FurnitureShowcase
Photo By Jen Johnson
 
Blakelee Stowers (on the sofa), interior designer  
Randi Johnson (standing), owner/manager  
 
During this time, we have been very grateful to be located in Stillwater because our community values shopping locally.  We have been encouraged by the support of this community in the form of phone calls, messages and shopping on our website.  We know the best way to shop for furniture and mattresses is to be able to see it and try it in person.  I hope we will be able to see all the people who were not able to get out and shop very soon! While our doors were closed, we still had a few people here each day to answer calls, receive orders and to assist with pick-ups and porch deliveries.

PrinceFamily1
Photo By Jen Johnson
Jeremy Prince 43
Sabrina Prince 43
Johnny Prince 14
Frank Prince 12
Abigail Prince 8

Jeremy - aerospace engineer
Sabrina - marriage and family therapist

How are you coping?
Jeremy and Sabrina are still working some but mostly remotely. Lots of gardening and working with show goats.

What, if any, new rituals have emerged for you?
Lots more family dinners and cooking together. 

The worst thing about quarantine.
The kids have never been this long without spending a night at grandparents. They are really missing them. 

The best thing about quarantine.
Lots more family and outside time!

What are you most thankful for?
My husband and children and my faith.
 
 

WorkIt
Photo By Jen Johnson

WorkIT Coworking Center
Kristen and Brittany Hadley
Founder and Community Manager

How are you coping?
I feel like I'm going to be okay no matter what happens with the pandemic as long as it doesn't last too long.

What, if any, new rituals have emerged for you?
Spending lots more time at home

The worst thing about quarantine.
Missing Family Day and Graduation ceremony for my son graduating form Marine Boot Camp in San Diego.


The best thing about quarantine.
Some much needed downtime and lowered expectations.


What are you most thankful for?
That no one I know has gotten sick.

Laughlin 1
Allen is a Plumber at a local company. Caitlin is an Adjunct Professor in NREM and just started as an Academic Advisor in biology (OSU).
 
How are you coping? Caitlin is totally overwhelmed with her classes moved online and trying to train for her new job at the same time. Gardening and walks with the dog help. Allen's job is remarkably unchanged. He's described it as "I'm an essential worker going a lot of unessential work."
 
What, if any, new rituals have emerged for you?
2pm is treat time for the dog. If she doesn't get some kind of engaging food-related enrichment, she becomes a huge pest in conference calls for the rest of the afternoon. We're normally news junkies but right now we find ourselves avoiding it.
 
The worst thing about quarantine. Caitlin's mental health is suffering from the social isolation and increased work load. 
 
The best thing about quarantine. Reconnecting with friends from across the country via web conferencing. 
 
What are you most thankful for? Each other and our hilarious dog.

Jones 61
Phot By Missy Kaiser
 
Angela Jones 38, Office Manager at Stillwater Tag Agency
Kaitlynn Walters 19, OSU Student & Retail Associate at Goodwill
 
We are coping as well as the next household in quarantine, i guess. We have good days and bad days. Especially me, i worry more than most; worried but hopeful.  I worry mostly about the people living alone and my older, compromised family members. I too lived alone before the pandemic, but moved my niece into my house so we could keep each other company while the safe at home guidelines are in affect. We will continue to room together through the different opening phases of the town. Which i'm weary about so we'll both be staying home as much as possible. So I'd say her and I are coping fairly well. One day at a time.
 
I have had a plethora of new rituals emerge. Paranoia and ocd...lol I have my "Covid Corner" to the right of my sink. It never gets put under the sink with the rest of the cleaning supplies because they're my new, daily besties. They make me feel a little safer. I wash my hands as soon as I wake-up. Before i even use the restroom and again afterwards. I have my morning coffee and if my nose itches after a sip or two i use a tissue to itch it. at least this was my new norm up until about a week ago. I've gotten a little more lax but still ocd about cleaning counter tops, my hands, light switches, ect. My skin is legit are peeling between my fingers.I have a routine at work also. I'm very cautious as to not bring it home to my niece, Kaitie. I use a clorox wipe on all my personal items i take home including my purse and phone. I then take that wipe to my car (you can't waste the juice) and clean my door knob, steering wheel, radio knobs, and gear shifter. So ya, i'm officially a nut now! The next Howie Mandel germaphobe. lol
 
The worst thing about quarantine for both Kaitie and I is the missing of human connection. We talk about that fairly often, missing our friends and family. We even miss sharing a smile between strangers. We've noticed that smiling at a random passer-by is sorta rare. Everyone is scared and reserved about giving away their smiles for some reason. The once extremely smile sharing town has become an ever so often shared smile. Of course we both understand; everyone is just scared. Even though the only thing covid-19 and smiles have in common are that they're both highly contagious. :) So smile more and be grateful, give hope and strength to others. Or a roll of toilet paper, that helps too. 
 
The best thing about quarantine has been the realization of how much the world values human connection. Myself included. The first thing I'm going to do once i feel safe is hug EVERYONE! I can't wait for someones arms to be wrapped around me. I think that is what i miss most. Just a good ole bear hug. Also, spending time and getting to know my niece on a completely different level has been pretty cool too. I've really enjoyed her company and when this all passes and she packs her bags to get on with her life, i'm sure going to miss her and her quarks. Some of them.. :) lol
 
I'd say I'm most thankful for my niece, friends, family, and booze. I wouldn't have made it through this quarantine without them. Equal shares in helping me keep my sanity. That and gardening. 

There’s something very satisfying about painting rocks. It’s always a hit with children and we know some amazing adult artists that like it too. So, paint some rocks and then turn them into something! With a little wire and some patience, they make great displays for your favorite photos or postcards. Another way to make use of your painted rocks is to adorn your plants with them. Place them in your garden. Use them to differentiate between the peas, the peppers, and the potatoes:) As always, have fun and enjoy one another and the process of making. For more art activities and prompts, visit our Creative Classroom.

Light and shadow1