The art of pandemic living

It may seem like seven years since we began living with the pandemic consequences, but it’s been only seven months. And there are more uncertain months ahead of us, contrary to what we all want. So, what are we to do? At the least, we find ways to cope and get on with life.

One way we Geezers-in-Training might cope is to recognize how art plays an important part in getting through the gloom of the pandemic. Art helps us experience both hope and even joy.


This may happen in fairly subtle ways, like when we visit the newly-remodeled POAC Gallery at Second and Main. Or attend a performance at the limited events held at the Panida.

If you have access to online programing, there are many musical performances being promoted, virtually any kind of music you might enjoy. There are many ways we let art entertain us, if that’s what we choose to do.

But what about the power of art done by you? Hands-on “Art” is generally understood as “an expression or application of human creative skill and imagination.” As importantly, it’s an expression of how we see or experience the world around us, and inside of us.

Before mid-March 2020, were you involved in doing art of some kind, any kind? Since the pandemic restrictions have been in place, have you continued your form of art? Or tried something new?

Maybe you’re shy: “I’m not artistic”, ”I can’t draw, or play music, or…” Perhaps you’ve never developed the skills you think are required to “be an artist”. But has that stifled your creative imagination too? I really hope not.

For example: Do you enjoy cooking/baking? What food is most enjoyable for you to make? Have you considered cooking and/or baking an art form? They really are! We don’t need to be gourmet chefs to enjoy creating a favorite casserole, salad, dessert, or bread. Cooking is art!

What hobbies did you bring with you into retirement? Sewing, knitting, quilting, woodworking, etc.? Do those hobbies express something about how you see or experience the world around you, and even nourish the world inside of you? I call that ART.

Have you considered trying something new in this COVID-time that you’ve been shy to try before? A personal example: For nearly 25 years, I’ve written a variety of newspaper columns. Dear Geezer started almost 11 years ago. But I’ve not ventured beyond those columns until last Spring. I wrote a children’s story inspired by the adventures of our cat, Sox. When we moved to a new home 14 months ago, Sox ran away 3 times to our old home! I decided it might make a fun children’s story.

The story is written. Now it’s being illustrated. We hope to have it published sometime in the spring of 2021. I’ve never tried this kind of writing. And I’m having a great time with it! So, where’s your next art project waiting to be discovered?

One of the values about art I hadn’t mentioned is how important it can be for people who are in some stage of grieving. We might consider that at the next Geezer Forum. It happens next Tuesday, October 27, on Zoom. We’re going to explore dynamics of what is called “Anticipatory Grief”. We often do begin to grieve before an actual traumatic event happens. Our speaker that day is Kaylee Kron, from North Idaho She is Community Support Services Manager for NI Hospice. Kaylee has some helpful reminders for us as we may anticipate our own need to grieve.

If you wish to join us on Zoom on Oct. 27, 2:30-4 p.m., please contact me for the Zoom invitation.

Paul Graves, M.Div., is lead geezer-in-training for Elder Advocates, a consulting ministry on aging issues. Contact Paul at 208-610-4971 or elderadvocates@nctv.com.