The year 2020 has brought us so many new things most of which we wish we’d never heard of. So far we’ve suffered through an impeachment trial, horrific wildfires in Australia and something near and dear to my heart, a never ending tax season. The thing that overshadows all of the others is Covid -19, which we lovingly know as the corona virus. Too pretty a name for such a nasty virus.

The other day I saw a guy on tv with a cool mask, red, white and blue with fireworks on it. I wanted one! And then I took a step back. Now I’m a firm believer in wearing a mask when I go out as annoying as that is but when did a mask move from being a life saver to a fashion accessory? I have a collection of masks already. I have the blue disposable kind, for when the fabric one is in the laundry. I have masks with elastic to go over my ears and I have masks with strings to tie around my head. The other day in the mail someone sent me a jersey knit mask with their logo printed on it. I thought jersey knit was unacceptable in terms of mask protection but I put it in the mask drawer anyway. Facebook advertises masks with books or flowers and who doesn’t love Mickey or Elsa or Goofy on their Disney mask? Every day I’m tempted to buy one, they are so cute.

A drawer in my dresser as well as the front seat of my car have been taken over by masks. And I find my self longing for more stylish styles and patterns. The corona virus has stopped us from enjoying life outside our homes. When I do get the chance to go outside, I wear my oldest t-shirt and shorts but I select the newest, freshest mask from my collection so everyone will know that behind the mask hides a real fashionista.

Wear a mask. The life you save may be your own, or your spouse, parent, child, friend, co-worker, or someone you don’t even know.