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A  Glum Gloomy Virus Weekend

Every day’s an endless stream of cigarettes and magazines.

–Homeward Bound, Simon & Garfunkel

Day#1-Saturday

I exited my eyes to sit down and write. In their final moments of meandering, my eyes caught a glimpse of a raindrop hanging precariously close to the edge of a brown steel step. As light merged with dark it was unclear if this simple object dislodged and fell silently to the ground below. The sun hadn’t shined all day nor would it likely to have been seen if it had. In truth, the sun hadn’t been seen for a long long while.

The days’ moon that was due that night never came. To gaze up at in wonderment that man had been there and left his signatures upon it would not be possible tonight. In truth, there hadn’t been a moon to look up at for a long, long while. For it may be sun and moon may not be seen for times that have yet to come.

As no thunk was heard from the black metal mailbox hanging outside the door that led to the remnants of a world to indicate something that was not expected had arrived unexpectedly. There is little to expect that means anything anyway. This day would not be unlike any other glum gloomy day that we exist in. What for is life living for anymore if not for life itself.

Footsteps of a little girl running back and fro across her living room floor who knows nothing of failing lungs harken me back to when controlled reckless recreation was allowed. “That’s right, it’s come to this

Yes it’s come to this, And wasn’t it a long way down, Wasn’t it a strange way down?

–Dress Rehearsal Rag, Leonard Cohen.

It’s funny how we sit on days like this almost in anticipation of word from the front that all is lost. Love can be lost and then regained. The innocence of our wildest imaginations is in a stranglehold but it is not lost. It is there for us to reclaim or regain once again. Aw yes, the birds still fly. They will unashamedly come to peck on my door to ask for their allotment of bread. It is then they will sing a song for us to join them in the refrain.

From the radio, a forgotten tune permeates through ears that long to hear it.  How much more does it mean today than yesterday? We surely should sing along with that song. When it has been these kinds of todays without suns, moons or smiles many songs are needed to be sung. For these are the songs of everyone clinging to voices.

Day#2-Sunday

Sunday comes with no regret. There is rain on the ground. All that can be seen is a gray sky that smothers all light. The streets are still and sullen with an even more somber feeling to them. What can be traced back is all but forgotten. What does back then have to do with the glum reality of today’s depraved world? Everyman is all alone on their island of isolation where you must survive lest you die.

Onto the internet where it is hoped a ray of good news will be seen. 200,000 may die here in the US from the virus. What is this miracle drug chloroquine we hear about? If it works when can it be given out? Too little information is being given. Why the hush-hush we begin to ask others who are socially distant from us. Seeds of discontentment are spreading. Less distance more together some are starting to say.

Out of nowhere, a strange sound is heard from an unknown origin. Without question or doubt, it was the call of a bird sending out a message. What could he be saying? A short while later this strange-looking brownish bird is seen pacing back and forth through the small grassy patch in the yard while incessantly pecking at the ground. I have never seen a bird of this type before that came for a visit. Perhaps a supremely talented artist by the name of Raissa Urdiales has painted a picture of this bird. It would be good to know this bird just to know this bird.

Around 6:00 pm or so two hungry souls needed solid nourishment. A few clicks and 30 minutes later a piping hot box of pizza arrived at their doorstep but not before it was placed upstairs instead of downstairs as it had been written which elicited a complaint from the nasty masked delivery person who angrily climbed up a few modest steps to bring the box down. It was arguably the best pizza they had ever had. Four stars for Bravo Kosher Pizza. Filled stomachs with lightened conversation lifted the mood. And then one fell asleep. Hours later the other.

Garbage must go out. THERE IS NOBODY OUT THERE! A quick look down the block underneath the wrought iron structure where empty chariots are rarely seen or hear from anymore where NOBODY IS SEEN TO BE SEEN! Clad in flannel blue striped pajamas blanketed by a warming shirt did not allow for much exploration. There were pails, not social distanced from each other alongside waterlogged plastic bags but no sighting of a human form. Is this could this be the end of the world?  “It’s the end of the world as we know it (I had some time alone)

It’s the end of the world as we know it (I had some time alone). It’s the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine (time I had some time alone). I feel fine (I feel fine).

–It’s The End Of The World-R.E.M

Soon it will be Monday day. What difference will it make? Even if the sun does shine this time. Even if we feel the sunshine what difference will it make? WHAT DIFFERENCE WILL IT MAKE? Why will the friendly doctor not take any calls? Today was supposed to be the day for the verbal clearance to go out again. NO, there will be no disrobing by the door just because they say to do that. Disgusted just disgusted! Are you too?

Perhaps in a not so distant future, it will all be right again. A glum gloomy virus weekend has ended save for another few minutes or so. And then it begins anew again. Starry-eyed realism will have been reborn. When the rain will fall it will not matter. When the sun scorches the exposed flesh it will not matter. It will all be okay. Dream this not so far fetched dream with me.

Writer’s Note: This article is not keyword searchable nor can it be found on Google Analytics or via Boolean Search. If you suspect from reading the previous sentence I had been in touch with Marc and received hopeful news your suspicion is correct.

Joel Elveson
Joel Elvesonhttps://jelveson.wixsite.com/recruitersite
INDEPENDENT Executive Recruiting By Joel is an "up and coming" Executive Search Firm formed and headed up by Joel Elveson whose visionary ideas, leadership & creativity have brought to life a more "user-friendly" approach to recruiting. His clients and candidates form powerful strategic partnerships that we use to help you. Joel’s Firm offers Permanent, Temporary (case by case), & Temporary To Permanent staffing solutions for all of your Human Capital Requirements. Contract IT/Consultants are available if needed. Above and beyond they are experts (by way of their personal industry work experience) with mortgage, mortgage banking, middle-market banking, accounting, along with many others under the vast financial spectrum of disciplines. Their business goes beyond candidate recruiting as they also train, mentor and develop your internal recruiting staff with an eye towards helping you reduce the cost of hiring. They will also work in areas such as compensation, effective onboarding processes and alike. In other words, their business is to help your business by becoming an extension of you by filling in gaps that cause delay or waste. The recruiting methods employed by Joel’s team are time tested that results in a high rate of successful placements. Joel was trained in the art of recruiting by some of the top staffing industry executives in addition to the best recruiter trainers who to this day drive me to exceed the lofty goals he has set forth.

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15 CONVERSATIONS

  1. I went to read this kind of diary of yours because I missed your articles, the passion you put in, the genius of the ideas that I found there.
    I don’t want to invade your privacy.
    If you allow me, I send you a hug, from my heart.

    • Aldo,

      How are you?
      It’s great to hear from you.
      Your comments were very very touching.
      I am happy to see you are reading my old articles and that they meant something to you.
      You have become a very accomplished writer in your own right.
      Someday soon I will write or I should say attempt to write another article.
      Since it has been so long since I last wrote I am not sure I still can.
      Take care of yourself and thank you again for being in contact with me.

  2. Eight months, more than eight months as a matter of fact; the time it took me to re-read the above article of yours, Dear Joel Sir, and from the bottom of my heart I say you are leaving your friends a little poorer with your withdrawal. Your talent is so Unique, I’m short of words to fully appreciate it.

    Out in the West, I too seem to be catching your bug of withdrawal, although for different reasons. I haven’t written anything in almost four months to this day. Why, because my passion for writing is getting overwhelmed by an ongoing demand on my time elsewhere. With God’s Grace, our only child, named Jas, has taken some major leaps towards his goal of becoming the first self-made Billionaire in our entire extended family. He’s just a few small steps short, and that gives me more of a reason to focus my energies on guiding him wherever possible.

    In the meantime, I do try my level-best to stay connected with all the awe-inspiring friends both you and I have made through BC360. So 3 Cheers to Dennis Sir!

    With Warm Regards, and A Prayer For All
    BM

    • Bharat,
      It’s great to her from you! I hope you and your family are safe and well. The fact you are first reading this article is no issue at all. I do not remember when I last wrote or what prompted me to write this piece. There were probably many many more people that didn’t read or never read my articles which too is no issue for me. From what I can see BC360 under Dennis’s leadership is thriving.
      Thank you for your very kind words. I am touched by them. Here and there I comment on an article or say hello to Larry and a couple of others. My time with BC360 was a special time but just as life changes so to I needed to make a change. The Byrds (I don’t know if you have heard of them) released a song back in the 1960s that I believe was written by Pete Seeger entitled Turn, Turn, Turn. A line that struck me was “there is a time for every purpose under heaven.” Will I write again? Possibly I may someday write again. I take one day at a time. Towards the end of my writing “career”, I sensed the end was near as I no longer enjoyed writing and wanted more than anything to stop. My last few articles hinted that the end was near.
      I am happy to read your son is doing well. When you see your children realize their dreams that is special. As you can imagine in the era of the “pandemic” business has been bad to put it mildly. In a way that is working out well (not financially) as it has forced me to create my own tools and strategies. I have reunited with an old friend/ex-colleague who created a website for me, a sales funnel picture, and a jobs page. LinkedIn is a great tool for me. Independent Executive Recruiting takes the majoirty of my time. I can’t (won’t) do it any other way.
      You put so much into your writing which so many clung to. It is sad you have not been doing it. You are missed! Your wit and wisdom is missed.
      My wish for you Bharat is that you do what makes you happy and your health stays in place. Thank you for having me in mind and reading this article. Please take care of yourself.

  3. At least here, through the media in particular, they want to convince us that we will get out of the best pandemic. The history of humanity teaches us that after wars and epidemics, humanity does not improve. It starts again, of course, but this does not mean becoming better or happier. The only hope is that the lesson could have served to reflect on some aspects (health, safety, preparation) so as not to be always unprepared. That is, one wonders, finally, if there is always a need for a social drama to understand, in retrospect always, what we knew should have been done before.
    Of course, wondering about the after, because there will be an after, it costs nothing. And perhaps it can help us, in these long days, to imagine what the arduous restart will reserve us. Will we really be able, after this tough test, to interpret this “global virus” as an alarm signal? As a reminder to rebuild society in a more supportive way, with a more environmentally sustainable model? I personally see more fears than hopes. Of course, the communities have shrunk, the healthcare staff has extraordinary, moving evidence. And much of civil society has made itself available to help. But we will not become more good, as they say, more human. There are still (and always will be) unscrupulous people around, ready to exploit people’s fears to make money and positions of power.

  4. Thank you as always Joel for another hauntingly beautiful article. Perhaps I am naive, but as I have said with much hope, ”This too shall pass.” In the meantime while of us remain in quarantine, perhaps, your creativity will spark more delicious offerings.💖

    • Darlene, thank you for taking the time from your day to read my article. I have been informing my connections one by one of my decision to take a “break” from writing. This article took two days to write coupled with the fact that it felt like a chore to post, share, etc. That was a clear indication that my return had to be short-lived. This is not business-related as there is no business right now. If a writer has no passion for writing he should not write. Take care, stay safe, and be well.

  5. Joel, this is a different world no doubt. I always take the time to read your articles. This too will pass, and I know you believe that. This is a time of fasting I am sure and we are to focus on God and trust in HIM.

    • Lynn, thank you for reading my article in addition to your comment. In both good and bad times we must believe in and faith in G-d! Take care and be well.

  6. Joel – Alas, the world is different right now – and if you look closely, our distance is somehow bringing us together. The real sadness will be once the panic is over and we quickly return to the self serving creatures we have become. If you doubt my prediction, remember how quickly the “never forget” of 9/11 was forgotten. But cheer up, Joel, you will still have the amazing BC360 friendships to see you through any trouble. Peace, my friend.

    • Len, thank you for reading and for your comment. I have informed Dennis that I am taking a “break” from writing. It took me two days to write this article. The whole process (sharing, posting, etc.) felt like a chore as opposed to the joy it is supposed to be. That is a clear signal it is time to step-back.

    • Joel – I am so sorry to hear this but I understand – I am wrestling with getting my muse back so I can write again. At times, we get overwhelmed by life and the words just won’t come. My prayers are with you. Peace, my friend.

    • Len, thank you for your understanding. I have every confidence you will write and it will be great! Take care and be well.

    • Larry, thank you for your thoughts. It is a new world for sure albeit a scary one. Stay well, my friend. It is scary ou there.

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