I love words. I love trying to understand what someone is saying with their words. The title of this blog is actually a play on a book, which became a movie called “Love in the Time of Cholera.” It’s a funny thing. This book’s title has been on my mind ever since we started quarantining and practicing social distancing. I’ll give you a quick story synopsis. “Love in the Time of Cholera” is about a young man who sees the love of his life from afar. He isn’t a rich man and that won’t do with this young girl’s father. However, what he is is a poet and that appeals to his love’s delicate sensibilities. So, their love is unrequited and she marries another out of duty and obligation to her family’s status in the small village they live. You’ll have to read the book to see what happens. The author is Gabriel Garcia Marquez and he is one sexy beast. His writing style is a kind of all or nothing, tear your heart out, romantic feast of prose.

I’m writing today because I need to work something out. I’m sure it goes without saying that we all haven’t been ourselves and stress of day to day living has been replaced with the stress of what will be. Out of tact and good taste, not to mention decency, I haven’t advertised much. I’m not sure it’s a good idea to encourage potential clients to drop by. I have seen a handful of longtime trusted regulars who are just as conflicted as I am about whether to meet or not. However, we’re friends and it’s been good to talk to someone I know and it’s been comforting to see a friendly face.

What I have received is gentle and encouraging texts from some men I know and some I’ve never met. I always thank them for reaching out even though I don’t invite them over. No one has been pushy and seem to understand my trepidation. I mean. For all I know they weren’t really wanting an appointment as much as they just wanted someone nice to talk to. Everyone is affected by the current state of our union as well as the state of our world. It’s hard to be cooped up and not have any softness or passion when that was once what you did to take the edge off.

Just like you I am bored. I have completed numerous home improvement projects. I have baked bread and scouted stores in the search of toilet paper. Now I’m wearing a mask when I shop weekly. I cannot travel to see my folks because they’re over 70 and have health problems. The most I could do would be sit on their porch and talk to them through the window. As for my son, he’s 9 hours away and fortunately he’s smart and takes precautions when he goes out. He turned 28 on Wednesday and I celebrated his life through texts and in my heart. I still miss them and wonder when I will see them again. We all have our Covid stories and whether you think it’s a big deal or it’s been blown out of proportion by the media, we can’t make it go away any sooner.

To all of the clients past or present, one time, or two, I wish you well. I also wish you peace and understanding of what your life is and will be once things go back to normal. Or, normal “ish.” I appreciate the time we shared together. I always think that if we meet and it worked out then it was an exchange that was meant to be. I have to say that I do enjoy the quiet outside at night and how generous Spring has been giving us cool temps and clear blue skies. The earth is happier and that makes me happier. We need to remember this time of rest and reflection. Who knows when you’ll be given this kind of a life “yard pass” again. Pull out a journal and write down something you just can’t make sense of. It does wonders to get those thoughts out and in the open where you can see them and then let them go.

I’ve opened my comments on this page and you’re welcome to tell me how you’ve been feeling and what you’ve been doing with yourself. I appreciate those who read my blog as I do not post that often. You are having to being patient like the young man in the story. He had to wait for what he desired and it made all the difference. Also, it’s a good read and you’re not doing anything right now. Or, watch the movie. It’s full of earthy passion and raw sexuality, but tasteful and memorable. Just like me :)