Since the pandemic, I transitioned to a more simple life, embraced social distancing and, thankfully, continued to work for the public library full-time. Creative endeavors changed since I took the rest of the year off from playing live music. I found a collection of California Folk songs to learn and started a new project that should keep me busy for a couple of years: The Dying Californian: A collection of cultural artifacts from California during the pandemic.
My family and community are feeling the effects of social isolation which leads to guards coming down and potential exposure. The hardest thing is trying to control the uncontrollable, something I’m sure everyone experiences.
I missed two weddings. I was a groomsmen in one. My notice blew up in my face. This is a time when we need to double down on our integrity and yet I am still somewhat banished from that group of friends for actions that I feel are necessary to protect my bloodline.
There are signs that support first-responders and the BLM movement throughout my neighborhood. The community is doing well supporting those in need. I plan to have outdoor shows soon to entertain the community in a safe manner. There is nothing that supercedes the safety of the community. There are driveway shows every weekend, now. I don’t like the music but I like the spirit.
After we emerge from sheltering in place, life will go back to normal quicker than we think. There will be little remnants of the virus, even if it is still raging. I am not hopeful for society as a hole. Rather, I am hopeful for individuals, families and small groups of people who understand that life can function safely, with some compromise, that will lead to great freedom to move about our great state.
I plan to update The Dying Californian webpage that I created often with photos, interviews, essays, quotes and music. It will culminate with a new album of original material.
Thank you for reading.