People. Hello.
This post was published June 18, 2020… so, 6 months into covid, shortly after George Floyd protests began… that’s the vibe here.
It’s been a while.
How are you?
I am… fine?
I guess?
Assuming we now define FINE, as: ever-escalating incredulity, and disbelieving rage.
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I have not been here since before Coronavirus… the past months, panic– my baby brother works in an emergency room, Paul cannot work from home.
I wrote 87,900 pages…
… summed up:
I did NOT expect the apocalypse to have infomercials.
SCIENCE IS STUPID.
LET’S GET THE MY PILLOW GUY.
This, out of all the– THIS IS SIMPLY NOT POSSIBLE YET IT IS HAPPENING ANYWAY… returns to me occasionally and I wonder if I HALLUCINATED that during a pandemic, the American people were addressed by THE MY PILLOW GUY.
Did that actually happen?
OR HAVE I TAKEN PEOYTE AND FORGOTTEN?
Then Armaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd.
I’ve been thinking how humanity is still in the middle ages… we think we are evolved, but it has only been 157 years since we ENSLAVED BLACK HUMANS.
That’s basically no time at all.
Black humans, alive today, remember not being allowed to drink out of the same water fountain as white people… we, the United States of America, did not even TRY to end this, until 1964.
1964 was YESTERDAY… 30 seconds ago— the humans who approved of this system, are still alive, they raised children. They voted. They RIOTED when we tried to change their mind.
WANNA TALK ABOUT #RIOTS?
This picture is from Levittown, Pennsylvania in 1957. As many as 600 RIOTOUS protesters gathered to terrorize the first Black family, Bill and Daisy Myers, to move into this all-white development.
White riots ≠ Black protests #BlackLivesMattter pic.twitter.com/LlLKFykPsi
— André Marcel Harris (@andreharris89) June 7, 2020
Now, the POLICE are rioting, as we lecture PEACEFUL protesters about how THEY must be CALM in response to police terrorizing Black humans.
Ummmm… no.
A TIDAL WAVE OF RAGE IS THE CORRECT RESPONSE.
Especially considering how humans will riot at ANYTHING.
Basically, we are all just sitting around waiting.
I am certain of this because when the Eagles football team won the Super Bowl a year and a half ago, Philadelphia’s response was to set the city on fire, flip cars, loot stores, and eat dog poop.
Oh, wait no, that’s fake news… sorry!
I googled it. It was HORSE poop.
AND APPARENTLY the city EXPECTED this— because ahead of time, they greased lamp posts with Crisco so nobody could climb them and HURT themselves.
The headlines were NOT: idiots riot, because idiocy.
The headlines were: celebrations turn rowdy.
So it makes me wonder– should the response to the public execution of a handcuffed man, lying immobile on the ground, be more, or less, rowdy, than when you win a football game?
Fun Fact: The first Pride was literally a riot against, you guessed it, POLICE BRUTALITY! ✨ HAPPY PRIDE MONTH pic.twitter.com/JQmz0t4HLF
— tim hell. (@itsTimHell) June 1, 2020
I’ve been thinking that MAYBE Coronavirus isn’t just a weird timeout in human history… MAYBE it will be the impetus that shifts our collective perspective… MAYBE NOW, a radical transformation of a system that gives safety, only to those born with privilege.
For months now, every day, I think about the people who are existing in a place of enormous stress, financial insecurity, housing, food, SCARCITY… panicked, just surviving.
We force the least-privileged, to scramble, just to endure a HARD existence… we gesture to their bootstraps.
WHERE IS OUR EMPATHY?
It’s literally ALL we need.
My initial response to Coronavirus was to re-read And The Band Played On, and Polio… both survived my decluttering phase— they are excellent.
And The Band Played On, by Randy Shilts is an extraordinary documentation of the Aids epidemic— the first time I read it, I literally COULD NOT BELIEVE how INEPT AND BLIND AND DELIBERATELY STUPID our government was… and even while I KNEW the outcome, my brain STILL could not process such disbelieving horror… like, MAYBE I’m wrong! Maybe this will be FINE because SURELY we would not have been like— the blood supply is killing people? Bummer for THEM!
Polio: An American Story, by David M. Oshinsky, is a less-dementing book; because not only did we get a vaccine, it turns out people are SUPER into their children, so nobody was like— OH WELL SHRUG EMOJI.
I have a lot to catch up on here… Yes. I have a kitchen update.
Figured I would first say hello and confirm that I am alive, and thank you for your messages… I am sorry I could not respond… my catatonia has been REAL, YO.
But I guess I’m adjusting to the dystopian sideshow that is now our existence because we have a sample cabinet door, (Paul is not doing the drawer fronts) and I’m finally finding a stain place… Weirdly, I haven’t felt like emailing around, being like— hi, I know it’s the apocalypse but are you available to stain some drawers?
I am thankful this started in spring— getting the garden in has been a great distraction; and especially at the beginning, helped alleviate my fear that the food supply would be affected… we have a LOT of kale for End Times, and this is very reassuring to me.
Ok. That’s it.
I’ll go write a kitchen post.
ALSO the post about what I bought on Craigslist*… NOT giant, or fancy, just a smallish box… but still!
*driveway pickup, masks
I HOPE YOU ALL ARE WELL AND SAFE.
xo
Paul
June 18, 2020 @ 2:12 pm
Thank goodness we aren’t worried about the black on black deaths in places like Chicago, that make up 99% of violent black deaths. Just stay focused on the 1% and ignore that other stuff, or figure out a way to blame someone else for the actions of that 99%.
Sarah
June 18, 2020 @ 2:31 pm
When black people commit crimes, they get arrested and disproportionately harsh sentences. When police commit crimes, they rarely get charged, much less convicted. Oh and that “99%” you referenced? We’d be happy to talk about the implications of racist housing, hiring, education, healthcare, and criminal justice systems that you’re seeing play out in areas like Chicago at ANY time, but I’d be willing you’d divert those conversation too. Just like you did this one- because that’s easier than just admitting you don’t care 🤷♀️
Caroline
June 18, 2020 @ 3:17 pm
Well said!
Joy
June 18, 2020 @ 5:13 pm
30 plus years of Democrat run cities (some for 60 years), how is this even possible? Shouldn’t it all be just hunky-dory? You mean the Democrats still haven’t fixed everything? I’m baffled. Blame the Chicago Democrats for the mess that is Chicago.
Rose
June 18, 2020 @ 8:57 pm
Nothing will change until blacks and whites take responsibility for themselves. Why do some people of all races think it is ok to just live off the system. Growing up, my family was down and out. We were immigrants. But my parents worked menial jobs (way below their education in their home country) to make ends meet. They did not expect a handout. I now work in a low income area. Most are white. Families know how to milk the system and do nothing to better themselves. It becomes a vicious cycle from one generation to the next. In just one meeting, one family managed to get beds, a washer and dryer and an automobile from the social system. Did the system improve the family’s well-being? Not at all. This is not a race thing. We all have to take pride in ourselves and try to be the best we can. We cannot cater to our lowest denominator and feel good doing it. That does not help anyone and just perpetuates inequity. We have to stop thinking black/white/brown. We have to stop protecting and idolizing people who do not deserve it. If a cop does something wrong, he should pay the price. If an individual acts unlawfully, he should pay the price. Things are so upside down right now that it is mind boggling. I pray we can all work together and stop pointing fingers.
Kris
June 18, 2020 @ 2:14 pm
Yes Darling, This was all going on before you became Woke. We’ve been living and giving and fighting for people for years while you were saving kittens. Not that saving kittens is not a worthy cause but I always hoped you would become aware of other things around your besides kitties and antiques. I don’t know why your post showed up in my notifications this morning because I stopped spending my time watching your projects long ago. Glad though that it did and hope that you will continue on your new found path.
Caroline
June 18, 2020 @ 3:42 pm
My, aren’t you superior?? Can’t you be kind?
Gina
June 18, 2020 @ 3:48 pm
Hi Kris- You have no idea what VEB’s full life is like. Just because she posts on kitties and kitchens doesn’t mean that is 100% her life. I’m sure you didn’t mean to sound condescending so I hope you take this feedback with the sincerity I intended. Everyone is on their own journey and education, and it is not fair of you to criticize someone’s path regardless.
Caz
June 18, 2020 @ 3:53 pm
Oh lord this is why people dont say more about it because they get accused of “suddenly becoming woke”. I am sure Victoria is so relieved she is suddenly worthy of your attention again…..but surely right now IS the time for absolutely everyone in the world to sit up and take notice and vow to help bring change in whatever small way they can. If what you say is true then this is what you have been fighting for – everyone is looking now! These issues have made it onto a kittens and decorating (and occasionally Elvis related) blog with mostly positive comments attached! Take that and do something with it instead of being one of the few who have responded, if I may say so, rather negatively. Maybe try to suggest ways everyone can help instead of firing off a patronising “Welcome to the party but we’ve been here for ages” type of reply. It’s not helpful and makes you look petty. Peace out, big love, stay safe and all that
janet metzger
June 21, 2020 @ 12:17 pm
Well, that was rather rude.
Lisa Smith
June 18, 2020 @ 2:18 pm
So strange, I just checked your website yesterday to check on you, because you hadn’t posted in so long. I’m glad you’re well. I’m eager to see new pictures of your lovely home! As far as the craziness goes, I find solace in remembering that no matter how bad things appear, God is still in charge.
Sherry
June 18, 2020 @ 2:18 pm
Nice to see you back, Victoria. I agree it it has all been overwhelming, even from my little corner of Canada. Please take care.
Ellen
June 18, 2020 @ 2:19 pm
Happy to see you back! And love that you love “And the Band Played On.” I love the movie they made of it on HBO – so many amazing actors in it. And then had to read it.
Dana
June 18, 2020 @ 2:19 pm
PHEW!! So happy to see you back! We have never met yet I was concerned that something happened to you or Paul or your family. I share your collective grief over the state of our times and have felt the soul-crushing despair. Yet here we are. Chin up and carry on…that’s the best we can do each day!! 💖
Theresa Burke
June 18, 2020 @ 2:21 pm
I’m so glad to see your post! And I’m completely on-board with your on your activism – as is most of the country!
A TIDAL WAVE OF RAGE IS THE CORRECT RESPONSE. = YES YES YES!
I work in a hospital and have been here through the whole nightmare – our healthcare workers are always heroes, and especially right now. Everyone wear a mask!
Elizabeth Hull
June 18, 2020 @ 2:22 pm
The Marvelous Ms. Barnes!
You’re back! I have so missed your voice and was truly worried if you were okay. I had thought about emailing you but decided that might be weird. What a great first post back – it really is an unbelievable time. Like you, I hope all this chaos and misery will lead to a better world in the end. I certainly hope all of this – ALL – of this is something better can emerge.
So, from one vegan cat lady who enjoys *fancy things* to another, thank you for welcoming us all back.
TJF Design
June 18, 2020 @ 2:23 pm
Hi ~ WELCOME BACK, and THANK YOU for coming back. I’ve been checking and checking and of course sent you and email and posted etc., so super thankful to see this in the in box. Always a joy to see a post from you in the inbox but THIS ONE TODAY was just the thing that had me elated…..which, hasn’t been a commonplace thing lately, right. So, thank you for letting us all hear from you. and thank you, for still being YOU.
Lin
June 18, 2020 @ 2:24 pm
Oh so happy to hear you and Paul are well. I like everyone have missed you making me smile and pics of the kitties. I am right there with you. I was a child of the 50s & 60s and grew up in the deep south. I hated how people of color were dehumanized then and I hate it now!!! Why oh why has it not stopped by now!!!!! A change has got to happen!!! We are all the same….human!!
Take care and know we all love you.
Dina Karam
June 18, 2020 @ 2:29 pm
I too am glad to hear from you again. And I thank you for your unbridled honesty about racial injustice ❤️
Evea S. Newsom
June 18, 2020 @ 2:34 pm
I’ve really missed you and your posts…left a void in my life. I’m so glad that you are healthy and posting again.
Roberta Garcia
June 18, 2020 @ 2:36 pm
It was a fabulous surprise to see the e-mail notice from you! So glad you & Paul are okay!
Southern lady
June 18, 2020 @ 2:37 pm
I just lost interest. I’ve enjoyed your posts so thanks for those. We all have different opinions, reactions to what’s going on. I’m an older girl, have had many years to think, consider, form opinions. It not one sided.
But be well. I’ll bow out.
Lindsey
June 18, 2020 @ 2:38 pm
Thrilled to hear from you! We all feel exactly like you. Love your message about moving forward and “not back to normal”. Cuddle some cats for me please.
Amy
June 18, 2020 @ 2:41 pm
Hi, glad to hear you are well. Can’t wait to read another kitchen post! We’ve all had to adjust our thinking, hopefully people have learned to be kind to each other.
Laura Frumet
June 18, 2020 @ 2:42 pm
Missed you so much I just did a search last week to find the last time we heard from you. Thanks for the great message in this post and welcome back!
Melissa
June 18, 2020 @ 2:44 pm
I find it reassuring that so many of your loyal fans/readers were worried about you and yours. I was too. But what really got me in reading this today was how strongly we both feel about what we are seeing of our world. The realities we have not, perhaps, previously had pointed out to us so thoroughly and so firmly is very troubling. I hope that we are finally woken up to the crises our country (and the world) are facing that will blow up in our lifetimes. Sadly, my faith in how we will move forward is severely shaken. Thus, my garden too is blooming with flowers and vegetables; my long, long, long deferred kitchen project is looking much closer to completion; the closets are cleaned; and I have thrown myself at those problems I think I can assist with to help make this world better. Love and virtual hugs to you, you really do make our lives better.
Jen M
June 18, 2020 @ 2:45 pm
VEB, reading your post and the comments gave me a sense of inclusion. This horrible pandemic has pushed me to the brink of loosing (what little I had) my sanity and then to watch yet another human being murdered on the news was too much. Yes, sadness and RAGE is all I have now. Things must change, we must change them. I could barely make it through my speech to my 4 year old on why protesting is important and why some man had to die because of his skin color. Thank you for your post! Be safe and be strong
Desiree
June 18, 2020 @ 2:46 pm
Yes, the myPillow guy shut production down of his usual product and switched to producing masks for the American public. How appalling. I so wished he spent more time virtue signaling as that would have helped way more.
Gina
June 18, 2020 @ 4:16 pm
MyPillow Mike Lindell extensively advertises on Tucker Carlson who said: “This may be a lot of things, this moment we’re living through, but it is definitely not about Black lives. And remember that when they come for you and at this rate, they will.” Making masks doesn’t make-up for this hateful speech Mr. Lindell underwrites. Shame on you.
Sascha
June 19, 2020 @ 1:33 am
Ummm.. you do understand that demand for his usual product dropped off to nothing because of the pandemic, so he grabbed some lucrative government contracts from his buddy Trump to keep the sewing machines operating, right?