We are living through an unprecedented time, and our worlds are just now starting to reawaken as many areas are taking their first steps into reopening in a COVID-19 world. Things are definitely not going to the be same, and we’re not simply going to pick up where we left off in March. People are struggling to make sense of it all. Our world has changed, and so much is still uncertain.
But in the midst of all of this craziness, confusion, and uncertainty, I have so much to be grateful for, and I have been filled with such gratitude for the support and generosity of everyone out there over the past couple of months.
Back in March, the world shut down, and I found all of my workshops, classes, and events cancelled or postponed. I went from having a busy spring scheduled to having no schedule at all, and as an independent contractor and a gig worker, I was hit with a flash of panic. But fortunately, I had enough in the bank to get by for a bit, and after that initial panic subsided, I turned to offering live streams online as a way to connect with folks and to give folks a creative outlet. I was struck by the number of people who tuned in and by all of the positive feedback.
As the pandemic wore on, I knew I needed to do something. The bank account began running low, and this situation was going to last for a couple of months at the least. So, I thought to offer an online workshop — just a simple workshop that would help me get out of my creative funk and that would be something new and different from what I’ve done before. I was just testing the waters with this workshop, and I was expecting just a handful of students. But, I got a lot more than I figured, and it just blew me away. I was filled with gratitude that a couple dozen folks wanted to make art with me through the computer. It gave me the confidence to offer a few more online classes. Again, I am flabbergasted by the response. I can’t wait to share with these folks and make art together.
I feel so fortunate that so many folks are turning out for these online experiences. The workshops are definitely helping me to earn a living during these difficult times, and again, I am filled with gratitude and appreciation for the generosity and support of everyone!
I’m not grateful just for those in my workshops. I am grateful for everyone who has supported me during this time — everyone who has liked, commented, and shared my social media posts — the artists who have allowed me to tell a bit of their story — the folks who showed support in the early days of the pandemic and tuned into the live streams — everyone that has watched one of my YouTube videos or tuned in for my Journal Friday time-lapses — anyone who has listened to my podcast and gotten some kind of inspiration from it — anyone who purchased artwork. I am grateful and humbled by the response and the support. You have all made this scary and uncertain time much less scary and uncertain.
Thank you to each and everyone of you. I am grateful from the bottom of my heart, and I appreciate all the love, support, enthusiasm, and generosity. This has be such a remarkable time — both in the way the pandemic has impacted our lives, but also how so many have come together to lift one another up and to support each other. It is with much love and gratitude that I write these words. I am indebted to your kindness!
Thank you!