books

The View From Here? Gratitude and admiration all the way

Greetings from a very sunny Edinburgh.  As I look out from our apartment across the city and beyond, it is hard to take in the enormity of this global challenge that we are facing.  I am full of gratitude and admiration for all the key workers who are striving so hard in such difficult circumstances to keep us all healthy, fed and with access to essential supplies and services.  I am also inspired and heartened by everyone who has taken steps to support support of people in vulnerable groups and those who are self-isolating.

Even for those of us who are helping our communities in various ways, we must also remember that one of the main things we can do to help as individuals is to stay home and observe all the public health guidance.  It has been amazing to see the emergence of a huge range of opportunities for sharing, learning and keeping ourselves busy and entertained.  And helpful also to remind ourselves of the wide variety of existing resources available.

Here are some links which might be of interest/help in providing support, entertainment or perhaps simply a distraction.  Some of the information may be UK-access only, but hopefully it provides inspiration for people to search for similar links more locally.  I should also emphasise that there are no affiliate links here, just things I like and admire.  🙂

 

  • Mental health and wellbeing:  There is lots of help and support available online for anyone who may be having difficulties coping with the anxiety and demands of the current situation.  This site by the Scottish Association for Mental Health is en excellent example, including where to find 24/7 support.

 

  • Some organisations have said they will stream performances and concerts live in the absence of ‘in-person’ audiences eg:

 

  • I also noticed that you can access plays and other events through MarqueeTV, which has a free 30-day trial.  I haven’t yet tried this, but the available content looks amazing.

 

 

  • There many art galleries and museums around the world which have digitised their collections for browsing eg:

 

 

  • There are lots of great podcasts to listen to.  I found this one to be of help in trying to come to terms with all the anxiety around what is currently happening.  My most favourite, and most frequently listened to podcast is the wonderful Tea, Toast and Trivia, which I highly recommend.

 

  • A number of independent publishers are joining forces to host an online book club.  What a great way to share in a love of reading, and support small businesses too.

 

  • The Hay Festival’s HayPlayer costs just £10 and gives access to a vast array of magnificent interviews.

 

  • And finally, check out this tweet for a lovely chuckle.

 

I am sure there are plenty of other great links too – I’d love to hear about some of your favourites.  Meanwhile, stay safe and well. 🙂

Six Degrees of Separation: from Wolfe Island to The Passion

Here we are at the start of another month, bringing with it the chance to write another Six Degrees post.  This is a monthly book meme hosted by Kate over at Booksaremyfavouriteandbest.  I don’t seem to be able to concentrate much on proper reading at the moment.  So thinking about books is a good substitute for now.

This month we start with Wolfe Island by Lucy Treloar.  This does not appear to have been published in the UK yet, but its premise sounds like it will be worth a read in due course:  a woman lives in isolation on a small island which is threatened by rising sea levels.  The arrival of four unexpected visitors turns her already threatened life upside down. Continue reading →