Welcome to yet another rousing edition of T stands for Tuesday.
This week finds most of us in the same place as last…at home, still at home. The difference for me is now my job has started back up after an extended spring break. I find myself in a very strange place much like hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of people. Trying to figure out how to work from home.
I had two laptops set up on opposite sides of the table yesterday. My work one was the only one that actually saw any work. I had thought I’d get this post written but navigating through day 1 of distance learning proved to be more intense than I had expected. Honestly, I think it’s easier to just go to school. Likely because there is also no distractions.
When I’m at home I tend to wear those other hats; chef, nutritional consultant, household manager, inventory specialist, artist, garden and landscape architect, blogger, chief procurement officer, mom, seamstress, and wife. All these titles…and likely a few I missed…I’m used to at home…it’s the new one, the one that is my actual paying job that needs to be my focus. So weird. Such uncharted territory. I am thankful for the opportunity to continue to work since with so many folks now unemployed. I am determined to do my absolute best to support my students during this confusing time.
Speaking of the artist hat. I have been neglectful in posting this journal page. 
It’s a very simple page. The striped background is an artist page from an old Stampington & Company magazine. After adhering bits of scraps, I was at a loss as to what I wanted as a focal image. I decided on drawing simple greenery. I used watercolor crayons over my pencil marks until achieving the look I wanted.
The green plant provided hope for spring. We are definitely in need of a little greening up out there. Everything is brown, matted grass and depressing. It is warming up though, so it’s coming!!
Last week I was also sewing masks. I had seen repeated calls for help with providing masks for health systems that are running low. Ones that aren’t used on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19. Since I had materials to create the specific ones shown in this video tutorial.
I love that! I’m so happy that our little exchange has the potential to save lives!!
Today is day 2 of distance learning. My own children seem to be doing just fine. I talked to a neighbor last evening…at the proper social distance…her girls are early elementary age and in Spanish immersion. Her day was not so easy. Hopefully, we will all settle into this new normal quickly and keep on learning each day. Perhaps discovering something deep inside ourselves that we weren’t able to see before.
This lonely hallway photo I snapped gives me pause. So quiet, so lonely. Yet look…there is light at the end, just as there is light at the end of this journey for all of us.
I can’t imagine how difficult it must be for most of the teachers, students, and their parents right now. Hats off to all of you! Many people all over the globe are making fabric masks and sending them out to those in need. It’s such a kind and loving gesture. Your journal page is lovely- at first I thought it was a canvas board:) Stay well, and happy T day!
Such an uplifting post! You are both such superstars helping others in this way and saving lives ?. Your journal page is gorgeous, the green leaves reminds me of springtime too! Wishing you a Happy T Day, stay safe and well! Hugs, Jo x
Your last photo says it all to me-yes there is light and hope at the end.
so wonderful that you could make up those masks for those that need them.
I love your journal page too Happy T wishes Kathy
Thank you for the light at the end of the hallway! I needed that today ~ What a wonderful way to pay it forward, both of you are blessed to be a blessing. Beautiful journal page too ~ stay well
Your page looks like it was fun to make, Halle. I’m inspired.
Wonderful post! Especially the mask story and your sign off. Yes, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Thank you for sharing the video. I just did essential errands today. I couldn’t find masks anywhere, though all the clerks were wearing them.
Stay safe and well.
Happy T-day! Eileen xx
I know what you mean about getting things done when you are the wearer of many hats. At home there are no boundaries when it comes to that. I do hope that you are able to find a good balance while accomplishing all that you need too.
Your masks look great! Yes, there seem to be so many people that are being generous with their time and sewing these masks. Great job!
I love the background on your tag. Recycling pretty paper is the best background in my opinion.
Happy Tea Day,
Kate
A lovely post to read and you are a star to be helping making masks and encouraging others to help as well. The last photo you added was a powerful scene and a message of hope for us all.
The journal page you shared looks fantastic as well
Take care and stay safe.
happy T daywishes
Once again, I’ve been offline due to my #^OYO(*&* internet provider. I can take the stay at home orders, just not NOT being connected to the internet. I only have one computer and it’s my only lifeline.
That photo of the empty school was haunting, yet hopeful. Relevant, too.
How wonderful that you could make and donate masks. I was thinking about ones made on 3-D printers, but these are so nice that you could make them and pay it forward to someone who was able to also contribute something needed.
So glad you have been making art. I can’t seem to get it together. I’ve lost all motivation. Obviously you have not, because this is wonderful.
I love the vignette with your mug and bookcase. So sweet and so “homey,” something most of us are feeling right now.
Thanks for sharing your coffee, your journal page, your masks, and that photo from school with us for T this Tuesday.
Your Art page is wonderful Halle !! I love it. Happy T-day!
It is a magnificent job that you are doing sewing masks for people who need it, Congratulations! What a shame that my sewing machine is broken, when I think of all the material we need here in Spain, and also in Italy, how sad everything.
I hope this all happens soon.
Have a nice day and stay safe and well,
Big hugs, Caty
This online learning is so exhausting-I agree. This is week 3 here in NH, and although it is starting to improve it is still exhausting. I feel your pain. I find this is the first week I can actually close the computer at 4 or 5 and not feel I have to keep checking in. Hope it improves for you Halle, and hope it was a nice T day. Hugs-Erika
Hi Halle, your artwork is beautiful!
You are so clever making all those colourful masks and donating them.
I like the light at the end of the tunnel, lets hope it comes soon,
Keep Safe and Happy belated T Day
Jan x
Great post. And that was good of you to make the fabric masks. There is light at the end of the tunnel, which is a positive way to view things.
I have respect for all teachers anyway, but even more now. It is a steep learning curve for most of you in the teaching profession. Kudos! But as you say, there is light at the end of the tunnel, even if it only means that the new way of teaching will get easier as you get used to it and put systems in place not to get distracted.
Lovely journal page by the way.
Take care, stay safe,
Happy belated T-Day,
Hugs,
Lisca
The new normal is hard to adjust to, even for those of us who don’t work and whose kids are grown. It’s not the staying in so much (even though I do miss springtime at the park) as the anxiety and fear.
Your pay it forward suggestion was taken to heart :) Sweet!
I don’t know how I would have coped with working from home as you are! My son, a single parent is taking his turn going into school to teach the children of key workers next week! I shall worry about him and his own children who fortunately are old enough to look after themselves now.
I saw you make on IG but not the knock on effect it had – how lovely!
Your journal page is such a delight, pleased that Spring is here!
Belated Happy T Day! Chrisx