In the Season of COVID-19
My spring was supposed to be filled with craft shows & art festivals, workshops, and an exciting residency. Things I was very much looking forward and had been planning for many months just disappeared off the calendar as the COVID-19 outbreak spread across the US. Now, like so many others, I’m home, avoiding people and crowds, and settling into a new normal.
I don’t mind being at home, but it’s different lately. I’m usually working in my studio because I have orders to fill and shows to prep for, but now I have time for personal projects, organization & cleaning, and online updates. Beyond that, I’m also enjoying spending time in new mediums and learning.
Here’s my top 5 list of things I’ve been enjoying during this period of isolation. I would love to hear what you’ve been doing to brighten your days!
Read: I usually only listen to audio books while working in the studio, but lately I’ve made time (every night before bed) to read with my eyes. So far I’ve finished “The Dove in Bathurst Station” by Patricia Westerhof and “A Zoo in my Luggage” by Gerald Durrell. I’ve also started “The Late Night Muse” by Bette Pesetsky and “Little Weirds” by Jenny Slate.
Run (or walk) daily: I usually run 3-4 times a week, but now I’m getting a walk or run in 7 days a week, sometimes twice a day. It feels good to wear myself out even though I’m stuck at home.
Paint: I get so much joy out of painting, I really don’t know why I don’t do it more often. It’s so relaxing, even though I’m rarely happy with my final piece. My goal is to paint once a week now, and it’s a wide open goal - could be landscapes, could be botanical, could be abstract, and I’m excited to work in acrylic, watercolor, and alcohol inks.
Take A Class: I took my first SkillPop Anywhere online course last week and it was a fantastic experience! I’ll definitely be on the look out for more internet courses. I’m using this downtime to invest in myself and learn new things and I can’t recommend it enough. I typically take 2-3 art classes a year (in person) but now I’m looking to do one a week just to keep my mind active.
Make Time for Simple Things: plant flowers, bake cookies, wash the car by hand, sit by the fire, do a puzzle, kick a soccer ball. It’s been years since I’ve done many of these things, and I realize now that making time for simple things, for slower things, is good for my soul.
Although things are not ideal right now, I do believe they’ll get better. Personally, keeping myself occupied and making the most out of this downtime is playing a huge part in my positive outlook. During this time of uncertainty, I feel so thankful for everything I have. My family is healthy and safe. We have a home and staying in isn’t a huge deal (but we do miss eating out!). I still have my part-time day job, which I can do from home. My business has slowed down and I’m not able to earn much right now, but it’s okay because I have very low overhead and a savings fund, so this will not shut down Once Again Sam. It’s all going to be okay for me and my family. But what about other people? There are so many individuals and families who don’t have a place to stay, they didn’t have the option of stocking up on groceries, they’ve lost their job. What happens to them during times like these? I don’t know the answer but I do know lots of local charities are working overtime right now to help these people, and I want to contribute.
Now through June 1, I’m donating 100% of the proceeds from these new laser etched ornaments to Miracle Hill Ministries. 2020 will be an unforgettable year, and this ornament commemorates this moment in history, for better or worse. To purchase an ornament, please visit my website, and to learn more about Miracle Hill, or donate directly, please visit their website.
