Everyone has been changed by a roller coaster 2020. Some of the results are positive while others not so. Nobody could have predicted or prepared for this grand and devastating year. Hopefully, you have survived the challenges and been able to focus on some bright spots. Not to diminish any of the trials people were put through, but begrudging the whiplash we all have experienced will in no way help us. We move on.

     Hunkered down in Singapore, we reconnected with Angie’s family like never before. Though it was a time of personal reflection it also gave space to reach out to friends all over the world. We watched how different countries handled the pandemic and felt grateful for the measures put in place here, which in due course gave us back much of our freedoms. We hope you and your loved ones are safe.

     During lock-down, we were grateful for nature and our daily runs. Near our home, there is a green belt that follows a river and offers trails through lush trees and grassy areas. Despite being in the center of a city, wildlife flourishes next to humans. We watch a family of a dozen smooth-coated otters track down and tear apart small fish in the river. Then a pair of white-bellied fish eagles with 6-foot wingspans scoop up prey from the stream. Swallows dip and dart through space. Kingfishers squawk from treetops before dive-bombing unsuspecting critters. Meditating great blue, snowy white and purple herons stand motionless by the waters edge fishing for dinner. Fire engine red dragonflies zip around, signaling the coming rain. Rhesus macaque monkeys leap from branch to branch while scavenging for berries. Massive wild boar roots up the countryside searching for tubers while turtle heads pop up out of the reservoir fishing for air. A monitor lizard four feet long swims effortlessly through the water. A family of migrating spotted wood owls chose to visit our island much to the delight of local photographers. We feel like we are in a zoo but realize that all these animals are wild.

     Being locked in and traveling not, has been fine for the most part. We do what needs to be done one day at a time while addressing projects that have gone delinquent for too long. With newfound enthusiasm, as the world locked down, Angie dove deeply into ECommerce and now has her own store. I am in awe of the passion and time she has poured into this project which is far above my pay grade. She is amazing. There are several sections on her EStore, but my favorite is the Wearable Art, which features our artwork on clothing. Please check it out and give us feedback: 

www.atrendstore.com/wearableart