I once blogged about the New Normal. I happened to be strolling around a capital city in Europe while it was on lockdown for an imminent terrorist attack. I know, not the best time and place to stroll. As soon as I learned about what was going on, I caught a train back home, before the trains were shut down. Yes, it is the New Normal that we have sadly all gotten used to in recent years. Any day in the news, there may be a report of some kind of attack in cities like London, Brussels, Madrid, Paris, Berlin, Barcelona, Casablanca, Tel Aviv, Istanbul, Nairobi, New York City, Melbourne and Ouagadougou. And, these are only places I've visited that have had attacks. A complete list of terrorism sites is just too depressing to compile.
The New Abnormal shelves in the Pacific Northwest. Photo: Jennifer MullenBut, in recent weeks, it seems we've been hit with the New Abnormal. And, now with the coronavirus in our midst, every day has new shocks with an ever growing list of "I can't believe this is actually happening" experiences. Who knows what will be added to the list, but so many places have closed: schools, churches, salons, theaters, parks, restaurants and bars. The Ohio primary elections were postponed until June and, for the life of me, I don't understand why the governor received any grief about that decision. Personally for me, I bank at a little branch inside a grocery store. Except, it is now closed. I must go to other branches and bank through thick glass windows from the safety and social distance of my car. I can't exercise in the little gym in my condo community. And, there really isn't any demand for community murals when everyone everywhere is supposed to hide in their homes and not venture out. Yep, I had a few murals in the works, but life for everyone in the world is on hold and that includes starving artists.
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When things first started happening as the virus took root in Seattle, I was safely snuggled in my home in Ohio. I heard reports of shopping madness in the Pacific Northwest, but I felt no need to rush out to the store and start hoarding. I didn't see lines of grocery carts snaking down the sidewalk. I didn't personally have to go to seven stores to find diapers. It might have taken me a week to finally go shopping. When I decided that maybe I should stock up on some things, I was amazed with what had happened in Ohio. Unfortunately, the coronavirus brought out the worst in some people. At that moment, there had been no diagnosed cases of the virus in the state, but that didn't stop the hoarders. I'd never seen empty shelves in stores in the United States before. Never. So, this was my first "I can't believe this is actually happening" experience. Row after row of shelves were depleted of potatoes, rice, pasta, pasta sauce, bleach, paper towels and toilet paper. I went to three stores on that trip and found most of what I wanted. I even found really nice disposable gloves, which I thought would be next to impossible to locate. But, there is one thing that is just completely missing in Central Ohio. You can't find any hand sanitizer to save your life. And, with the current virus in our midst, it actually could save your life. But, it's all been hoarded. None. Nada. Zip. It is not to be found. Fortunately, soap and water work really well. Remember, frequent handwashing and social distancing are two of the most important ways to protect yourself during this outbreak.
Used with permission and thank you so much, Joe Heller.Now, I can understand why people want most of the items that have flown off the shelves. I bought some of them as well. But, one item mystifies me. Yes, one item just leaves me completely puzzled. I have no idea why people are hoarding toilet paper. I've not heard any mention on any newscast about Montezuma's revenge, dysentery, diarrhea, loose stools, the runs, flux, backdoor trots, voodoo doo doo, the squirts, thunder from down under, the Aztec two-step, trouser chili, chocolate thunder, nasty faucet, poop soup, dirty dynamite, dishonorable discharges or Cleveland tap water. Nobody associates the Corona virus with this problem. This virus may give us cause to panic, but (butt?) there is no reason to worry about toilet paper unless everyone hoards it. However, just to clear up this mystery, a friend of mine in Australia shared a theory about why so many people need so much toilet paper. She suggested that every time a person sneezes, ten other people mess their pants. Yes, if true, this absolutely explains the phenomenon.
space When I lived in Africa, there were a lot more reasons for hoarding toilet paper. However, it never happened! Everyone at one point in time, and usually much more than one point, had some form of diarrhea. And, in Africa, it was completely acceptable to discuss colors, smells and textures that I've never once heard people in the United States discuss. Also in Africa, it was considered terribly rude to give someone anything with your left hand. Because, as everyone knew, there was only one use for your left hand and it may or may not include toilet paper.
Of course, I was inspired to do a little research. You do realize that many more people in the history of the planet have lived without toilet paper than with. History tells us that it was first used in China in the sixth century and sheets were individually perfumed. Yes, a gift from China that we can all appreciate! And, over the centuries, those without any Charmin to squeeze have used wool, stones, sand (yuck!), grass, leaves, sea shells, husks, hay, moss, water, ferns, pebbles, broken pottery, corn cobs and even snow (no, thank you). Now, if you find yourself without toilet paper in these days of empty shelves, you could doo doo as the Romans did did. But, I don't think you'll want to to - even if you find the supplies at the grocery store. They used sponges attached to sticks and then when finished, they plopped the sponges back in a pail of vinegar. (I told you that you'd probably pass.) So much for that old saying, "When in Rome . . . ."
The New Abnormal grocery shopping lines in Belgium. Photo: Helen VandebovenkampAlthough you've most likely never heard of him, the man who should be considered a national hero, and possibly a world-class citizen, is Joseph Gayetty. Our hero from Pennsylvania invented the modern toilet paper roll in 1857. It was widely - and gratefully - used until the Northern Tissue Company made an improvement on the product in 1935. Their toilet paper was splinter-free. In the USA, more than seven billion of those splinter-free rolls are sold annually. However, I have no doubts that that amount was sold just last week.
I'm fully convinced from my travels, that most people outside of the United States have never heard of Ohio. Everyone knows about California, New York and Florida. Ohio, as one of those states in the fly-over region, isn't known so much. But, we made international news about a week ago. The Ohio Department of Health Director declared that one percent of our population of eleven million, that is 100,000 people, were already exposed to the coronavirus. Where did she get that statistic? She made it up. Perhaps she didn't have toilet paper and the smell of soiled vinegar affected her thinking? She later had to take back those words, but the news was out and my friends overseas heard it. And, it was heartwarming.
One friend from Africa wrote: The outbreak of the coronavirus is really terrible. I can’t imagine the closure of activities and a lot of things that have to wait due to this circumstance. I pray and hope that Jesus will mask you and hide you from this disease. May the blood of Jesus be above your doors and this ugly disease pass over you and all connected to you. I’m sending you blessings.
Another friend from Europe wrote: My dear friend, how are you doing? I pray that you are fine and shall be protected against any harm. I have heard that the coronavirus is infecting thousands of people in Ohio. I saw in the news that 1% of the population in Ohio is infected and I got very worried. Please respond as soon as you read this. Please be careful. Don't make contacts a lot. Let me know how true or false this news is that I've heard. I wish you were living here. That would be the only way not to worry about you.
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One very excellent guardian angelSo, there may be no available toilet paper, and the world panics as we face daily changes in our lives, but this virus also brings out the best in people. After years of news stories about division and derangement, I'll take good news stories every chance I can. I am thankful that the president asked for a national day of prayer, and I hope that everyone takes this moment to think, pray, meditate, sing or whatever you choose to do to bring us all together. If ever there were a time to ask for divine help, this would be a good one. And, I truly believe that the Good Lord gave me one very excellent guardian angel. In Psalms 91, it says, "He will command his angels concerning you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone."
That verse said "angels". Plural. I've always felt that I may have worn out one angel. Additional help may have been required as I've wandered the globe. I mean, I've had malaria five times. Need I say more? Throughout my travels, I've survived multiple car, truck and motorcycle accidents. I've wandered the globe with a very expensive camera to places I probably shouldn't have wandered. Because I never look like a local person, I most likely have had a huge target on my back. But, I've never been mugged - although there have been rogues with knives in Abidjan. (Another miracle!) My home in Belgium was been broken into four times - once when I was in it. I've fallen terribly many times, especially in Fiji, and never broken a bone. And, I'm quite sure there are so many other times when I've been saved from disaster that I'm not even aware about, because I have been so well protected. Yes, I'm hopeful that my protection continues and this virus never crosses my doorstep. But, if it does, I'm quite possibly overdue.
Often, when things like this happen, it's difficult to know what an individual can do to make a real difference. But there are heroes in our midst. In my mind, they are the people who continue to work and face the public because that's just the kind of people they are. Doctors, nurses, hospital support staff, police, firemen, emergency crews, first responders, grocery store employees, attendants at care facilities, truck drivers, and sanitation workers all rate high on my hero list. The world needs more people like them, and I pray they get some of the protective blessings that my friend in Africa mentioned.
Now, I'm the first to tell you that I meet wonderful people when I paint my murals. But, in the past week, I was warmly impressed by some of my painters around the globe. They came from opposite corners of the planet, but it just demonstrates the kind of people I meet wherever I paint my murals.
My friends inBrazilposted this on Facebook for the people in their community: I live in your neighborhood. If you are over 60 years old or are part of the risk group, I will go to the supermarkets or pharmacies to buy supplies for you so that you may stay home. I will help with any of your needs and I will do this for free. Everything will pass, this is the time to help each other.
Another muralist inAlbaniashares a similar good heart: We need to help each other during this time. If you are a student who needs to eat a meal, but you can't afford this for any reason, I want to help you. Just let me know and I will be there.
Humor also helps in all kinds of situations, including global pandemics. But, you may also need to travel a little and know your Mexican beers. Advice on Facebook isn't always the best. There is, after all, a lot of stupid in the world and it frequently finds its way to social media. But a couple of my friends had great advice that is worth repeating. Since it appears that March and April are going to be cancelled for all practical purposes, the next holiday that we'll have to celebrate is Cinco de Mayo. Of course, it'll be sponsored by Corona. And, finally, this is the first time in history that we can save the human race by staying home, lying in front of the television, and doing nothing. Let's not screw this up.
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Steps to protect yourself and stop the spread of the coronavirus.
1. Wash your hands often. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for 20 seconds. 2. Cover your nose and your mouth with a disposable tissue or cough into your elbow. 3. Your social distance is at least six feet from other people because you can't know who is contagious. 4. Do not touch your nose, eyes or mouth. 5. Stay at home if you can.
