Mar
23

Checking In: How Are You All??

Wow, so much has changed in a week and a half. Coronavirus hit Washington state hard, leading to schools, restaurants, dentists, hair salons, libraries, gyms, playgrounds, pretty much everything non-essential getting closed. Many of our friends and family members are suddenly out of work. Ben is still going to the office right now, which is kind of double-sided...we're glad he's earning a paycheck, but a little worried that he could get sick. Of course, it could be a lot scarier...several of our friends work in hospitals where their risk is a lot higher. As for the rest of us, we are supposed to stay six feet apart and stay home unless it's unavoidable. There's a lot of fear and uncertainty about the economy moving forward. These are WEIRD and scary times. Not to downplay any of that, but there have also been some beautiful side effects to this whole thing. We've had time to slow down and be together as a family. We've gained a new appreciation for our home, and what "home" really means (comfort, safety, love). We've gone for lots of family walks and hikes, soaking in the beautiful spring sunshine that Spokane is having. And I've been really proud to see our local community rising up to support each other. A local distillery is making and distributing free hand sanitizer. Volunteers are sewing masks for our healthcare workers. A cupcake shop started baking bread and giving it to families in need. People are intentionally getting takeout and coffee from local restaurants instead of chains, and buying gift cards to keep our small businesses afloat. It's been a nice silver lining to see our city united against a common enemy and working together to fight it. That's one of my favorite things about Spokane...we have such a strong, awesome, active and supportive community.

I had this map made before all the Coronavirus developments got crazy. Originally, I had Airbnb in mind. We had this blank wall in our living room, and I thought it would be nice to hang something there that represents Spokane. Turns out, our Airbnb guests ended up cancelling (they were coming for a wedding, and gatherings of 50+ people got banned). But I'm glad I got this map anyways! I'm proud of my city, plus this print matches our blue chairs like it was meant to be.

You can make a map of your own city--or any location that's special to you--over at Mapiful. They also have star maps that show the alignment of the stars at any given time and location the world, as well as Zodiac prints for your birthday. I love those ideas! After all, art should be meaningful.

I hope you all are doing well and staying safe and healthy. Where do you live? How are you feeling?? Are you still working? Seeing friends and family? Or are you on lockdown? It's so bizarre that the whole world is going through this right now.