Coronavirus, Pandemic, Homemade Cloth Masks

I don’t even know what to say.  If someone had told me we’d have a coronavirus (or any virus for that matter) in my lifetime that we don’t have a cure for, I’m not even sure if I’d believe them. This has been so surreal.  

Early on, before we even turned the page to March, I started planning.  When I have something or someone to focus on, I feel like I can get through anything.  So far so good. I stocked up on items I thought my elderly neighbors would most need. When that was done, I began stocking up for myself.  I almost waited too late for myself, but I snagged what I could and I started ordering material and elastic for masks.  And I’m here to tell you that paper towels, Kleenex, and wipes work just as well as toilet paper. 

I wanted to do my part to help out during this time so I quickly learned how to make cloth masks and I’ve not stopped making them since.  Even though the material and supplies were becoming expensive I decided I would not charge for the masks.  I live in what I would consider a poor farming community and I knew a lot of people I made masks for, would not have any otherwise.  It was partly selfish on my part.  I wanted to help keep everyone healthy, but I also wanted to help keep everyone healthy that may come in contact with myself or any of my family members.

The Mask Maker

After some trial and error, I made masks.  I made masks of every kind for kids.

I’ve made more than my fair share of women’s masks.

I’ve even made masks for men. 

I bought colorful material to lend a smile. 

All of my plans for a monthly Christmas DIY project for this site went out the window.  I gave all of my stockpiled DIY supplies to the neighborhood kids who I knew was going to have a hard time understanding and staying home 24/7. 

Things are finally slacking off when it comes to masks.  I still have requests but I’ve also had time to make other things.

The Pillow Maker

I recently decided to make all of the kids colorful and fun pillows to hug and cuddle with.  I’m really worried about what kind of effect this is all having on all of the kids.   If I can do anything to bring a smile to their face, I will.  And have tried.  

Around The Firepit

After buying a fire pit, I’ve grilled and cooked for the neighborhood kids.  I’ve let them grill as well. 

Safe Travels

I gotten them out of the house when it was safe to do so. 

Preserving Memories

I became a canning fool so I could share my fruit jams with my neighbors. 

The Sourdough Baker

And of course, I baked.  My sweet apartment manager made me some sourdough starter and I focused my baking around it 

I don’t know what the lesson is to be learned during this trying time in our lives.  But I stepped up and did what I could physically, financially, and emotionally, needed to be done.  I didn’t do it for thanks.  I did it for me.  So I would grow as a person and become the person I needed to be during this time.  I really hope that everyone who is reading this does their part as well.  It’s never been more clear to me what the phrase “united we stand divided we fall” means.