Pandemonia
Sophie Lombardi
Like so many people, I have spent the past week not knowing how I feel about this disgusting, germy virus that has sent the world into total chaos. One minute I am tempted to lick the supermarket floor to show all the loo-roll stashers that they are completely over-reacting and the next I feel sabotaged with worry that the world will turn into some strange dystopian thriller where bodies are being dragged on to the street and peoples’ front doors are marked with a big red cross. Whilst my imagination may run a little wild, there is no doubt about it, we are absolutely screwed.
Behind the failed black humour, I am a bundle of nerves: My husband works for an airline and I am totally freaking out about the health of my loved ones with underlying illnesses. However the thing about anxiety, is that it’s all about the future and if we just for one moment ground ourselves in the ‘right here, right now’ (to quote the great Fat Boy Slim) most of us are ok. My fridge is full of food, the kids are fighting over cricket and the dog is snoring loudly. I think the only way I can get through this without going round the twist, is to pull myself into the present moment, give my kids a reassuring squeeze and put the bins out.
It’s really hard to focus when constantly being updated on the impending doom and gloom across the globe. I need to switch the news off and stick to the ‘Food and Beverage’ sections of the newspaper for now or I will definitely end up losing the car, the dog and maybe my mind. I already miss the ‘levelling’ that comes with hanging out with friends: bad times have always bought communities together, but in this instance we will be isolated.
Books frequently provide me with good company and are a welcome distraction. Below I have listed some titles centred around ‘hope’ and I would happily hang out with any of these authors and characters for a while. All of the protagonists face terrible adversaries and set backs, however somehow they claw their way through to a different reality as a stronger person. Under the layers of anxiety, I have a feeling that in a few months time, this ending will also apply to us.
Elbow bumps and air kisses
Sophie xoxo
PS. I have provided Amazon links, however If you are able to purchase these titles from a small independent bookshop that would be wonderful.
‘The Salt Path’ by Raynor Winn
‘My Wild Other’ by Clover Stroud
‘The Rules Do Not Apply’ by Ariel Levy
‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’ by Gail Honeyman
‘American Dirt’ by Jeanine Cummins
Sunshiney bedding : Liberty print ‘Capel’. Fitted Sheet and Pillowcase : ‘Penzance Gingham’