By David T. Farr

In a few years we may look back on this time and say, “Hey, remember when we…” It will happen. And, we’ll all have a ton of things to say we did, or in some cases, didn’t do. But, you can bet whatever we did, or didn’t do, we did differently than we ever did before.

The Coronavirus Pandemic has affected almost every aspect of our lives. Some people have adapted to the changes, while others have made it quite known they aren’t going to comply. To each is own, but it surely has been an eye opener to learn how some people truly are.

For me, I’ll wear my mask. If that’s what is truly asked of me to do my part to help slow the spread of Covid-19, then so be it. It’s not a lot to ask. Besides, if I wear mine and you wear yours, then we’re both helping each other.

I can speak from my own life experiences with illness. I struggled with Guillain-Barre Syndrome in my early 20s. It was a very difficult time in my life as I had lost the ability to do most things we take for granted. Talk about a humbling experience. But, after the frustration and anger of getting sick subside, something beautiful happens – the human condition! We are human and we are adaptable.

I am an entertainment junkie if you haven’t already gathered that from reading my The Farr Side column these last 20 years. That also means I’m an observer of trends, styles, fads and everything else related to the entertainment industry.

With that being said – I’m seeing some things that brings smiles to my face while also seeing others find some enjoyment amid such trying times.

It’s really all about just getting creative and finding ways to make things happen. It’s kind of like how I learned to improvise and find other ways of achieving essential daily goals while in my recovery.

Like many of you, I, too, am missing going to concert shows. I’m a huge music fan and nothing compares to seeing your favorite band or singer live and in person. But, right now you can’t. And, it’s looking for likely that that reality won’t be happening any time soon. It pleased me to see so many artists take to the Internet to reach out to their fans. The music industry was particularly hit hard by government mandates and restrictions limited crowd numbers. I think, for the most part, musicians have understood. But, its also their livelihood and for many its not being able to play for people that has to be the saddest part.

Do you know how cool it was to learn that someone like Garth Brooks found a way to entertain safely? And, at Drive-In Theaters, no less. It’s awesome. Pack up the car, take your family to the Drive-In and watch a superstar on the big screen! Sure, it’s not a packed stadium, but its all in how you choose to embrace the feeling. It’s a first and a huge, “Remember when we …” moment!

Singer Blake Shelton followed on Garth’s creativity and has followed suit with how on performances on the big screens. C’mon fellow artists. We still have a lot of summer left and plenty of screens to fill before the snow flies.

For local musicians, the need to perform is just as great. But, how? Improvise! Villa On Verona located in Marshall, Mich., opened up their beautifully landscaped gardens to local musicians. People bring their own lawn chairs, food and drinks, although some are provided, and social distance themselves all over the lawn to take in the talents of local musicians. It’s a beautiful thing. And, all it took was some clever thinking! Oh, and you can bet you’ll do this down the road, “Remember when we watched that guy play mandolin under the stars and ate ice cream…”

David T. Farr is a Journal Correspondent. Email him at farrboy@hotmail.com.