Chronicles of COVID-19

Title

Rae, West Cork

Contributor

Rae

Subject

COVID-19 (Disease)

Coverage

Ireland; Cork; 2020s:

Date

25 April 2020

Language

English

Creator

Cork Folklore Project

Rights

Cork Folklore Project

Description

GENERAL PHYSICAL LOCATION RIGHT NOW

Skibbereen, West Cork

USUAL LOCATION

Same

Q. 1 STAGES

I recall the day that the schools closed; I was in my art group. I slowly walked home but I noticed that queues were forming at SuperValu. When I got home I put on the kettle. I checked my emails and social media. One by one my workshop cancellations came in. On The first day of restriction was like looking at a blank canvas. How would I occupy my days? Some of my friends were thrust into fear and uncertainty, What if. Others started to create new ways. I started to connect online using Zoom.

Q. 2 EVERYDAY ROUTINE

am not an essential worker so I am called to stay at home and flatten the curve. I have become more creative - and signed up to do an online course on Illustrator. I have observed that I sharing different posts on Facebook. They are more reflective and nostalgic. Perhaps that is my way of making sense of things. I am baking more and have promised myself that I will continue to do so when this is over. I have also noticed that I am less on social media and listening in to the radio more. I limit my input of news. My adult daughter had a birthday and our celebration was through social media. It was challenging not being there but we both new that it was necessary to stay apart. We have promised to get together to celebrate when this is over.

Q. 3 GROUPS

One particular group I belong to came together through Zoom and from that there is a YouTube channel. It has offered new ways of creating. I have myself made my own personal video. Friends are creating online yoga classes, online coaching, online markets for food and plants. I also have some friends who are not coping. They are lonely and don't know what to do with themselves so the call much more than they usually do. I have friends who are very extrovert and active and they are missing sporting activities. I am grateful that I am an introvert.

Q. 4 WAYS WE TALK

I am quite shocked to discover that I am coping with staying at home. I thought I could never stay at home for such a time. When I go for food and see anyone we mostly wave. I have been quite solitary for the last few weeks and have heard no jokes or rumours. Should I be worried by my lack of contact.

Q. 5 COMMUNITY RESPONSE

I was very touched by lighting a candle and putting it in the window. There is something about this type of action that is sacred. I know that people are doing kind actions like getting food for those who are cocooning. I have had people connect with me to see if I am ok. My house is situated at the edge of town so I don't see what is going on. However, I see nature and that is a comfort. I think most people are doing their best to flatten the curve. I am cautious to comment from the perspective of what I read on social media.

Q. 6 THOUGHTS AND PREOCCUPATIONS

I have noticed that I am a bit more nostalgic than usual. I am listening to old songs.

Q. 7 SIMILARITY TO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

I have no family in Ireland and that is hard. My family are all scattered over the world. I wanted for us all to be together perhaps it is time like this that you want the hearth of family.

Q. 8 CHALLENGES AND COPING

We have moved into six weeks (I think) Days morph together so I often wonder what day it is. Many of my friends say that things need to change that the way we were wasn't working. We have got used to working remotely, paying by card, chatting online. We are also hearing the birds chirp louder, see more nature in our towns.

Q. 9 THE FUTURE

No Response.

Q. 10 IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT SPRINGS TO MIND?

I think you have covered everything. Perhaps I should say I am female and 60.

Q. 11 IN A NUTSHELL

I can only sum it up from my own lens of perception. At first I thought I would never cope. I enjoy getting out and networking, I have spent all my life being with people. Now I have embraced the joy of my own company and it is not scary. I don't like the unseen enemy of the virus in the backdrop of current life but the opportunity to be still has caused me to reappraise. I am grateful that I am digitally literate. It has been a lifeline.

age

51-69

gender

Female