My Lockdown Experience
At the beginning of the COVID 19 lockdown, I assumed I would write a lot of songs, learn new guitar licks, practice, finish my book, clean and organize my house, etc. Instead, I stopped doing pretty much everything. I lost all motivation.
Now, what is it, 8 months into this? Well, in the last week or so, some of that motivation has returned, and I have no idea why. It’s like it has taken me all this time to adjust to this new reality and get back to being somewhat productive.
One thing is forever changed though: Before COVID, whatever I was working on, I would get right back to it after dinner. I don’t do that anymore and I never will. I’m easier on myself. Instead, I watch TV and I’m really enjoying it. For many years, I was a TV writer with long hours at my office, and rarely watched, so shows like Breaking Bad, West Wing, Mad Men, etc., have been a real treat.
One thing I’ve learned that has astonished me – (it’s a well-known phenomenon, but I have truly experienced it first-hand now) – on the days I spend time with my daughter, son-in-law and three-year-old grandson, I have way more energy and am happier. I look better, feel more alive, have less aches and pains, and have a healthier outlook.
I’m in the more at-risk age group, so I take this virus seriously, and fortunately so does my family. I see very few people in person, so I’ve made an effort to teach some classes, and play in several Open Mics on Zoom. (I recommend the Fiddler’s Crossing one on Wednesday nights.) Anything that engages you with other people, even on an occasionally shaky Zoom connection, is precious.
Thanks for reading this and stay well.
Tracy Newman
Singer/Songwriter/TV Writer
https://tracynewman.com
https://runalonghome.com
And just for fun: https://youtu.be/Ew6DS2bXYmk
(A truly shameless promotion of my 1965 self!)
In an attempt to begin bringing us together during these difficult days, some of our long-time members have shared their experiences dealing with Covid, Lockdown, Boredom, Creativity, Bubbles, etc. We intend to post a column a week at 10 AM Pacific on Mondays, so be on the lookout! For guidelines and submission details, please contact Julie Zipperer at juliez@far-west.org or Marlynn Block at marlynn@far-west.org. Submissions will be posted based on approval from the Lockdown Lemonade Committee.
Hey there Tracy, I hear ya. So true, true, true. It does seem so strange not to see folks for such a looong time. Thanks for mentioning Fiddler’s Crossing (Tehachapi CA) open mic every Wednesday at 7:30–sign ups are at 7:15. If you want to get on Peter Cutler’s email list for the log in info, please contact him there at Fiddler’s Crossing.