How did it get to be November? Wasn’t it just Spring…when we were awakening from our winter slumber and looking ahead to Summer…I know that it is fall because the sunflowers have faded…most of my other touchpoints that used to help gauge the flow of the year have vanished.

Oh yes, that pesky pandemic…distorting our sense of time, playing havoc with our personal relationships, and confounding all matters of one’s community. I’ve been reading a special series from the Washington Post which discusses what routines we need to set up now to help with managing time. When COVID-19 hit, many of us took up temporary measures to adjust, thinking this was a momentary blip. But as the months have passed, we’re realizing that its much more profound; the ramifications wider reaching…we can no longer assume normal will resume…there’s a new normal now.

Whether its healthy or not, I’ve been doing a bit of binge-watching…I realize I might be delaying “pivoting” to meet present challenges (gosh, talk about a word I’m tired of hearing - I’m getting dizzy - can only pivot so much!) but this binge has provided a bit of creative spark as well…I’ve been indulging in the series, “Escape to the Chateau”

It’s a charming multi-part series, following an engaging English couple and their two children, as they rescue, renovate and resuscitate a 19th century French chateau. Its not a typical DIY program but a glimpse into their adventures, following their hearts to build a creative life.

Rather than explain in detail, its just best to jump in…I’ve been streaming it on Peacock but it looks like PBS stations are carrying it as well. Here’s a link to their website which gives you a good idea of all they have tackled.

What’s most amazing to me is their ability to think outside the box and not be deterred by whatever stands in their way…probably a good attitude and approach for our time!

Which gets me back to pivoting…obviously since all art shows and festivals were cancelled this year, I’ve had to rethink my strategy and not be disheartened by circumstances. With holidays around the corner, here’s a list of how you can give the gift of art this year…whether the gift is for others or for yourself (because you deserve a gift too!)

• Once again I am offering my wall calendar, “a year of inspiration”. With a vintage inspired original photograph paired with a creative quote, its perfect to hang in your office, your studio, or your kitchen. Details and ordering are on my Etsy shop…just so you know - quantities are limited.

• I’ve pumped up my Etsy shop to include lots of gift options - from original collage art to magnets to petite prints - something for every budget. I’m happy to gift wrap whatever you order - just let me know in the comments section when you place your order.

• I’m going to have a sale on original art and prints - 20% off - from Wednesday, November 25 to Monday, November 30. As a special thank you to you, my newsletter subscribers, I’m giving you a pre-sale sneak peek…from Saturday, November 21 to Tuesday, November 24, when you order anything in my Etsy shop, you will receive 20% off - use the code HOLIDAY2020 when you check out. This code is only valid for November 21-24 and you must enter the code to receive the discount.

• I’m proud to announce that CROW in downtown Edmonds, WA is now carrying my postcards, petite prints and a selection of my original mixed media collages. Its a delightful shop, focusing on local artisans of all mediums - if you have the chance, stop by and see everything they have to offer.

• Artists Sunday is a new national program to encourage supporting artists and artisans around the county this holiday season…everyone knows about Black Friday for the big retailers…and Small Business Saturday for local business support…now there’s Artists Sunday on November 29. Not only can you support local artists but search for artists around the country for original gift giving options. I’m happy to be a part of this inaugural program…read more about it here.

• If you are local to the Seattle/Everett area and would like to schedule a private shopping time in my workshop studio, I would be happy to arrange it. All safety precautions will be observed, including wearing a mask…but we’ll still have shopping fun. Email me at amy@studiofourcorners.com to schedule a time.

• I will have a one day pop-up celebration on Saturday, December 5 in my workshop studio…along with Jody Cain of Latitude Studios, we’ll have plenty of gift ideas, suggestions and supplies for making arty gift tags along with a bit of bubbly…all with safety guidelines in place. Watch your email for details as we get closer but mark it on your calendar now.

If there’s anything else I can do to make your gift giving of art easier this coming season, please let me know.

And as you read this newsletter, we are close to the finish line (I hope!) with one of the most important elections in US history…and we are contending with effects of the continuing COVID crisis…and winter is looming…but yet I remain optimistic…when all else fails, pick up that paintbrush, glue stick, scissors, knitting needle or wooden spoon…and create!