As I write these words on a Friday afternoon, my 20 year old son is cleaning the kitchen for me while listening to the electronic dance music which motivates him. I accept it as a fair trade since some chores are being attended to even though his music choices are as diverse as they can be from my own. And in spite of myself, I’m grooving a bit to the beat. That’s the beauty of music...it is both personal and universal.

What challenges you? Many people (myself included) get comfortable with a routine, with an exercise program, with rhythms of life. As soon as we are asked to do something different or to try something new or challenging, we tend to shy away and avoid it. Or maybe that’s just me!

When we're doing art, why are we so intimidated by a blank canvas? As a former art teacher and as a fledgling artist myself, there's nothing quite as daunting as sitting in front of a blank canvas no matter how big or small it is.

I am writing this blog on April 22, Earth Day, over 6 weeks since the COVID-19 quarantine began. Tonight’s news celebrated Earth Day: lockdown and social isolation have had a positive impact on the planet with a decrease in emissions of greenhouse gasses. We are breathing cleaner air. But we know the human toll and the psychological impact of COVID-19 has been immense. We are all experiencing a tsunami of emotions day after day. Familiar landmarks we once relied on to show us the way are gone. Validation of experiences brings welcome relief. I will share some gems of wisdom I have discovered, with thanks to the internet. Selected articles, poems, talks and videos have helped me cope with the huge life transitions. One can say…