Faith, Hope & Love
Featured above, "She Dances" / 48 x 24
To mention COVID-19 or not to mention COVID-19, that is the question…Seriously crazy times we’re living in right now!
Originally, I was going to tell you about the amazing show we had in Amelia Island Florida and then talk about the great shows coming up this month and next. However, the five events scheduled through the end of May have all been cancelled or postponed until Fall or 2021. So instead, let’s just focus on the positive stuff.
Breathe in…breathe out.
The Amelia Island Concours was a really great show! The event was well attended, the weather was beautiful and we were able to connect with many old and new friends. It’s truly an enjoyable event for us and I was so thankful that we had the opportunity to get this one under our belts to start the year as it gave us some much-needed momentum to prepare us for the coming weeks ahead. We returned home from Florida the evening of March 10 and later that week, the Corona Virus changed the world.
Since I work from my studio in solitude, there’s very little that has changed in my daily work life…except my kids are home all day, and it’s raining…a lot lately. But as an extrovert who has regularly scheduled activities to keep me socialized, this whole “social distancing” business makes me a smidge nuts. I live in Orange County CA, and as most places nowadays, we are on mandated “shelter in place” orders. Only allowed to go out for essential needs. Okay, I can do this…but for how long?
Texting friends. Calling family. Checking on neighbors. Painting. New projects for collectors (thanks friends!). Doing an inventory for supplies. Organizing the studio and storage unit. Reading. Praying. Playing games with the kids (when they comply/are forced to). Binge watching dumb series on Netflix and Prime. AVOIDING THE NEWS. Finding creative ways to support our local small businesses. Well, that took care of the first 10 days…now what?
What are some ways that you’re staying healthy, positive, grounded in your quarantine zone? Please share!
I know that in all this fear is our enemy. There are a ton of reasons for me to spin out with anxiety these days, and I won’t lie, I’ve tiptoed into that dark abyss once or twice over the past couple of weeks. But God, in His infinite grace and mercy, has continued to meet my doubts and fears with an unexpected project from a collector, or an encouraging call from a dear friend who knows her “social” friend is in need of a good laugh. God is good that way!
All and all I need to keep reminding myself that even in the midst of this scary and perplexing time that there is still beautiful and good things to be found. Hope still shines in the darkness if you look for it. It’s that discovery that called me back into painting years ago and what keeps me going now. Who knows, maybe one day we’ll even be thankful we experienced the Great COVID-19 lockdown of 2020?
Be well, be safe and simply know that in the quiet of my studio, I’m praying for you.
—Lyn
5 comments
Hi ~ beautiful, uplifting thoughts to match that breath of fresh air loveliness of a painting. Thank you!!! What do I do while I’m on “lockdown”? As you know, me & my sweetie have jobs considered an ‘essential service’ (home health nurse & emergency operations manager). I feel fortunate to still be able to see clients, taking extra precautions of course (don’t want to spread anything to anyone & vice versa)!! In our down time we cook, we hang outside, garden, take walks, watch Netflix at night, pretty much all the usual things, only our furtive once a week visits to the store are now more like twice a month. We enjoy seeing our neighbors walking with their families/pets around the block more, and basically things feel more ‘real’ and slower than before ~ which I like. Counting blessings, this down time gives me room to pause & give thanks for the slower pace, appreciating the stories of my parents about their hard times when they were younger, reflecting on simple cherished values that spending more time with loved ones brings me. All in all, this has been an amazing experience in counterpoint to all the tragedy, worry & fear swirling too. I find myself limiting the news to once every few days because I don’t like the fear and anxiety I pick up from media coverage ~ it’s informative but also feels sensational and manipulative. I wonder how other folks are managing, and send out my prayers & thoughts for health and happiness to everyone. o
Lyn, I always enjoying reading your newsletter! Keep focusing on your beautiful paintings and praying this pandemic ends soon!!
Prayers for you and your family!
Lyn, I loved reading this. Your positive attitude and beautiful spirit is uplifting. Thanks for sharing what you’re thinking. I am right there with you – I feel optimistic but sometimes I get caught up in the FEAR of something that has not even happened! And then I have to remind myself that I am protected. Thanks, love you girl! xxoo
Thanks, your emails are always inspiring. My daughter said if we worry, it means we have no faith. But it’s still hard. The blessing in this is I have more time to paint and be in His WORD.
Take care and stay well.
Karen
Hi Lyn! Good to hear from you. Stay healthy… see you when EDS is back.
Hey, is that a Lincoln Futura ghost from 3/4 back showing in the “She Dances” painting? Or am I just seeing things due to quarantine myself? ;;)