A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

And we don’t get to see our neighbors.

It’s a whole new world and a new way of living.

Here in Minnesota, we’re under a ‘Shelter in Place’ order. Which means no work for non-essential companies. I get it. And we don’t go to an office or hang out in public places. We are taking every precaution. Christian avoids people. He never goes in buildings. He stays outside and in the lake. We have his extremely high-risk parents to consider and care for right now. We are cleaning, sanitizing and avoiding everything and everyone. We are taking this very seriously.

That being said, I know that Christian’s work is more essential now than ever before. I truly feel his art is ministering to our souls in a way we so desperately need.

But for this beautiful artist I love and live with, the world just shattered.

Let me tell you what I’ve seen first hand, artists do not handle confinement, fear, insecurity, and isolation well. For my artist, life looks too uncertain. He is so convinced the world is done buying art and it’s time to panic.

Thankfully, I manage the business side so I know we have a little margin. But it’s true that March and April are when art sales typically start to pick up. We make it through what feels like a rough winter of minimal sales and have the hope of spring to look forward to. Right now, it doesn’t seem all that hopeful to my guy and I’m sure to many, many other people out there.

At the risk of sounding like another repetitive robot, don’t forget your artists! We are so small of a business that we do not qualify for all the aid that many other small businesses qualify for. If you still have a fully functional job, now is the time to buy that print you’ve been eyeing the last few months. We know we are not alone in this. It is high-terror time for everyone.

As you know from following him, photography is a rather large part of what has kept Christian sober. He receives messages and comments every day from people telling him that his art and his photography is keeping them sane through this unprecedented time. Those words are a stabilizing force for his heart. Thank you.

In many ways Christian and I are very fortunate. We have a functional house, a pretty sweet backyard and a way of life that has always been fairly contained. We are major introverts, so being without people is our norm. We live very minimally off Christian’s art.

In fact, Christian and I started a “Joy Jar” to remember to find things to be thankful for. It’s really a good exercise and we know it’s there for times when we can’t remember the good times.

So have hope, friends. Let’s make it a goal to find the beauty. No matter where you are, be safe. Take a moment and look out the window at the sunshine or moon or snow or stars. There is something out there that’s beautiful. I’m finding that scrolling through Christian’s pictures and listening to good music is soothing to my soul. (Cranking some good ol’ Hall and Oates while cleaning and some classic Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong while chilling and always the Purple One when I need an extra something) 😉

I know many people are considered high risk, so going for that walk outside is not safe. I know there are many people actually seeing the outside for the first time, now that they have been forced to stay home. It’s a whole new world and a whole new way of life. And we can choose to learn.

We want you to know, for now as long as it remains safe, you can bet that swimmer guy will be chasing after as much beauty as he can find. He knows that the sounds and colors of the Lake bring comfort to your hearts as it does ours.

Watch out for the deer (and wash your hands haha). Stay well. xx