#coronavirus

Just Some Thoughts 🤔: Just Seems A Little Off /☀/🏇🏿/❓….

~ dawnlovely ~ Leave a comment

The temperatures have shot up out of the blue, a pleasant surprise, but feels very unnatural. It seems a little off to me.

I had to take a double look and refresh my browser when I saw the weekly forecast. I was ready for the temperature to drop below zero within the next few weeks. Then again, I’ve learn to expect the unexpected in these strange times. The weather has BEEN tampered with, and this ain’t no conspiracy. If you grew up in Canada, and are over twenty, you would’ve definitely noticed the drastic change in the seasons. Mother earth is not well, and we all know why.

I tried to catch some of that warmth and sunlight, but by the time I reached outside 4:30ish, it was already dark. Did the sun go down a little earlier than usual? The streets were very active, many people dining out, trying to enjoy the warm fall evening. The sound of latin jazz bumping out of the local open-front, very well-lit restaurant. It looked and felt like a regular warm summer night! Folks sitting outside, many without masks. Talking, laughing, looking very happy, very “pre-covid19”. The vibe was nice, I almost forgot about the government restrictions. I almost daydreamed my way into a new reality…The old norm.

On my brisk walk home after completing my errands, I was very relaxed, and content. As I calmly walked home enyoying the warmth and chill vibes, I was completely caught off guard. I winced in the dark, thinking maybe my eyes were deceiving me. I saw a tall dark figure in the road, beside the curb, moving in my direction. As I moved closer, I realized it was a horse! An RCMP officer on a horse, Ooooh Okay! I’ve seen these officers many a time, just not in this side of the city, especially after dark. It was very out-of-place, and I thought something must be wrong. They usually only come out to help monitor crowds, large gatherings, like the “Caribana Festival”. My discernment told me perhaps they are preparing for something, for it was the day of USA elections….I dunno, it was just weird. So of course I quickly and awkwardly positioned my phone, and snapped a pic.

Lately I’ve been doing well, but some things in the outside world just seem a little off…

For now, that’s all I have to say. Have a productive day!

Take Care, Stay safe, and Stay tuned.

Love and Respect,

~Dawn Lovely

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Welcome To November…⏳🍁🍃❄🙃🎂

~ dawnlovely ~ 2 Comments

As I walked down the social distanced streets, I was relieved that the weather was bearable. The fall-like air was very cool, but gentle, and I enjoyed my walk as I completed my errands. My heart slightly fluttered as I took in the lovely endearing fall scenery around. Store fronts with pumpkins and produce on display outside, that will soon be put away. I love the look and vibe of this neighborhood during autumn, it’s one of the small joys that has helped me get through these times.

Welcome to November. Whew! I made it through, WE made it through! I can’t believe it’s already November, October seemed to fly by, as stressful as it was at times. I am genuinely happy that it is November, and that it’s still “technically” autumn. I have seen light rain-like snow a few days in a row, and I wasn’t happy! I hope fall remains until at least the end if the month! It’s my birthday month, and that would be the greatest birthday gift this year for me.

That same ole cloud-of-confusion hovers over our heads, we watch the news, and wait for updates. The daily updates of the new and revised “rules”, and instructions/orders are confusing. The Halloween “trick-or treating” rules confused the heck out of me, and it was excruciating watching the news conference about it. The questions that callers asked were very logical, but the responses given….were not. I’ll leave it at that.

Last night, I stopped to take a pic of a local fruit market as the wind started up, and sleet-like snow started coming down. My hands were cold, and I tried my best to capture how lovely the glowing shop looked to me. The fruit displayed, the colours, are difficult to see in the shot.

I gotta go now, I’m trying to catch up on some sleep before I start my day.

Take Care, Stay safe, and Stay tuned.

Love and Respect,

~Dawn Lovely

Just Some Thoughts🤔:🎃The Second 😷🛒Wave…..

~ dawnlovely ~ 4 Comments

Last night at the grocery store the shelves were well-stocked with Halloween candy, yet all bleach products were sold out. Then it hit me, Oh yeah! It’s the second wave!! We’re officially in the second wave phase. Folks are doubly stocking up on basic essentials, and I don’t blame them!
The specific product that I was looking for was not in stock, and nothing similar was either. I felt slightly frustrated, seeing rows and rows of aisles filled with candy, but no product similar to what I needed.
The extra large red boxes, the candy bar multi-packs, those boxes I used to love seeing, really annoyed me!
The second wave of shopping confusion begins and I have been slowly stocking up throughout the months.
Unfortunately, there’s no way to fully prepare. There are new updates on where the rules and restrictions are headed everyday.


That same aura of confusion I felt in March, has been re-released in the air. Price gouging and ridiculous mark ups in stores, A regular bottle of 70 percent rubbing alcohol for $7.99. My bottle from early March, is just about to run out. It’s one of the only products I didn’t stock up on over the months. It’s no big deal though. I am mentally prepared for the cold season chaos. The mainstream news is definitely dropping hints to prepare, for the next phase of rules and restrictions. I saw that coming.

I recently watched an anti-mask protest on YouTube in downtown Toronto that I knew nothing about. Folks of a wide age range, racial backgrounds, and social classes, from around the city stood together. It blew me away to see a united front on this topic from such a diverse group. We are very, very diverse here in Toronto, but this protest was different.
I heard folks describe their common fears of what’s to come, RE government control, and the folks who stood on the other side of the street were not pleased. They feel as though this behavior is incredibly dangerous and irresponsible. I understand both sides standing their ground.


In the meantime, I continue to support my local shops and I appreciate all of their efforts. They have been brave and strong while dealing with their patrons, risking their health in small spaces. They have changed their hours a few times, abiding by government rules. They have been consistent with their quality and friendly service, maintaining honest communication with their customers. The photo I included is off some produce that I purchased the other day from my favourite local fruit market. The cost was only $6.00 in total! That is amazing for the amount and quality. It is just as good as the local franchise grocery stores, maybe even better.

Please keep in mind that many local retail shops, fruit markets, convenience stores, bodega’s have managed to maintain and serve us. They have managed to keep those products coming from across the border and over seas. Many of these stores are in danger of closing for good, because of major retail chains making private deals, and being granted special privileges. For example, “regular” business hours are okay for them, but not for the so-called “little guys”.
I will definitely dive deeper into this topic in another blog.


I must admit that I have not been sleeping properly on schedule the way that I should be. I feel off balance, and
that’s my fault. Anticipating what’s to come has been getting to me. I’ve allowed it to affect my sleep, so
I’ll be settling in earlier tonight and going to sleep. Have a good night:)


Take Care, Stay safe, and Stay tuned.


Love and Respect,

~Dawn Lovely

Just Some Thoughts 🤔:What About The Children?🚸😷🧒

~ dawnlovely ~ Leave a comment

Back in March “they” said that children were low risk when it came to the virus. Out in public places, you would rarely see children, especially little ones under five, wearing a mask. I was relieved to see the children free to breathe fresh air. I was relieved to see children riding their bikes, skateboarding, rollerblading and running around free. I was happy that the children were able to enjoy the summer weather, without the added stress of a mask.

I’m up again, when I should be sleeping, my sleeping patterns have been off beat lately. My mind is not at peace, although I’m doing alright. So I write, watch videos, or scroll through the news articles suggested by my notifications. I just saw an article come up about public schools in Ottawa already having “dozens” of Covid cases. It stated that parents are disappointed. I think dsince heisappointed is an understatement. On top of this, there is much confusion and I wonder, how much can a child can learn in this case? It’s hard enough adjusting to school in the fall season, but now their saying schools may potentially be closed again. I just watched another mainstream news clip that stated at the end, “The worst is yet to come”…..OKAY.

A popular independent journalist youtuber shared her son’s experience about school. She said that she had to ask him, since he was not saying anything about school.
She shared that she could feel his stress, and he was trying to cope without complaining.
It sounded like a horror movie, to hear a pre-teens account of the first day back to school. Water fountains completely TURNED OFF, water bottles not allowed in classrooms, not being allowed to “turn around” after walking in one direction, getting scolded for simply abruptly switching directions??? It sounds absolutely absurd, it sounds insane! If we adults do not follow the basic rules and regulations, then why the hell do we expect children to follow? I know, I know, We don’t make the rules, but there are some rules that are very unrealistic and potentially damaging to these children.

The rules are not the same across all school boards in North America. I’ve been trying to keep up with real parents, and some news outlets, and independent journalists to stay in the know. There is so much conflicting information, including from the government. As I’ve said before, there are TOO many mixed messages, WAY too many.

Many people have said, that there will always be times like these, and children survived these times in the past.
Of course that is true. I respect and admire the elderly coping well, walking around masked up and following the new rules to a T.

I understand that we don’t make the rules, but collectively if we ask questions, there’s nothing to lose.
Many folks of all walks of life, ethnic backgrounds, social classes and ages are calling this a “plandemic”.
Something just ain’t adding up, and yes, I know the virus is REAL.

Have safe and productive day. Talk to you soon.

Take Care, Stay safe, and Stay tuned.

Love and Respect,

~Dawn Lovely


Follow me@:https://twitter.com/iamdawnlovely, https://t.co/wfctLWHJ1W

Just Some Thoughts🤔: 🥄The Cup-Of-Soup, It’s Bigger Than Soup🍲🍵…..

~ dawnlovely ~ Leave a comment
I can’t help but notice the significant changes in the portions and amount of food in packages since the pandemic started.

I opened up my lipton cup – a – soup pack, poured it into my mug, and was unpleasantly surprised to see a lot less product. It looked sparse in the bottom of my mug. Considering most of the contents is powdered stock with a sprinkle of noodles anyways, I was very annoyed!
This is one of the only boxed food products that I purchase, but I really like it. I’m not sponsored by the company, nor am I trying to promote them, but I really like this non- perishable product in my pantry. It’s affordable fast, convenient, and very easy to make. It’s a nice hot snack, and it helps to hold my hunger, especially when I intermittently fast.
You can add anything you like to make it eat like a meal and it will taste great. I’m actually drinking a mug right now, with lots of walnuts added. The bitterness of the walnuts is masked by flavour. I usually add lemon, hot sauce spinach, fresh garlic, and onion, to boost my immune system.

This is bigger than soup though, and out of all the many, many problems that bombard us everyday we still have to pay attention to the significant yet subtle changes.
I searched online to and found this article called, “Shrinkflation“https://theconversation.com/shrinkflation-when-less-is-not-more-at-the-grocery-store-97240 (Click the link if you’d like to read it)

I will continue in another post.

Take Care, Stay safe, and Stay tuned.

Love and Respect,
~Dawn Lovely

Follow me @:https://twitter.com/iamdawnlovely, https://t.co/wfctLWHJ1W

Just Some Thoughts 🤔: The New Wave 🌊😷📰 …..

~ dawnlovely ~ Leave a comment
So, the second wave announcement has come after we were just getting used to the new “NEW” norm. Restaurant hosts standing at their podium on the sidewalk, has been a very strange sight, but I’m happy to see them working. Swiveling around folks lined up at the open front restaurants, seems natural now. As tables began to be set up on the sidewalk, and the road, as local cafés changed their window signage, I knew the threat of another shutdown was looming. Back in March I thought I heard them say, that the virus could not survive in hot weather, so by summer the virus will fizzle out. Regardless of every theory  that we’ve heard, something obviously isn’t adding up. The protests and questions RE the new rules, will not let up because we’re receiving mixed messages.

It is very weird that the security in the store corridors is even stricter the mask rule is turning into law, and the social distancing floor markers are now in new places.

While all of the essential workers continue to provide us all with the services that we need, keep in mind some have lost their pandemic pay. I think that is completely unfair, considering we are ALL still going through it.
In the meantime, I’ve made sure to personally Thank the employees that help me, at least on a week. Especially if I frequent a store on a weekly basis. I
tell them that their service has been awesome dealing with this. I also fill out those online surveys that are on the receipt, and am sure to include the name of who helped me.
I try to fill out those surveys at least one out of three visits, and include the name of the employee who helped me in the comments. You can help lift their spirits, and remind them that their efforts MAKE these business run. Also, we need to send a message to these large corporations that their employees are what MAKE the business.

Try to do this, make somebody’s day, while we all navigate through these strange but unusually beautiful times of change.

Take Care, Stay safe, and Stay tuned.

Love and Respect,
~Dawn Lovely

Follow me @:https://twitter.com/iamdawnlovely,
https://t.co/wfctLWHJ1W

Don’t Get Too Comfortable✋🏼💯…..

~ dawnlovely ~ Leave a comment
So, the rules have let up and everyone is finally outside taking in the hot weather. Toronto summers don’t last long, so soaking up the sun while it’s out, is a must. The thirty degree plus weather has been consistent which is pretty surprising, and folks are taking advantage.
The streets look practically back to normal, no longer deserted at two in the afternoon.

I love the summertime scenery in this part of mid-town and I never thought I’d experience seeing it in this state. As I walked home at night from running my errands, there was a lot going on outside. It was very festive and beautiful, with all of the restaurants lit up, and tables set up outside. It’s been a while since many shops or restaurants were open, and past seven o’clock for that matter. The majority of businesses are open, but now “they” are saying there’s a possibility of another shutdown…Again.

You may live in an area that may currently be shutdown already. The news is up and down everyday, it’s a rollercoaster of information we’re all riding on. So, I hope for the best, but expect the worst.
Up until now, there wasn’t a mandatory rule for wearing a face covering to enter the grocery store, now there is. I get it, and I’m okay with it, but I do have questions. I find it very odd that there are so many rules and regulation signs posted everywhere, in the tightest of spaces. You have to practically walk on the road with the cars to avoid walking into a dinnertable set up on the sidewalk. While folks eat their dinner, they are not wearing masks and neither are the folks waiting to eat. Of course. I was worried that I may trip up a waiter with my pullcart, so I went around a tree on a sliver of sidewalk. Navigating the streets is becoming more uncomfortable than when this pandemic first hit.
With all of the social unrest, extreme heat, simply trying to breathe with or without a mask, managing money, the next to  impossible social distancing rules, you have to keep your peace of mind in tact.

Am I fully prepared? No, and I’m not feeling as comfortable but I’m mentally preparing, and my intuition and common sense hasn’t let me down yet.

I will continue in my next blog, have a productive day.

Take Care, Stay safe, and Stay tuned.

Love and Respect,
~Dawn Lovely

Follow me @:https://twitter.com/iamdawnlovely, https://t.co/wfctLWHJ1W

I Wonder About The Elderly (As We Keep Our Distance)👴🏼😷💭…..

~ dawnlovely ~ Leave a comment
Recently I had an encounter with a stranger in a fruit market that left an impression on me. An older gentleman approached me at the counter as I was paying for my items. It totally threw me off that he came up to the counter, since we are supposed to be “social distancing”. He was ranting, repeating, “Señora!! I am poor, I need help, no money! I am poor! I am poor!!! Please Señora!!!”
He caught me off guard, I turned my head to look at him. He was sweating and sounded out of breath. He looked as though he had ran for miles before coming in the store. I was annoyed and slightly agitated, because he was interrupting my transaction. I looked directly at the cashier expecting them to tell the man to leave, because he was very disruptive, but nope. His hyper, frantic loud energy really killed my peaceful vibe, and although I was annoyed, I cared to hear what he was trying to tell me. He had a hand full of change with a few loonies, and perched on the counter a carton of eggs. I guess he didn’t have enough to pay for the eggs, and I felt bad for him. Regardless of how annoying and rude I thought he was, I could see he was desperate, or maybe he had some sort of mental issue. You never know in the city, and I try not to judge a book by it’s cover.
As I completed my transaction, I looked in my wallet to see how much I was able to spare, as I spoke him. I dropped a loonie in his hand and he began to examine it. I realized that it didn’t have a graphics or writing on it and maybe he was wondering if it was real. He was quickly counting up his money, and he did not say Thank you. I usually would have commented on the lack of manners, but I was fixated on his actions. I felt compassion for him, he was simply trying to buy some eggs. The grocery prices are going up since this pandemic hit, and many can not afford the basics. The privately owned business are even more expensive than a franchise store, but the more intimidating to enter.
As I walked home I thought about how the elderly are adapting, considering how quickly everything is changing. I thought about the fact that overnight your local store may be too expensive. I imagined being elderly in this neighborhood. I thought about the fact that he may have been just dollar shy of the price, and freaked out. I thought how the government is not looking out for our elderly it should be. Everybody should be able to afford groceries, and at least the basics in this country, especially the retired elderly.

That encounter helped me realize that we must all look out for one another, especially the most vulnerable.
This has been a difficult time for everyone, and it’s not going to get any easier. I am out here trying to survive as well but giving a little can’t hurt. I am willing to go without  to be able to help another in need, especially the vulnerable. It makes me sad that I can not help more.

Take Care, Stay safe, and Stay tuned.


Love and Respect,


~Dawn Lovely Follow me @:https://twitter.com/iamdawnlovely, https://t.co/wfctLWHJ1W

All Overnight☀️💭🙄⏳…..

~ dawnlovely ~ Leave a comment
I was meaning to post this blog earlier last month, it seems as though time is whipping by and we’re trapped in an hourglass…

I walked outside in the afternoon, to what felt like a different country. It was as if summer literally arrived overnight, the tempermental weather finally chose summer!
Overnight it seems as though the virus has disappeared, and is no longer crippling our lives. I walked outside in the afternoon, to what felt like a different country. Folks strolling by were wearing shorts  and t-shirts, and most definitely were not  wearing masks!
I was happy to see and feel the sun, not covered by clouds, pure sunshine, bright and warm! It’s about time that my body gets a nice dose of vitamin D, but it sucks that I’ll still need to wear a mask…I really need to breathe some fresh air, and soak up a little sun before it goes away!
Okay, so the majority of pedestrians are not wearing masks. I’m not one to follow the crowd, but I want to make sure before I walk any further, I am prepared. I want to make sure I am allowed to enter the businesses that I need to go to. I don’t know if the rules for masks have changed because there hasn’t been any new announcements.
The question is, to mask, or not to mask?
I need to breathe, so I’ll walk without wearing one, for once, and do my best to “social distance”. I’ll try my best to avoid crowds as usual. Thank God everyone is pretty polite around here, we’re all staying out of each other’s way. We’re all trying to take advantage of this beautiful weather. Look at how happy those children are riding their bikes! Some folks are even trying to catch a tan, as though the sun will never come back out again.

Collectively we’re over it, the news said the virus can survive in hot weather. I know I’m not the only one who is questioning what is really going on???
No conspiracy theories, just simple observations.
We only get about three months of summer out of the year, and we’ve had autumn-like temperatures in between. It doesn’t feel natural, there is no balance.

I wouldn’t be surprised if it hailed tomorrow, but I would be happy to see tomorrow.

Take Care, Stay safe, and Stay tuned.

Love and Respect,
~Dawn Lovely

Follow me @:https://twitter.com/iamdawnlovely, https://t.co/wfctLWHJ1W

(PT 2)Do You Really Need🍬It?…..

~ dawnlovely ~ Leave a comment
Continuing…


I’ve improved since last month by a long shot, I find myself not craving candy as much, but my sweet tooth is still well and very active. I know that I will continue to crave sweets, but it’s just about sticking to a good substitute. Over the years I have tried many different healthier/natural foods to ease my cravings which has helped. Dried fruits like, prunes, apricots, and raisins are a good substitute for candy. They are very sweet, and jammed packed with nutrients as well.


Regardless of your financial situation, we are in the best time to  moderate our diets. We all know that there is some form of sugar in practically everything we eat. Now is the time to make room for the foods that do your body good, that help to strengthen your immune system. You will be amazed at how much money you save once your try cutting out what is not really needed.
The money that you save by cutting back, you can put towards the “marked up” prices to purchase fruits like strawberries, blueberries, avocados, pineapples etc. Those fruits tend to be pricey, compared to a large pack of skittles. You can also consider supporting your local fruit markets in your neighborhood, to help them stay open.

Regardless of how healthy I try to keep my diet, I still feel it necessary to indulge in a daily snack or dessert.

I am now focusing on what types of sugar I choose to eat through the day, and the times of day I crave sugar.

I’m glad that I am able to walk past the candy section without feeling the need to grab a box. The artificial glucose syrup candies are not as appetizing to me now, but I’ve had to fill the void with something.

As much as I love fruits, I still need something different as a substitute when the usual won’t do.

One of the reasons that I adore living in the city is, even during this shut down I’m  still able to find one of my all time favorites. I finally found one of my carribbean favourites at a local fruit market, tamarind balls. They are made from natural tamarind, but processed with some sugar, and chilli. There are different types of these candies some are spicy and hot, some made to be more sweet. They definitely satisfy my sweet tooth. I don’t find myself feeling a “sugar high” after eating a few. That is the beauty of them filling in  for my candy cravings.

I hope this post helped in some way! I’m going to grab a fruit before I start getting ready for bed.

Take Care, Stay safe and  Stay tuned.


Love and Respect,

~Dawn Lovely
Follow me @:https://twitter.com/iamdawnlovely, https://t.co/wfctLWHJ1W