The Silver Lining

Submitted by Marina Hodson

Whilst these certainly continue to be difficult times for us all, I would like to take my own advice and practice some brief moments of gratitude, so let’s look at some of the silver linings.

This picture of a stag was painted by my father-in-law following a sighting on one of their recent walks.  These deer used to be commonly seen in the New Forest area of Hampshire County in Southern England, however, recent increases in human traffic have driven them further into the woods and spotting them has become increasingly rare - until COVID-19 restrictions were implemented, that is. As I am sure many of you have heard, similar wildlife benefits have also been seen in Venice, where shoals of fish can be seen in the canals and in Thailand, where Leatherback turtles are returning to abandoned beaches in record numbers.

As an increased number of us have been forced to work from home, we are rediscovering simple pleasures, like baking bread. Friends who, as busy professionals, have not previously considered this option, are reaching out to me for recipes and guidance as they learn to bake from scratch. Meanwhile others have discovered the joy of connecting with neighbours and community members to exchange seeds or to purchase local eggs and preserves in an effort to limit going to the grocery store.

So whilst we continue to struggle through these changing times, let’s take a moment to focus on some of the good that is happening. The positives will never negate the hardship our friends, families and communities are experiencing, but perhaps they can at least serve to soften the blow.

Please take care of each other and try to find a silver lining.

Your friends at the Kawartha North FHT