March 26th, 2020
Provisioning for social distancing for the Covid-19 pandemic in Santa Fe, New Mexico, March 16, 2020. Photo: Devorah Romanek CC
Shopping Locally for the Global Pandemic
Some weeks ago, as it became clear the pandemic was imminent, approaching the U.S. and my State, New Mexico, I began the process of stocking up on things me and my girlfriend might need to face what is coming. Things like coffee, rice and beans, and yes, of course, toilet paper. In wondering if there might be interruption of services, we also stocked up on candles, and though neither of us is Catholic, out of respect for the local position of power and authority she holds, we purchased a couple of Our Lady of Guadalupe votive candles, which felt like calling on local source of strength to weather what may come. I live in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a place of deep history and shocking, if sometimes subtle and not-so-subtle desert beauty, and in this moment of global crisis, I draw upon the beauty and history of this place to prepare for whatever does come.
-Devorah Romanek March 26th, 2020, Santa Fe, NM
