She had a mission - to sew 1000 masks

Earlier this year, there was a face mask rally. Maybe rally is not the right word. A significant movement. Perhaps even a revolution of epic noble intentions was underway, and sewing groups came together to solve a problem, to save lives at risk from the coronavirus.

I felt like I could help. Right then, sitting in my house in some sort of state-wide lockdown, I felt like I could do something. People of all ages and walks of life were diving in, coming together to make a difference.

It was then that I began my mission to sew 1,000 masks.

I donated my first batch of masks on March 29, 2020, and today, August 24, 2020, almost 5 months later, I completed that mission. Actually, I completed 1001 masks give or take. I am quite sure I forgot to enter a few along the way onto my spreadsheet. My spreadsheet is the keeper of dates; recipients; male/female and adult/child masks; how many were donated; how many were given to family, friends, or front-line workers; and how many were sold (which paid for me to be able to donate most of the masks, a big THANK YOU to those who bought them to help fund the donated ones). I even tracked how many hours it took to make the masks, 500 hours. The only thing I didn't track was the amount of money I spent on fabric and supplies, which I now wish I would have tracked.

When I started making masks, I didn't expect to get so many people needing so many masks. It was just a small way that I could help. I have donated the bulk of my masks, 500, to a Facebook group that I belong to that distributes the masks to anybody that contacts them and expresses a need. I have also donated to the local food bank, missionaries, or anybody else who came to me and asked. In total, I donated over 700 masks.

In March, when we first went into lockdown, I found out quickly I was more social than I thought. I have worked from home for 15 years, so I guess I needed more social stimulation than I thought. I was almost shocked at how being “locked up” was a lot harder than I thought it would be, and I needed something to help me feel like I wasn't going crazy; not being allowed to go out except when absolutely necessary was hard for me. I needed to feel included, valued in some way. I guess this was my way to keep from going “COVID crazy.”

I went through my own stash of fabric and elastic quite quickly and started buying more. All of the local fabric stores very quickly ran out of elastic, and the high-quality fabric was not far behind in being out of stock. I stood in long lines, standing outside in the rain for more than an hour more than once. I was even escorted through the fabric store with my own personal shopper once because somebody in line six feet behind me thought they heard me say I had COVID-19. So, the only way I was allowed to shop was with a shopper picking up all my fabric, etc. It was hard and had it not been for the fact that I was making masks for others, I would have stormed my indignant self out of there, never to return, but I had something bigger to accomplish...my mission. Also, where else would I have gone? At that point, that one store truly was the only fabric store open.

While my masks may not be as good as certified medical equipment, a homemade alternative is better than nothing. I believe that wearing a face make is something that really can have an impact on slowing the spread of the virus and keeping us safe.

These days, we place our faith in small rectangles of fabric to stop the spread of a virus that could destroy our lives. Most of us own not just one face mask, but several ― one for every trip to the store or encounter with someone outside of our circle ― meaning one individual could need a dozen or so masks in their arsenal. Plus, at this point, they say something about our personality, don't they? I have some that match pieces of my wardrobe while others speak to my hobbies...and as long as I have to wear them, watch out for the holidays.

I do feel like this has saved me in many ways. It has saved my mental health. It is helping me help other people. And it’s taking my mind off of everything that’s happening right now: the virus, Black Lives Matter, and the decisive politics. When I sit down and I’m at the sewing machine, I’m in that zone. I don’t have to think about much. I’m not checking out fully, but I’m partially checking out and giving my contribution to helping others.

You haven't seen the last of me as I still of a LOT of fabric, I haven't sewn my last mask, but I am taking a break for a little while (unless, of course, you have a special order). I have crafting orders and crochet orders, as well as birthday gifts and Christmas projects to complete. This mask maker will be back!

Mask Maker

Making a Difference I am not a doctor or a nurse, I am not a front-line worker, but 15 weeks ago when the COVID crisis first began, I wanted to find a way I could help, find a way I could make a difference. That was also when public pleas began for homemade cotton face masks. I dusted off my sewing machine and began to sew masks. Masks are easy to make—a simple rectangle—so we, the amateur sewers of the nation thought we could do this. But who thought we would still be doing it into summer? It was supposed to be a distraction, something to help me keep my sanity during my “lockup.” Yet, here we are, more than 125,000 deaths later, and we mask makers are still going strong, still triaging requests for masks, donated fabric, and emails about who has elastic. Elastic was in short supply at first. I likened elastic for the mask maker to toilet paper for a houseful of people. There was a time early on we could not get elastic and had to get creative on different materials to use such as spandex, bias tape, and shoelaces, yes, even shoelaces. In those early days, I would have to stand in line outside the fabric store for an hour because of social distancing, but at least I had a fabric store nearby that was open. Somehow, it worked. Within a couple weeks, hospitals issued guidelines and we had collection protocols. I literally would spend 8 hours working at my job as a Medical Transcriptionist and then 5 to 6 hours a night sewing. Word spread as fast as the virus itself. I even had a retired co-worker call me to donate $200 so I could purchase materials because she liked what I was doing. I have another friend who doesn’t sew but volunteered to pick up masks from the home sewers and distribute them where needed. It really does take a village. After a month or so, we reached cruising altitude. All of the early turbulence—questions about the best pattern and anecdotal input from anyone who knew a nurse—smoothed out. I started hearing that elastic digs into the ears over the course of a long shift, so then when I needed a break from sewing, I would crochet ear savers. I made 100 ear savers and donated them to my comrades at the hospital and was happy to do so. I even had to crochet a few masks for my grand-kids’ dolls and stuffed animals. Anything for the cause, right? I enjoy creating cards, crocheting ear savers, and sewing masks. These projects have kept me semi-sane during my lockup. To date, I have made 740 masks, and honestly, I do not see an end in sight. Tina Foster, CHDS, Medical Transcription

The BIG 6-0!

The coronavirus pandemic has caused many to cancel their birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, etc., as the world is increasingly being told to stay inside and maintain social distancing. People have gotten creative. Rather than letting the pandemic spoil their celebrations, many have come together (while keeping a safe social distance) to celebrate one another on special occasions. 

This certainly was not how I saw myself marking my birthday. I envisioned a BIG party followed by a year with ten incredibly fun things to add to the fifty I did for my 50th, but COVID-19 happened. In Oregon, as in other states, the fast-moving virus left ordinary Americans suddenly navigating self-quarantines, school closures, and a changed way of life. 

My 60^th birthday actually turned out to be much more intimate than was planned. It started by having lunch with a friend on Wednesday, then on Friday, my actual birthday, I woke up to a HUGE surprise in my front yard and had one of my favorite desserts, strawberry shortcake, with another friend, and then had Mexican food dinner with a couple of dear friends. Saturday, I had a surprise visit by a friend, and I was able to spend the evening with my children and grandchildren, having dinner and an amazing custom birthday cake made by my daughter-in-law. It was a GREAT birthday!

During quarantine, I am learning a lot about what I value most. Because I am such a planner, I thought it was going to suck that my special day was not going to turn out the way I had planned for so long and that I could not see all my family and friends, but I still got to talk to them all and reflect on what I am thankful for. My quarantine birthday taught me to “roll with the punches.” You can always have fun no matter the situation — sometimes you just have to get a little creative. Somebody suggested since I cannot do the ten activities I had planned that I buy myself ten gifts. Hmm, I think that is pretty creative, I love that idea, and I am going to roll with those punches!

Happy 60^th birthday to me!

My 2020 Word Is...

9 out of 10 people will fail with their resolutions.

 

50% of resolution makers will fail by the end of January.

 

But One Word sticks!

 

That's why this year I have decided not to make a New Year's resolution and have decided to pick one word for the upcoming year. No resolutions, no goals... just one word that gives meaning, mission, passion and purpose. One word that will help me be my best.

This blog started 10 years ago with 50 things in my 50^th year and has continued with twelve 5Ks in 12 months, 12 books in a year, multiple resolutions and goals, etc., because I wanted this blog to be a journal of sorts that had some meaning.

This January rather than choosing goals to focus on, I am choosing a word, one word to live by. Last year was the first year I chose a word, but I also chose goals. This year, I am going to just focus on a word. While it does not replace specific goals in my life, a word kind of becomes a mantra for me. I love the intention it sets and the positivity it generates to kick off the next 12 months. It helps me focus and remember what I am working on. 

 

My 2019 word was a good summary of what I wanted to see happen, and I love how it followed me into spring, summary, and fall, and fit even as life changed dramatically. 

 

How do you narrow down a word of the year? How do you summarize your hopes, goals, and plans in one word?

To make it work well, it cannot be a quick decision. It's a process that involves personal reflection and planning for me. I had been meditating and praying about it, and then the last Sunday of 2019 as I was sitting in church, Pastor Jesse was teaching and several times during the sermon Pastor Jesse talked about being authentic and I knew what my word was going to be. 

 

This year my word is … Authentic.

I love this quote - “To be authentic, we must cultivate the courage to be imperfect – and vulnerable. We have to believe that we are fundamentally worthy of love and acceptance, just as we are. I've learned that there is nop better way to invite more grace, gratitude, and joy into our lives than by mindfully practicing authenticity.” – Brene Brown

Authenticity itself is hard to define.

To become more authentic and seek this out in others, we first need to be open-minded. We attract the people and things we want in life when we are open-minded and receptive. This often leads to opportunities and new ways of thinking that expand our minds and bring us ideas that add value to our lives. 

Authentic people are high-character individuals who don't just "talk the talk," they also "walk the walk," which means they back up their positive, empowering words with actions that benefit themselves and others. Be true to yourself and do what you say you are going to do. 

As 2019 is winding down and 2020 is just around the corner, I thought it was a good time to blog about an update on my 2019 goals, one of which was to choose a word – my word -- intentional, live inentionally, be intentional. "Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes! Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don’t be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation.” 1 Timothy 4: 15-16

I think that as we mature, we realize that time truly is of the essence in our life, and we develop a desire of wanting to know that our time here on earth counted, mattered. I was questioning a lot going on in my life at the end of 2018. This made me realize that I needed to live with more intention in my life so that was why I chose this word.

It should be every Christian’s desire to live actively and intentionally for Jesus. Our conduct reflects on our Lord; we should want to be the best representatives for Jesus we can be.

Digital Detox – Technology is truly a wonderful thing. It makes the world smaller, connects people and helps create communities – but are we getting too much of it, and if so, how do we cut back?

Our mobile devices make everything – including ourselves – available on-demand 24/7, and that can make it hard to switch off. It's no surprise that digital well-being is a hot topic right now and the tech and social media giants are taking note. Tools like Apple's new Screen Time app and Google and Facebook's new dashboards now show us how we're spending our time onscreen and let us set limits on our app use, all in a bid to help us restore some tech-life balance. In order to achieve this, I went through my phone and purged apps that I had not used in a while.

With so many digital distractions it can be really hard to be present in the moment and focus on one thing at a time, whether at work, in life, or in fitness. Evidence shows the brain works best when it can focus on a single task for longer, but the multitasking we're all guilty of doing can reduce productivity by as much as 40%.

As well as impacting our concentration, we're finding it hard to shut down for fear of missing out (FOMO). Research shows our phones are the first and last thing we see each day. But what if we swapped the FOMO for JOMO, to rediscover the Joy Of Missing Out and reconnect with ourselves and our priorities offline?

We will never give up our gadgets completely, but here are some things I have adopted in my digital detox:

Prioritizing my sleep: To get a good night's sleep, it is proven that we need a quiet mind instead of being cognitively stimulated. Social media is designed to engage our brain, not relax it, and the blue light stops the release of melatonin, which is the signal that tells our body to sleep. To work on prioritizing my sleep, that means going to bed at a reasonable time, logging off at least 40 minutes before and I bought an alarm clock to wake me up instead of my phone, so you can keep your bedroom a completely tech-free zone. My phone charges in the living room overnight.

Practice mindfulness: When you undertake a digital detox, even if it's initially uncomfortable, you can start to look after yourself better, and the people and priorities in your life, better.
I noticed myself passively scrolling, so I try to remember to stop and become aware of what I am doing. I try to think of someone I can reach out to, or something I can plan to do offline, such as work on a craft, read a magazine, or exercise. Schedule things that aren't just a cognitive reward, but rewarding activities, and not just for you.

Set boundaries for intentional use. Be intentional about when and how you go online. Passively scrolling social media is one of the worst things we can do for our mental and physical health. Screen activity is nearly always sedentary and hunched over – when we put our screens away we immediately create the space for us to get moving.

Take baby steps, it's important not to set unrealistic goals if we want new habits to stick. Start small to stay on track. A lot of people sabotage their behavior when changing goals by trying to make too many big changes all at once. The best way to achieve lasting change is to break our behavior down and focus on embedding these into our routine. For example, I am working on instead of not checking my phone for the entire day, I try to set time aside where I leave my phone out of sight for 30 minutes or so. I also tried:
  •Ensuring you have a lunch break away from screens (including your phone)
•Taking time out from one social media channel at a time
•Turning your phone off at dinner time
•Banning tech from the bedroom and bathroom

A digital detox doesn't necessarily have to mean going cold turkey, and you don't have to lock your phone in a safe and disappear to a tech-free retreat. It's about re-framing our relationship with our technology so that it's more balanced.

Rebalancing our use of technology requires us to be more mindful and honest with ourselves about when these devices bring real benefits and when they start to ruin our quality of life. The many benefits are only worth it if they contribute to our overall happiness rather than undermining it.

In short, I need to be in control of my technology use – not letting it control me. I found that I am much healthier and happier as a result.


Now, comes the time for the harder part of the post for me to write, the part where I have to confess I didn't reach my goals. I used to say I failed, but failing is so negative. And, did I really fail? I choose to think of it as a learning experience about myself. I think we try to set not only too extensive of a goal but too many goals. We might really try to shoot for the moon too quickly and that doesn’t work out, or not only do we want to go to the moon but we want to go to Mars and Neptune and Saturn. And if we try to do all of those, we don’t have the mental and physical resources to be able to accomplish that. I have learned rather than set multiple goals, I am going to...

Stick to one thing.

Trying to accomplish multiple goals at once will quickly get overwhelming and only lead to failure. Stick to one thing, master it, and move onto the next. Having trouble deciding which goal to work on first? Maybe focus on the behaviors that get the mind and body running more effectively, like exercising, eating nutritious foods, or quitting smoking. Take inventory of all the goals you have for yourself and figure out which you are most passionate about. Think to yourself, ‘If I knew that this was going to be my final year on earth, how would I really want to spend that time?’

Take steps to make yourself accountable for your goals to help stay motivated. For example, if you aim to run a 10K, sign up for one and pay for it in advance. For some, announcing your goals on social media can also help some people stay motivated. Alternatively, simply sharing your goals with family members and close friends and discussing your progress with them can help keep you stay on track.

The most important thing is for you to feel confident and honestly your mental health! Happy start of the year!

So, rather than make resolutions/goals that I may or may not stick with for the entire year, I am going to choose one word to try to live by, to work into all facets of my life, but that is another blog post so stay tuned.

Out of the Darkness

What does hope look like? Well, on September 28, 2019, it looked like two thousand people gathered in front of the Salem Capitol for the Out of the Darkness event to advocate for suicide prevention and awareness in Memorium for their children, siblings, spouses, military, family members, and some just because they cared.

Kylie Johnston, a 14-year-old student, was one of the two speakers who shared her story in losing her father to suicide when she was only 10 years old.

"Four years ago, I lost my dad to suicide. When I was 10, I spoke at the Out of The Darkness Walk in Portland. I have spoken at two other survivor walks and have spoken to students at Lucina Park College. I have also been interviewed for a few trusted articles about suicide. When I lost my dad, I was still going to school, it was my 4th grade year. When I first found out my dad had taken his own life, I never told anyone until my 5th grade year. Now, I am in 7th grade and, as I grieve and accept my dad’s suicide, I have to deal with the stigma of suicide that still sticks in society. I had many people say that I make these speeches or even talk about losing my dad for attention but, believe it or not, I make these speeches to spread the word about suicide and the outcome so that everyone knows, especially those who are struggling with thier mental health, so that they know they are not alone and that someone cares. I never thought it would hurt to lose someone more. My dad’s suicide left me feeling guilty and angry because I did not see the signs. If anyone here today is thinking about ending their life, the people in your life care. They may seem like they do not, but it will only leave your loved ones with a hole in their heart; there are resources to help you. I encourage anyone who may be personally struggling or dealing with losing someone to suicide to start counseling if they haven’t already. If it was not for counseling, I do not believe I would be where I am today. You can believe you were not affected and you can say you are okay, but "it's okay to not be okay." We all go through different grief journeys, but you shouldn’t have to go through it alone. My dad and I had a rocky relationship, he was loud but deep down he was a kind, creative, smart and strong person. In his final months, he would always tell my brother and I that he was fighting the fight. How he felt alone, and how he was still struggling with my parent’s divorce. He would always deny that he needed help, which is why I want you all to know that mental health is a battle worth fighting. I want you all to know that you can talk to myself, the wonderful volunteers, or someone who is standing beside you. You choose to share stories, help each other through different stages of grief."

Everyone at the walk had beads of different colors that symbolized their loved ones that they had lost to suicide. Towards the end of the opening ceremony, we all took off our beads and raised them up in the air. We took a collective moment to recognize and honor those we had lost. Wow, how powerful that was as we honored each color. As we looked around and saw 2000 others there doing the same, you really knew that you were not alone. We were banding together to help each other through losses that were already hard to deal with and, soon, we were going to march through the streets around the Capitol to make our message loud and proud, helping all there to realize they were NOT alone.

Each person there today walked for their own reasons, because learning to feel like you matter is so, so hard, but you do matter. Some days it takes two thousand people all holding little colored beads silently with you to realize this.

For the last two years, I have painted inspirational rocks to "hide" for the walk. I go down the night before and walk the mile route and hide the rocks. As I am walking and hiding the rocks, I am also praying for those who will be attending the event as well as those who will find the rocks.

Well, the kindness of people at times never ceases to surprise me. Saturday morning as I was standing with my Trek for Travis sign waiting for the team to gather, a young lady I had never met before approached me and handed me a rock. She proceeded to tell me that she knew Travis from Scotts Mills, and she wanted me to have a rock. She "rocked" my day, thank you!

God truly does work in mysterious ways. As if one heart-warming event wasn't enough I was about to be struck with another. A woman came up to me and told me that her daughter was the young lady who sang at Travis' memorial service at North Marion. I remember the song, as well as the young lady. I had seen pictures of her

and Travis together. The woman also told me that she had registered for the walk and came alone because she felt called to attend the walk. Of course, I invited her to walk with our team. Nobody should walk alone. God is SO good. Monica, I hope you were as blessed as I was by that day.

I cried, I laughed, I smiled, I hugged, and I walked. We walked in remembrance of our loved ones along with ending the stigma that suicide brings. We care, I care. This will be a continual thing I do and support as it touches my life in so many ways. We must stand together. We often hear "it's okay to not be okay," we all have our own struggles and sometimes it is hard for us to admit that, but help is out there. I am here for you...I care!

Our memories of the labyrinth will linger long after our footprints in the sand are gone.

I had the chance to go to Circles in the Sand with Dawn and Fran last weekend. If you get the chance to go, I highly recommend it. Labor Day weekend is there last "draw" this year, but they will be doing it again next summer. Check it out at https://expo.oregonlive.com/life-and-culture/g66l-2019/01/7bc92e8b7f336/circles-in-the-sand-releases-sand-labyrinth-schedule-for-2019.html

A labyrinth is not a maze or a puzzle to be solved but a path of meaning to be experienced. Its path is circular and convoluted, but it has no dead ends. A labyrinth has one entrance -- one way in and one way out. When we walk the path, we go around short curves and long curves; sometimes we are out on the edge, sometimes we circle around the center. We are never really lost, but we can never quite see where we are going...kind of like life wouldn't you say?

Along the path we sometimes move forward with ease and confidence: sometimes we creep ahead cautiously, sometimes we find the need to stop and reflect, and sometimes we even feel the urge to retreat. The center is there but our path takes us through countless twists and turns. Sometimes we are at the heart of our life experiences, sometimes we are at a playful turn; sometimes we share our path with others, and other times we don't. No matter what, we are still on the labyrinth path. It holds all our experiences, in life and in work. We need to be aware that what looks like an end point can also be a beginning point. Indeed, in so many ways, the labyrinth is like life.

The labyrinth can be a metaphor for what is sacred in our lives. Through its twists and turns, its ancient spaciousness holds everything we experience -- our minds and emotions, our physical beings and our spirits, our losses and gains, our successes and failures, our joys and sorrows. When we walk the path inward, we carry our burdens with us. When we meditate or pray in the center, we ask for grace, forgiveness, and understanding. When we walk the path outward, we are lighter, more joyful, and ready again to take on our life's challenges.

The labyrinth that is my life has taken me through many twists and turns. Yet it is my deep belief in God that has steadily inspired me, leading me deeper into my life path, deeper into authentic meaning. When I explore the meaning of my life, with all of the design features of classic labyrinths that I've noted above, I deepen my experience of life. We don’t get straight paths in life – only winding roads that never show us the final destination and that keeps taking us to places we don’t expect to go.