Dear friends,
I don’t have much to say that hasn’t already been said. We’ve all been talking and reading and sharing a continuous stream of articles and resources and videos and poems and well-wishes. We're each responding in our own way depending on our circumstances. I was sick for two weeks and this sturdy old tree outside my bedroom window was a tremendous comfort. I like to think she was helping me breathe. Indeed, she became part of the daily healing meditation I sent out into the world.
Today the sun is shining, the forsythia is blooming, and I am thoroughly on the mend, but still quite distracted - it's taking time to get my thoughts in order and my energy rekindled. I know many of you are also distracted and grieving and worried about health and finances, homeschooling kids, the challenges of telecommuting, and more. The social worker in me is all too aware of the numerous needs in our communities and I'm very uncomfortable staying home even though safety dictates it for now.
For a creative kick-in-the-pants, I'm re-reading
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. As you can see by all of my sticky notes, it really resonated the first time I read it years ago! Libraries are closed and we can't browse in person, but indie bookstores are taking online orders and shipping books, sometimes for free. I've already placed orders from
Book Beat in Oak Park and
Pages Bookshop in Detroit.
SCBWI headquarters, our Michigan chapter, and other regions sprang into action immediately and continue to share many resources. All members have been emailed about the upcoming free events, including webinars, virtual Shop Talks and a virtual Coffee House via Zoom. Check your email for instructions or go to
https://michigan.scbwi.org/ and
https://www.scbwi.org/scbwi-digital-workshops/.
Be sure to follow along on social media (
Twitter,
Facebook,
Instagram and
Instagram Illustrators) for reminders, resources, and uplifting messages; everyone is encouraged to add their own thoughts and share.
Our SCBWI-MI blog team will have more blog posts coming up and a new Featured Illustrator for spring, but until then we have new temporary blog banner created by Nina Goebel. Thank you, Nina!
Stay safe, be well.
We’re all in this together.
Kristin Lenz
Banner well done, Nina!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post Kristin and I'm so happy to hear you are recovering. Thank you for sharing your words during this tough time and keeping the blog alive for us. Best to you, Amy
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear you are recovering, Kristin. It's been great seeing how we're doing what we can to support each other. Love the banner!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kristin! You are a gem.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you are feeling better Kristin! Thanks for being part of the team that is reaching out and keeping us all going. I loved "Big Magic" too. So much good stuff in there. Be well, friend!
ReplyDeleteKristin, you are a gem and we treasure you. And, writers, this post is a great example of voice. Can't you hear Kristin speaking? Many thanks to Nina who is a steadfast person with a spunky and creative soul!
ReplyDeleteLove the banner, love this post. Thanks for the encouragement and uplifting message. WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS TOGETHER! For sure!!
ReplyDeleteLove your tree, Kristin. And SO glad you're better. Very scary times. Thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kristin- so glad to hear you are on the mend. I am trying to be gentle with myself and not bemoan the lack of writing. It's just the way it is!
ReplyDelete