Newsletter — September 2020

Dear Friends,

Surprisingly little has changed since we sent out our spring newsletter. Nature has followed her course as the days get shorter, the evenings cooler, the crickets more insistent while we rush to gather the last of the ripe tomatoes.

And the pandemic still has us in its grasp.

Though we try to face bravely the changes it has brought to our lives, it shadows our thoughts and actions. How do we protect our families, friends and ourselves? What will happen to our children when the school year starts? What will await them when they step out into the world? In the isolation of responsibly trying to protect ourselves and others, we are all struggling in one way or another to survive this pandemic until a safe, effective, scientifically sound solution is evident and available to all.

In the meantime, we concentrate on being kind to one another. We offer help to those in need. We continue to share books, streamed movies, videos, advice and trips to the grocery store. When out for a walk we try to socially distance and cover our faces to protect each other and ourselves. We have even learned to cut each other’s hair.

While it’s important to stay up-to-date on the pandemic news (and you can do so here), it’s also mentally important to take some time away. On our “Useful Diversions” page, we offer some interesting and amusing diversions for all ages, from videos and podcasts to recipes and book suggestions. And we invite you to join us in spreading joy: if you have a link to a diversion that you’d like us to consider sharing with our community, please email us! (No advertisements please.)

In addition, we have added a new section containing comments and anecdotes from readers that we think you will find to be particularly thought provoking. We appreciate your sharing your thoughts with us.

What will the future hold? It is largely up to us. In our rapidly approaching moment of decision, let us not be distracted by loud voices or divided by those who would prey on our fears. Instead, let us find that precious moment of lucidity and remember who we are at our best.

The folks at Open Spaces Magazine

2020 Election News UPDATE: The November 3 election is not that far away! With the coronavirus affecting voters’ ability to vote in person, and restrictions slowing down the US Postal Service, it’s important to register and vote early this year. Here is a state-by-state guide to voting in the age of COVID-19. If you’re already registered, consider reaching out to family, friends and neighbors to see if they need help registering. We have more general election information on our website.