Missed Fortunes
In March 2021, the 1-year anniversary of U.S. lockdown, as part of the South Asian Womxn’s Creative Collective Encounters exhibit, we documented peoples’ experiences, celebrations, and rituals from 2020 to create art, connection, and a community archive for healing. The 6 prints in the Missed Fortunes series, on view at circlefor’s shop, reflect our creative responses to sharings by amazing storytellers from March 5-17, 2021. Thank you to Mary-Elaine Bullitt, Linda Coffie, Christine Cossu, Maggie Cutts, Uma Deshmukh, Regina Gathing, Sunita S. Mukhi, Ernest Verrett, Troy Woodley, and 6 people who preferred to share anonymously. We are grateful for your insights in the excerpts and full art book below.
How was your neighborhood affected this last year?
Jackson Heights, Queens, NYC. Queens was one the areas that was hit hardest 1st during the pandemic. There were lines around the block to get into grocery stores during the 1st few months of the outbreak. The usually busy sidewalks were empty and the din of the streets lessened.
Brooklyn. Last year was tough but I saw the strength in my neighborhood. Everyone played a positive part by wearing masks & following "the new" guidelines for life as we know it.
We live on a farm in Northwest Ohio. This is farm country so we are already spread out. This means the virus did not spread immediately but started in May/June. The fall was bad but Nov/Dec were awful.
What experiences resonate for you over the past 12 months?
In March of last year, I had Covid. I was told not to go to the hospital unless I was having difficult breathing. Also a friend of mine died a week before I came down with Covid. It was a very sad and scary time for me.
God, family, prayer, disinfectant and sanitizer has always been a must: they are now survival. Many of my family members, including myself, have had the disease. I thank God He allowed everyone in my family to survive COVID 19.
I was tested. Emotionally and spiritually tested. I never knew how dark depression can be or how one’s inner strength can carry the burden of loved ones, while still fighting their own.
My family has thrived during this time that has forced us to slow down and allowed us to spend more time together.
What is a ritual you've created this last year?
Spending evenings with my husband playing Scrabble, watching Jeopardy and Wheel Of Fortune.
I tried many different things over the past year of the pandemic: read a poem daily; morning journal-writing; lighting a candle at the crack of dawn to accompany my workout; coffeemaking ritual; daily meditation; daily walks. I did some of these things for just a week, others for months. They were all good for me and for that moment. But I realize that my ritual is to seek out and try something new on a continual basis.
That walk we take every late afternoon with my sister and dog pries me out of my zoombie stupor.
Forest walks, nature walks; cleaning, packing and unpacking as I move to new places; living with less.
My most significant ritual changes are lighting a candle as often as I can (every night). Not for any particular "reason," other than, it brings me a little joy, seeing a single light in the darkness.
As you reflect on your year, what are celebrations that stand out?
At 7pm, for about 3 months this summer, the entire neighborhood clapped and cheered for the 1st responders answering the nation’s call to care for those affected by Covid-19.
The celebration of Kwanzaa is something that stands out. Participants were linking up with old friends and engaging with a celebration that traditionally involves a physical pulling together, pouring of libations, sharing food. That celebration stands out for how connection is still longed for and found, even if in a handful of the myriad facets of a ritual in its entirety.
Our alarm clocks don’t go off as early because there are no 7am school buses to rush to.
The celebration I have this year is that I was home to read with my kids every single night. The lack of travel is not something I've missed and it has given me more drive to not travel nearly as much in the future.
As you reflect on your year, what missed moments or experiences stand out?
I miss seeing and hugging my mom, sisters, and nephews. I feel sad that my children have been unable to see and hug their extended family. My kids miss playing with their cousins and close friends. The personal connection and warmth of human touch is missing in Zoom and FaceTime calls.
Social time for my son in middle school. He has had online learning for his public school all year. I am sad for him during these hyper-social years.
I missed the freedom of movement whether the movement for a big travel trip or just to go freely out and about to see friends and things.
What fortunes do you wish for this year?
To be bold in all my adventures. To never second guess myself. To love & be myself.
I wish for the opportunity to see my family in person this year, without fear of getting anyone sick.
I wish for vaccinations and revitalization in every sense of the word. I wish for a flocking back to what is important - community and love.
That we take care of nature in all her lushness and possibilities to keep up us alive.
Despite the challenges of the last year, my cup of fortunes runs over. They will continue to do so as long as my family and friends stay healthy and free of tragedy. I wish for more of that.
I’m wishing for similar fortunes that I did the previous year.
We invite you to engage with the Missed Fortunes art book.
