We're All In This Together Fleece Blanket

The artwork’s title: We’re All In This Together pretty much sums it up in this current pandemic. Skin color, culture, borders of nationality, religious beliefs, status, age, gender, orientation should not divide us. This artwork was completed just before Earth Day so it has, I hope, a double meaning. We’re all in this together; not just with our human neighbors but we share this planet with the animals, creatures, beasts and trees and plants and ocean. To quote Mr. Rogers: "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of 'disaster,' I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers—so many caring people in this world." In this current pandemic this is especially true and I much prefer the media stories of true heroes. Working from home has some advantages, and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to spend more time with family and remotely with friends and community rather than commuting while knowing I am doing my part for the greater good. I also much prefer optimistic coverage about how the planet is recovering due to humans globally practicing social distancing and staying home and pray that we learn some lessons from this current situation and make some lasting changes for the better. What is more beautiful than smiles and genuine smiles are not limited to skin color, culture, age, gender or any other previously mentioned factor. In closing with a quote from Demi Lovato: “Nothing is more beautiful than a smile that has struggled through tears”.