A few weeks ago the four of us, Erinn, Meg, Olivia and I, went on a day-long staff retreat. It was our first such retreat since before COVID, and it was fantastic. Some hospitable friends of The Dale have a farm near Uxbridge, and graciously allowed us the run of the place. We spent most of the day sitting around a campfire watching the chicken run around, praying, reflecting on the last 18 months, and making plans for the rest of 2021. Out of that day emerged some fun ideas which, to me, represent some glimpses of “normal.”
Pre-COVID we held an art and breakfast drop-in every Thursday morning at the Parkdale Queen West Community Health Center. While we still have a breakfast (to-go) on Thursdays, we have really been missing the opportunity to create art together as a community. One of the ideas from our staff retreat was to have an art afternoon, where each person would receive their own little package of supplies, and sit at their own little table outdoors while we get artsy! This art afternoon will be taking place tomorrow (led by Meg), and we are all very excited 🙂
Another idea was to have a pumpkin-carving afternoon; something we did in years gone by, during our Tuesday afternoon drop-in at the Salvation Army Thrift store (pictured below!) Another chance to get creative, this was also a fun and playful way to celebrate the changing of the seasons. We plan, weather permitting, to carve some pumpkins in a park next week.
While we have little to no control over when/how we will be allowed to use various indoor spaces, we plan to keep seeking out opportunities for fun and celebration in the great outdoors!
Here’s to more little glimpses of “normal” in the coming months.
joannacatherinemoon 
Yay for glimpses of normal!!