Arts Alive San Antonio

One thing we should be grateful for at this time of social isolation is that we can still go outside to walk or run, get some fresh air and enjoy sunshine. At this time of the year the temperatures are just right for spending time outdoors.

So, my husband and I have been taking brisk daily walks around the neighborhood, even if it’s raining. In addition to getting a dose of aerobic exercise, we are also encountering others doing what we are doing, or walking their dogs, or tinkering with their cars, or doing something in their garages with the door wide open. Under normal circumstances, you hardly see anyone on the streets, the houses stand locked and silent, and cars glide by on their way to where they need to go, also locked, air-conditioned and utterly impersonal.

Now, people say hello, wave, smile and exchange a few words with each other across the necessary six feet of separation, acknowledge each other. It’s a nice change.  

Yesterday I met a neighbor, a man who lives across the street, just a few houses up the street from me. He had just come out with his dog as I was finishing my daily route. I said “hi.” He looked a bit surprised, mumbled some kind of greeting and, turning his back on me, started on his walk. But then he thought better of it, stopped and turned to face me. “You live around here?” he asked. “Yes,” I said laughing, “right here,” pointing at my house that we were pretty much standing in front of. He laughed, too, and introduced himself. He had never seen me before and I had never seen him, though I did chat once or twice with his wife.

During another walk, hubby and I took a street we normally never use but it looked like a good exercise path, sloping upward for at least 150 yards before leveling off. It was a grim, cloudy day and this particular street seemed somber and deserted. Then we spotted something different. Among all that visual austerity, one family had put colorful Easter decorations on its lawn. “Look, Easter Bunnies!” I shouted like a kid. Easter is my favorite holiday, yet I had practically forgotten that it was just around the corner. Life is just so different at the moment. I snapped a picture of the cheerful display and we moved on.

As the rain intensified, we picked up the pace, heads lowered to protect our faces. Then just before we were to turn the corner, I heard a young voice calling “Hi, Hi!” I stopped to look around but there’s no one in sight. Nevertheless, I responded with a clear “hi” into the air, still searching for the source of the voice. “Hi, hi!” There it was again. After some more looking at doors, fences and lawns, I spotted him, a little boy behind a closed window looking out onto the street, waving.

 I waved back, vigorously, silently wishing him a fun Easter egg hunt.

                                                                                                                 Jasmina                                                      

                                                                         HUMOR

As they say, humor is the best medicine. So here is a gem that should bring a smile to your face.

At the Henry Street Hebrew School, the rabbi finished the day’s lesson. It was time for the usual question period.
“Rabbi?” asked little Walter, “there’s something I need to know.”
“What’s that, my child?
“Well, according to the Scriptures, the Children of Israel crossed the Red Sea. Right?”
“Right”
“And the Children of Israel beat up the Philistines. Right?”
“Right”
“And the Children of Israel built the temple. Right?”
“Again you are correct,” reassured the rabbi.
“And the Children of Israel fought the Egyptians, and the Children of Israel fought the Romans, and the Children of Israel were always doing something important. Right?”
“Yes, what’s your question?”
“What I need to know,” demanded Walter, “is where were all the grownups?”

           (From “Healing Through Humor” by Charles & Frances Hunter, a book everyone should have)