Time melts.
Is it shocking to anyone else that it is almost mid-August? Did spring and early summer even happen? Does anyone feel rested? I feel like I’m in a time vortex and living inside Salvador Dali’s landscape, The Persistence of Memory. When I moved to India two years ago, I became aware of how much I relied on the seasonal changes to understand time. Months would fly by and when I’d see teachers’ classrooms decorated with jack-o-lanterns and Christmas stockings, I would do a double take because it is always summer in Chennai. Now I’m back in the USA and I have experienced two seasons: spring and summer, yet time has no meaning anymore. The days and months melt together.
On a rare venture into the “outside world” I went to Target last week with my daughter. We were equipped with masks and hand sanitizer as we walked the aisles. When we walked past the “Back To School” section I thought of all the loss and all the loss that is yet to come. I miss not returning to school this year and I’m sure I’m not alone. Keeping a pulse on the job market through various apps, I am aware of many vacant teaching jobs. This likely means some/many teachers are leaving their careers, like me, at least for awhile. Because of COVID19, many educators cannot continue to work and also support their own children. They may also be afraid to return to work for fear of being exposed to the virus and then bringing it home to their own family. Some international teachers are not able to get back to their employment in various countries around the world because of continued visa restrictions. I have so much empathy for teachers who have no choice but to return to schools that are/will open and be a front-line worker. You are heroic.
I am considering moving my 16 years of art teaching to a virtual world, but this time, I may concentrate on adult student artists. In every school I’ve ever taught at, the parents of my students wished I could teach them. Maybe this is the time to do so. If you have the time, would you help me by answering eleven questions? I need your help in forging ahead in this new world.
Thank you for reading. Thank you for taking my survey. Thank you for your comments. Thank you for following and subscribing to my blog. Your comments and truthful responses will help me determine my direction.
What do you need help with?
Art Teach Travel 
dear Anita
I would definitely consider taking a class with you digitally!
love Claudia
Dear Claudia, It is so wonderful to hear from you. I do hope you are safe and sound. Thank you for your encouragement. I’m trying to figure out a new plan of action. How is your business? Would love to schedule a zoom with you and catch up. Let me know if you’re available. 🙂 xoxo
“Time melts” is so true right now, in fact time is meanless…I’m not even sure what day of the week it is! I think of you when I hear India pandemic news. I’ll bet you’re glad you left! Although TX & CA aren’t fairing so well in the pandemic I’d still rather be here in a medical crisis like this. Your message mentioned 11 questions, but I didn’t see them. Do tell…Keep enjoying your grandson & life here near your daughter! Patty
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
Dear Patty, Thank you for reading and responding. Yes, India. They, too, have had it rough with the virus. I have loved living abroad, but always felt I could come back home whenever I wanted, or needed, to. When that option was taken away, then I no longer wanted to be anywhere but where my daughter was. Regarding the 11-question survey, I believe it only works from a laptop, not a phone. I’m trying to gather data on whether I should offer art classes online to adults and what that might look like. Be safe. I miss you.
I tried the survey but it said the site couldn’t be reached:(
Dear Becky, Thank you for trying. It seems to be working for others. You might try opening the http://www.artteachtravel.com post in a new tab. I wish I knew what to suggest.
Yes, I’ll try that. Thanks.
Becky, I believe the Survey only works on a laptop, not a phone. 🙂 Thanks for trying.
It’s doable. How would you market it?
I’m researching how others are marketing adult classes and am open to any ideas you might have.