April is Earth month and here we are three weeks into “Safer at Home” orders from the WI state governor, how am I holding up in this new surreal world? Let me share…
It took 25 years to realize what my calling is in this world and I left a 20 year career in Dec. 2018 to focus on building an art business. I was determined to succeed and followed my passion. Now I have to ‘temporarily halt’ my business growth. (Don’t even get me started on the fact that a majority of my former colleagues and friends are forced out of work as hairstylists, nail techs, esthiticians, massage therapists for the duration of this.)
I am free to create with the amount of supplies (I haven’t needed to order anything because I stocked up over winter preparing and creating for all the spring, summer and fall shows), yet the Cultural places, theaters and many business where my work can be exhibited, displayed and sold are now closed, some concerned they may not open to the capacity they were because they are non profit. This keeps my work to an online viewing audience that is momentarily captivated by ALL that is COVID-19 related. Moments of guilt come over me regarding what I do as being valid or essential, then I realize without the arts (musicians, writers, actors, illustrators, creator of all sorts of fine art) society’s extraordinary events would go without a view from those who have experienced them. Those who have lived and felt can emote something intangible into something tangible. Our work is MORE important right now than ever to record how humanity views this pandemic! Stories need to be heard and shared.
I live in the suburban mid-west. Small town raised, we say ‘HI’ to everyone, wave and chat. Now I walk into a store and encounter people with their heads down, glancing yet avoiding eye contact. If you cough, sneeze or walk too close to someone it could warrant a sneer or death stare.. Families (including those who may be single parent households) are told one person, over the age of 16, should shop for the entire family. Temperatures are being taken at big box stores and blue tape arrows designate direction and X’s mark safe distance in line. Limited quantities of items are enforced because people cannot seem to police themselves and are hoarding irrational amounts of items. Heaven forbid you have a family of 5 or more, and have to explain why you need more than 2 loaves of bread, 2 dozen eggs, and 2 pounds of ground chuck. Dairy farmers are being told by cooperatives to dump milk and produce less; there is an overabundance and they can only make so much cheese with the excess. Fresh food is available, yet fear of a proper process to safely clean it creates fear around buying it. Toilet paper might as well be currency, I watched people at a local store load up entire SUV’s full of it three short weeks ago. (Secretly, I hope it was for a group home or assisted living facility, but I’m doubtful. I’m grateful to have a system to maintain certain quantities of designated items in our household, and replenish as needed.)
Then there is the stay home, only work if you’re essential. Who’s essential, you ask? Well, a whole lot more than you would think, yet not enough. (This is a good time to pay attention to all ‘necessary’ areas of our lives and realize the importance of those that make it possible.) Travel isn’t essential, yet we will lift fees for the state parks and trails so you can use that space to get out and be active. Don’t use any equipment though or sit on a bench, throw a ball or frisbee, that isn’t considered safe social distancing, nevermind you’ve told us sunshine kills the virus on surfaces. Do drive like fools without regard for others who are sharing the roadways with you because you think you are above the law and they won’t bother coming after you. Limit your time on social medial, but use Facetime, Zoom and Google hangouts for connecting to others from your home. Stay active and take a nap. My head is spinning from the never ending barrage of contradictory information being thrown at us daily.
I’ve resorted to obscene behaviors in my household I never thought I’d be doing. Sanitizing everything, alot! Having “house only” clothes and “going out for essential trips” clothes that go right into the wash upon entering our home, showers when returning from work or the store. (I’ve not been wearing PJ’s and maintained regular attire during the day, but I cannot say that I haven’t accidentally slept in those clothes after binge watching something on Netflix) I’ve not started wearing gloves or a mask when I go out simply because I may require some serious anti-depressants to deal with anymore of this chaos.
In a nut shell, many of us are NOT FINE and I finally am able to share that fact. We will do the best we can to deal with the ever changing situational day to day events and even those things that may affect us for a lifetime. Some we can control, but most we cannot. Stay as safe as you know how to. Take time to share with others how you feel. We need validation from each other to make it through this epic time.
Look for some interesting art and images when this is all done.
April is Earth month, and I still want to support by donating 50% of the sale of “Making Ripples” to the “Alliance for the Great Lakes.” 
Visit my store or message me if you are interested in purchasing.
Big ART hugs to all you be-you-tiful people and thanks for clicking and sharing, you’re the best!
~Tammy
