Our Response from the Community
On April 22, 2020 we sent an email to the worldwide community at Australian Opal Direct addressing COVID 19. We asked our customers what their current situation is like, what they are doing to get through this time and any advice that they might have. Below are their responses.
A huge thank you to our community who participated and congratulations to the 10 randomly selected winners each receiving a free pair of Australian Opal Earrings. Highlighted below in yellow are our lucky winners. Our small way of giving back during these unprecedented times.
We are people of compassion. Be strong, be resilient and dream big! Better times are coming..
Name: Michael
Subject: COVID-19
Date: April 22, 2020
Massage:
Hello!
Writing to you from Tampa, Florida in the States. We are currently under a stay-at-home order from the governor and all non-essential businesses are closed. I am fortunate enough to have a job where I can work from home. My wife and I have been going on bike rides in the neighborhood and exercising to stay sane. I think that exercise helps release some of the pent up energy that people feel when stuck at home. The other advice I have is to stay in touch with loved ones - even if we are staying physically separate, you can still call or video chat! We are social creatures by our very nature.
Best,
Michael
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Name: sahirikim
Subject: Re; life in London!
Date: April 22, 2020
Massage:
Hi there all beautiful people!,
Well here in London life is very, very different for the moment, we don't work, everything is closed, we need to queue for entry into all shops and distance from each other.
However, our air is fresher, people are more friendly from afar...and my husband and myself cannot work, so we walk together everyday, cook nice food and are positive!
Our 22yr old son chose not to come home from his small apartment in Bournemouth, a sea-side town, just in case he was a "carrier" so he has shown strength in solidarity and compassion as a young man, not wanting to endanger those more vulnerable.
We are all in this together people, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, stay strong, stay positive, NEVER give up, we shall all get through this and we've given our beautiful planet some breathing space! There are dolphins in Venice love to all!
Kim in London xxx
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From: Andrew
Date: Wed, Apr 22, 2020, 5:02 PM
Subject: Re: A Message to Our Worldwide Community
Message:
Hello,
My name is Robin Isakson and I purchased a lovely pair of opal earrings from you a short while ago and was invited to respond to your e-mail. I live on the Central Coast of California (USA, of course). We have been sheltering in place for a very long time, as our Governor was the first in the states to say so. California has a history of natural disasters and Californians do whatever is necessary. We have a large population and have lost just over 1000 to this virus. Everyone sheltering in place early has kept that number low. This has not impacted our lives too much as my husband and I have both been retired for better than three years now. He continues to play golf three days a week, players are limited to one person per golf cart and must stay a distance of six feet apart. He has been puttering about with garden vegetables, tomatoes, etc., completing cross word puzzles and playing his guitar and video games. I do not golf but am home working jigsaw puzzles, walking twice a day, watching Hallmark movies, completing word search puzzles and embroidery projects on new dish towels. I have enjoyed cooking and baking, making special breakfasts and dinner meals. One of the biggest changes for us has been to attend church worship services on line in our family room, and not actually going to church as all the churches are closed. Also, shopping for groceries twice a month instead of weekly. Thank goodness for mail order EVERYTHING, Amazon.com is my friend. It has saved us tremendously, especially pet food for our two cats, Myles and Ella. My advice: Attitude is Everything, This too Shall Pass, When you are stuck with Lemons, make lemonade! We will all be able to get back to our normal activities soon enough. As a person of faith, I pray and read scripture daily. I pray for all the countries of the world, the friendly and the not so friendly. I pray this common threat will unite us, not divide us. Take care and stay well!
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Name: marakai
Subject:
Date: April 22, 2020
Massage:
Australia
Extremely boring
Exercise, study and sorting my life out
Hang in there stay strong and stick around for the rebuilding.
-malachi
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Name: Ruth
Subject: Re: A Message to Our Worldwide Community
Date: April 22, 2020
Massage:
Hello!
1. Where you are from: Denver, Colorado
2. What’s your current situation like: I am currently living in Cypress Texas and we are ordered to stay at home. My daughter is 8 and she will be home schooled through next year, and my husband and I are working from home. It’s monotonous, but I love being with my family and my dog! :)
3. What are you doing to get through this time; lots of exercise, healthy cooking and family time!
4. Any advice that you have for the rest of us..; Hang in there and only focus on what is in your control. This will pass eventually and we will figure it out. Go vegan and stop contributing to problems like these which arise from consuming animals kept in horrible conditions.
5. Your name (if you would like it published) Ruth Barnes
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Name: Roz
Subject: Earrings please!
Date: April 22, 2020
Massage:
My name is Roz and I am furloughed in London for at least 2 months. I am lucky that I have a small garden and the weather is glorious!
I have lost one of my opal earrings so to try to win some my top tip is to only watch the news once a day, keep inside but keep contact with all the important people in your life.
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Name: Charlene
Subject: Re: A Message to Our Worldwide Community
Date: April 22, 2020
Massage:
Hi.
I am Charlene Capron. I live in Clinton Township, Michigan inthe USA. My area is a hot spot as I am just north of Detroit.
I have been under a Stay Home Order. I mind. I have not been to a store for 42 days. I am doing fine, but have lost 3 friends in last two weeks.
My story is not exciting, but is what millions are doing across our country and the world.
I keep busy with reading, some crafting, cleaning. My dogs make it bearable. I play on phone and talk with others.
One day its 60 degree and I can outside , other days its 30 with snow.
Sounds a bit boring , but it is. BUT I am so lucky to be able to live like this for now, about 400 people in my little county has died.
My wish and Prayer each day is for it to be over, we have a cure and vacine. I wish a safe day for all.
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Name: Jason
Subject: How we manage
Date: April 22, 2020
Massage:
My wife and I live in North Carolina she is a dental hygiene student and I work building equipment for food processing and tire processing, school has closed down and she is swamped with online work worried that she will not be able to graduate on time, I on the other hand was deemed essential and still work every day, on the weekends we have been doing a lot of house work and I am finally getting to work on restoring my car. The idea is to keep busy like everything is normal, and just pay closer attention to personal hygiene to stay healthy.
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From: Maribel
Date: Wed, Apr 22, 2020 at 6:56 AM
Subject: Covid19 realities
Massage:
Hi! I'm Maribel from the United States. I live outside of Chicago, Illinois. Currently, my family and I have been home under stay at home orders officially since March 6th, 2020. It has been an adventure! I typically work from home but our home is now my workplace, my husband's workplace, and my daughter's school! While being at home, we have learned so much about each other. So many times, as adults, our work family because essentially our second family because we spend a vast majority of the time with them. With Covid19, my family is my work family now! It's crazy to see how each of us works and copes with our day to day realities. It's heartbreaking that my daughter isn't in school because the one thing she realized through this is that school matters, her friends matter, her routine matters. I have never seen her miss something so much! To cope, we have really embraced technology. Video calls with teachers and friends, web conferencing for my husband, facetime for family, and gaming for all of us! My only advice is that while so many people see the efforts being taken by the government to flatten the curve as a curse, TRY to see it as a blessing. A blessing to learn about yourself and those you love. Take the good with the bad and know who is in your tribe! Covid19 is changing our lives, how it changes us is up to us!
Thanks - be safe, and stay healthy!
Maribel
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From: Kathie
Date: Wed, Apr 22, 2020 at 7:14 AM
Subject: Re: A Message to Our Worldwide Community
Message:
I live in the US - South Carolina
Things are relatively quiet here we are fortunate to be a small town and mostly rural area so infection rates are low
We are still trying to stay at home other than to go to work if its a necessary business, mine is deemed necessary - construction - I work in the office and we are required to keep the door locked to foot traffic etc
The best advice I can give anyone is to be cautious, not listen to the news too much because it will make you crazy and paranoid- stay in touch with family and loved ones and help keep them safe - if you know anyone confined to home offer to help in any way you can because it makes you feel good to be needed and productive! Try to stay as active as possible that makes me feel good... Above all though stay safe so you do not spread this home to family and friends...
I have been to Australia the Merrijig area twice and hope everyone there is ok -
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From: Jon
Date: Wed, Apr 22, 2020 at 7:34 AM
Subject: Re: A Message to Our Worldwide Community
Message:
Hello there,
I live with my wife and two daughters in a small town about 2 hours northeast of Toronto in Ontario, Canada. We have a little bit of land so we can stretch out and play outside, at least until the mosquitoes and biting flies take over our yard.
We try to stick to routines from before the virus, but also new ones like lunchtime picnics and movie nights.
If I have any advice, it would be to find natural spaces where it is safe to do so, and feel the sunshine on your skin whenever possible.
Stay safe and be well.
Jon P.
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From: Craig
Date: Wed, Apr 22, 2020 at 7:53 AM
Subject: A Message to the Worldwide Community
Message:
Where you are from: League City, TX
What’s your current situation like: I am a teacher, so I am working from home, along with my with wife, whom is also working from home in our makeshift office.
What are you doing to get through this time: I refinished a kitchen table and chairs. After posting photos's on social media, my wife and I received request from friends if we wanted to refinish more tables and chairs. I have also been repurposing wood from an old deck that was in my backyard to make shelves in my garage. I am also able to cook/grill more and put a twist on my family recipes.
Any advice that you have for the rest of us: Yes, some advice I would have is pick up a new hobby or try something new. Look around you, what is something you wanted to change in your home or yard? Now is the time to get that project done or start that new hobby. We all need that time alone, but do not forget to add a family project. There are plenty of websites out there to help for beginners. Just don't give up if you mess up the first time; You just found a new way to do something. Remember a lot of places have home delivery.
Your name (if you would like it published): Craig
--
Regards,
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From: Nora
Date: Wed, Apr 22, 2020 at 8:00 AM
Message:
Thank you for your support and encouragement in these hard times your generosity is greatly appreciated. Like a ray of sunshine it has brightened up your clients day. Mine included.
I work in healthcare at an assisted living facility. I live with and look after my 90 years old mom. I also recently got adopted by a stray cat. Getting her spayed was an added expense but one hug from her was worth it all. I also volunteer at a canine no kill shelter called Almost Home Foundation. I am thankful for my mom's health and mine. I have really come to believe that things can always be worse . So always give thanks to God.
Warmest regards , stay safe.
Noorelaine.
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From: Wendy
Date: Wed, Apr 22, 2020 at 8:42 AM
Subject: customer survey
Message:
Hi, I live in The North of England , Husband has terminal cancer ,and is
on palliative care . All his cancer appointments are by phone at the
moment, and our lovely Macmillan nurse has signed my husband off as
she's returned to work in the hospitals during our present problems .
We live on the moors ,I don't drive , but so far husband still can .
We're classed as vulnerable , and have just got a shopping slot ,
although not everything is available . That makes it a wee bit difficult
as the nearest supermarket is fifteen miles away ,the nearest bank is
twenty . Library is closed , schools closed , pubs closed though
technically we're not supposed to leave home anyway .
Because we live in a reasonably remote place ( for the UK ;-) ) we are
really lucky to be able to walk our dog without meeting people , and it
is a pleasant place to be in lockdown , though I do wonder what will
happen when we are allowed to mingle again. Will we have any immunity at
all , or will we drop like flies .
At first we found difficulty buying things like toilet Rolls and Flour ,
but there was a standing joke that the toilet roll shortage was because
one person coughed and a hundred more Sh*t themselves (apologies )
After almost four weeks in lockdown , yes we're climbing the walls a bit
, but we are relatively lucky . Our daughter living in Scotland is
technically on furlough , with her seven year old home from school and
doing home schooling .
I can't say I have great faith in the decisions of our government , and
if we want to hear clear facts we listen to The Australian and Canadian
government bulletins ,which seem to cut out the waffle .
All in all , we're surviving relatively well , perhaps arguing a little
more ,but that's life .
Stay safe
Wendy H
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From: Andy
Date: Wed, Apr 22, 2020 at 9:03 AM
Subject: Coping with COVID!
Message:
Hi
My name is Andy Stafford, I live in York, England (UK) with my wife, 3 teenagers (aaagh!!) and two very lively German Pointers
I have an underlying illness (my immune system has been switched off via a drug) so have been classed as vulnerable by the UK Government / NHS so I have to stay at home for 12 weeks (we are into Week 5).
To date I have decorated the lounge, fitted a new bay window, repositioned a rockery, dug all the borders of the garden, cleaned my greenhouse, tidied my workshop, cleaned the windows (inside and out) and to be honest am running out of things to do and could really do with a pint of beer down my local pub (but it's closed at the moment!!) so it's a couple of tinnies in the garden.
Only another 40 plus days and then hopefully things will get to normal for me and I can start earning money again.
Hope you are all coping and staying safe.
Best Wishes
Andy
Andy Stafford
m. 07875292040
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From: merrily
Date: Wed, Apr 22, 2020 at 9:06 AM
Subject: Lockdown
Message:
I'm from Hot Springs, Montana, USA. We live in a small rural town, 2 blocks long,downtown. The few places which are here, like city hall where you pay water bill etc. are closed but have a drawer you put your money or check. The little grocery store has days where you can walk in and other days you call and order, they come out and load in your vehicle. You can call anyday and they'll put in car at curbside. We are surrounded by mountains so the view is lovely. People walk their dogs and stay far from each other. We luckily don't have the disease too bad in our state, but, you never know. We wear masks when shopping to try and be safe. I actually am sewing them. I also cut and polish Montana moss agate. And I paint. Baking has surfaced in my little kitchen.
I think the secret to not going bonkers completely is to have hobbies, movies, yardwork and some kind of spiritual practice. I'm so glad mySon and family visited at Christmas, they live in Newcastle, Au. so along way from me. I talk to them on Skype. Another important thing, connection.
Everyone, stay safe!
Merrily Morton
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From: Nora
Date: Wed, Apr 22, 2020 at 8:01 AM
Subject:
Message:
Noorelaine Dewlow. USA.
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From: Daniel
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Subject:
Message:
Hi
I'm from Estonia. I'm currently serving my country in the Estonian Defence Force. Here it is compulsory to complete an 8 or 11 month course so that the Defense Force can grow its deployable reserved army. Until the virus hit our country, we got to go home on the weekends, just to relax and spend some time with friends and family and to boost soldier moralee cause there were times where some of us couldn't go home for weeks and it was exhausting. After the state of emergency was announced we were told that we couldn't go out during the weekends for an unknown period of time just to keep the virus from getting in the battalion and that the training could continue undisturbed. For a month or so nothing was certain and we just lived one day at a time not knowing whether we were going to stay longer in service than was originally intended or not. There were circulating rumours of getting released earlier, but those were dismissed because it seemed too good to be true. We continued our training and the days just seemed to pass by very slowly and then a few weeks ago we were informed that we are going to be released 2 weeks earlier than intended and so right now people are pushing as hard as they can just to keep up their spirits so the time can pass faster and that we can survive our final camps and exams. Personally I've hoarded as much chocolate as I'm able to fit into my bag, cause I find it relaxing after a day of running in the forest with all my gear.
We've been isolated for 1.5 months now so the virus hasn't found its way into the battalion, so I guess the whole quarantine thing isn't as bad as some initially thought.
As for some thoughts for the current situation then even when things seems bad, you feel that you can't go on anymore , then always remember that things can always go worse for you, but thank the gods for it probably won't. Cause at the end of the day when you're finally in your tent, isolated form the vicious weather and replaced your drenched clothes for dry ones you'll feel better about yourself for surviving another day.
Daniel Nurme
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From: Elizabeth
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Subject: Covid
Message:
1. Where you are from: Oklahoma City, Ok
2. What’s your current situation like: I'm a registered nurse on a psychiatric unit. We're not a designated Covid unit, not even set up for it. However we have the responsibility of taking care of mentally ill psych patients that have Covid, even when it puts us St higer risk compared to the other Covid units.
3. What are you doing to get through this time: Plenty of rest, taking supplements, and trying to keep my humor.
4. Any advice that you have for the rest of us..: love yourself, your family and your neighbors. You never know who is not doing OK.
5. Your name (if you would like it published) Elizabeth Smith RN
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From: Suzette
Date: Wed, Apr 22, 2020, 1:00 PM
Subject: Life
Message:
Hi Australian Opal Team,
What a lovely idea to reach out to the people who love Opals. I have had my blue beauty for over 23 years and wear it daily.It is a sentimental piece that keeps my parents close to my heart. My mother passed away in 1978 and her October birthstone is opal, my father passed in 1997 and had piercing blue eyes. He left a small insurance policy and I wanted to do something that would be meaningful, so when I stumbled on my blue beauty several months later I knew it was perfect.I'm from Stockton California, the northern part of the state. My husband and I are small business owners and are essential. We have been open but have had to scale way back on hours and change how we operate. Many items we need to keep running are hard to find and many are impossible to get.I have had to come up with some creative substitutes like making masks, solutions to clean and make materials reusable. Sounds simple but getting the supplies to do this is challenging. I spend many hours just cleaning and preparing for what would normally be done quickly. We have had to change how we communicate with customers, internet and telephone are the most used for now. It's disappointing for our appreciated customers who like coming to our business because they like the one on one time and attention we love to offer. It's a dying art of "the customer comes first" and a handshake. We have taken great pride in this aspect of our business for over 42 years. My best advice is to be a good listener. Many folks just need a kind word and a few minutes to express how they are doing in this situation. Prayer and spending time in the garden is peaceful and helps me reflect on the many who have been ill, those suffering and those who sorrow. It's a time for me to look forward and be grateful. We have a wonderful family with 11 grandchildren and feel very blessed that they have all been healthy. Sad that we haven't been able to see them for over a month. Lots of phone calls, text messages and face time visits give me a nice boost.I miss going to church and sharing fellowship. On line streaming on Sundays has been good but not the same as worshiping together. I personally know a a family of 4, one young woman and one senior who have had the virus. Much harder for the adults to recover, the children came through much easier. I'm thankful that they have had good medical treatment and are in recovery. My blue opal has become more than a reminder of my parents, every time I see the fire flicker it reminds me of the many blessings; my husband, my children, my grandchildren, my church family, my wonderful customers, my friends, my neighbors, my health. I keep them all close to my heart.
Best wishes for health and happiness to all of the Opal lovers,
Peace Always,
Blue Beauty Opal
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From: AliciaAnn
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Subject: Opal earrings
Message:
Hello beautiful opal capital of the world! Hi my name is Alicia I am from Burien WA. Our household is holding up we are vegans and there are lots of fresh vegetables in the stores. And yet Many people are in need of food supplies. I am on disability insurance so I have my rent money but many are out of work here. So my advice is share resources and check on your neighbors and the people who have needs that may be around you. Today is Earthday! Let's hear it for our beautiful earth and all its diverse peoples.
Alicia Fetters
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From: Mende
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Subject: Re: A Message to Our Worldwide Community
Message:
Hi,
I’m in Katy, Texas which is just west of Houston. My is 17 and he’s been home since early March and is doing school online for the rest of the school year. I’m a graphic artist so am fortunate enough to be able to work from home so that is what I do everyday. We’re enjoying spending time together and realize that our situation could be so much worse.
My only advice is to keep your routine. Get up, get dressed even if you have nothing specific to do. Try and make a goal for yourself. My son and I are able to go out for a walk everyday (I know many can’t). I’m gradually going through closets and such to throw out things or make a donation pile of things we don’t use or need. Have a browse through all of the beautiful items on the Australian Opals Direct website :) We’ve been watching live webcams and enjoying beautiful scenery and fascinating animals. Cleaning, so much cleaning lol. I try not to let the stress get to me but when it does, I have a little cry and then get back to it because things aren’t that bad, just very different and we will get through this.
Mende F
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From: Andrew
Date: Wed, Apr 22, 2020, 5:02 PM
Subject: Re: A Message to Our Worldwide Community
Message:
1. Japan
2. Fairly normal
3. Wearing a mask at work
4. Stay safe
5. Andrew
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From: Jonathan
Date: Wed, Apr 22, 2020, 5:20 PM
Subject: Respond to australian opal direct
Message:
I'm from united states, covina ca.
My current situation is unemployed at the moment as many of us are, struggling to maintain the life style in Bill's and pay for groceries for my other half and my 2 little boys, ones a toddler and ones a 1 one year old as many of us have little children it's sad to see them quarantined and to struggle with us in these difficult times.
I get through this by selling items online that I possess at home and to stay positive for my family knowing that everything will be back to normal soon.
I know there are many broken families and struggling homes, but stay strong by sticking together and take this time to spend extra time with little ones and loved ones show the love you know you can give them.......
Jonathan
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From: Heather
Date: Wed, Apr 22, 2020, 5:13 PM
Subject: Corona Virus and isolation
Message:
Hello, my name is Heather and I live in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney in Australia.
We have had a tough time in the Blue Mountains, firstly being threatened by bushfires, then floods and now COVID-19. Life hasn't been normal for six months.
Here in Australia we are practicing self isolation and can only leave our homes for groceries, medical reasons, exercise and essential items. Obviously, a lot of people have lost jobs or income, including me, and that is really difficult - but we know what we must do for the good of the whole. The government has put in measures to help people who have lost jobs.
We are lucky that the Australian government acted early and closed borders and introduced self distancing and isolation measures early - and this has worked. There are just over 6000 cases in Australia (and most of them came in from travellers and a cruise ship that disembarked in Sydney). We have had 73 deaths.
Gatherings of more than two people are banned (except in the same household) and there are penalties for disobeying these rules. The majority of state borders are closed. Most people are doing the right thing and staying at home. That means working at home and home-schooling where possible. The roads are quiet, shops are empty - but there are more people gardening, out walking with their children and I hear more children playing in their yards than before.
I live alone so am isolating alone which is not ideal. I miss company but I keep in contact with friends and relatives via the phone. I think that's the hardest thing, not being able to see people.
I keep music or the radio on most of the time which I find helps to lift the mood. I keep busy by working in my garden or doing some research for a book. I have plenty to do. I try to get out for a walk most days.
Everyone has had disappointments or problems, whether it is from losing a job or income, or missing out on overseas holidays or family events. I personally have not been able to go and visit my 5mth old grandson as i had planned. Others have missed major family celebrations.
However, we know we are all in this together. It's NOT forever and we must take the measures we are to keep everyone safe, including ourselves.
So - keep in contact with friends and family, get out for exercise, enjoy the sunshine if possible and keep some music on. Make this time count for something -whether it's learning something new, reading a book or catching up on projects around the house.
Stay well everyone. We got this!
Heather
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From: Angela
Date: Thursday, April 23, 2020
Subject: Isolation
Hi there
I’m from New Zealand
We are on alert level 4 - complete lockdown
It’s a opportunity to stay with my family bubble and make the most of it!
One advice is we are all in this together , we will get through this together, care for each other, stay safe, and follow the guidelines to get rid of this pandemic
My name is Angela Reddy
Thanks
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From: Julia
Date: Thursday, April 23, 2020
Subject: My ‘confinement’
Message:
Hi
I’m from Oxfordshire in the UK and the self isolation is made more bearable as we are having amazing weather. I have a garden so able to enjoy tidying that, planting vegetables and bedding plants. I live alone with my 8 year old cat Jasper and retired a couple of years ago.
I’m in a bizarre way enjoying the quiet time as my usual life is hectic, so a rare chance to do all the jobs that one always puts off!
I gave two daughters both of whom live in New Zealand, and one 9 month old granddaughter. Thank goodness for technology and FaceTime!
I shop for one lady who is 88 and is petrified of going out so I see her once a week.
I’ve already done an early morning walk for an hour and half, beat time as very few people about.
We know this will come to an end and my heart goes out to those families with children living in tower blocks without gardens. I consider myself to be so very lucky and I know I’m looking forward to meeting up with girlfriends for coffees and lunches. And we have summer to look forward to but knowing our weather in the UK, the wonderful weather we are having us probably our summer.
Stay safe everyone, God bless,
Julia
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From: Jaden
Date: Thursday, April 23, 2020
Subject: Re: A Message to Our Worldwide Community
Message:
Hey there, I’m responding to this email with those questions answered for a chance to win your beautiful earrings!
1.) I’m from Regina, Saskatchewan in Canada!
2.) my current situation is ideal because we have a low reporting case of COVID-19! Currently for my city we have 16 active cases which is amazing for a city of 250,000+ people!
3.) I run a McDonald’s here where I’m from so currently I’m at work making sure we are executing high levels of cleanliness and executing social distancing with much success and we are in deed flattening the curve here!
4.) wash your hands constantly! Don’t touch your face and if you’re sick, please stay home to flatten the curve :)
5.) Jaden B
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From: Raelene
Date: Thu, Apr 23, 2020, 5:12 PM
Subject: Earnings
Message:
1. Greenvale Melbourne
2 I’m lucky I’m working
3 online shopping
4 Be patient
5 Raelene Browning
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From: Terry
Date: Fri, Apr 24, 2020, 6:19 AM
Subject:
Message:
1. i am from Llano,Texas, USA
2. we are still in stay at home except for essentials, but due to lessen some restrictions soon. Our state parks have reopened but only for day use..no camping
3. i am selling my eggs (i have 80 hens laying at present) at a greatly reduced price to help supply the people here that cant get them or afford the ones in the store.And i have made many face masks...cant get the proper no woven interfacing any more so i had to stop...
4. my advice, just hang in there..this will eventually end..and we will be the better for it.the silver lining in my eyes is the closeness of the family since all this started...
5. Terry Verstuyft
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From: Anne
Date: Fri, Apr 24, 2020 at 8:56 AM
Subject:
Message:
I live in Melbourne Victoria Australia. I am using this event of isolation to practice peace emotionally mentally and physically by resting reflecting connecting with loved ones sharing my time generously. I expect to grow positive and inspire others to find joy in the little things like watching the insects in my garden bees butterflies and the birds duch as the Australian magpie.
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From: Doug & Rose
Date: Friday, April 24, 2020
Subject: Opals
Message:
Hi Opal Direct Team
Giving 10 pair of Opals Earrings from your business is very thoughtful of you. This gesture is very much appreciated. The Black Opal Earrings I purchased are beautiful.
We live in an apartment in Woodstock Ontario Canada. We used to live in Kincardine Ontario in a house with a limited view of a large lake called Lake Huron but a number of years ago we sold the house and moved to Woodstock where we have a view from every window of a man make lake called Pitock Lake.
We are seniors so are staying close to home and only going to get groceries every 2 weeks. We go for walks and do our social distancing. In the apartment we keep busy. We have been working on putting all of both sets of family slides and prints into the computer for awhile now and with Covid 19 we have more time to do that. We have a program from Norway on the computer called Pixfiler that I enter the Date, Location, Event and names of people into a Box and that information goes at the bottom of the picture. So far I have entered the information for over 4000 pictures and have about 4500 to go. We have given our families DVD's and Sticks with the pictures. This has taken quite awhile along with all the Photo Editing that my husband Douglas does. As well I have been Oil Painting pictures that I had started and never finished and also doing some slow drying Acrylic Painting. In my spare time I work on Knitting an Afghan to give away to a Palative Care Home and also ride our Stationary Bike. As you can see we are not bored.
My advice is to stay safe and at home as much as possible with social distancing and only socialize via social media and the phone. Whether one like this or not it is the only way to stay safe.
Rosalie
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From: Michele
Date: Sunday, April 26, 2020
Subject: How we are passing the time
Message:
Hello, my name is Michele. I am a single mother of three amazing kids living on Long Island. We are quietly sheltering in my home making the best of this situation that we can. I am definitely trying to contain the fear of the gravity of the situation.
My 20-year-old has finally wrapped her brain around what’s actually going on and is starting to experience the apprehension that adults have had for a while. My 18-year-old still continues to work in the food service industry on Saturdays much to my dismay, but at least it is only once a week. Then there is my 14-year-old who consistently is trying to pass her time as creatively as possible. Aside from my son going to work on Saturdays, they have not left our home in six weeks to date.
Life as we know it has changed drastically. My eldest never went back to school after her spring break and now takes her college classes online. My other two are also doing their schoolwork online. There are even weekly dance classes on zoom for for the 14 year old as she is a competitive dancer. When I stop to think about it it breaks my heart for them. One should be away at school, one is missing his whole senior year locked in his home with his mother and two sisters, and one is missing her last year of middle school. There will be no eighth grade trip for my daughter, no senior trip for my son… No prom or graduation ceremonies for either one of them and we have had all dance competitions replaced with virtual competitions to keep our dancers spirits up. The milestones that they looked forward to have drifted away and been replaced by family isolation. This has become our new normal.
To combat this and try and keep our spirits up, we have parlayed this situation in the most positive way that we can. There is a lot of cooking and all meals together, board games, painting, crafts and of course video games. We have even made our own candles and bath bombs. The girls have made jewelry to give to friends when we are allowed out again. My children have bonded in an absolutely beautiful way and are even closer than they were before. The saying that something good comes from a bad situation is really the truth. I am so grateful that they have each other and I know that this strength of their bond will last a lifetime.
Another task that we have added to pass the time is going through things. The girls and I have had fun going through some old jewelry. I found things from when I was young. Some earrings that I gave to them, bracelets and I even found a white opal ring that I have had since my 16th birthday. I always loved that ring and have been wearing it again since I found it.
I guess that the things that have helped us to get through this thus far are communication, patience and levity and love. We are trying to have some fun together. Making the best if a bad situation. Put on some music, all electronics down and doing things together. I'm not going to say that we don't all have our moments, but if you keep an open mind and listen to each other it will be ok.
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From: Charlie
Date: Sun, Apr 26, 2020, 10:24 AM
Subject: Opal earring competition
1- Somerset, England
2- Uninfected, staying home keeping my 2yr old safe.
3- Lots of play and fun in the garden. (that's when the sun is out!) Walks to see the goats, rabbits and horses. Reading, colouring and off course the super fun stuff like house work!
4- fill your days with fun and joy. Keep in contact with loved ones. Stay informed but don't stew over it. I find a cheeky beer in the garden of an evening always helps to relax the soul and wash away any worries.
5- Charlotte
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From: Elizabeth Smith
Date: Sun, Apr 26, 2020, 7:27 PM
Subject: Covid
Message:
1. Where you are from: Oklahoma City, Ok
2. What’s your current situation like: I'm a registered nurse on a psychiatric unit. We're not a designated Covid unit, not even set up for it. However we have the responsibility of taking care of mentally ill psych patients that have Covid, even when it puts us St higer risk compared to the other Covid units.
3. What are you doing to get through this time: Plenty of rest, taking supplements, and trying to keep my humor.
4. Any advice that you have for the rest of us..: love yourself, your family and your neighbors. You never know who is not doing OK.
5. Your name (if you would like it published) Elizabeth Smith RN