indoors. I believe it will be awhile before my comfort zone feels free to go anywhere except for Mayo.
Two weeks ago, our dear friend, Joyce, called to say that one of our stadium sites had been left with extra doses of the Covid vaccine. Luckily, upon calling Steven, we reached him, right away. So thankfully, he and Celina received their first doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Today, Steven sent a photo of Ravi sitting before her computer in her virtual school setting, dressed as a mermaid.😊Their patio visits continue to be the highlight of our week.
Barry, residing in southern CA, was the only one in his family not to catch Covid. Long story short, their household experienced a three week siege in which Tony felt ill, first, Ray (asymptomatic) tested positive as did Marie, who, feeling feverish and ill, ministered to the boys and slept in the guest room. As Barry’d tested negative, the master bedroom became his work space, living, dining and sleep space, over that three week expanse of time. Interesting how, retrospectively, a trying time, being reduced to facts, fails to address natural human reactions experienced, individually. Thankfully, all are well.
Ever since driving back to LA from Phoenix in January, David’s been quarantined in his apartment. He keeps sane by Zooming professionally and with friends (who also meet at the park, masked and distanced). Happily, the Phoenix Suns are winners, this year
Our evenings, during quarantine, are spent cuddling on the couch, watching tv and there’s lots of rewinding as Will or I tend to doze off, now and then.
We’re both enjoying Lincoln: Divided We Stand on CNN
Broadchurch, a series on Netflix, stimulates our sense of intrigue.
The Good Cop on Netflix offers a comedic romp with Tony Danza in the lead. Episode 3 reveals the funniest story of all.
Anne With An E is a series, several seasons in length, each episode as heartwarming as the last, again on Netflix.
As to series in which violence is prevalent—because violence sells—Will enjoys that popular genre (a modern day testament to testosterone pumping naturally through the male blood stream with no outlet in sight), during the day, while I cultivate the classic eloquence of Shakespeare, who, with quill in hand, composed descriptive passages expressing every aspect of human nature in such a poetic fashion that the presence of violence doth not pierce my peaceful state of mind with spiking anxiety as happens while absorbing the same on today’s graphic tv programming.
It’s been of interest to note that, during quarantine while facing additional months of healing ahead, the days fly by. And little by little, as my breathing eases, oxygenating my brain’s natural capacity to concentrate for many minutes longer than had been true the week before, my desire to reorganize ‘this and that’ within my environment heightens in direct proportion to the lengthening of my mental and physical stamina suggesting that a cheerful desire to set realistic goals matches positively focused energy, regained.
As always, Will joins me in sending our love and hopes that all is well with you and yours,
🙋🏻♀️😊Annie
Sent from my iPad
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