The Bald Eagle

The Bald Eagle

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

IWSG DAY, APRIL 1, 2020, The Fear Is Real But Keep Moving, By Pat Garcia







Hello Everyone,


It is IWSG Time!

IWSG is a writers' support group created and led by Alex Cavanaugh. It is an immense help to many of us who do not mind sharing our insecurities, our successes, or giving encouragement and support to others. 

So, if you are interested and would like to join, the link below will lead you directly to us:

The Insecure Writer's Support Group 




Submission: The Writer Magazine – Non-Fiction Challenge (Results Still Outstanding)











The Fear Is Normal But Keep Moving


As a nation, we have been in lockdown a week. Some states started their lockdown long before the German Parliament called for it nationally. For me, the most crucial question was not how to deal with the lockdown but how to keep myself from becoming immobilized by fear. 

So, I have started sharing some of the posts that I write for The Child and The Prophet. I share them on one of my blogs and Facebook. Sharing these posts has re-energize the playful child within me. 

The second thing I decided to do was to return to singing A Capella. It comes naturally to me because that is how I discovered the voice in me. However, because I sing with a band or a piano or guitar accompaniment, I had forgotten how beautiful it is to carry a tune and feel my vocal cords expand and vibrate as I let my voice be the instrument. 

I don’t have any idea how long Corona will last, but while it is here, I am going to make the best out of it. So, this week I’m planning to sit at my piano and play until my heart is completely content. 

Wishing all of you a great April. 

Shalom aleichem,














Pat Garcia
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58 comments:

  1. Elizabeth SeckmanApril 1, 2020 at 8:29 AM

    When I am scared of things- like the basement after dark- I will sing a hymn as I push myself to not be silly and go put the laundry in the dryer after dark. But it scares me as much now as when I was eight. LOL. I'll take the dog and hum a song. Like you say- I will not be crippled by fear.

    Hugs. Prayers for health and peace of mind.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 1:39 PM

      Hi Elizabeth,
      I think walking your dog and humming a song is an excellent remedy for fear.
      Thank for stopping by.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  2. Natalie AguirreApril 1, 2020 at 1:45 PM

    That's great that you have gotten back into singing. It can bring such joy in these scary times. I've already been mostly staying home for about three weeks and our stay at home order will be in effect until at least the end of April. Stay safe and healthy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 1:49 PM

      Thanks for stopping by. I hope your stay at home has ended. We are just beginning to end the lockdown here in Germany.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  3. Jennifer HawesApril 1, 2020 at 2:02 PM

    Singing can be so therapeutic!! Keep it up:) Stay safe out there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 1:47 PM

      Yes, singing is very therapeutic. It is one of the best stress reducers that I know of.
      Thanks for stopping by.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  4. Alex J. CavanaughApril 1, 2020 at 2:30 PM

    I didn't know you could sing! (Or that you lived in Germany.) Just sing and enjoy and keep a playful spirit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 1:46 PM

      Thank you, Alex. I am blessed to sing and to play the piano, and living in Europe is also a childhood dream. I enjoy it over here 99 percent of the time.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  5. L. Diane WolfeApril 1, 2020 at 3:16 PM

    I wish I could sing. That would be a great way to life spirits.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 1:44 PM

      Hi,
      Yes, singing is a great way to lift my spirit. Music takes me into another world.
      Thanks for stopping by.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  6. Deniz BevanApril 1, 2020 at 3:55 PM

    What a great idea! It must be fun to sing :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 1:43 PM

      Hi Deniz,
      Yes, it is fun to sing, but I would go even further and say is is oil for my soul.
      Thanks for stopping by.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  7. Susan ScottApril 1, 2020 at 4:02 PM

    Something I've wanted to do for a long time ... have made note to self, thanks Patricia. Keep safe, be well xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 1:42 PM

      Hi Susan,
      Yes, getting involved in music is soup for the soul. Thank you for stopping by.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  8. emaginetteApril 1, 2020 at 5:04 PM

    To sing is to rejoice. It's no wonder it helps you at a time like this. :-)

    Anna from elements of emaginette

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 1:41 PM

      Hi,
      Just to sing is to rejoice and I love it. Hope you are fine.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  9. Gwynn RogersApril 1, 2020 at 5:23 PM

    Keep up doing the things you enjoy. Singing is therapeutic and so is dancing. I dance. I would scare even me, if I sang. ;-) Now is a tough time, so take care of yourself. Since I had my hip surgery the end of January. I have been in lock down for a VERY LONG TIME. I will be SO happy when I can enjoy my friends and walking in Poulsbo. I now take a walk in my neighborhood, but it is boring here. Keep looking for the joy in the world and stay safe and well. Hugs!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 1:40 PM

      Hi Gwynn,
      I hope your lockdown is over or almost over. We are still in lockdown over here.
      Thank you so much for stopping by.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  10. Joylene Nowell ButlerApril 1, 2020 at 5:43 PM

    Glad you're okay, Pat. The Mexican President was particularly quick in reacting, but thank goodness the majors and state governors were. We've been in self-imposted quarantine for 19 days. It was only Sunday last that more of my neighbours followed suit. Denial is the culprit, I think.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 1:51 PM

      Hi Joylene,
      The quarantine is shaking up very much here. We are still in quarantine and they have begun to lift some of the restrictions. However, I don't think things will change that quickly.
      Hope you are fine.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  11. Joylene Nowell ButlerApril 1, 2020 at 5:54 PM

    I'm glad you're okay. If this is a double post, sorry. My comments aren't sticking for some reason. And it's not your blog, it's most blogs. Nothing to say except I'm glad you're okay.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 1:52 PM

      Hi,
      I don't mind the double posting. It is happening to me too. In fact, I have just discovered that I can no longer use safari to comment on my blogger blog.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  12. cleemckenzieApril 1, 2020 at 6:07 PM

    It sounds as if you have some excellent strategies to ward off that demon fear. Keep singing and keep sharing your story.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 1:54 PM

      Hi Lee,
      Thank you. I hope you are fine. Singing will always be a part of me no matter how long I walk out my journey on earth.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  13. Tyrean MartinsonApril 1, 2020 at 6:12 PM

    Music and writing are so good for the soul! Keep on singing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 1:54 PM

      Yes, they are! Thank you very much.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  14. Jennifer LaneApril 1, 2020 at 6:35 PM

    Singing is wonderful for mental health! Germany seems to be doing a great job managing this health virus (at least in terms of the lower death rate).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 1:55 PM

      Hi,
      Germany is doing a great job managing the health virus. Germans are excellent managers.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  15. Madeline Mora-SummonteApril 1, 2020 at 7:20 PM

    How lovely you are finding peace in your voice and in music! Stay well, Pat. Take care!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 1:56 PM

      Hi Madeline,
      Same to you. Take care! This too will pass.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  16. Susan Gourley/KelleyApril 1, 2020 at 7:21 PM

    You have the right idea. Hope Germany stays safe and doesn't go the way of Italy and Spain. Sing away!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 1:57 PM

      Thanks, Susan. Germans are fantastic when it comes to managing a crisis. They have done an excellent job so far.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  17. Michelle WallaceApril 1, 2020 at 7:36 PM

    Enjoy sitting at your piano and playing to your heart's content, Pat! I shall do the same thing. The lock down session (I'm on day 6 of a 21-day lock down) will be a good time to flex the musical muscles and practise some new material.
    Stay safe!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 1:58 PM

      Oh Yes, Michelle. This is the perfect time for us to get in touch with the music inside of us. It is so calming.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  18. David Powers KingApril 1, 2020 at 7:52 PM

    Glad to hear you are finding ways to stay focused and busy. That's really important right now. Stay safe out there! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 1:59 PM

      Thank you David.
      Yes, focus is important and especially now when everything seems to revolve around corona.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  19. Lynn La VitaApril 1, 2020 at 8:14 PM

    I decided to scroll down and read "The Child and The Prophet." What a delight. Lovely escape from reality. Please continue to sing and and tap into your lovely very special place.
    Lynn La Vita blog: Writers Supporting Writers

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 2:00 PM

      Thank you so much Lynn. I love writing "The Child and The Prophet." It is really an allegory. My very first.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  20. Liz BApril 1, 2020 at 8:17 PM

    Absolutely the best therapy! Sing and face those fears. In case you are to shy to share...here is a link for one of your performances.
    https://youtu.be/RhDy9XE0J6Y
    You will notice that it is not Summertime. We still have to sing that one together! Love and hugs to you!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Liz BApril 1, 2020 at 8:33 PM

    Or....https://youtu.be/LL0RRTl5_Bo
    Beautiful rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Waters
    It is great to be able to share these.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 2:01 PM

      Thank you, Liz. You're a doll. I hope everything is fine by you.
      Take care and be safe.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  22. Olga GodimApril 1, 2020 at 9:47 PM

    Music is the best remedy for heartache. I wish I could sing, but alas, I'm tone-deaf. I can't carry a tune to save a life. When I was a kid, my parents signed me for piano lessons. It was a disaster, for the short time it lasted. Even though I like to hum and sing for myself sometimes, I do it quietly and never where anyone could hear me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 2:03 PM

      I believe everyone has a voice deep inside even if they are tone deaf. it is something about carrying a tune or humming away with the keys we hear inside of us that lift us up.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  23. Lynda R Young as Elle CardyApril 2, 2020 at 2:55 AM

    Music has a way of soothing the fears.
    Stay safe.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 2:04 PM

      Yes, it does. Music is calming.
      Stay safe too and thanks for stopping by.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  24. AnonymousApril 2, 2020 at 3:02 AM

    Singing is both therapeutic and cathartic. Somehow, it connects us to the universe and God. I do not have a beautiful voice, but I once read that if only the birds with a beautiful voice sang in the forest, little music would be heard. We could use more singing, in harmony, right now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 2:06 PM

      You are so right, Lee. I was singing long before I discovered that I had a beautiful voice. It is the simple gesture of pouring your heart out with a tune that makes it so beautiful.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  25. Denise Covey April 2, 2020 at 5:41 AM

    We need to find ways to get through this. In Oz we've been in lockdown for weeks and looking at six months! But it's perfect for an introvert like me - I read, I write, I blog, I bake, I walk. And think creatively. Tonight I'm having a 3-person wedding party on our deck to celebrate our baby daughter's wedding 1,200 kms away as we can't travel. She'll love the videos...

    Keep safe Pat!

    Stay safe.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 2:08 PM

      Hi Denise,
      I do hope your videos came out beautifully. I know your daughter loved them.
      Yes, we are living in trying times. We are still in lockdown and have begun waking up the economy slowly.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  26. Sonia DograApril 2, 2020 at 4:10 PM

    Each one of us is finding a way out of this, aren't we...I still feel that some of us are luckier. Singing and music certainly help. Wish you safety and good health Pat. Take care!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 2:09 PM

      Yes, each one of us are fining our own way to deal with what is going on. That's good because it makes people creative.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  27. Juneta keyApril 5, 2020 at 1:01 AM

    That sounds like a beautiful way to spend time. We are in lock down too in FL USA for April. So far all healthy. Stay safe.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 2:10 PM

      Please stay safe. I've heard a little news over here about Florida. Hope you are okay.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  28. Toi ThomasApril 6, 2020 at 7:02 PM

    Thanks so much for stopping by my blog.
    I'm glad you're reconnecting with your singing voice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 2:10 PM

      Thank you Toi. Hope you are fine.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  29. Lori L. MacLaughlinApril 7, 2020 at 3:35 AM

    These are frightening times, but I, too, refuse to live in fear. I will do the best I can to adapt and carry on. Singing and listening to music are great forms of stress relief. Stay safe and keep on singing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaMay 2, 2020 at 2:11 PM

      Hi Lori,
      Yes, these are frightening times. However, like you, I refuse to live in fear.
      Take care of yourself.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  30. Sherry EllisMay 5, 2020 at 7:58 PM

    I never thought this would be going on as long as it has. It will be nice when things get back to normal!

    ReplyDelete

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