Waiting Out the Coronavirus...

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”--Martin Luther King, Jr.

When times are difficult we need to "lean together" and find balance our lives. Supporting Our Dream

​These are unusual times. While our day-to-day routines have changed pretty dramatically, it’s important to remember that we can still seek joy, peace, health and beauty.
 
I know many are disappointed that almost every organized activity you can imagine has been canceled or postponed. Every spring I look forward to the first art shows and other art related events. This year I was personally excited about showing my new series of paintings, MY OZARKS, at various art fairs, but that’s not going to happen.  Since we are going to be out of our routines, now is a good time to break some old habits and start a few new ones.  It may be awhile before you see me in public again. No, I haven’t decided to shelter-in-place. My wife are now artists-in-residence.

Haw Creek Falls in the Arkansas Ozarks, 16X12 Acrylic on Canvas

​Social distancing doesn’t mean we need to stop everything and become hermits.  The Outdoors is still open for business.  There is no reason we can’t go for walks, hike, explore, and observe spring coming into bloom. There is nothing more beautiful than an Ozarks spring with Redbuds and Dogwoods. With all the rain, the waterfalls are flowing, and the trees will soon begin to leaf out.  If we happen across other nature and outdoor lovers, we’ll be friendly, but keep our distance.

Richland Creek, Arkansas Ozarks 24X18 Acrylic Painting.

We have so many places to hike, waterfalls to see and secluded trials to take while watching the magic of winter turning into spring.  The Ozarks is blessed with Conservation Areas in every county.  If you and your family want to enjoy spring, here are three websites to research, the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources-State Parks. My favorite source for places to hike is AllTrails.com.  It’s a great resource with photos, detailed descriptions, maps, difficulty ratings and reviews from other hikers.  Best of all this is free.

Just a heads up, while the trails may be open, many facilities are closed including public restrooms, visitor centers, and public campgrounds – plan accordingly. 

Partners, fishing with a friend. 16X12 Acrylic painting.

Here is a list of a few more ideas to inspire you this spring:

• Acquaint your children with the outdoors and nature.
• Make a personal greeting card and send it to a long-lost friend.
• Take a quiet walk in a park.
• Keep a day-to-day diary of your Coronavirus experience. Do a sketch for everyday.
• Take your family on a picnic.
• Float a river.
• Catch a fish.
• Make a list of the birds that come to your feeder.
• Start a window garden.
• Grow a tomato.
• Repot a plant. 
• If you are an artist, start entering art contests and competitions via the internet.
• Explore a new art medium or a hobby you have always wanted to try. 
• Dig out those old puzzles and show a child how good you are at finding the missing piece.
• Read an old book from your youth. Who were your book heros?
• What’s on your nightstand to read? (O America by William Least Heat Moon is on mine). 
• Play an old fashioned board game or cards with your children. 
• Learn a new skill through YouTube.com or Udemy.com or other online learning sites. 
• Watch an old classic movie (Casablanca again?), or any movie. 
• Create or Clean and organize your art area!
• Organize the photos and files on your computer. LOL!
• Walk out on the Eads Bridge and enjoy the St Louis skyline. Yes, it’s safe.
• Call a friend you have lost contact with. Don’t you wonder whatever happened to what’s her name?
• Get in touch with a relative you haven’t talked to in a long time. 
• Clean out your garage, closet, and attic of unneeded stuff to donate to charity. 
• Say some prayers. We could use some right now.
• Teach your pet a new trick. 
• Try a new recipe and cook something you have never made before. 
• Make popcorn the old-fashioned way with lots of butter and salt.
• Show your children how to sew, use basic tools, and building things with their hands.
• Make protective masks for your family (Google it or go to YouTube.com)
• Write a poem, a story or a memoir. 
• Create a book or notecards of your art.
• Checkout Shutterfly  on making notecards and books.
• Exercise, LOL!
• Teach your child how to do something old fashioned from when you were a child.
• Eat some dark chocolate. Tell yourself it’s good for you.
• Learn/practice a musical instrument.
• Set aside time every day to practice, practice, practice your art.
• Photograph your shadow. I call them "Shadow Selfies".
• Camp in a quiet place.
• Go skinny dipping when it gets warmer.
• Hunt morel mushrooms.
• Drink a bottle of wine and relax.
• Play in a waterfall.
• Ride a bike.
• Go camping in a tent.
• Watch the sunset.
• Watch the moonrise.
• Show your children how to find the North star.
• Teach a child the wonders of nature.

Elephant Rocks State Park, a great place for children run and play. Elephant Rocks Panorama, 12X48 Acrylic painting.

​Staying home could be the best way to spend time with your children, and help them build confidence and character during a stressful time.  No one knows how long the Coronavirus will last, but it may be the best thing to happen to you this spring.  Have a Happy and Safe Spring.