Mar 2020 - Coronavirus, time, jobs, the big picture, big THANKS!
Hello dear ones,
Covid-19 has changed our world. I fear what I may be writing in the coming blog updates. But for now there are some positive things we can get from this experience. For instance, more time to connect with family in the home - and virtual time and more phone calls for the rest of us. We have time to take stock of what is important, to meditate, take walks, play music and games, get creative, learn something new, read, watch movies, and enjoy a quarantini cocktail or two. We were lucky that Tom's beer and pizza birthday bash fell before the social distancing got serious. Who knew it would be the last time we gather with many friends for a long time?
I currently have an exhibit at a brewery that no one can see. I do hope people support restaurants and pubs with safe social distancing and carry-outs, but I plan to shelter in place. I spent two long afternoons with my mom last week - and I miss her already. Since I have multiple jobs I’ll get by easier than some other artists, though I don’t expect much new work to come my way. I just sold a commissioned print of the Hoan Bridge, and finished a website design job for Peter Roller. He is available for on-line Skype lessons. I am available for website designs at Websites By Anita. If it is something you did not have time to put together before with a busy schedule, maybe now you do. I am okay with doing a payment plan if needed. I have also switched all my piano students to online FaceTime and Zoom video calls. We are still fine tuning the best way to navigate all of this, but so far only one lesson had poor connection issues. My husband’s music and magic gigs have all ‘disappeared’. He used to be a teacher and seeing the parents who are now forced to home-school get a new appreciation for what teachers do is quite gratifying to us. Check out these hilarious comments! LINK. Tom and I have both been independent artists and basic homebodies for years, so day-to-day life doesn’t feel very different. In fact, a neighbor once asked if we were vampires. I never go to salons and have been cutting my own hair forever, so that is one less thing to worry about. I have also been wearing leggings for ages - so my corona-comfy clothes are in place. Tom now switches from daytime jammies to nighttime jammies. He is painting models, playing bass and learning new tricks. We might make some videos. I plan to do more writing and get in the art studio and finish some sewing projects. Also using down time to get tax papers done, even though I plan to take advantage of the extension. Financially we’ll be fine. But it is heartbreaking to know that many, many people will not be.
I think our nation will be profoundly changed by this epidemic in ways we can’t fathom yet. Financial recovery may take a very long time – perhaps years. Emotionally, I don’t think people are prepared for what is sure to hit us. The lack of medical equipment and the government’s slow reaction has me terrified. And I don’t understand the toilet paper hoarding. Insert your own *asshole* joke here. But in the end I believe people will pull together to get through this and we’ll be stronger for it. And hopefully more compassionate. And more…HUMAN. There could be positive changes! People will see the need for universal healthcare. Teachers will get raises. A living wage (for every job that some saw as unimportant, but now make it possible for you to stay safe at home). Immigrants in need will be welcomed. In the meanwhile, the Earth is being cleansed of toxins during the massive industrial shutdown. Maybe there is a reason this is happening. Maybe we’ll learn something.
I can not say THANK YOU enough to the health care and emergency workers, and all the support staff who are in the line of fire! And the reporters, drivers, grocery stockers, store and pharmacy employees, bankers, delivery people, gas station, utility and repair folks and government workers – everyone who helps keep things going while our known way of life feels like it is crumbling around us. It is not. Reach out to someone if you need help. Or call and check in to make sure your friends and neighbors are okay. We’ll be changed. But we’ll get through this!
Stay calm and wash your hands,
Anita
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Home office / Tom's Bday / Hoan art / Covid support ribbon / Needs
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Anita Burgermeister, eclectic independent artist in Milwaukee ~ creator of faux finishes, murals, fine art, photography, websites & more. Sharing news about creative people & events in art, music, magic, dance, dining, film, writing, architecture, inventions, life & other stuff. Hope you enjoy and read often!
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