I named my new e-bike ‘Bonnie Bleu’ | Elaine Perry | Unbiased Narrative
To COVID-19,
You clarified a lot of things. I am grateful that you helped us recognize the interconnectedness in our society. You showed us the inequities in our society. Many of us have awakened to this and I am thankful that our priorities may be shifting.
I was completely impressed and guided by Dr. Bonnie Henry, the chief public health officer of British Columbia. Whatever restrictions she mandated were and are fine with me. Her famous admonition “be kind, be calm, and be safe” is words to live by. As a gesture of admiration for Dr. Bonnie Henry, I named my new e-bike ‘Bonnie Bleu’!
I was aware of the Spanish flu of 1919, which almost decimated the Haida population and others on the west coast.
When the lockdown was imposed in March the hardship was significantly lessened because it was spring! In 2020 the usual fabulous Vancouver spring seemed even more colourful and glorious. I learned the tress using the app ‘Vancouver Street Trees’. Outdoor gatherings with friends — distanced of course — were a delight.
I was introduced to the practice of making Earth Altars. It is grounding and satisfying to make simple things from stuff on the ground — rocks, blossoms, cones, leaves, and berries.
Outdoor activity is essential. I walk and cycle everyday. I need both structure and spaciousness to create a satisfying and wholesome day. I start my day with a wonderful exercise/ well being program called Essentrics and I do a weekly yoga class on zoom. A volunteer initiative I am involved with — an English conversation group for newcomers to Canada — migrated to zoom when we could no longer meet in person. The group has appreciated the opportunity to chat and connect and the three of us who facilitate the group enjoy it immensely.
Dr. Bonnie Henry reminds us that the rapid development of vaccines has been nothing short of miraculous. I received my vaccination in April and was deeply grateful to all who made it possible.
As of early May we are in the third wave but see numbers dropping as more and more of us in the province and across Canada are vaccinated. It looks like we will have a wonderful summer and I look forward to camping around BC and visiting friends again!
(Elaine was born in Prince George and is a 3rd generation British Columbian. She lives in Vancouver. She thrives on conversation and connection, learning and living with gratefulness. She does not take her many blessings for granted.)
