Blame COVID
News reports would suggest that the coin shortage, toilet paper shortage, ground beef shortage, mask shortage, hand sanitizer shortage, lumber shortage, and even the condom shortage can be blamed on COVID-19.
Almost six months into the worldwide pandemic and I’ve discovered a disturbing new trend. People are now using COVID as a catch-all excuse. In the last week, I’ve heard the word COVID used to excuse poor customer service, a delayed package delivery, and a computer glitch at the bank. In a way, I don’t blame them. Everyone is tired of the “new normal” and they’d like to get back to the “old normal.”
Human beings are social creatures and socially distancing is starting to take its toll. With the majority of citizens still locked in their homes, we’re not getting the daily dose of human interaction we need to stay positive. We can’t achieve positive mental well-being if we’re afraid. The vast majority of us are living in fear every day. We’re afraid of catching COVID-19. We’re afraid to leave the house. We’re afraid of talking to the neighbors. We’re afraid to eat at a restaurant and we think getting on an airplane will kill us.
Fear is a powerful and primitive human emotion. It’s natural to fear certain things, but being so fearful of everything is starting to lead normal people to exhibit abnormal psychological conditions — panic attacks, social anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, and an untold list of phobias. The word phobia is Greek for fear, by the way.
So I guess I can forgive folks who are tired of talking about COVID and those who blame unrelated mistakes on COVID, but remember it’s always easier to make an excuse than to accept responsibility. Perhaps a way of overcoming your fear is not blaming COVID, but facing your fear…head on. And by the way, I’ve flown twice in the last month, worn a mask, and everything turned out OK. We were 45 minutes late flying back into Richmond — the pilot blamed it on COVID.
Sidenote: the air on an airplane is cleaner than you think.
Monday, August 31 — Picture Perfect
On Monday a few of the Madison+Main-iacs, alongside photographer Cade Martin, trekked to The Governor’s Land at Two Rivers and Two Rivers Country Club for a two-day photo shoot. Client Services Manager Katie Rossberg, Director of Business & Marketing Leanne Ferry, and Creative Director Art Webb reportedly climbed to the top of boats and leaned out the side of golf carts to help snap the perfect shots. The weather wasn’t very good. We blamed COVID.
Tuesday, September 1 — Hate To Drone On About This…
On Tuesday Lucy Corr debuted a video that we shot with the help of our friends at Broadscope Media. For this 30-second spot, we featured real residents at Lucy Corr — not actors — and Hal Dowdy and Noah Pearcy brought out the drone and we were able to get some spectacular shots. We were able to shoot it for a lot cheaper than if we rented a helicopter.
Wednesday, September 2 — It’s A Blessing To Be A Blessing
Our friends at Mt. Gilead Full Gospel International Ministries have been receiving a lot of praise in the news lately. The good folks have utilized the 10-acre farm on the church’s campus to help fight food insecurities at the Chesterfield Food Bank and Petersburg Hope Center’s food pantry. What started as a small garden has now grown to more than 10 fields with 15 varieties of fruits and vegetables, producing more than 1,000 pounds of produce per week. Read more here.
Thursday, September 3 — Rolling Along
We recently had a barrel of fun creating these fancy pocket cards for our clients at A. Smith Bowman Distillery. If you’re looking for something fun to do this Labor Day weekend, I suggest scheduling a visit to Virginia’s oldest and most award-winning distillery. After all, they just added four more shiny medals to their collection following the 2020 American Whiskey Masters.
Friday, September 4 — Fun Is Officially On The Map
This evening, Communication Director Kent Brockwell and I navigated our way to the Northern Neck to meet up with Account Executive Allison Nida at Compass Entertainment Complex. After months of building and branding, we were thrilled to attend the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of the region’s first-ever family entertainment complex.
A Few of Our Favorite Events
4308 Hermitage Road | Richmond, VA
October 24, 2020 | TBD
Our good friend, Bobby Kelland from Aflac, is gearing up for his second non-profit bike ride this year on behalf of Andrea Starr and the Forward Foundation. This time, it’s a 50-mile ride from Bryan Park to Ashland and back. The ride will raise money to support single mothers and provide them financial assistance for quality childcare, as well as educational workshops. Donate today online or text “Donate” and the amount to 804-352-2820 (ex: Donate $5) to help him reach his $15,000 goal by October 24.
Master Distiller’s Dinner at A. Smith Bowman Distillery
1 Bowman Drive | Fredericksburg, VA
November 14, 2020 | 6-9 p.m.
Smith Bowman Distillery and Earth Apple LLC have partnered to bring you a unique bourbon experience! Master Distiller Brian Prewitt will start the evening off with a guided tasting of rare Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Whiskies, accompanied by delectable small bites specially selected by Chef Jessica Wilkins. Following the tasting, Chef Jessica will treat guests to a 3-course dinner served with carefully crafted bourbon cocktails. Tickets will cost $125 per person and go on sale October 14 at 10 a.m. via Eventbrite.
Got an upcoming event you want to share? Can we come? Send us the deets!
“He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.“
— Benjamin Franklin