We’re Strong AF

There’s power in our community. Time to harness it.

This is probably not the type of story you’d expect from me, but hey, someone’s gotta keep you on your toes.

Friends, bear with me. I’m just trying to keep busy here before I go batshit crazy. Not a good look on anyone.

I’ve had enough of CNN and enough of that orange stump in the White House.

So I got to thinking: In contemplating the lunacy that is infecting our society, indeed, the entire world, as a result of COVID-19, I decided that, since I have to spend even more time at home, (because there’s literally nowhere to go), perhaps I could use this time for the common good.

The Medium community is dynamic. So many whip-smart, thought-provoking writers with so much to say. Perhaps we can use our words to comfort one another or to incite a laugh or two, or even, generate ideas on how to make the additional time we’re all required to spend at home, more productive and enjoyable.

Think of how many times you’ve said, “I wish I had the time for this,” whatever “this” might mean for you. Well, by default, now most of us do have the time. Time to either clean out our clutter, watch our favorite TV shows and movies, play board games with our families, have more sex, or cuddle with our pets.

Like it or not, we got it, folks. Now, what do we do with it?

Admittedly, there are going to be some rough, rough times. Times when we’re looking at our spouses or partners and thinking, “WTF? You again?”

Cabin fever will do that to us. My husband works from home and I…well, I write. That’s what I do. And even though we work in our own designated areas, we’re home together all the time. EXCEPT, during the late afternoons when my husband takes his Kindle and hangs out at a bar to read and enjoy a glass or two of wine.

Now, he won’t even be able to do that, as Illinois’ restaurants and bars, as is the situation in so many other states, will be on lockdown beginning tomorrow night. For at least two weeks. (Shit!)

I predict a good deal of bristling between us. Let’s just put it that way. Mostly, as is normally the case, on my end. Of course, I can escape to the gym from time to time, but I’m predicting that the facility will be forced to close at some point soon.

Aside from obsessing about the infection, itself, many of us are also worried about money and with good reason. There’s no denying this or getting around it. It’s just one more fetid log on a pile of burning shit.

So what can we do, in our Medium community to forge closer ties during this extremely stressful time? What can we do to help one another out?

Keep in mind that I’m just spit-balling here, but is there a way we can perhaps start a chain of stories to the whole community, or even to specific writers who are struggling, that will help us feel less isolated?

If you’ll pardon a bit of cheese here, laughter really is the best medicine. There’s nothing more satisfying than making someone laugh when they’re feeling down.

Perhaps we share recipes like Kristi Keller’s “Apocalypse Soup.” (See below.) Or, we write about “Togetherness: How much is too much?” This one might keep you from wringing your partner’s neck.

Maybe we take turns shitting all over our shitty President. I don’t know. I’m asking for ideas. Or, if you happen to witness acts of kindness that go above and beyond, tell us. I mean hell, we’re grasping at straws.

And here’s the thing: I would love for these stories to be featured in Rogues’ Gallery. Yes, because it’s my publication and also, I believe they should be all in one place, rather than scattered throughout Medium-land. Note: You’re still going to have to be adept at your craft. That’s non-negotiable. I won’t publish crap because that would be unfair to the entire community.

Also, since this is, after all, Rogues’ Gallery, I’ll still be looking for writing with an edge to it. Never be afraid to bring the fire here. If you’re unfamiliar with our content, check out the stories from Helen Cassidy Page, P.G. Barnett, and Stephen Sovie, to name a few.

Finally, I was thinking that we could use a kicker for these stories, that would not only differentiate them from the other submissions to Rogues’ Gallery but would “brand” them, as well. For example:

Sucking it Up Whatever Works Strange Days

Naturally, those are merely suggestions and I welcome yours.

If you think this whole idea sucks, and my brain is on overdrive, tell me. I’m not fragile. I’ll survive.

Speaking of which, we’ll all survive, during this crisis, if we keep our heads and use a bit of common sense. And turn off the fucking news every now and then.

Looking forward to your thoughts and thanks for reading. Here’s Kristi’s story: