Items

• 
  2021-07-01

  Healing

  Over the past year, I have made significant progress with my mental health. It wasn't until the world told me to stop and stay at home that I realized I wasn't living. I had to examine myself and face my feelings. I realized that my cup was empty and I didn't have the capacity to care for myself. Despite the fact that I still have a lot to do, I feel more optimistic about the future for the first time in a long time. For this, I am truly grateful. What I hope for myself and others is that we make peace with our pain and fears and that we can find the beauty in our struggle.
• 
  2020-08-30

  The Together While Apart Art Project

  I want to share a beautiful story about hope, healing and creativity during the pandemic that originated here in Charleston, South Carolina. It is about how 20 artists from 8 different states got together from afar while physically separated to spread joy and happiness through a large art collaboration. There was no other goal than simply wanting to heal our world.   The Together While Apart Art Project grew from a desire to combat the sadness and isolation that was prevalent during the pandemic. Twenty artists from over 8 states got together from afar to use their creative gifts to collaborate on one large work of art. What is significant about this group project is that each artist channeled the emotions they were experiencing during the height of the global pandemic in hopes of healing themselves as well as providing comfort to a broader audience.   The 20 artists were from many diverse backgrounds and from 8 different states. I was able to locate them through an open call on social media, as well as using contacts generated by a wide range of friends and family. At the onset of this project, the only art supplies I had to send each participant were an abundant supply of recycled shipping boxes. Because much of my art is built from repurposed items, keeping this theme of repurposing for the Together While Apart Art Project was very fitting.  I sent each artist several 6” x 6” square pieces of cut cardboard from these recycled boxes with one simple instruction: think outside of the box! My goal was that through the creative process, each artist would find an outlet for his or her feelings and eventually these emotions would transform into joy. Ultimately, our collective joys would be multiplied and shared with many others through our artwork.  I knew the world needed this dynamic group’s creative gifts. I also knew these amazing participants needed to share their gifts in order to process the current situation the world was in. I can say with certainty, that I am amazed at the outcome. This collaborative piece tells an inspirational story of resiliency, connections and hope during a pandemic that none of us could have imagined a few years ago.  And now, it is time to find this amazing piece a home. If you have a suggestion for an appropriate place that we might donate and/or exhibit this piece, please let me know. I would consider doing a rotation cycle so that several organizations may each enjoy this amazing artwork. Wherever this piece is displayed, I hope it inspires love, warmth, optimism, strength and happiness-the emotions we all felt while creating our individual squares. When people view this beautiful collaboration, they will be reassured that our collective strength grows when we come together by showing love and support for one another. When we connect with one another, we can use our strengths to work towards a greater good. Together, even while apart, we can do great things. And despite the utter chaos and sadness in the world, there are always kind hearted people working to find ways to bring hope and healing to others. Here is a very short video celebrating this project. https://youtu.be/9eGsOCIqESY Fondly,  Deane Bowers  Charleston, SC  804-874-2929
• 
  2021-03-18

  Moving During a Plague Year

  2020 began as an optimistic year. In January, I decided to apply to the Public History MA program at the University of Colorado, Denver. We were living in Amarillo, Texas, and dreaming of a home that allowed us to thrive in our chosen fields, something that was unlikely in our hometown. So in early March of 2020, we decided to make the out-of-state move to Denver, Colorado. I had not yet been accepted to a grad program, and my husband did not have a job in our new city. "We'll figure it out." That's typically how it goes for two easy-going free spirits: set the destination and let the journey figure itself out. We looked forward to our April 4th move date as the reality of the Pandemic slowly set in. I was thankful for my workplace shutting down because it gave me plenty of time to pack up the house with a blissful ignorance for the year to come. I packed, taped, and organized dozens of cardboard boxes while dreaming about my sunny balcony in Denver. I planned going away parties and meticulously arranged coffee meet-ups with my closest friends. Against my best efforts, the in-person experiences faded away as the isolation began to set in. "No worries," I thought, "this will only last a couple of weeks." Oh, how wrong I was. I'm typing this story on March 18, 2021, for an assignment that was given online after a lecture that was presented online. A year later and my life continues virtually. We moved with hope for our future. We weren't hoping that the future involved facing our deepest emotional issues or learning how to love each other in complete isolation. It certainly did not contain a life of unemployment and disappointment. Slowly, begrudgingly, we got to know ourselves and began to heal from years of emotional suppression. I was diagnosed with ADHD for the first time in my life. It changed everything, and I owe my current success to the therapist that offered a discounted rate in my time of need. My husband learned just how deep his depression went. But most importantly, we learned that we could do it, that we can hold on long enough to see the light at the end. My husband just accepted an incredible job, and my academic life is flourishing. Even as I grew increasingly annoyed at the idea of a "bright side," the bright side came and lit up just how far we've come as people and as a couple.
• 2021-03-11

  pandemic reflections

  I wonder if I am being overly optimistic thinking about the end of the pandemic. On one hand, more and more people around the world are receiving vaccines, more and more countries renewed flights in-between them; ASU claimed that instructions will be in-person during the next fall; Moscow authorities lifted the restrictions for the seniors. On the other hand, only a small percentage of people have received the vaccine; new strains of the virus emerge. Some European countries renew lockdowns. Only the time will tell, I guess.
• 
  2021-01-20

  Poet Amanda Gorman has a star-making moment during Biden-Harris inauguration

  I was teaching during the inauguration. But I pulled up the ceremony and allowed the students to watch Biden take his oath. Afterwards I quickly shut it down and tried to catch up on the lesson I had already planned. One of my students during 6th period unmuted (which is rare). "Mrs. Bell? Did you see the poet? It really moved me". I told her I would watch it after class. When I did get a chance to watch it, I was so sad I missed the opportunity to share Amanda Gorman's dream of a better America with them in the moment. The next day, each class watched it with me. Students who normally never speak applauded her, telling me what her vision meant to them, that she was elegant, that she was brave. Watching her speak was a moment I will never forget. She made history with words of hope in a horribly fractured America. She brought a sense of patriotism and optimism that I haven't felt in some time. I know she inspired kids everywhere. Ahhh!!! It was so good. "If only we're brave enough to see it, If only we're brave enough to be it".
• 
  2021-01-02

  2021 Predictions

  I actually agree with most of these predictions. I fear for the economy. I worry about the struggle people will face this year.
• 2020-09-17

  A State of Constant Contradiction

  Over the past six months we have all found ourselves isolated from our friends, family, communities, and the world we once knew. Society has had to adapt to changes we never expected to happen. Throughout my education, I have been taught about the great tragedies and historic moments that people have faced over past centuries but never imagined that I too, would be living through a moment in time that will be forever talked about in history books. Life since the beginning of the pandemic has not felt real. The world has stopped, yet time is still quickly moving along. In order to stay safe, we must completely isolate ourselves, yet find a way to still live day to day. Follow regulations and guidelines but still have the money to feed, house, and take care of ourselves. The people of the world have had to find a way to stay safe and stay alive. The pandemic has made me feel as though I am in a constant state of contradiction. I have reached a time in my life where everything is changing, and I am constantly evolving. I have never felt better about being out on my own and figuring out who I am, while also feeling stuck, hopeless, trying to manage my crippling mental health and the harsh effects of isolation. Constantly battling between being optimistic versus sinking into a pessimistic hole. I feel like I am thriving in some aspects of my life and deteriorating in so many others. Feeling stuck, yet still trying to be hopeful for the future. Feeling good about accomplishments and milestones in life while also feeling bad knowing that there are people who are being confronted by this deadly virus daily. Every day I feel as though I am faced with a constant dilemma between myself, my mind, and the ever-changing world around me. Nevertheless, I know I am not alone in feeling this way either. Everyone across the globe is also dealing with the ramifications of COVID-19. We are all dealing with the constant moral hypocrisy of knowing that life still has to move forward and that life can be good while also being in utter chaos. I view life right now as a fine line that we are slowly treading. However, one day we will look back and realize we have crossed it, confident in knowing that we are alright.
• 
  2020-08-30

  South Dakota Restaurants Battle for Survival Amid Pandemic

  This article focuses on the pandemic and how it has affected the mom and pop restaurants in rural America, South Dakota. It is important to note that all communities, large and small are dealing with this pandemic and restaurants are struggling for survival, but especially in rural areas.
• 
  03/21/2020

  Susan Gould Oral History, 2020/03/21

  Susan Gould describes her preparations for COVID-19 and what everyday life is like in a state mandated lockdown. She also explains how her employer, Menorah Park, a nursing home located in the epicenter of Ohio’s Covid-19 outbreak responded to the pandemic.
• 
  2020-07-06

  Socially Distanced Homeless Encampments, San Francisco City Hall

  The San Francisco Chronicle profiled social distanced homeless encampments in front of the cities City Hall. These encampments were designed in an attempt to reduce the spread of COVID-19 amongst San Francisco's vulnerable homeless population. The caption for the photo on Instagram reads: "In May, a city-sanctioned homeless encampment was set up using social distancing rectangles at S.F.’s Civic Center. The Bay Area’s homeless crisis was severe before the coronavirus, and the pandemic seems certain to make things worse. Now the fight is urgent to keep those on the street from dying, and from seeing the homeless population proliferate to unimaginable numbers. But could there be a silver lining? Optimistic experts and program managers say a ravaged economy might actually be good for helping the homeless. A struggling real estate market could free up distressed properties that governments could buy or lease to use as homeless shelters and housing. The shock of millions of Americans losing jobs, homes and health insurance could trigger a wave of New Deal-style government programs to lift the poor."
• 
  2020-04-17

  Life In Isolation: The Coronavirus... Liz Belilovskaya Campese

  A virtual exhibition by the Evansville Museum of Art, History and Science
• 
  2020-05-27

  Boarded up Bars in the Byward Market: Chateau Lafayette ("The Laff")

  Many establishments in the popular shopping, dining, and bar area of the Byward Market have boarded up their front windows with plywood to reduce the chance of robbery while they remain closed due to the pandemic and resulting restrictions of gatherings. While some remain plain, or are painted black, other establishments chose to hire muralists to liven up the natural wood with images related to vibe of each bar. The boards on the windows of the Chateau Lafayette, often called simply "the Laff" by locals, read "It's going to be OK./ We'll be back." A sentiment which at the beginning of the pandemic, in late March, was comforting but now seems overly optimist and distant.
• 2020-05-03

  Peru's police dance with coffin to bury COVID-19 | Instagram Tik Tok coffin dance Video

  Police in Peru dance with a coffin labeled COVID-19, combining humor with optimism for eradicating COVID-19. This was originally a TikToc video and it was uploaded to YouTube. Video published by Nayeem on You Tube.
• 
  2020-04-14

  Tik Tik Nurses Dancing

  I found a video on the app “TIK TOK” and these nurses were all dancing! It is extremely liberating to see healthcare workers staying positive throughout this extremely touch period. The video really showed me that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. This pandemic is devastating but knowing that we have amazing healthcare workers who are spreading positivity while saving lives is extremely raw and humbling. *@Nursesavyrose *The video is an inspirational Tik Tok
• 
  2020-04-28

  The Global Impact of COVID-19

  This is a visual representation of how the CoronaVirus has impacted the world. I drew CoronaVirus on the top to represent the meaning of the picture. To the left we have the Corona cell itself, with a facial mask on. The cell is an actual representation of what the cell looks like, and the mask is to represent how the virus is visually represented in the world (people using facial masks to protect themselves). Around the cell I incorporated a circle poem in which defines the virus, i.e symptoms, effects, and how it is perceived by the world. I then have an arrow pointing to the word which symbolizes this is what the virus leads to in humanity and the globe. To the right we see the world with many different all the people all over the world joined together. This is to represent that even during this difficult and pressing time, humanity works together to heal one another. Humanity will come out strong, and keep the world (our home) healthy. There is another circle poem around the globe in which represents how humanity is impacted by the virus. In the bottom left hand corner I added a little image representing the "Stay at Home" order, in which is a historical event that has occurred due to the CoronaVirus.
• 
  2020-04-26

  Preparing for the Summer

  Daniel Quintero, age 23, has found a lot of positives within the COVID-19 pandemic. He was optimistic during the interview and emphasized the value he's found living on a farm. "I think if this hadn't happened, I wouldn't be able to be living on a farm and go back to the land, to get connected to nature. Although I was born in a city, I've really enjoyed farm life and learning how to care for a plant. Being in nature has taught me a lot. Also, given that I'm underloading at Carleton, I've had a lot of time to really take in what I'm learning by living at a farm. Although I'm sad to not have a graduation or senior spring, I've still managed to get meaningful things out of this."
• 
  2020-03-20

  Bourbon Street looking towards Bienville

  On any given morning Bourbon Street is filled with tourists and delivery trucks making drop offs. On this particular Friday, the first after lockdown, it’s quiet.
• 
  2020-03-19

  Email Signoffs

  Unique ways to sign off in emails related to social distancing as a result of the pandemic
• 
  2020

  Optimism vs 2020

  Optimistic character followed by the same character in despair
• 
  2020-04-03

  Sidewalk art from some of the children in my local neighborhood expressing optimism during a time when it is in short supply.

  As children in Orange County have been out of school, they have been putting in time and effort to try and brighten the mood around the neighborhood. This image is but one of many that I have stumbled across walking throughout my neighborhood, each one with inspirational messages about how we will get through this.
• 
  April 2, 2020

  Sealey Elementary

  My kids former elementary school had this sign up before schools closed and moved into remote learning. I passed by it today because the sentiment is still the same and it made me feel optimistic.