When we were on the road with Artful Illusions Stamps and Supplies, I wrote a Blog of our adventures around the country.  Mark would navigate us through the mountains, across the desserts and border the oceans as I sat in the shot gun seat typing away our story.  I had planned on returning to the Blog writing again this January, but when I was finally getting ready to start, the world changed.

I am still writing the blog, but for the moment the content is totally different from where I had planned on going.  I find myself on this Sunday afternoon instead of enjoying this near perfect weather, pushing as hard as I can to drive out this overwhelming feeling of uncertainty and sadness.  In the last 6 months we lost 3 of our dear friends, Terry, Finn and George and next week will be the 3-month anniversary of losing my dear friend Carol.  She isn’t supposed to be gone.  This was to be our groups summer of rejuvenation.

Covid19 may have not only cost the world its loved ones, but I’m afraid it may also see the death of the small family business.  As I travel about the city, I feel like I’m in an alternate universe. Grocery’s, hardware stores, big box stores and larger restaurants don’t look much different and they certainly have full parking lots.  No one seems to hesitate.  Our customers for the most part seem timid to approach and I can’t even say I blame them.  These days find little time for sleep as each one ends with a longer chore list than the day before.  The necessity of working with a limited staff and having to be more creative to sell our wares can be mentally and physically challenging.  We have our health and yes, I know this is just a personal pity party.

But dammit! It’s my blog…. Tomorrow I’ll have gotten some sleep and the sun will shine.  I’ll remember that God is in charge and faith will help me get back on the path.  Our internet sales are growing, and we are changing our business approach.  Things will be fine but today is still Sunday and today I’m still a little sad.

Joni