8 Things Learned in March

  1. Life is full of unexpected events, changes, and unknowns, making it important to stay flexible and continue to adjust. (We probably all knew this but are getting many new opportunities to put that flexibility into effect.)
  2. Mooney Grove is full of unexpected things, including random fruit trees. (I saw a newly planted apple tree, but didn’t photograph it because it wasn’t photogenic.)
  3. Painting on a north-facing wall is full of advantages, mostly the ability to paint at any time of day without having to dodge the direct sun.
  4. People are full of weird ideas when faced with a pandemic; the things they choose to hoard don’t seem to be in alignment with the situation.
  5. Pandemics are full of new phrases: “shelter in place”, “self isolate”, “social distance”. (Why not just “stay home”, “stay away”, and “stand apart”?)
  6. The Skimm is full of news summaries in a handy daily email form. I think it is fairly neutral in terms of its political leanings, but am not completely sure yet. This is where you subscribe: The Skimm
  7. The country is full of flexible, generous, and versatile businesses. Distilleries are now making hand sanitizer, auto factories are making ventilators, and all sorts of folks are sewing masks instead of preemie baby clothes or sewing as a hobby. Way to go, People!!
  8. This monthend’s Learned post is almost all related to The Thing or to Mooney Grove. 

I found the drawing of the Boy Scout cabin that I did back in 1999. That was last century. I didn’t know how to paint or that Mooney Grove does not have an apostrophe S; my studio was in Exeter, I still had my first best cat, my 1988 Accord, my dad, grandma, and all my brothers-in-law. (But I didn’t have 6 new nieces and nephews or the internet.)

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6 Comments

  1. HI Jana! I tried to leave a comment but it disappeared so forgive me if you’re getting them both. March has indeed been full of learning new things — and much of it stuff we wished we never had to learn, right? At least it’s connecting us all across the nation with shared experiences, fears, but also unexpected blessings like seeing the sacrifices of many and helping us all try to be an encouragement and help to each other.

    One of those unexpected blessings for me was the card you sent me. Thank you so much! I always love seeing your artwork and the handwritten note was such a treat. So glad you guys are in a smaller community and staying safe so far. Same is true for us, and we’re sure thankful.We’re under stay-at-home orders here in KS too, and the hardest part for me is not being able to see our kids and grandkids. Am very thankful for FaceTime but it’s just not the same as giving and getting hugs and actually getting to spend time together. Praying for God’s mercy and healing for our nation. You guys continue to staying safe!

    • Thank you for your good thoughts, Cheryl. The card was a token of realness in this world gone virtual. We all need to keep praying about this mess.

  2. My husband and I got lunch from the drive-through and ate at a picnic table in Mooney”s Grove surrounded by the animals and sights and sounds you shared in your posts. Your murals were delightful (those birds look so real!) and we thank you for inspiring a wonderful afternoon outing!

    • Sandy, that makes me smile – thank you for telling me about your outing!

  3. I so enjoy reading “the things you have learned” for the month…. And by the way…your Saturday and Sunday “extras” are uplifting! Greatly needed during these strange times! Thank you!!

    • So nice to hear from you, Linda! Thank you for the encouragement. It’s good to know that the Saturday and Sunday posts are appreciated rather than annoying.


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