March 24th… day 11 of social-distancing in our house… the snow is falling today… but there are some positive developments that come with our situation.
How is everyone doing? There was not a lot of interaction after my last post and I see that as a positive development as it shows that everyone is busy from preparing their taxes to depleting their stash!
I love the quote above which I found yesterday. Another opinion piece I read recently is to look to artists as examples on how to self-motivate and work successfully from home with distractions while meeting deadlines… over many centuries. Food for thought, and it helps us all to keep things in perspective!
This list popped up on Facebook a couple of days ago and I decided to share it as well:
Yes, for the most part we know how to keep our thoughts and ideas flowing and avoid dwelling on this uncontrollable situation we find ourselves in. Keep doing what you love! If quilting or another art forms are not your “thing” cook a great meal, or… if you are so inclined: start to de-clutter the house, although that invokes anxiety in me… 😉
One very positive development for us has been more frequent contact with our daughter and her family. There are more pictures, videos and even a video chat on Sunday around dinner time.
I had been following the family on Facebook but it is always great to get a direct message. I love WhatsApp for that and welcome any photos they share. One of the posts was titled: “It’s easy to social distance in the Kootenays!” with these great pics.
And then came the day where the request for a Frozen themed princess dress was requested… no judgement please, but Sebastian wants to do everything his big sister does (Yes, he joined ballet lessons as well shortly after she started last fall.)
Two princesses taking a break from tea time indoors to jumping on the trampoline in the back yard…
…writing letters of thanks to those who are working in essential services, painting, building with LEGO blocks and exploring embroidery for the first time, while also taking advantage of sunny days and going for bike rides…
It took them some time to establish this routine but from what we see two provinces away the family has fully embraced the unpredictable situation.
Meanwhile in Saskatchewan: My wheels are turning and I am pulling teaching materials to review and update them with more images and samples. I am also mulling over the possibility to offer online workshops in the near future. I know, I know! I was reluctant to consider this option in the past but I believe this is the time to reevaluate and see what I can come up with.
I am looking for input to help me design an online teaching model that works best. Please, if you are someone who has taken classes and is interested in providing input, and possibly test upcoming modules, let me know. Shoot me an email to annahergert@me.com with your ideas. Check my workshop page for a starting point and if you have any other ideas let me know. Exciting times ahead!
Personally I am still engaging in daily walk, weather permitting. Witnessing seasonal changes and capturing them with my iPhone and composing simple haiku and posting them daily keep me motivated to continue with my contemplative practice. I have been publishing one image and accompanying haiku for well over three years here. Thank you to those who follow and comment. It’s encouraging.
As always, I can’t forget about cuteness personified, Ash. She keeps us entertained and engaged just when we think boredom might strike. We have stopped all classes with her… The trainer has continued to run agility and obedience classes but we are not convinced that this is the time to socially engage… We do what we can at home to keep her busy! Or is it the other way around? 😉
I realize that my blog addresses the already creative types among us but I will continue to post, one never knows who needs a little positivity and even humour to make the day more enjoyable. Although, the humour thing is debatable as I was once labelled “the most serious person in the world” (Nicole, our daughter described me that way in her auto biography in Grade 2). Still chuckling about that statement 😉
The image above made my day! We don’t have the most inviting Starbucks in town but I regularly stop there to earn points or make the errand run less of a chore… this image and statement was priceless!
Stay safe, stay healthy and give my online teaching proposal some thought. Send me an email directly or share your suggestions in the comments below. That is often helpful to generate a little discussion! Sending good energy from our lakeside home where the snow flakes are still twirling.
Anna Hergert, Art & Design 
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I laughed out loud when I saw the change to “Artist in residence”. As long as we don’t start acting like the Leeeooon’s people on TV. Such fun. Ash is a scene stealer in case you haven’t noticed. Keep well.
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Glad to generate a few laughs! We sure need them to stay positive! We have snow falling for the second day in a row… don’t relish going out for a walk on muddy roads😣
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Anna, you may like to check out dogsthat.com/home-school/ for Ash. Susan Garrett is a good on-line trainer and is offering this free for self-isolated pet-owners. It will give you something to do until regular training classes can open again.
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Thank you, Pat! We are actually set with lots of great exercises from past classes, we even built some equipment and I ordered a tunnel. The thing we need most for Ash is the socialization part. This is the most crucial time in her life to become comfortable around other dogs! This social distancing couldn’t have had “better” timing! Oh well, back to the original plan… a cuddly lap dog!😁
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Thought of you lately. Two recent posts by others about Kantha. Let me know if you would like me to forward the specific posts. Certainly would make a great online class. Snowstorm here this morning, largest flakes we have ever seen. Turned to rain by noon.
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Always interested in Kantha! Not sure if a class online would be warranted with my book available and all… but I am open to these suggestions. What do others think??
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Great post, gave me a number of laughs. Love your grandson in the dress, priceless the both of them! And of course the Starbucks poster… it’s humor and art that are going to get us through this, that and community of course. Thanks, Anna!
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Glad this post brought some laughs… art and humour will get us through this for sure… but most of all community! So grateful to have made amazing connections over the many years of teaching and traveling!
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I too loved this post. With all the cancellations of guild activities here and everywhere, we are all looking for different ways to keep engaged and feeling connected. Your post today also gave me a few chuckles and loved seeing your grandchildren trying their hand at embroidery!
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Thanks Susan! So nice to get your feedback!
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Hi Anna. great post. Of course the best was Ash.
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