covid composure

Many of us will experience moments during this crisis when we’ll just collapse. Breaking down is nothing to avoid or be ashamed of; I've been there myself as have friends and those who've been courageous enough to share what's happening to them by posting on my social media platforms. Rather than fight the feelings, we need to go with our emotions in an effort to avoid a bigger, perhaps more devastating outburst that could surface when we least expect it. 

Worth repeating is that we must take good care of ourselves during this crisis. Self care includes letting go of anxiety in a constructive manner which can be done by taking a moment to breathe, find composure, and allow the energy to shift in our body. When we wake up each morning, breathe. Not just once or twice, take several breaths and remember to be grateful if you’re able to do so without assistance from a ventilator. And if you need some professional guidance, by all means seek it via online or hotline assistance.

We’re still in this together on this Easter and Passover Sunday; happy holiday if you celebrate either. Stay safe, be well, take good care and…

keep your peepers open!

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social distance care

In the midst of the corona chaos, positive stories really do have an impact on our psyche; a random act of social distance kindness happened to me on a chilly March morning as I headed out to walk.

Just steps away from my front door I was looking one way, started walking in another and FELL!!!! Face down on the concrete drive, it took me a minute to comprehend what had just happened; I was afraid to move, not sure if I could even do so. When I finally raised my head, there across the street was a neighbor who I’ve only seen on his way to work some mornings when I’m out getting my steps in. He called out asking if I was okay, my response, as I carefully and slowly pushed myself into a seated position, “I don’t know, think I’m in shock!” I didn’t move for what seemed like a long time as I assessed my condition. Though both my palms and right knee were stinging, overall, I felt okay and got back up on my feet. My neighbor was still there waiting and once again asked me how I was. I took a few steps, “I’m good,” I shouted and it was only then that he waved and told me to have a great day before going on his way. I finished my walk. 

Once home, scrapes and bruises that needed attention were tended to and I decided to take it easy for the rest of the day. As I relaxed, I thought of the comfort I had felt while I was on the ground knowing that a complete stranger who, in a time when we are forced to practice physical distancing, chose to practice care from afar. I still have no idea who he is, have not seen him again when I’m walking, however I am and will be forever grateful for his kindness. 

In the season when nature is springing back to life, it is tragically sad that so many people are losing theirs. Let us be kind and caring to others and ourselves in whatever ways we can until AND after this is over. Be safe, be well, take good care and...

keep your peepers open!

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while we're #aparttogether

As the coronavirus began to spread across the map with scarlet intensity, I began asking myself what I could contribute to brighten the day for people globally during the pandemic. This past Tuesday while deleting some photographs from my phone, a seed was planted; I love flowers and nature, they always lift my spirits and as I meditated that morning, the idea to share my floral photographs with the world sprouted. I designed a website www.ablossomaday.com and an Instagram page @ablossomaday2020. Each day on the website I will replace the previous day’s photo with a new floral image as well as post a positive message; all photos will appear on the Instagram page. 

So together, let’s make @ablossomaday2020 go global on the ‘gram while we’re apart! Please like, follow, share and ask others to do the same (click on the website, there's a link to Instagram on the pages).

We are in this together. Stay safe, be well, take good care and…

keep your peepers open!

#sunday #sacredsunday #blogpost #blogging #blogger #photographer #photo #photograph #photography#outdoorphotography #ablossomaday #flattenthecurve #coronavirus #covid19 #pandemic #inspiration #positivity #aparttogether #socialdistancing #togetherathome #wellness #mindful #florals #flowers 

cheery while covid

As we adjust to a different way of living and being, I continue to get out for a walk at least 4 or 5 days each week. Here in DC, it’s cherry blossom season and for the first time in forever, there will be no big festive celebrations. I decided to take a walk to the Tidal Basin on peak bloom day this past Friday; never has one been able to get around without jostling for space or fear of falling into the water because of the crowds, though after an hour or so, more folks did begin to arrive, seemed to ignore social distance spacing (a few folks even asked me if I wanted them to take my picture with the blossoms as they reached for my camera or phone as I moved back declining the offers) so I headed home.

Unfortunately, the crowds got much bigger on Saturday making social distancing more difficult so last night, the District put into place major street closings surrounding the Basin to control the foot traffic and discourage visits to see the blooms. Fortunately, I did take pictures of what I like to call the “cheery” blossoms, so please enjoy.

The more we ignore the precautions, the longer this will go on. Everyone be safe, be well, take good care and...

keep your peepers open!

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viewing the pandemic

During this time of living through a global pandemic, let’s not only take time to help each other, let’s also take time for ourselves. 

Rather than panic, I’ve chosen to take a look at what message this health crisis has for me as an individual; as an artist and writer I’ve decided to sit down in my “studio”, a.k.a., my table, to create whatever chooses to come to me in words or in hand cut paper collage form. I’m staying aware of what’s happening and when I begin to feel worried or overwhelmed by the constant information flow coming from so many sources, I go for a walk, pick up a book or turn on a movie. Yesterday, I put on the oldies and danced as I gave my abode an early spring cleaning then kicked back with a bourbon cocktail!

Does the pandemic alarm me? Does the fact that people are dying bring me sadness? Do I have parents in their 80’s? Have I as an entrepreneur lost work, experienced and had to make cancellations to both my business and social calendars? Has my financial portfolio taken a beating? Do I think about what pieces I may have to or may never be able to pick up on the other side of this crisis? The answer is yes to each question and with that answer is an understanding that I have no control over the duration of this moment in time. Like everyone else around the globe, I have to wait it out; unlike those who have chosen to not take this seriously, feel that they can’t get the virus, and have put themselves and others at risk rather than taking safety precautions, I am listening, assessing, weighing what I hear and from whom, then making safe not selfish, thoughtless or panic driven decisions. And let me take a second to acknowledge that I don’t have parents in nursing homes or children to make concessions for with the school closings; I do think of the families who have to manage through either situation and on a daily basis, wish them all the ease that can come their way.

Eventually, the cases of those coming down with Covid19 will begin to drop, the shelves in the supermarkets will once again be full, and the despicable price gouging practices we’ve seen online will cease. Unfortunately nobody knows what day that will be. Until then, we are in this together. Let’s stay informed, look out for one another, make responsible choices, remain as calm as possible, and find some positive, constructive ways to channel our energy, frustrations and boredom. Who knows...perhaps you or one of your children if you have any will discover a hidden talent! And if you can safely support local business establishments who are open, do so.

Be safe, be well, take good care and...

keep your peepers open!

PS...just thought of something -- go online and take the Census at www.2020census.gov.

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just so happened...

Just so happened to catch 60 Minutes last Sunday and saw a story about an 18 year young musical phenom. Just so happened that I decided to find out if he might be on tour. Just so happened that he was and last evening, one of my friends and I sat at Sixth & I to witness, as she put it, a shooting star.

Not only is Matthew Whitaker something to see, the venue is also. Sixth & I, a “center for arts, entertainment, and ideas,” is a synagogue that “reimagines how religion and community can enhance people’s everyday lives”.  This magical place is beautiful, like a warm hug that invites you to sit, relax, make friends and fully take in whomever is on stage. Last night, it showcased a young man that you really must see, so…

keep your peepers open!

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woo hoo moments

I took a photograph of a daffodil one morning while on a walk. I certainly didn’t know then that it would now be part of a permanent installation at the Short Term Family Housing site in Ward 6 here in Washington, DC; last August, ten of my other photographs were installed at the Ward 5 location. 

As an artist who had the pleasure of selecting and installing artwork at Children’s National Medical Center when I was Director of Creative & Therapeutic Arts there, I know that art on the walls brings warmth to and makes a huge difference in how a place feels and looks. As a native Washingtonian who actually resides in Ward 6, I'm so proud that my work was selected to grace the walls at both sites.

This past Friday, I was invited to and attended the Mayor’s ribbon cutting press conference, a woo hoo moment for this girl that allowed me to meet new people (some from my neighborhood) and talk about my work. Many thanks to those who told me how much they liked the daffodil; the intention of my floral photographs is to give those who view them a pleasurable experience much like what I feel when I'm about to capture the image so…

keep your peepers open!

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