I thought of all of the lists and ideas I could share with you about those photo projects that we can do while practicing social distancing right now but the reality to me is that the shift in routine is not like any of us can anticipate.  I don’t have an abundance of “extra time” but it is more of a shift in the time and places I spend it – some things are harder as we navigate them remotely, some are just different.  I imagine each of you may be like me as we let a bit of the dust settle while we figure this out.  I want to take a minute and remind you it is OK to not have the perfect picture to this time, it is a time to extend yourself some grace as well as those people around you, those you do business with and even those who are making decisions about schools, businesses and offices.  We are all trying to figure this out together and it is likely going to be a bit bumpy.

My best advice as we figure this out together, keep the things you can as normal as possible while taking advantage of these changes to make a little progress somewhere you wouldn’t normally be able to.  Don’t set too high of an expectation of what you will accomplish but strive to make the best of this time.  For me, the last few days of working from home have allowed me to spend time with my Write the Word journal a bit more, keep the laundry going a bit better without forgetting it in the washer or dryer, take a short walk each day, cook more meals at home, talk to a few friends by phone and help a few customers & team members who are working on photo projects.  I am making progress on my full time work projects too and making lists of other things I need to do when we are able to meet together in person again.  Things are moving forward, a bit slower than expected but it is OK there is still progress and I am thankful each day for my health and the ability to keep these things moving forward.

From my photo business side,  I like many of you am having to weigh whether or not to keep events on the calendar and how best to support my customers and team members.  I want you to know that for now I am not making any determinations about my Photo Fun Day Events in April or beyond but will evaluate those starting next week and we will adjust if needed.  I know we will all be anxious to be together again soon and when it is appropriate to do that I want to be ready and able to provide a place for us to reconnect in person.  In the mean time, I want to share that I am opening up some times where we can do a video/screen sharing type event to ask questions and share information on both Creative Memories and Forever projects.  I am anticipating offering two types of events virtually: 1) Office Hours will be a time when I am available online (video conferencing if possible) to connect with you on any photo questions or topics you might like to chat about.  This will be a pop on and off type event and will likely be 1 hour at a time 2) Mini Workshop or Class type events which are more topic based and will be more of a demo and then Q/A time at the end.

As I determine times and topics, I would love to hear from you what you are most interested in and when it would be most helpful to join.   This is with the thought of the next 2 weeks where many schedules are cleared and many are home more than usual.  I realize that your availability may shift but I want to offer this at a time that is best for this season we are in.

Both Forever and Creative Memories stay committed to being open as long as they are able to without interruptions and providing us with the products and services we need for our photos now and well after this season is behind us.  You can visit my website like for each of these companies with latest specials and status or reach out to me directly anytime.

Creative Memories: https://www.creativememories.com/user/ElizabethGoodson

Forever: https://www.forever.com/ambassador/elizabethgoodson

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out through phone, text, e-mail or comments on any of my posts.