Living with the Pandemic
We asked a number of our contributors how they have coped with the pandemic so far...
Dani O’Connor is a massage and beauty therapist who has all sorts of skills to help her relax and take things in her stride. She told us: “The things that got me through lockdown were walking with podcasts and busying myself with DIY and gardening.
“Nothing I’d say has been a particular problem but changing my business model to ensure people’s safety was worrying. Many people do not like change but luckily it’s gone OK, though talk of more lockdown is showing a marked difference in my bookings. That’s what happened in March. So I am just staying as positive as I can for the future.”
For therapies with Dani find her on Facebook or at
Plasygamil Road, Goodwick SA64 0EL
07807 336851
Caroline Juler is a writer, art historian and filmmaker. She is the author of the Blue Guide Romania and National Geographic Traveler Romania, among other work, and has travelled all over the country. In the late 1990s, she became involved with the struggle to save the historic site of Roşia Montana from open-pit mining. Caroline has written a number of interesting features for Pembrokeshire.Online. She says her experience of the pandemic has been complex “because some of the experience was so welcome. It meant I had licence to slow right down and think about the meaning of life. I was also impressed by how so many people stood up to help, but the underlying madness of our human predicament has been overwhelming at other times.
“We humans are supposed to be clever so why can’t we live more intelligently? I find I that terribly depressing.
“Otherwise, books, art, music, friends, animals, companionship and laughter have been a huge help. Fear of permanent isolation does creep up on me but luckily I’ve had ways out of that even though we’ve had to shield ourselves because of my partner’s health issues.
“One really specially lovely thing has been taking Spanish lessons online with our gorgeous and very amusing friend and neighbour, Belinda Ray. She knows how to keep people’s spirits up and, apart from being good at making classes interesting and fun, she is really kind.”
Alais Winton, author of a number of books on dyslexia and a big Doctor Who fan is a woman of few words.
She said: “Comedy is what is helping me cope. I have rewatched episodes of Red Dwarf (very apt). I have enjoyed the second series of Ghosts on TV which I also find very funny.
“On the down side, the rules are confusing, and sometimes make no sense. Rules changing all the time don’t help.
“I miss hugs.”
What about you?What has helped you? What have you missed? Do you have any tips or concerns on managing what looks like it might be something of a difficult winter ahead? Please share with us. We will be delighted to hear from you.
Email: speaktofish@gmail.com
