This morning in front of the hotel- a lone still glistening Christmas ornament hanging, snuggled, on a three-foot tall evergreen tree… Christmas is about birth, about beginning, about faith, about giving.  The hanger shines with its tip resembling a candle flame- a flame that remains illuminated despite the environment surrounding it.  Appropriate for today in Ukraine…

The 2022 deadline for nominations has passed- it was 31 January 2022.  Will the five voting members of the Stockholm, Sweden-based Norwegian Nobel Committee alter the rules to permit someone to submit 44 million nominations for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize- one nomination for each citizen of Ukraine?  The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded on 6 December 2022.

This morning, snowflakes glide gently to the ground in a light breeze; snow has covered the ground that yesterday was clear.  A gray cloud-covered morning replaces yesterday’s sun. 

A metaphor perhaps, the snowflakes- they fall from the sky as do bombs and missiles- but snowflakes are not directed by man. 

In the church in the square, whose belltower rings each fifteen minutes is directed by man- a house of worship whose congregation was not present for last Sunday’s services and may not again be for quite some time.  The clock is consistent- a concept no longer available to the citizens of Kyiv.

At a nearby supermarket, fewer people are in line today by 9:00 am compared to yesterday.  Approximately fifty people yesterday compared to approximately twenty-five today waiting to enter supermarket.  The weather may be a factor.      

The dull thumping from the impact of bombs and missiles that often deliver death is followed by the first air raid of the day, then the next, and more throughout the day and evening.     

When the sounds are heard, those in line do not leave.  Most barely acknowledge the sounds.  Purchasing items from the supermarket is more important- and they don’t know what items will be available.  They do know that only one loaf of bread may be purchased. 

A woman seems to have cut into the line- other women, wrapped in their heavy wool coats, scarves, and hats, begin to argue, but the woman enters the store. 

The store surprisingly has a decent selection of products- the staff is still baking bread, still filling some shelves; removing liquor from shelves as the government has prohibited its sale.

While waiting in line at check-out, a woman asks if I had purchased a loaf of bread.  I did not.  The woman asked if she gave me money would I purchase a loaf for her friend.  Of course.  Don't know if there was a friend- don't care.  A person asked for help.  I did not accept her payment. 

Again visit the coffee shop next to the supermarket; the only one that is reported open in the area.  It’s been in operation for two years.     

Seemed like a moment…. Asked the owner of the coffee shop if he could and would offer beverages to everyone waiting in line to enter the supermarket- and I would make payment.  Outside his sole employee went and invited everyone to place their order.  A two-person crew from a Ukrainian television network arrives.  They are protective of the moment.  The beverage warmed some bodies- and at least one spirit.  

A restaurant on the same street, closed since last Wednesday, continues from its lone speaker installed on the front of its building to play music… mostly from the 1960’s, and primarily songs from Motown…. You feel better, for thirty seconds or so, when coming into earshot and then leaving its vicinity.  Today’s song- From 1967 “I’ll Be There” by the Four Tops.

Lastly…. Ridiculous for the large number of cable television personalities- hosts, etc., traveling to Ukraine- particularly Kyiv and Lviv.  So many Ukrainians are seeking resources in these cities, particularly Lviv and to have these personalities take up space with their entourages at hotels, take up space at with their entourages at restaurants, take up space with the entourages on airplanes, trains, and use of private vehicles….. Stay home.  This race for “street cred” is an increasingly appalling contest where the people who are impacted loose out on scarce resource allocation.  But, important for these personalities to have topics to discuss at their dinner parties, award banquets, and in their self-promotion commercials….

Lyrics To “I’ll Be There” 

Now if you feel that you can't go on
Because all of your hope is gone
And your life is filled with much confusion
Until happiness is just an illusion
And your world around is crumblin' down
Darling, reach out, come on girl, reach on out for me
Reach out, reach out for me
I'll be there, with a love that will shelter you
I'll be there, with a love that will see you through

When you feel lost and about to give up
'Cause your best just ain't good enough
And you feel the world has grown cold
And you're drifting out all on your own
And you need a hand to hold
Darling, reach out, come on girl, reach out for me
Reach out, reach out for me
I'll be there, to love and comfort you
And I'll be there, to cherish and care for you
I'll be there, with a love that will see you through
I'll be there to love and comfort you

I can tell the way you hang your head
You're without love and now you're afraid
And through your tears you look around
But there's no peace of mind to be found
I know what you're thinkin'
You're alone now, no love of your own
But darling, reach out, come on girl, reach out for me
Reach out
Just look over your shoulder
I'll be there, to give you all the love you need
And I'll be there, you can always depend on me

I'll be there, to give you all the love you need
I'll be there, you can always depend on me… I'll be there