(Art Show #1 was a huge hit! Scroll for more.)
As famous kid wrangler (and brother-in-law) Nate McClennen once said, “boredom is the crucible for creativity.” I think many of us can relate to the boredom part right now (my big excitement for the day was driving on the highway for the first time in three weeks). But shape shifting that boredom into creative masterpieces while on lockdown is a little more complicated than just having the time. Many of us are moving through our COVID 19 days carrying an emotional weight that can make it hard to be productive at all, nevermind creative. And while quarantine life has gifted many of us a bit more free time, I find my time filled with unexpected tasks, like disinfecting groceries, tracking down yeast, unloading the dishwasher again, and simply just working out the details of how to coexist in a small space all day long with three other humans. And then there’s the millions of emails...
That’s why I was totally delighted when some of my favorite people responded to my second request for art with more really great art, and this time the submissions come from around the country: Napa, California; Jackson, Wyoming; and Madison Wisconsin (as well as good old Jericho, Vermont).
Featured Artist #1: Sydney Sears, Jericho, VT
Featured Artist #2: Delilah Kramer, Jericho, VT
Featured Artist #3: Taya McClennen, Jackson, WY
Featured Artist #4: Maia, Madison, WI
Featured Artist # 5: Jackson Waters, Napa, CA
Featured Artist #6: Donovan Waters, Napa, CA
Featured Scientist/Artist # 7: Ben Waters, Napa, CA
Featured Artist/Baker #8: Aidan Verdonk, Jericho, VT (the Scone/Donut—the Sconut)
Featured Artist/Baker #9: Kai McClennen, Jackson, Wyoming
Featured Artist #10: Finn Verdonk, Jericho, VT
Featured Artist #11: Local Vet Tech/Essential Worker Lupe Sears, Jericho, VT
Essential
I awake from a restless sleep, resisting to pull on my scrubs, can I handle another day like yesterday? I drive from the quiet comfort of home, my sleeping children. The dog yearning for another walk. The almost baron highway keeps me focused on the newest milestone of deaths in one day which saturates the channels I used to sing to.
My heart aches. I am considered an essential worker, a hero. This is not what I thought a hero feels like.
Work is bustling, not with the laughter of my co- workers telling funny stories of after work gatherings or new recipes they tried, but of cars parked in front, waiting anxiously for their pets to be seen. I dawn my mask and gloves and fear what lies beyond the locker room doors, only knowing all to well what the day will bring.
I wave to my co-workers, we are separated by invisible lines to avoid cross- contamination. Everyone scampering to do the work of five, knowing they are one.
I hear the fear on the Life's of the clients, see the desperation in their eyes as they hand me their pet not knowing if they will see them again.
I hurt, wondering if the tears they cried have evaporated enough to hug and comfort the frightened animal they're trusting me with In my arms.
Anxiety radiates; the receptionist fielding the multitude of concerned calls, the ICU caring for patients with multiple procedures and only one of them. The ER, Oncology. Internal medicine teams all in their bubbles trying not to implode, looking at the desperation but not being able to help.
We are the essential, we go home, wash our scrubs and hope tomorrow will not be like today.
No comments:
Post a Comment