Enjoying the small things!
By Sandra Milton
As the pandemic requires us to stay at home for longer periods of time, we have begun to realize there are many “small things” to enjoy within our community.
Perhaps you are walking twice a day, taking different routes and admiring a garden, noticing a house you have never seen before, noting historic plaques en route or listening to various podcasts. Have you found yourself mulling over different recipes, trying some with success and others with less, leading perhaps to an order from a local restaurant? Are you reading more, doing more puzzles, watching more television, or engaging in lots of Zoom meetings?
Life is quieter now, although busy at the same time. It is a strange feeling, and perhaps it is time to give thanks for some of the small enjoyments.
Did you enjoy the pop-up art exhibit “Warm Hug” created by artists Kanika Gupta and Amat Kehar? It was located at Rose Park in November, hosted by Friends of Bordeleau Park, and in Jules Morin Park in December, hosted by the Lowertown Community Resource Centre, Did you appreciate your neighbours who put up outside lights to bring vibrancy and brightness to the dark evenings?
Did you and your family see Santa when he visited Lowertown on Sunday December 20th ? To the delight of people in Lowertown East, Santa took some time to walk around and greet people. For some little ones who were housebound due to COVID, Santa’s wave from the street was a magical moment!
When Santa and Mrs. Claus, accompanied by a German Shepherd named Tana, began their journey through Lowertown on John Cundell’s horse-drawn wagon, it was a memorable day with lots of beautiful snow falling. As Santa’s sleigh wagon made its way to the ByWard Market, young and old enjoyed the special moment. It was an amazing day: many thanks to the Market BIA for sponsoring the event.
Did you build or enjoy watching others build snow persons in the park? There are so many amazing ones this year. Or did you see children sledding with squeals of laughter even on the slightest of hills? Have you taken up birdwatching, running or walking, or enjoyed a local coffee shop and the great outdoors? Perhaps you have new snowshoes, cross-country skis, or have found a local skating rink and enjoyed chatting with the wonderful volunteers caring for our Lowertown rinks.
Many of you have offered to pick up groceries for your neighbour, or to walk their dog. And maybe despite the masks and social distancing, you have made some new acquaintances as you walk around the neighbourhood.
We are so lucky in many ways and will get through this time of COVID. Let us always remember to appreciate the small things in our community!